Importance

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Abstract

A modular backlighted analog/digital display for use in a cylindrical aircraft instrument housing. The analog indicator dial is backlighted by an illumination source diffused by a translucent light collecting plate having a configuration corresponding to that of the analog dial. A polarizing filter is mounted in an opening formed in a portion of the light collecting plate to enhance image contrast of the digits of a digital display of the self-illuminated type, e.g. an incandescent or LED digital readout, that is exposed through a cutout portion formed in the analog dial. In addition, the interior of the opening in which the display is received can be coated with a light opaque material to prevent light scattered from the light collecting plate from reaching the face of the digital display and washing out the digits. The analog pointer is formed from a translucent material and is connected to an analog meter mechanism. The pointer is illuminated by light from the illumination source which is transmitted through a light pipe. In an alternative embodiment, the digital display is of the non-self-illuminating type, e.g. a liquid crystal display. In this arrangement the polarizing filter and opaque coating for the display opening are omitted so that the digital display is edge-lighted by light scattered through the light collecting plate. The described arrangements facilitate the assembly or disassembly of the digital display components to the analog meter and pointer mechanism without interference with each other.

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First Claim