ANNUNCIATOR DISPLAY
United States Patent 3782016
An annunciator display especially useful in aircrew stations is disclosed. The annunciator display is a single integrated panel capable of transmitting fixed and variable messages under ambient light conditions.
US Patent References:
OPTICAL READOUT APPARATUS
Hurst et al. - December 1970 - 3545114
Electric sign
Wolfrey - January 1941 - 2230152
TWO-COLOR VARIABLE INTENSITY DISPLAY
Du Bois et al. - December 1969 - 3481062
OPTICAL READOUT APPARATUS
Hurst et al. - December 1970 - 3545114
Electric sign
Wolfrey - January 1941 - 2230152
TWO-COLOR VARIABLE INTENSITY DISPLAY
Du Bois et al. - December 1969 - 3481062
Inventors:
Ashton, Donald M. (Glen Ridge, NJ)
Dubois Jr., Richard (No. Caldwell, NJ)
Dubois Jr., Richard (No. Caldwell, NJ)
Application Number:
05/267488
Publication Date:
01/01/1974
Filing Date:
06/29/1972
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Wagner Electric Corporation (Newark, NJ)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
40/573
International Classes:
G09F9/30; G09F9/305; G09F13/06
Field of Search:
40/13E,13K,28C,132D 340/336 313/109.5
Primary Examiner:
Michell, Robert W.
Assistant Examiner:
Pitrelli, John F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Lucas, William D.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. In an annunciator display the combination comprising a single integral face panel with a plurality of information indicators embedded therein, a diffusing layer of contrasting color with said face panel in contact with said face panel, a smooth integral surface layer covering each of said information indicators and being chemically bonded to the face panel, an integral heat sink affixed to said face panel said heat sink having apertures substantially co-extensive in area with the area of each information indicator and a printed circuit board detachably affixed to said heat sink, said printed circuit board having means to accept illuminating means associated with each aperture in said heat sink, said information indicators comprising at least one fixed message indicator, at least one variable message indicator and at least one status indicator, said at least one fixed message indicator being in the form of characters transferred from pre-printed sheets onto said contrasting diffusing layer and covered by said surface layer, so that said at least one fixed message indicator is readable under ambient light conditions, said at least one status indicator being in the form of characters transferred from pre-printed sheets onto said face panel and covered by said surface so that said at least one status indicator is readable only when illuminated, illuminating means associated with said at least one fixed message indicator and with said at least one status indicator to illuminate them and means to prevent the illuminating means associated with said at least one fixed message indicator from illuminating said at least one status indicator.
2. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the face panel and the surface layer are composed of materials selected from the group consisting of epoxies and polycarbonates.
3. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the face panel other than the plurality of information indicators is epoxy which is black in color.
4. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the variable message indicators are polycarbonate.
5. The annunciator display of claim 4 wherein the polycarbonate message indicators have a reflective coating on the sides thereof.
6. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the heat sink comprises aluminum.
1. In an annunciator display the combination comprising a single integral face panel with a plurality of information indicators embedded therein, a diffusing layer of contrasting color with said face panel in contact with said face panel, a smooth integral surface layer covering each of said information indicators and being chemically bonded to the face panel, an integral heat sink affixed to said face panel said heat sink having apertures substantially co-extensive in area with the area of each information indicator and a printed circuit board detachably affixed to said heat sink, said printed circuit board having means to accept illuminating means associated with each aperture in said heat sink, said information indicators comprising at least one fixed message indicator, at least one variable message indicator and at least one status indicator, said at least one fixed message indicator being in the form of characters transferred from pre-printed sheets onto said contrasting diffusing layer and covered by said surface layer, so that said at least one fixed message indicator is readable under ambient light conditions, said at least one status indicator being in the form of characters transferred from pre-printed sheets onto said face panel and covered by said surface so that said at least one status indicator is readable only when illuminated, illuminating means associated with said at least one fixed message indicator and with said at least one status indicator to illuminate them and means to prevent the illuminating means associated with said at least one fixed message indicator from illuminating said at least one status indicator.
2. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the face panel and the surface layer are composed of materials selected from the group consisting of epoxies and polycarbonates.
3. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the face panel other than the plurality of information indicators is epoxy which is black in color.
4. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the variable message indicators are polycarbonate.
5. The annunciator display of claim 4 wherein the polycarbonate message indicators have a reflective coating on the sides thereof.
6. The annunciator display of claim 1 wherein the heat sink comprises aluminum.
Description:
The present invention relates to a new and useful annuciator display which combines in a single integrated panel information indicators for transmitting fixed, status, and variable messages both in dark and daylight conditions.
In annunciator displays, it is necessary to have the information indicators meet a number of different requirements. Fixed messages must be readable at all times regardless of ambient light conditions. On and off indicators, commonly referred to as status indicators, must be readable only when energized, but yet, when energized, they must be readable under all ambient light conditions. Variable message indicators, which are a combination of status indicators, must meet the same conditions as status indicators.
In attempting to develop annunciator displays in the past, numerous problems have arisen. The materials commonly used have poor high temperature characteristics. Cumulative tolerances in combining a number of different indicators results in voids around individual indicators which voids readily collect foreign matter. This detracts from the appearance of the annunciator display panel and also increases maintenance costs. In addition, light and electrical efficiencies are usually poor.
In accordance with the present invention, these disadvantages of the prior art devices are eliminated by fabricating the total panel as one integral unit so that there are no inter-component voids. It is important where an integral unit is made that the means used to illuminate fixed message indicators does not also illuminate the status indicators since otherwise false readings of the status indicators would result. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, black potting epoxy is used to separate the fixed message indicators from the status indicators in order to prevent light from the fixed message indicators from illuminating the status indicators. The lamps to operate the panel are preferably mounted on a separate printed circuit board. Between the printed circuit board and the face panel is a heat sink. The heat sink has holes in it which substantially correspond to the character forming areas. Electrical efficiencies are high since the lamps are mounted directly behind the character forming areas only.
These and other advantages of the present invention may be more fully understood with reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows an annunciator display made in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 2--2;
FIG. 3 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 3--3;
FIG. 4 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 4--4;
FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 along line 6--6; and
FIG. 7 shows a segment from a variable message indicator.
In FIG. 1 is shown an annunciator display for fuel indicating the number of gallons or pounds of fuel. The blocks 10 each comprise seven separate segments 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 which can be individually illuminated to indicate each of the digits from one to nine in known manner. The set of four blocks is referred to as a variable message indicator. The designations GAL, LBS and X10, 26, 28 and 30 respectively, are status indicators and the word FUEL 32 is a fixed message. Screw holes 34 are provided on each corner for attaching the entire annunciator assembly in its final position, such as on an aircraft instrument panel. The entire surface 38 of the face panel is preferably coated with a glare reducing lacquer.
In FIG. 2 is shown a section of FIG. 1 along line 2--2 showing in cross-section segments 14 and 24 of block 10. The segments 14 and 24 are of transparent plastic, preferably a polycarbonate or an epoxy as will be hereinafter explained. The segments 14 and 24 are in a colored medium 40, preferably a potting epoxy which is either black or s similarly dark color having a wave length no greater than about 0.00045 millimeters. In order to improve light efficiency, sides 42 of segments 14 and 24 are preferably silvered. A heat sink 36 of aluminum or other heat conducting metal is affixed to the face panel. The heat sink is suitably affixed to the face panel by the adhesive properties of the potting epoxy 40. The potting epoxy in its uncured state is brought into contact with the heat sink and allowed to cure whereby an integral structure is formed. Other suitable sttachment means such as adhesive, screws or the like may be used in place of or in addition to the natural adhesive properties of the epoxy. Projections 44 are provided on the edges of the assembly so that the assembly can be flush mounted to an instrument panel (not shown) by means of bolts through both holes 34. Holes 46 and 48 are provided in heat sink 36 to receive lamps 50 and 52 respectively. The holes 46 and 48 are substantially co-extensive in size with the ends of the character forming segments 14 and 24. The lamps 50 and 52 are mounted on a printed circuit board 54 which is removable from heat sink 36. The printed circuit board is removably mounted to the heat sink by frictional engagement, spring clips, or other suitable means (not shown). For best results, an epoxy layer 56 covers the surface of the face panel including the segments 14 and 24. The epoxy layer wil integrally bond with the segments 14 and 24 when the segments are made of polycarbonate or epoxy and this gives a very strong and durable structure. If desired, the epoxy layer may be colored so long as it is still capable of transmitting light from the segments 14 and 24.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section through line 3--3 of FIG. 1, showing a fixed message. It is desired that the letters FUEL be visible whether or not there is light behind the letters, but it is additionally desirable that the letters stand out if the light is activated. The letters FUEL are shown as 58 and are suitably composed of transfer indicia as disclosed in British Pat. No. 906,934. As disclosed in British Pat. No. 906,934, the transfer indicia are mounted on a cellulose acetate film and suitably comprise carbon black, linseed oil, aluminum hydroxide, lead naphthionate and cobalt naphthionate. The dried transfer indicia are visible whether or not lights 60, 62, 64 and 66 are activated. The transfer indicia are mounted directly on a white or other contrasting translucent diffusing layer 68 whereby the letters are visible whether or not the lights are activated. The diffusing layer in turn is mounted to a transparent plastic block 70 the sides of which 72 and 74 are preferably mirrored. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the diffusing layer and the transparent block are made of epoxy or polycarbonate so that they are bonded together as an integral structure. Black potting epoxy 40 may be used for the edges of this part of the panel if desired or alternatively the edges may be of the same material as the diffusing layer. Heat sink 36 is provided with an opening 76 for the lights 60, 62, 64, and 66. The area of the heat sink is preferably co-extensive with the area of the face panel behind the character forming letters FUEL. An epoxy or polycarbonate layer 56 covers the transfer indicia 58 and is integrally bonded to the diffusing layer 68 and is preferably also integrally bonded to the epoxy block 40.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of FIG. 1 through line 4--4. As in FIG. 3, the characters are displayed with transfer indicia. However, since there is no contrasting layer directly behind the indicia as was true in FIG. 3, the indicia are visible only when illuminated and are thus status indicators. As in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holes in the heat sink for receiving the lights are of substantially equal area to the area of the character forming indicia.
FIG. 5 is an end view of FIG. 1 showing the top epoxy layer 56, the heat sink 36 and the printed circuit board 54.
FIG. 6 is a cross section of FIG. 5 showing the heat sink to be used with FIG. 1 according to the present invention. Holes 80, 46, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 48 correspond to segments 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 of FIG. 1. The heat sink is preferably made of aluminum or some other metal capable of diffusing the heat generated by the bulbs used for the annuciator display. The holes in the heat sink are shown as round since the preferred configuration of the segments of the numbers of FIG. 1 is round on one end as shown in FIG. 7 with respect to segment 14.
It will be understood that the claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention, herein chosen for the purpose of illustration, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In annunciator displays, it is necessary to have the information indicators meet a number of different requirements. Fixed messages must be readable at all times regardless of ambient light conditions. On and off indicators, commonly referred to as status indicators, must be readable only when energized, but yet, when energized, they must be readable under all ambient light conditions. Variable message indicators, which are a combination of status indicators, must meet the same conditions as status indicators.
In attempting to develop annunciator displays in the past, numerous problems have arisen. The materials commonly used have poor high temperature characteristics. Cumulative tolerances in combining a number of different indicators results in voids around individual indicators which voids readily collect foreign matter. This detracts from the appearance of the annunciator display panel and also increases maintenance costs. In addition, light and electrical efficiencies are usually poor.
In accordance with the present invention, these disadvantages of the prior art devices are eliminated by fabricating the total panel as one integral unit so that there are no inter-component voids. It is important where an integral unit is made that the means used to illuminate fixed message indicators does not also illuminate the status indicators since otherwise false readings of the status indicators would result. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, black potting epoxy is used to separate the fixed message indicators from the status indicators in order to prevent light from the fixed message indicators from illuminating the status indicators. The lamps to operate the panel are preferably mounted on a separate printed circuit board. Between the printed circuit board and the face panel is a heat sink. The heat sink has holes in it which substantially correspond to the character forming areas. Electrical efficiencies are high since the lamps are mounted directly behind the character forming areas only.
These and other advantages of the present invention may be more fully understood with reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows an annunciator display made in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 2--2;
FIG. 3 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 3--3;
FIG. 4 is a section of FIG. 1 along line 4--4;
FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 along line 6--6; and
FIG. 7 shows a segment from a variable message indicator.
In FIG. 1 is shown an annunciator display for fuel indicating the number of gallons or pounds of fuel. The blocks 10 each comprise seven separate segments 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 which can be individually illuminated to indicate each of the digits from one to nine in known manner. The set of four blocks is referred to as a variable message indicator. The designations GAL, LBS and X10, 26, 28 and 30 respectively, are status indicators and the word FUEL 32 is a fixed message. Screw holes 34 are provided on each corner for attaching the entire annunciator assembly in its final position, such as on an aircraft instrument panel. The entire surface 38 of the face panel is preferably coated with a glare reducing lacquer.
In FIG. 2 is shown a section of FIG. 1 along line 2--2 showing in cross-section segments 14 and 24 of block 10. The segments 14 and 24 are of transparent plastic, preferably a polycarbonate or an epoxy as will be hereinafter explained. The segments 14 and 24 are in a colored medium 40, preferably a potting epoxy which is either black or s similarly dark color having a wave length no greater than about 0.00045 millimeters. In order to improve light efficiency, sides 42 of segments 14 and 24 are preferably silvered. A heat sink 36 of aluminum or other heat conducting metal is affixed to the face panel. The heat sink is suitably affixed to the face panel by the adhesive properties of the potting epoxy 40. The potting epoxy in its uncured state is brought into contact with the heat sink and allowed to cure whereby an integral structure is formed. Other suitable sttachment means such as adhesive, screws or the like may be used in place of or in addition to the natural adhesive properties of the epoxy. Projections 44 are provided on the edges of the assembly so that the assembly can be flush mounted to an instrument panel (not shown) by means of bolts through both holes 34. Holes 46 and 48 are provided in heat sink 36 to receive lamps 50 and 52 respectively. The holes 46 and 48 are substantially co-extensive in size with the ends of the character forming segments 14 and 24. The lamps 50 and 52 are mounted on a printed circuit board 54 which is removable from heat sink 36. The printed circuit board is removably mounted to the heat sink by frictional engagement, spring clips, or other suitable means (not shown). For best results, an epoxy layer 56 covers the surface of the face panel including the segments 14 and 24. The epoxy layer wil integrally bond with the segments 14 and 24 when the segments are made of polycarbonate or epoxy and this gives a very strong and durable structure. If desired, the epoxy layer may be colored so long as it is still capable of transmitting light from the segments 14 and 24.
FIG. 3 is a cross-section through line 3--3 of FIG. 1, showing a fixed message. It is desired that the letters FUEL be visible whether or not there is light behind the letters, but it is additionally desirable that the letters stand out if the light is activated. The letters FUEL are shown as 58 and are suitably composed of transfer indicia as disclosed in British Pat. No. 906,934. As disclosed in British Pat. No. 906,934, the transfer indicia are mounted on a cellulose acetate film and suitably comprise carbon black, linseed oil, aluminum hydroxide, lead naphthionate and cobalt naphthionate. The dried transfer indicia are visible whether or not lights 60, 62, 64 and 66 are activated. The transfer indicia are mounted directly on a white or other contrasting translucent diffusing layer 68 whereby the letters are visible whether or not the lights are activated. The diffusing layer in turn is mounted to a transparent plastic block 70 the sides of which 72 and 74 are preferably mirrored. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the diffusing layer and the transparent block are made of epoxy or polycarbonate so that they are bonded together as an integral structure. Black potting epoxy 40 may be used for the edges of this part of the panel if desired or alternatively the edges may be of the same material as the diffusing layer. Heat sink 36 is provided with an opening 76 for the lights 60, 62, 64, and 66. The area of the heat sink is preferably co-extensive with the area of the face panel behind the character forming letters FUEL. An epoxy or polycarbonate layer 56 covers the transfer indicia 58 and is integrally bonded to the diffusing layer 68 and is preferably also integrally bonded to the epoxy block 40.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section of FIG. 1 through line 4--4. As in FIG. 3, the characters are displayed with transfer indicia. However, since there is no contrasting layer directly behind the indicia as was true in FIG. 3, the indicia are visible only when illuminated and are thus status indicators. As in FIGS. 2 and 3, the holes in the heat sink for receiving the lights are of substantially equal area to the area of the character forming indicia.
FIG. 5 is an end view of FIG. 1 showing the top epoxy layer 56, the heat sink 36 and the printed circuit board 54.
FIG. 6 is a cross section of FIG. 5 showing the heat sink to be used with FIG. 1 according to the present invention. Holes 80, 46, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 48 correspond to segments 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 of FIG. 1. The heat sink is preferably made of aluminum or some other metal capable of diffusing the heat generated by the bulbs used for the annuciator display. The holes in the heat sink are shown as round since the preferred configuration of the segments of the numbers of FIG. 1 is round on one end as shown in FIG. 7 with respect to segment 14.
It will be understood that the claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the preferred embodiments of the invention, herein chosen for the purpose of illustration, which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention.