US3747413A - Light shield for an indicating instrument - Google Patents

Light shield for an indicating instrument Download PDF

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Publication number
US3747413A
US3747413A US00196608A US3747413DA US3747413A US 3747413 A US3747413 A US 3747413A US 00196608 A US00196608 A US 00196608A US 3747413D A US3747413D A US 3747413DA US 3747413 A US3747413 A US 3747413A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
window
face plate
plate
edge
opaque
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US00196608A
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English (en)
Inventor
B Barrett
B Franks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LAWRANCE ELECTRONICS Mfg CORP
Original Assignee
LAWRANCE ELECTRONICS Mfg CORP
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US case filed in International Trade Commission litigation Critical https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/litigation/International%20Trade%20Commission/case/337-TA-033 Source: International Trade Commission Jurisdiction: International Trade Commission "Unified Patents Litigation Data" by Unified Patents is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by LAWRANCE ELECTRONICS Mfg CORP filed Critical LAWRANCE ELECTRONICS Mfg CORP
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Publication of US3747413A publication Critical patent/US3747413A/en
Assigned to WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT reassignment WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC. A CORP. OF OK
Assigned to SECURITY PACIFIC BUSINESS CREDIT INC., 140 EAST 45TH STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017, A DE. CORP. reassignment SECURITY PACIFIC BUSINESS CREDIT INC., 140 EAST 45TH STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017, A DE. CORP. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT
Assigned to NORWEST BUSINESS CREDIT, INC., 6600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 245, EDINA, MN. 55435, A CORP. OF MN. reassignment NORWEST BUSINESS CREDIT, INC., 6600 FRANCE AVENUE SOUTH, SUITE 245, EDINA, MN. 55435, A CORP. OF MN. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to BARCLAYS BUSINESS CREDIT, INC. reassignment BARCLAYS BUSINESS CREDIT, INC. SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC.
Assigned to LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC. reassignment LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC. RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: NORWEST BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/56—Display arrangements

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A light shield for an indicating instrument including a 2 g 23 23??? face plate having a forward surface in view of the user i 3 1' 324/156 and a rearward surface adjacent a.
  • the plate having an elongated window therein 6 3 E 8 5 for viewing the indicating element, the elongated window having a cross-sectional configuration providing a first, flat portion substantially normal to the face plate [56] References C'ted and extending rearwardly thereof and the window hav- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing a second, arcuate portion extending from the rear- 3,488,102 1/1970 Webb 350/276 SL ward surface of the plate from one edge of the window, 2,941, 41 6/ 60 St gi 324/156 X the arcuate portion intersecting the rearward end of the D f-i flat portion, the arcuate portion being transparent and o 3,214,596 10/1965 Schwerdt, Jr.
  • the plate bemg opaque Bradley X 6 Claims 3 Drawing Figures 2,863,039 12/1958 Ruschell 240/4653 X 3 0 l4 3 /6A l8 t; M 32R BACKGROUND, SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention is directed towards an apparatus in which a lighted indicating element is positioned behind a plate having a window and is intended to provide means wherein the lighted indicating element is better visibly observed when the instrument is used in high ambient light.
  • the invention is particularly related to a rotating disk type depth and fish indicating apparatus. Such apparatus is sued both in day and night fishing and consequently is frequently used in bright outdoor light.
  • a popular type of depth and fish indicating apparatus is that which uses a rotated disk on which is mounted a neon bulb.
  • the disk rotates in synchronization with the transmission of sound pulses in the water and the neon bulb flashes light in response to amplified signals triggered by echoes received by a transponder positioned in the water.
  • the window In order to protect the rotating disk and neon bulb it is customary to position them behind a plate having a window therein, the window being in circular form.
  • the windows are open so that nothing exists to obstruct the passage of the light from the rotating neon bulb through the window to the user. From an optical standpoint such arrangement is very good, but it has other defects. With an open window nothing exists to protect the rotating disk and the bulb from encountering a physical object stuck through the window.
  • the rotating disk and bulb cause distracting noise which freely passes through the open window.
  • the open window permits dust and water to enter the interior of the instrument.
  • some manufacturers close the window with glass. While a sheet of glass or clear plastic provides physical protection for the equipment, reduces noise, and'keeps out dust and water, an additional problem is introduced. Sunlight striking the glass or plastic is reflected back into the eyes of the viewer and substantially decreases the ability of the viewer to observe light from the bulb rotating behind the window. Thus, the use of a flat plate of glass or plastic reduces the optical characteristics of the instrument and makes it more difficult to use in bright light.
  • This invention provides a light shield for an indicating instrument, such as of the type described, which has the advantages above enumerated for a transparent window for such instruments, but in addition includes improved means of transmitting light from the indicating instrument through to the user while at the same time reducing reflection from ambient light.
  • an object of this invention is to provide a light shield for an indicating instrument of the type having a lighted indicating element behind a window, including improved means of permitting light from the indicating instrument to pass through to the user but reducing the amount of relfeetion from ambient light, such as sunlight.
  • FIG. 1 is a front view of an instrument incorporating this invention.
  • the instrument illustrated is the type used for indicating depth and the presence of fish in water and is exemplary of one type of instrument to which this invention may be applied.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the instrument in cross-section.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the window portion of the light shield of this invention.
  • a depth and fish indicating; insturment is generally transversed by numeral 10, the instrument shown being mounted on a gimbal type bracket 12.
  • the instrument 10 includes a face plate 14 having an opening 16 therein.
  • the opening 16 is shown in four segments.
  • the opening 16 has a first edge 16A and a second, smaller diameter edge 163.
  • the fac plate 14 has a forward surface 14A toward the viewer and a rearward surface 148 opposite the viewer.
  • a rotating disk 18 Positioned behind the face plate 14 is a rotating disk 18 having a neon bulb mounted thereon. Disk 18 is rotated by shaft 22 extending from a motor 24.
  • a slip ring 26 affixed to disk 18 is connected electrically to bulb 20 by conductor 28.
  • a brush 30 contacts slip ring 26. The brush is connected to electronic equipment (not shown) by which electrical energy is applied to the :slip ring and thus to bulb 20 to cause it to ignite.
  • bulb 20 ignites in response to reflected echoes from a transponder (not shown) and thus the rotational position of disk 18 is an indication of the depth of the object producing the echo.
  • opening 16 may be completely left open to fully expose bulb 20 to the viewer, however, such has the disadvantages above-mentioned. Others have used a flat plate of clear plastic or glass to close opening 16, but this produces glare.
  • This invention is directed towards an optical arrangement for opening 16 to permit light from bulb 20 to fully pass therethrough to the user and which simultaneously reduces glare of bright light, such as sunlight.
  • a window plate 32 Positioned against front plate rearward surface 148 is a window plate 32 which may be of glass or clear plastic.
  • the window plate 32 includes, in cross-sectional configuration. a first portion 34 which is flat and substantially normal to plate 32 and extends rearwardly thereof, the first portion having a forward end 34A which is coincident with opening edge 16A.
  • the window plate 32 is further configured, in crosssection, by a second portion 36 which is arcuate and extends from the rearward surface of the window plate 32. Edge 36A of arcuate portion 36 is thus coincident with edge 16A of the opening.
  • the other edge 36B of the arcuate portion intersects the rearward edge 34B of the window first portion 34.
  • a flange 38 supports the window plate 32 against the rearward surface of the face plate 14.
  • the window plate first portion 34 is opaque, or at least the surface 34C thereof facing arcuate portion 36 is opaque. This may be accomplished such as by painting surface 34Cwith dark paint.
  • FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention.
  • the window first portion 34 must be opaque (or at least surface 34C must be opaque).
  • the window plate 32 is an integral piece so that the window first portion 34 and the second portion 36 are formed of the same material. Since the window second portion 36 must be transparent, it is difficult and expensive to manufacture the plate wherein opaque and transparent portions are contiguous and integral to each other.
  • an opaque cylinder 40 is positioned over the window first portion 34. Since cylinder 40 is a separate item it can easily be manufactured of opaque plastic or metal. Thus the entire window plate 32 may be of clear material, such as clear plastic.
  • Opaque cylinder 40 absorbs the light reflected from the arcuate portion 36.
  • Dotted line 42 illustrates the direction ambient light, such as sunlight takes, in striking arcuate portion 36. It is reflected to opaque surface 34C, or the opaque cylinder 40, and is absorbed.
  • window plate 14 and window plate 32 are shown as separate items. It can be seen that in the simplest embodiment only a window plate 32 is required and all portions of the window plate as described will be opaque except the window arcuate portion 36 which must be transparent.
  • Opening 16 may be linear or any other configuration, rathr than circular as shown.
  • a light shield for a casing of an indicating instrument comprising:
  • a face plate in said casing having a forward surface with indicia thereon and in view of the user and a rearward surface adjacent a condition responsive lighted indicating element, the face plate including an elongated integral window means for viewing the lighted indicating element, the 'elongated window means having first and second spaced apart edges, said wondow means comprising in crosssectional configuration:
  • first portion substantially normal to the face plate and extending rearwardly thereof, the first portion having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being coincident with said first edge of said window; and a a second portion arcuately extending from the rearward surface of said face plate and from said second edge of said elongated window and interconnecting with the rearward end of said first window portion, the arcuate second window portion being transparent and the other portions of the plate being opaque said arcuate second portion freely passing light rays outwardly from said indicating element while simultaneously reflecting a substantial amount of ambient incoming light rays into opaque portions of the plate.
  • a light shield according to claim 1 wherein said elongated window means in said face plate is circular, said first edge being of a larger diameter than the diameter of said second edge, said wondow first portion forming a cylinder and said window second portion forming a substantially truncated hemispheroid.
  • a light shield according to claim 2 including an opaque cylinder selectively forming a portion of said window first portion.
  • a light shield for an indicating instrument comprismg:
  • a forward opaque face plate in view of the user having an elongated opening for viewing a condition responsive lighted indicating element therethrough, the elongated opening having first and second edges;
  • said window member comprising, in crosssectional configuration:
  • the first portion having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end being coincident with said first edge of said face plate opening, said first portion extending rearwardly of said face plate; and second integral arcuate portion extending from a rearward surface of said face plate at said second edge of said window first portion, the first portion of the window member being light absorbing and the second portion being transparent said arcuate second portion freely passing light rays outwardly from said indicating element while simultaneously reflecting a substantial amount of ambient incoming light rays into opaque portions of the plate.
  • a light shield according to claim 4 wherein said elongated opening in said face plate is circular, said first edge of said opening in said face plate being of a diameter larger than the diameter of said second edge, said window member first portion forming a cylinder and said window member second portion forming a substantially truncated hemispheroid.
  • a light shield according to claim 5 including an opaque cylinder selectively forming a portion of said window member first portion.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Indicating Measured Values (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Details Of Measuring Devices (AREA)
US00196608A 1971-11-08 1971-11-08 Light shield for an indicating instrument Expired - Lifetime US3747413A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US19660871A 1971-11-08 1971-11-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3747413A true US3747413A (en) 1973-07-24

Family

ID=22726088

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00196608A Expired - Lifetime US3747413A (en) 1971-11-08 1971-11-08 Light shield for an indicating instrument

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US3747413A (it)
JP (2) JPS4855750A (it)
CA (1) CA978506A (it)
DE (1) DE2228561A1 (it)
FR (1) FR2159868A5 (it)
IT (1) IT973394B (it)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5917651A (en) * 1997-05-22 1999-06-29 Zexel Corporation Window structure of an indicator unit
US10012731B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2018-07-03 Johnson Outdoors Inc. Sonar mapping system
US10545235B2 (en) 2016-11-01 2020-01-28 Johnson Outdoors Inc. Sonar mapping system

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0630937B2 (ja) * 1987-05-15 1994-04-27 沖電気工業株式会社 インクリボンカセツト

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1671272A (en) * 1922-10-20 1928-05-29 Toledo Scale Co Indicating device
US2395718A (en) * 1943-06-11 1946-02-26 Ruth E Bradley Condition responsive indicating instrument
US2819459A (en) * 1954-05-06 1958-01-07 Roy F Dodd Open-face non-glare type viewing hood
US2863039A (en) * 1956-12-12 1958-12-02 Ruschell Lens Company Inc Lamp attachment
US2941441A (en) * 1954-07-09 1960-06-21 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Anti-glare instrument panel
US3214596A (en) * 1962-10-31 1965-10-26 Machinery Electrification Inc Photoelectric sensor structure including light source and inclined lens
US3488102A (en) * 1966-03-25 1970-01-06 Technical Operations Inc Laser beam scanning apparatus

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1671272A (en) * 1922-10-20 1928-05-29 Toledo Scale Co Indicating device
US2395718A (en) * 1943-06-11 1946-02-26 Ruth E Bradley Condition responsive indicating instrument
US2819459A (en) * 1954-05-06 1958-01-07 Roy F Dodd Open-face non-glare type viewing hood
US2941441A (en) * 1954-07-09 1960-06-21 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Anti-glare instrument panel
US2863039A (en) * 1956-12-12 1958-12-02 Ruschell Lens Company Inc Lamp attachment
US3214596A (en) * 1962-10-31 1965-10-26 Machinery Electrification Inc Photoelectric sensor structure including light source and inclined lens
US3488102A (en) * 1966-03-25 1970-01-06 Technical Operations Inc Laser beam scanning apparatus

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Publ. Heath Kit Fish Spotter . Heath Co. Mail Order Cat. No. 810/71, 10/1971, (Page 90). *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5917651A (en) * 1997-05-22 1999-06-29 Zexel Corporation Window structure of an indicator unit
US10012731B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2018-07-03 Johnson Outdoors Inc. Sonar mapping system
US10684368B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2020-06-16 Johnson Outdoors Inc. Sonar mapping system
US10545235B2 (en) 2016-11-01 2020-01-28 Johnson Outdoors Inc. Sonar mapping system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4855750A (it) 1973-08-04
FR2159868A5 (it) 1973-06-22
CA978506A (en) 1975-11-25
DE2228561A1 (de) 1973-05-17
JPS5724512U (it) 1982-02-08
IT973394B (it) 1974-06-10

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Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT, TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC. A CORP. OF OK;REEL/FRAME:004561/0871

Effective date: 19860303

Owner name: WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT, 12222 MERIT DRIVE, SU

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC. A CORP. OF OK;REEL/FRAME:004561/0871

Effective date: 19860303

AS Assignment

Owner name: SECURITY PACIFIC BUSINESS CREDIT INC., 140 EAST 45

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BUSINESS CREDIT;REEL/FRAME:004818/0032

Effective date: 19870703

AS Assignment

Owner name: NORWEST BUSINESS CREDIT, INC., 6600 FRANCE AVENUE

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005142/0218

Effective date: 19890427

AS Assignment

Owner name: BARCLAYS BUSINESS CREDIT, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:007696/0308

Effective date: 19931215

AS Assignment

Owner name: LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, INC., OKLAHOMA

Free format text: RELEASE OF PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:NORWEST BUSINESS CREDIT, INC.;REEL/FRAME:007677/0377

Effective date: 19940121