Patent ID: 6542133
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
For use in a vehicle instrument display, an apparatus for displaying an illuminated message indicating one or more vehicle operating parameters, comprising:a light emitting element; a light directing path associated with the light emitting element and adapted to direct the light from the light emitting element to someone using the vehicle; a plurality of message plates each independently mounted for movement from a rest position into and out of the light directing path; means for providing activating current signals corresponding to a condition or operating parameter of the vehicle related to messages on the respective message plates; a plurality of muscle wires operatively connected to respective message plates, each muscle wire connected to receive an activating current signal from the vehicle such that the activated message plate is moved into the light directing path, a portion of the message plate being formed to selectively transmit the directed light and thereby create a visual indicator to a user of the vehicle of a condition or operating parameter of the vehicle.