With Luminous Material Patents (Class 368/226)
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Patent number: 11016444Abstract: A pointer including a pointer body constituted by a plate member, an engraved section provided in at least one of front and back surfaces of the pointer body excluding an edge of the pointer body, and a reinforcing section provided at the edge of the pointer body by the engraved section.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Inoue, Masao Amano
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Patent number: 11009834Abstract: A method for fabricating an applique for horology including a visible upper surface, and a lower surface from which protrudes at least one securing foot: a rough piece is made as a straight workpiece; this rough piece is deformed to form a blank so as to form an upper curve; this blank including this feet is machined; this blank is mounted on a tool having a support surface complementary to the lower surface of this blank, a recess for housing each foot, gripping means and/or an adhesive for securing each blank; the upper curve of this blank is machined with at least one final diamond-polishing operation to form this upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.Inventors: Carmelo Trotta, Frederic Haefeli
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Patent number: 11009832Abstract: A pointer including a thick section formed on a pointer body in a manner to be thicker than a thickness of the pointer body, an accommodation section provided in the thick section in a manner to penetrate through a front and back of the thick section, and a luminous member provided in the accommodation section.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenichi Inoue, Masao Amano
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Patent number: 10664020Abstract: A highly convenient electronic device used while being worn on a body is provided. The electronic device is an arm-worn electronic device including a display panel, a power storage device, a circuit, and a sealing structure. The display panel displays an image with power supplied from the power storage device. The circuit includes an antenna and charges the power storage device wirelessly. Inside the sealing structure, the display panel, the power storage device, and the circuit are provided. The sealing structure includes a portion that transmits visible light. The sealing structure can be worn on an arm or is connected to a structure body that can be worn on an arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Yoshitani, Hideaki Kuwabara, Natsuko Takase
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Patent number: 9323227Abstract: Provided is an LED clock having multiple LEDs to illuminate the clock indirectly. The multiple LEDs do not aim towards the viewers directly. The present invention provides comfort for the viewers' eyes when the viewers look at the LED clock. In addition, the LED clock also can be used as a floor lamp. This new function as a floor lamp enhances the supplementary value of the LED clock effectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: LIQ MENG CORP.Inventors: Yuan-Xing He, Guo-Hao Liang
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Patent number: 9292003Abstract: Set of luminous display hands for a portable object which houses an electrical energy supply source, the set of luminous display hands including first and second superposed luminous display hands each provided with a hole for the passage of a drive arbour, the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand being arranged concentrically inside the drive arbour of the first hand with insertion of an insulating layer between the two drive arbours, the first and second luminous display hands respectively carrying a first and a second light source, the first pole of the first light source being electrically connected to a first terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the first luminous display hand, the second pole of the first light source being connected to the first pole of the second light source via a contact piece, and the second pole of the second light source being connected to the second terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Cédric Faure, Simon Springer
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Patent number: 9223293Abstract: A timepiece including at least dial, at least one hand mounted on the timepiece and having an upper side and a lower side facing the dial, and a security material arranged on the lower side of the at least one hand. The security material includes a medium containing one or more compounds having luminescent properties in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: SICPA HOLDING SAInventors: Eric Decoux, Cecile Laporte, Andrea Callegari
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Patent number: 9128692Abstract: An LED light with a time piece uses a simple light-medium body with a very rough finish to allow light from LED(s) to pass though input-end(s) of the light-medium body and travel within the body and obtain a very even brightness on all surfaces of the light medium that are seen by a viewer. Combined with a milky/frosted front sheet overlay, the light-medium surface can get perfect area illumination effects. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a guilt-in light-medium on the top cover to achieve a super slim LED illumination for the time piece. For night light application, the sealed-unit may consist of prong-means and an LED related circuit sealed within a safety standard plastic material and assembled with the night light body to save a lot of cost enable use of all kinds of materials. The invention may also be adapted to an LCD display timepiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
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Publication number: 20150029829Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch, comprising: a frame (1); a movement (2) mounted in said frame; a top crystal (3); an analog display system including a dial (4) combined with hands (5); and at least one digital display for displaying complementary information. The digital display includes a top functional element (6) extending under a peripheral strip (3a) of the crystal (3) so as to simulate at least part of a bezel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventor: Daniel Spadini
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Publication number: 20140160904Abstract: A timepiece including at least dial, at least one hand mounted on the timepiece and having an upper side and a lower side facing the dial, and a security material arranged on the lower side of the at least one hand. The security material includes a medium containing one or more compounds having luminescent properties in the infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: SICPA HOLDING SAInventors: Eric DECOUX, Cecile LAPORTE, Andrea CALLEGARI
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Patent number: 8593911Abstract: A Wristwatch having a housing (1); a movement (8, 9, 10) lodged in the housing; a watch glass (6) above the housing; a fluid pump (5) driven by the movement for pumping a fluid. And, at least one channel (60) through the glass (6), arranged so that the fluid circulated by the pump (5) reaches the channel, in order to sequentially color various portions of the glass for displaying time indications.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Preciflex SAInventors: Philippe-Emmanuel Grize, Yves Berthier, Maurizio Minello
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Patent number: 8441894Abstract: A watch, in particular a wristwatch, having a watch case that has a viewing opening oriented towards an observer, a movement, and one or more components with light-receiving regions on their surfaces. The movement and the components with regions of light-receiving surface are arranged in the watch case and are covered by a light-transmissive covering part in the direction of the observer. The covering part is transmissive for ultraviolet light and is at least largely opaque for light in the visible spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Lange Uhren GmbHInventor: Jan Wenzel
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Patent number: 8339903Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
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Publication number: 20120263022Abstract: A Wristwatch having a housing (1); a movement (8, 9, 10) lodged in the housing; a watch glass (6) above the housing; a fluid pump (5) driven by the movement for pumping a fluid. And, at least one channel (60) through the glass (6), arranged so that the fluid circulated by the pump (5) reaches the channel, in order to sequentially color various portions of the glass for displaying time indications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventors: Philippe-Emmanuel Grize, Yves Berthier, Maurizio Minello
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Patent number: 8169858Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) fitted with a glass (3) having an inside face and an outside face to the timepiece and a lighting device (4) comprising at least one ultraviolet or infrared light-emitting diode (4a) to illuminate at least one zone (9) integrating fluorescent and/or phosphorescent pigments of an indicator element (7) visible through the glass, characterized in that the light-emitting diode is arranged on the periphery of the glass forming a waveguide capable of diffusing the ultraviolet or infrared light, and that means for diffusing ultraviolet or infrared light (12; 13; 15; 19; 20) from the glass towards the interior of the timepiece are arranged in the path of the ultraviolet or infrared light.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère SuisseInventors: François Klopfenstein, André Zanetta, Emmanuel Fleury
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Patent number: 8164985Abstract: A time display device comprises a dial plate; a plurality of time indication portions set in the dial plate; and a plurality of groups of luminophors. Each of the groups of luminophors corresponds to a time indication portion, and comprises a first luminophor, a second luminophor, and a third luminophor. A clock unit provides current time information. A first switch unit electrifies/powers off the first luminophor. A second switch unit electrifies/powers off the second luminophor. A third switch unit electrifies/powers off the third luminophor. A hour hand controlling module obtains a hour value, and controls the first switch unit to electrify the first luminophor of the time indication portion corresponding to the obtained hour value. A minute hand controlling module obtains the current minute value, and controls the second switch and/or the third switch unit to electrify the corresponding luminophor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xiao-Guang Su
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Publication number: 20110158056Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
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Publication number: 20110075524Abstract: A time display device comprises a dial plate; a plurality of time indication portions set in the dial plate; and a plurality of groups of luminophors. Each of the groups of luminophors corresponds to a time indication portion, and comprises a first luminophor, a second luminophor, and a third luminophor. A clock unit provides current time information. A first switch unit electrifies/powers off the first luminophor. A second switch unit electrifies/powers off the second luminophor. A third switch unit electrifies/powers off the third luminophor. A hour hand controlling module obtains a hour value, and controls the first switch unit to electrify the first luminophor of the time indication portion corresponding to the obtained hour value. A minute hand controlling module obtains the current minute value, and controls the second switch and/or the third switch unit to electrify the corresponding luminophor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: XIAO-GUANG SU
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Patent number: 7903503Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
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Publication number: 20100202255Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) fitted with a glass (3) having an inside face and an outside face to the timepiece and a lighting device (4) comprising at least one ultraviolet or infrared light-emitting diode (4a) to illuminate at least one zone (9) integrating fluorescent and/or phosphorescent pigments of an indicator element (7) visible through the glass, characterized in that the light-emitting diode is arranged on the periphery of the glass forming a waveguide capable of diffusing the ultraviolet or infrared light, and that means for diffusing ultraviolet or infrared light (12; 13; 15; 19; 20) from the glass towards the interior of the timepiece are arranged in the path of the ultraviolet or infrared light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSEInventors: François Klopfenstein, André Zanetta, Emmanuel Fleury
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Publication number: 20100074061Abstract: A multifunction time display device includes a main body, a first element, a second element, and an indication element. The main body includes a casing, and the casing possesses a transparent portion. The first element moves inside the casing as time goes by. The second element is removably attached to any position of the transparent portion of the casing. The indication element is triggered when the first element moves to overlap the second element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: PEGATRON CORPORATIONInventors: Chia-Ying Lee, Yen-Chiu Hsu, Ailing Lu, Mei-Lin Chan
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Patent number: 7583566Abstract: An illumination assembly for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a casing within which is positioned at least a display assembly for displaying information, wherein the illumination assembly comprises an electroluminescent assembly, coupled in the module, having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is in facing alignment with the display assembly; a translucent ink/film layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is positioned in facing alignment with the second surface of the electroluminescent assembly, and wherein the translucent ink/film layer has indicia therein or surface indicia thereon; a lens in facing alignment with the second surface of the translucent ink/film layer; wherein the illumination assembly is sealed in the module; and whereby upon illumination of the electroluminescent assembly, the visibility of the indicia is facilitated. In a specific embodiment, the wearable electronic device is a wristwatch.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Timex Group B.V.Inventor: Yiu-Fai Yan
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Publication number: 20090080293Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) clock has a face plate. An EL light panel is coupled to a front surface of the face plate. The EL light panel has a multi-color/sectional design. A control circuit is coupled to the EL light panel and attached to a rear surface of the face plate. The control circuit is used to individually control the lighting of each color/section of the multi-color/sectional design. A pair of clock hands is rotatably coupled to the face plate. A clock control device is coupled to the pair of clock hands to rotate the pair of clock hands. A power supply is coupled to the control circuit and the cock control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Stephen A. Richman
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Patent number: 7499380Abstract: Dial (2) designed to equip a watch piece provided with luminous marks (32) lodged under a mother-of-pearl semi-transparent layer (20) inside blind hollows (35) made in the semi-transparent layer (20) and filled with a phosphorescent pigment (32). The luminous marks (32) form an image (61) visible in darkness and essentially invisible in daylight.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventors: Christophe Gouthier, Philippe Hubbard
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Publication number: 20080205201Abstract: A time display apparatus is disclosed and comprises at least a housing, a timetable panel, three pointers and a backlight unit. The timetable panel is disposed in the housing. The three pointers are coated with variety of phosphorescence materials respectively and vertically arranged on the timetable panel in order. The backlight unit is disposed below the timetable panel to generate a light source with a fixed wavelength to illuminate the phosphorescence materials of the three pointers, thereby generating different colors for showing hour, minute and second respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Hwa Su, Alexander Chan Wang
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Patent number: 7366059Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for a wristwatch comprising a luminescent surface for illuminating the background of a display element consisting of one or more alphanumeric characters. The display device comprises a window in an opaque watch face in which these characters can be displayed. The luminescent surface covers at least one partial area of a supporting surface situated behind said window. The alphanumeric characters of the display element have an opaque material and are located between the watch face and the luminescent surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Eterna AG UhrenfabrikInventor: Ernst Seyr
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Patent number: 7123550Abstract: An assembly is provided that allows construction of a watch that includes multifunctional illumination options. The assembly of the present invention provides a means for illuminating the watch face, a high intensity flashlight and a watch locator beacon. The assembly overcomes the drawbacks associated with filament lamps by using LED lamps that provide greater brightness with less power consumption. Further, the present invention relies on a unique feature of LED's, whereby they are only illuminated by DC power at the right polarity to provide a compact assembly that utilized a minimum amount of space.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Inventor: Robert D. Galli
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Patent number: 7050358Abstract: An electronic device comprising a secondary display made up of a plurality of display segments each of which is made up of a multilayered assembly comprising a transparent substrate having a first and a second surface; a transparent electrically conductive layer formed on the second surface of the transparent substrate; an electroluminescent layer formed on the transparent conductive layer; an insulating layer formed on the electroluminescent layer; and an electrically conductive layer formed on the insulating layer; and including means for selectively illuminating electroluminescent layers of each of the plurality of display segments, wherein light emanating from the illuminated electroluminescent layers during an illuminated condition passes through the transparent substrate; whereby secondary information is provided by the selected illumination of the electroluminescent layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Timex Group B.V.Inventors: John L. Garay, Surendar Bhan, Bernd Becker
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Patent number: 6806644Abstract: An ultraviolet ray-emitting element is provided in a frame-like member disposed between an apparatus module and an apparatus case by corresponding to a peripheral portion of a protective glass. A light in an ultraviolet range from the ultraviolet ray-emitting element is irradiated between the module and the protective glass. A luminescent layer to which an ultraviolet ray is irradiated emits a light.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masato Ueno, Tadao Hirano, Shyuichi Machida, Norihisa Usui
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Patent number: 6717889Abstract: A clock has a luminous decoration member provided on a dial of the clock. The luminous decoration member is made of a transparent material and formed in an annular shape having multiple lightings fitted therearound. A layer of fluorescent material is applied on a rear side of the luminous decoration member. Whereby when the lightings are providing light on the luminous decoration member, the fluorescent material applied on the luminous decoration member is lit so as to emit colorful fluorescence to the surroundings thereof. Therefore, a user can easily observe the dial and clock hands of the clock in the dark or night.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventor: Yuan-Chi Sung
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Patent number: 6697303Abstract: With a dial for a timepiece comprising a decoration member 21 having a plurality of through holes 22 formed vertically on a luminescent member 10, the cross-sectional area of lower-side holes 24 of the decoration member 21 is formed to be larger than that of upper-side holes 23. Therefore, even if a substrate is thick, the diameter of the upper-side holes 23 of the through holes 22 can be formed to be small sufficiently. Moreover, compared to a dial size 20 for a timepiece wherein the decoration member 21 is placed on the luminescent member 10, the diameter of the through holes 22 of the decoration member 21 is small. Thus, it is possible to take in enough light from the luminescent member 10 through the lower-side holes 24 to ensure the sufficient amount of light through the through holes 22. It is possible to obtain sufficient illuminance for the dial.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Amano, Shunji Minami
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Patent number: 6621766Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Fossil, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau
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Publication number: 20030090964Abstract: A clock has a luminous decoration member provided on a dial of the clock. The luminous decoration member is made of a transparent material and formed in an annular shape having multiple lightings fitted therearound. A layer of fluorescent material is applied on a rear side of the luminous decoration member. Whereby when the lightings are providing light on the luminous decoration member, the fluorescent material applied on the luminous decoration member is lit so as to emit colorful fluorescence to the surroundings thereof. Therefore, a user can easily observe the dial and clock hands of the clock in the dark or night.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Yuan-Chi Sung
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Patent number: 6512721Abstract: A dial for timepiece is provided which includes a decoration member having a through hole, and a luminescent member disposed under the decoration member. A first surface processed layer is provided on an upper surface of the decoration member, and a second surface processed layer having a light-transmissive property is provided on an upper surface of the luminescent member. When the luminescent member is turned on, light emitted from the luminescent member is transmitted through the second surface processed layer and passes through the through hole of the decoration member. Because the transmitted light illuminates the upper surface side of the decoration member partially in accordance with the through hole, the dial is visible even in a dark place. In addition, decoration effects can be achieved by both the first surface processed layer and the second surface processed layer in accordance with the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masao Amano, Shunji Minami
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Patent number: 6442107Abstract: A luminous wristwatch capable of exhibiting a sense of play and ensuring safety of a wearer of the wristwatch. The luminous wristwatch includes a watch face and a belt member each provided thereon with a plurality of light emitters which carry out luminescence upon feeding of electricity thereto. The watch face and belt member each are formed to be light-permeable so that luminescence of the light emitters may be externally visible therethrough. Also, the luminous wristwatch includes a watch body which is provided with an operation button and a control section for controlling on-off operation of the light emitters upon operation of the operation button.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Takara Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiro Takagi
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Patent number: 6416217Abstract: A timepiece has a removably attachable aquarium adapted to support aquatic life. Living aquatic pets are introduced into the aquarium prior to attaching the aquarium to the timepiece. A wearer of such timepiece is then able to contemporaneously tell time and enjoy watching the living aquatic pets. A kit is also provided with a timepiece, an aquarium and aquatic life adapted to be supported in said aquarium.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Harold Von Braunhut
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Patent number: 6266297Abstract: An analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Sonoda, Shunji Minami
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Patent number: 6113726Abstract: A method by which an elastomer is applied to a model (1) with relief marks to be reproduced. The purpose of the elastomer once set is to form a mold membrane (14) and incorporate within its own material the shape of the marks on the model. The mold membrane is then separated from the model and filled with a setting material, and the mold membrane is applied to a support in order to transfer the marks after preliminary pasting.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Promatec Systems S.A.Inventor: Georges-Andre Leschot
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Patent number: 5875146Abstract: A burst mode semiconductor integrated circuit device comprises an internal voltage step-down circuit for stepping down an external power supply voltage to generate an internal power supply voltage based on a particular reference voltage, and a burst length detector for detecting a burst length from address data input from an external system and wherein the internal voltage step-down circuit increases the speed at which the output current rises in response to a drop in the internal power supply voltage as the burst length determined by the burst length detector increases.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Itou
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Patent number: 5805533Abstract: An illuminated date ring for a calendar wristwatch for viewing the date at night through a window in the dial, employs an electroluminescent (EL) lamp beneath a transparent date ring. The EL lamp electrodes extend around the ring, and flexible spring members make sliding contact with the electrodes as the ring rotates in the movement.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Lyman R. Daigle, Walter R. Mack, Andrew C. Ledesma
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Patent number: 5764599Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp constructed by screen printing, in succession on a rigid metal plate in the shape of a watch dial, a first of barium titanate, a second layer of phosphor particles in a polymerizable binder, a light transmissive third layer of indium tin oxide, and a conductive peripheral ring of silver epoxy. A transparent dial overlay of Mylar.TM. film with timekeeping indicia fits within the conductive ring. The conductive ring and the substrate serve as the electrodes for the lamp, which illuminates the dial overlay.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Harold Thorgersen, Anthony Rinaldi, Jr.
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Patent number: 5734627Abstract: An electroluminescent watch dial is provided with silhouette images on the dial. A transflective film covers an opaque image layer applied to a conventional electroluminescent watch dial. Timekeeping indicia are applied over the transflective film. The image is not seen in ambient light but is visible when the electroluminescent lamp is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Rogelio T. Sy
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Patent number: 5726953Abstract: An electroluminescent ("EL") lamp has EL material sandwiched between front and back conductive layers, which are disposed on a transparent substrate. The indiciae are formed from ink or other material deposited on the second surface of the front conductive layer, thereby completely burying the indicia within the EL lamp. The material may be transparent or colored, conductive or insulating, or made with an EL phosphor. The buried indicia provide sufficient contrast, when viewed with the EL lamp in an illuminated or non-illuminated state, to be seen. The present invention also describes a method for fabrication of such EL lamps.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Metro-Mark, IncorporatedInventors: Bradley J. LaPointe, David G. Sime
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Patent number: 5697322Abstract: An analog display includes a dial and a movable EL pointer positioned adjacent the dial for indicating a measured value. The pointer is an elongated EL lamp having a conductive pin extending through one end of the lamp and about which the lamp pivots. The pin is mechanically secured to the lamp and is electrically connected to the front electrode of the lamp. A hole larger than cross-sectional diameter of the pin is formed in the rear electrode and in the phosphor layer to prevent the pin from shorting the front electrode to the rear electrode. A conductive spring rests on the pin to provide electrical power to the front electrode. Power is supplied to the rear electrode either through a conductive ferrule attached to the rear electrode or through a resilient wiper. The wiper can be attached to the pointer or to the face of the dial. For plural pointers, concentric conductive pins are used with a sliding contact for the rear electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Durel CorporationInventors: William E. Hay, Douglas B. Olson, Stephen F. Hamann, William C. Sherbrooke
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Patent number: 5699324Abstract: A retaining ring (17) which rests on the peripheral area of the dial (16), which is in turn bonded to a dial support (14). Several securing means (25) are on the one hand secured in the retaining ring (17) and on the other hand in a base element (13), such as an annular tool holder. This ensures a flat, smooth and lasting support of the dial (16) on the dial support (14). It also permits the simple assembly and dismantling of the unit composed of dial (16), dial support (14) and annular securing means (17) onto or from a base element (13).Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'EbauchesInventors: Friedrich Perrot, Marco Bettelini
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Patent number: 5691962Abstract: An improved illuminated watch movement with analog and digital features comprising a frame containing an analog stepping motor and gear train connected to operate timepiece hands located substantially in the center of the movement. The frame has a recess on the dial side of the frame with a liquid crystal display disposed in the recess and having an indicia pattern. The liquid crystal display has a large available surface which covers the lower half of the movement up to the hour wheel, so that a variety of indicia patterns may be displayed. An electroluminescent lamp is disposed beneath said liquid crystal display. An electroluminescent dial is disposed on the dial side of the frame and has a window opening framing the indicia pattern. A circuit with actuators is connected to actuate the electroluminescent lamp and/or the electroluminescent dial. The movement further includes a printed circuit board disposed on the opposite side of the frame from the dial and having contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Herbert Schwartz, Friedrich Mose, Michel Plancon
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Patent number: 5623456Abstract: An improved electroluminescent indicator hand which is capable of emitting light from its entire surface area consists of an annular support member mounted on the hand shaft of a timepiece, an electroluminescent indicator hand secured on the support member, and a metal contact for supplying a drive signal to the electroluminescent indicator hand. The electroluminescent indicator hand is formed by sequentially laminating a transparent electrode layer, a luminescent layer, an insulating layer and a rear electrode layer on the rear surface of a light transmissive substrate, which has sufficient rigidity, and has at one end an annular section overlapping the support member. The metal contact has plural conductors resiliently contacting the transparent electrode layer and the rear electrode layer of the electroluminescent hand, and is welded to the support member so as to secure the electroluminescent member therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.Inventors: Shinichi Miyamoto, Nobuhiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 5604716Abstract: A black light illuminated analog watch that contains an ultraviolet light emitting tube. This tube is contained in the inner periphery of a conventional analog watch case. Various components of the watch, including the watch hands, the dial, the watch glass, and others, are coated with a visible light emitting phosphor that is energized by the tube. The phosphors may be selected to glow with different colors. The watch contains circuitry needed to power the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Inventor: James Cheung
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Patent number: 5598382Abstract: An EL panel includes a pair of EL lamps on a common substrate, separated by a predetermined distance along a longitudinal axis. A first flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the front electrodes of the lamps and a second flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the rear electrodes of the lamps. The lamps share a common front electrode and the first trace overlies the front electrode between the lamps. One of the lamps is rotated relative to the other to position the lamps one above the other in separate, parallel planes.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Durel CorporationInventors: Wayne A. Wilson, James H. Butt
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Patent number: 5513153Abstract: The method of manufacturing electroluminescent timepiece dials having three-dimensional indicia and to timepiece dials produced by this method. A subdial having the indicia projecting therefrom is affixed to the bottom of the electroluminescent dial. Three-dimensional effect is created when the projecting indicia are received by apertures in the electroluminescent dial.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Harold Thorgersen, Jose Santana