US1330180A - Self-luminous index-hand - Google Patents

Description

R. W. ERDLE; SELF LUMINOUS muExHAm);

APPLICATION FILED MAY I6, 1918 Patented Feb. 10, 1920.

'INVENTOR .Rerzerflfl'rdk. M7012? STATES PATENT omen.

w. manna, or wammwmm, NEW mmx, assrcnoa. TO THE com) LIGHT Q umrao'rumno COMPANY, A coaroaa'rron or conoamo;

SELF-LUMINOUS INDEX-HAND.

specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed Kay 18, 1918. Serial No. 284,850.

' and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Self- Luminous Index-Hands, set forth in the following specification and illustrated lnthe accompanying drawings.

My present invention relates to selfluminous index hands or pointers for use in taming a connection with indicators of all kinds, whereby readings may be made in the dark, as well as to a novel form of self-luminous element adapted to be readily applied to index hands for the purpose above-named. My invention supplies an eflicient, convenient and inexpensive means whereby the advantages of anyse'lf-luminous substance can be made avallable, without danger of deterioration of such substance by"' eontact with the air and without dangerpt the same rubbing cfi through ordinary Wear and tear or by accidental contact. My d'ie'ivice j be found especially useful with indicators used in connection with gasolene or ammonia tanks and the like, Where the index hands are liable to be soiled by spilling or splashing of the contents of the tanks.

.My device is illustrated 1n a preferred form in the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 is a face View of the same in elevatlomfiig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional View of the same, and Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view thereof. p 7

Broadly speaking, my invention comprises an index hand or pointer of any convenient form and construction to which is attached a self-luminous element compris-' ing an elongated transparent receptacleconluminous substance. This container preferably takes the form of a flattened glass tube securely closed to prevent access of air to the contents.

In the specific form illustrated the pointer comprises a suitably shaped metal plate 1( having an opening 11 to pernnt of 1ts application to a suitable support; which in the case of a clock, for instance, would be the hour or minute arbor or shaft.

' Extending along the pointer-10 I provide a slot or opening 12, behind which is secured the self-luminous element, so that it i I can be seen through the slot. This element is preferably com osed of a,flattened glass tube 13 filled witli self-luminous substance 14, preferably in owdere'd form. While this element may lie attached in any convenient manner, without departing from my invention, I prefer, for this purpose, to provide the plate of which the pointer is com-.

posed wlth side extensions or wings 15 WlllCll are bent over to form channels which receive the sides of the element 13. These channels are narrowed at one end, as at 16,

to prevent escape of the element 13 at that end. The element is then slid into place from the opposite end 17, at which the wings may pinched inward. if desired, after such insertion, in order the better to secure the element in place.

The filling of the element 13 is preferably accomplished in the following manner: A glass tube of relatively large diameter is heated and flattened in the middle. While thus softened it is quickly stretched so as to form a long fiat tube of the required reduced diameter provided with relatively large funnel-shaped ends. The small tube is then severed, either near one end or near the middle and the severed end is sealed. The self-luminous substance is then introduced through the funnel-shaped end in suiiicient quantity to provide one entire element, which, when filled, is separated from the unfilled portion, after which the severed end is sealed and the element is complete. If the tube originally produced be long enough, a number of. elements can be successively produced from it in this manner.

What I claim is 1. An index hand or pointer and a selfluminous element attached thereto comp'ris ing a flattened tube of transparent material laid fiat against said pointer in a longitudinal position, and a self-luminous substance within said tube.

2. An index hand or pointer having a longitudinal opening and a self-luminous element attached thereto behind said opening and comprising a transparent tube containslid into place behind said opening in said Patented F eb. 10,19 20.

channels, and a self-luminous substance in said tube. I

4. In combination in a self luminous device apointer comprising a plate havin an 5 opening therein and sides bent over to orm a channel, a translucent tube in the channel,

a luminous material in the tube, the luminous material bein visible through the openlng and the tu e being positioned in the channel by said bent over sides. 10

In testimony whereof, I have aflixejdmy signature to this specification;

REINER W. ERDLE.

Images