Denso International America, Inc.

Denso Corporation

Scott Heflin

Silviu Pala

Christopher Alan Arms

An indicating instrument such as a speedometer has a numerical scale, a belt and a pointer attached to the belt to indicate different scale positions. A display, such as an LCD, may lie within the inner confines of the perimeter of the dial, which may be formed in a variety of shapes. A motor-driven pulley drives the belt to move the pointer around the LCD and to various scale positions. A light source within the pointer may illuminate the pointer, while a separate pointer support structure about the numerical scale may support the pointer from underneath. The belt may be a continuous loop about one spool or a separate, spring-loaded bobbin may be used with the spool to coil and uncoil the belt. An electrically conductive, tensioning post may supply electricity to the belt and the lighted pointer. Teeth on the spool may coincide with perforations in the belt.

LCD display and gauge with belt or cable driven pointer

A main heater controller is adapted to control operation of the LCD heater. A temperature controlled override switch is adapted to disable the LCD heater, independent of the main heater controller, upon a temperature reaching a shut-off temperature above a normal operating temperature of the LCD. The temperature controlled switch has a current flow path made of a material whose conductivity is a function of temperature. A cavity in which the temperature controlled switch is located is also provided. The cavity is adapted to transfer heat in air emanating from the LCD heater to the temperature controlled switch. The housing which forms the cavity also includes a vent system for the cavity.

High temperature shut-off for an LCD heater

A main heater controller is adapted to control operation of the LCD heater. A temperature controlled override switch is adapted to disable the LCD heater, independent of the main heater controller, upon a temperature reaching a shut-off temperature above a normal operating temperature of the LCD. The temperature controlled switch has a current flow path made of a material whose conductivity is a function of temperature. A cavity in which the temperature controlled switch is located is also provided. The cavity is adapted to transfer heat in air emanating from the LCD heater to the temperature controlled switch.

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Waterford, MI, United States of America

Scott Heflin