Robert A Pyburn

US Patent:

57183260, Feb 17, 1998

Filed:

Jul 22, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/684784

Inventors:

Charles W. Larose - Kokomo IN
Robert Allan Pyburn - Carmel IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corporation - Kokomo IN

International Classification:

H01H 902

US Classification:

200314

Abstract:

A backlit button assembly suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit assembly is composed of a support member and any number of molded plastic or silicone rubber buttons or keys that, together with the support member, form a keypad or switchpad. Each button of the assembly is injection molded to include a translucent portion that enables light to be transmitted from a backside of the button to a front surface of the button accessible to a person operating the button assembly. Each button is disposed at least partially within an opening formed in the support member, and has at least one integrally-formed hinge member that is directly adhered to the support member. The hinge member flexibly interconnects the button with the support member such that the button is flexibly supported within the opening in the support member.

US Patent:

56143389, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Apr 14, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/422398

Inventors:

Robert A. Pyburn - Carmel IN
Michael E. Fye - Kokomo IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corporation - Kokomo IN

International Classification:

G03C 500

US Classification:

430 13

Abstract:

A method is provided for producing a graphic for a backlit component, such as a button for an illuminated graphic display of an automobile instrument panel. The method involves a process by which molded plastic backlit buttons are manufactured without the use of hazardous chemicals or materials, and instead utilizes laser energy to produce substantially opaque regions on the button for forming a graphics image. Backlit buttons are preferably formed from a substantially transparent polymeric material in which is present pigmentation that is reactive to laser energy. A graphic image is then created on the button by selectively exposing a portion of the backlit component to laser energy. As a result, the exposed portion becomes substantially opaque while remaining portions of the backlit component remain substantially transparent. As such, the exposed and unexposed portions of the button cooperate to produce the graphic image when the button is backlit with a suitable light source.

US Patent:

59513497, Sep 14, 1999

Filed:

Oct 2, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/937308

Inventors:

Charles W. Larose - Kokomo IN
Robert Allan Pyburn - Carmel IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corporation - Kokomo IN

International Classification:

H01H 902

US Classification:

445 22

Abstract:

A backlit button assembly suitable for use in an illuminated graphic display in an instrument panel of an automobile. The backlit assembly is composed of a support member and any number of molded plastic or silicone rubber buttons or keys that, together with the support member, form a keypad or switchpad. Each button of the assembly is injection molded to include a translucent portion that enables light to be transmitted from a backside of the button to a front surface of the button accessible to a person operating the button assembly. Each button is disposed at least partially within an opening formed in the support member, and has at least one integrally-formed hinge member that is directly adhered to the support member. The hinge member flexibly interconnects the button with the support member such that the button is flexibly supported within the opening in the support member.

US Patent:

57241619, Mar 3, 1998

Filed:

Sep 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/537176

Inventors:

Ronald T. Smith - Corna Del Mar CA
Robert Allan Pyburn - Carmel IN

Assignee:

Delco Electronics Corp. - Kokomo IN
Hughes Electronics Corp. - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

G03H 100

US Classification:

359 13

Abstract:

Apparatus comprising a decal disposed on an interior surface of a window and a light source for projecting light onto the to display an image outside of the vehicle. The decal comprises a protective layer having a hologram layer disposed thereon that is designed to transmit a holographic image in a predetermined viewing direction. An opaque and clear mask layer into which an icon is incorporated may be secured to the hologram layer to provide a two-dimensional image. The hologram layer is illuminated by sunlight, skylight, or a light source and projects an image to a viewer at a predefined direction. During the day, the icon is viewable because light transmits through the clear portions of the mask layer is clear, and is blocked by opaque portions of the mask layer that define the icon. At night, the decal is illuminated by light from a light source 18, or an exterior or ambient light source to produce an image viewable by the observer. The decal may be designed to direct diffracted light to specific areas where viewability is desired, thereby creating images that are brighter to observers than may normally be achieved.