With Auxiliary Illumination For Display Patents (Class 368/227)
  • Patent number: 11275341
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece (1), notably a diver's watch, comprising a case (2) provided with a case middle (3), a light source (6), an element (4) movable between several positions relative to the case (2), and movable means for assembling the movable element (4) on the middle part (3) of the case (2). More particularly, the movable element (4) includes a light guide (10) and an upper cover (9) comprising an index (5), the guide (10) being configured to receive a light beam (8) from the light source through an entry face (12), and to guide light rays (18) through an exit face (15) of the light guide (10) in order to illuminate the index (5), whatever the position of the movable element (4) relative to the case (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Cédric Blatter
  • Patent number: 11131967
    Abstract: A device displays a clock face in response to receiving a request to display a clock face. In accordance with a determination that a respective graphical element is to be displayed at a respective location on the clock face, the clock face includes a plurality of analog-dial graphical elements corresponding to respective units of time, where the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements includes a first analog-dial graphical element that occupies a first position and has a first size. In accordance with a determination that the respective graphical element is not to be displayed at a respective location on the clock face, the clock face includes the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements corresponding to the respective units of time, and the first analog-dial graphical element of the plurality of analog-dial graphical elements occupies a second position and/or has a second size. In some embodiments, clock faces are reordered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelio Guzman, Kevin Will Chen, Wan Si Wan, Christopher Wilson, John George Slagle, Jr., Alan C. Dye
  • Patent number: 10845762
    Abstract: Provided is a reddish light emitting phosphorescent phosphor, that is efficiently excited with visible light and is chemically stable. The phosphorescent phosphor comprises a compound represented by MSi2O2N2:Yb,R, wherein M is at least one metal element selected from strontium, calcium, barium, and magnesium, and R is at least one element selected front erbium, holmium, gadolinium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, neodymium, bismuth, scandium, and chromium. The phosphorescent phosphor is an excellent phosphorescent phosphor having a reddish afterglow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NEMOTO & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsunori Hashimoto, Yasushi Aoki
  • Patent number: 9989996
    Abstract: Provided is a wearable device that is wearable on a body of a user, the wearable device including a display configured to display a screen; a sensor configured to sense a motion of the user; and a controller configured to control the display based on the sensed motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-jae Kim, Seong-il Hahm
  • Patent number: 9741214
    Abstract: An indication apparatus includes a square tub-shaped housing having at least one transparent side surface formed of a transparent member, an indication panel that is disposed on the transparent side surface and includes one or more indicator designs, a wiring board that includes one or more light sources corresponding to the one or more indicator designs and an electric circuit for turning the one or more light sources on/off, wherein the wiring board is inserted and received in the housing through an opening of a tub end of the housing, and a sponge light-shielding wall that is adhered on a surface of the wiring board for surrounding at least a portion of outer circumferential sides of at least one target light source of the one or more light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9665070
    Abstract: A device which is suitable for integration into a timepiece, in particular in the form of a timepiece module, another type of watch module or a basic watch movement. The device includes at least one opening, in each of which an associated image guide is mounted, and for each of these image guides the device including means for fastening the image guide in the associated opening, such that the image guide allows display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Richemont International SA
    Inventors: Sébastien Dordor, Debora Schelling
  • Patent number: 8934320
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes: a timekeeping section which counts time; a time display section which displays time; an illuminating section which performs illumination; a wireless communication section which performs wireless communication by transmitting/receiving a wireless signal intermittently; and a drive control section which performs duty drive of the illuminating section when a period in which wireless communication is conducted by the wireless communication section and a period in which the illuminating section is driven overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20140341003
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 8669863
    Abstract: The medical information band is an electronic control unit removably attached to a band that may be worn by a user or attached to a medication bottle. The electronic control unit displays all the information of drugs that the user takes, and provides an electronic alert to remind the user when to take the medication, or when the medication has reached its expiration date. The electronic control unit includes a temperature sensor, and alerts the user when the medication must be moved to a different location with a more appropriate storage temperature. Moreover, the electronic control unit may also display the personal information and the health status of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Fahad M. F. S. Alhuwaishel
  • Patent number: 8339903
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
  • Publication number: 20120269041
    Abstract: 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. The movement for the time display can include analog indicators with a built-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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu CHIEN
  • Patent number: 8169858
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: François Klopfenstein, André Zanetta, Emmanuel Fleury
  • Publication number: 20120082012
    Abstract: A timepiece which, in addition to a crystal, includes the following external elements: a back cover, a middle part, a dial, a bezel, and two wristband strands. At least one of these external elements is at least partially transparent or translucent. The back cover, the middle part, and the bezel define an internal volume of the watch case that houses a timepiece movement. At least one light source is housed within the internal volume and produces a light that passes through the transparent or translucent part of the external element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Nicolas Blanckaert, Francois Klopfenstein, Andre Kaltenrieder
  • Patent number: 8045421
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with an illumination system having a light source and a light diffusion device proximal to the light source. The light diffusion device has at least one surface parallel to a primary plane of the display of the instrument. When the light source is activated, light propagates through the light diffusion device toward the display of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Harley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7903503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
  • Patent number: 7839726
    Abstract: A timepiece (40) includes optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to user action. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19), each having at least one light reflective surface (20), are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, and the set of light beams forms a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Winkler
  • Patent number: 7583566
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Yiu-Fai Yan
  • Publication number: 20090185458
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with an illumination system having a light source and a light diffusion device proximal to the light source. The light diffusion device has at least one surface parallel to a primary plane of the display of the instrument. When the light source is activated, light propagates through the light diffusion device toward the display of the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. Harley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090109801
    Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (40) including optical means for forming a decorative pattern, in the form of a figurative image, in response to an action by the user. The optical means forming a figurative image include an optical guide (1, 51) having two large faces (10, 11) and at least one lateral face (12). Optical extractors (19) each having at least one light reflective surface (20) are arranged in at least one of the large faces (11). A light source (8, 8a, 8b, 8c) is arranged so as to emit light in the direction of the reflective surfaces (20), via the lateral face (12) of the optical guide. Thus, each of the reflective surfaces causes a reflected light beam to form in a well defined direction, the set of light beams forming a figurative image in that direction, which can typically be selected as the normal with respect to the mid-plane of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: ASULAB S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Winkler
  • Publication number: 20080062821
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Yiu-Fai Yan
  • Patent number: 7123550
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert D. Galli
  • Patent number: 7054233
    Abstract: A wall clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. The starting and ending times for illumination may also be programmed into the clock. A battery icon has a plurality of bars to indicate the remaining battery capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Equity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Kibiloski, Charles Wong Tak Chung
  • Patent number: 7038975
    Abstract: There is provided a type of luminous hand including a part made of moulded transparent material that forms a circular head (28, 35) and a body (28, 34) of a hand. In order to direct a portion of a light beam parallel to the axis (15) of the hand towards the interior of the body, the head includes a plurality of reflectors (40, 41) distributed around the axis and formed by dihedron shaped hollows. This improves the intensity and uniformity of the light in the hand body. Inclined light-diffusing surfaces, covered with a light coloured paint, are arranged on the bottom face of the hand. In a display device with several coaxial hands (11,12) such as that of a watch, the reflectors of the superposed heads (29, 35) of the hands are located at respective distances from the axis which are different from one hand to another, such that they never completely cover each other. The light source preferably includes three light-emitting diodes (23) located under the dial (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Yvan Ferri, Jean-Jacques Born, René Viennet, Joseph Ricchiuto
  • Patent number: 7023763
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Galli
  • Patent number: 7016264
    Abstract: A light emission and display device (for example, timepiece module) comprising an ultraviolet ray emitting element that emits ultraviolet rays, light emission areas that react to the ultraviolet rays to thereby emit the corresponding colored lights, and a pair of legs that connect in a stabilized manner the ultraviolet ray emitting element and a connection terminal of a circuit board in the light emission and display device. Each leg has a bend for adjusting the length and a bend angle of the leg between the ultraviolet ray emitting element and the connection terminal (FIG. 19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Ueno, Tadao Hirano, Shyuichi Machida, Mitsunobu Yatabe
  • Patent number: 6987710
    Abstract: An alarm clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. A dimmer control adjusts the desired level of illumination. A three position switch controls the alarm clock between alarm only, night light only, and both alarm and night light modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Equity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Kibiloski, Charles Wong Tak Chung
  • Patent number: 6806644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Ueno, Tadao Hirano, Shyuichi Machida, Norihisa Usui
  • Patent number: 6715897
    Abstract: A portable disc flashlight, able to be secured to a user's hand, is disclosed herein. The device has a top portion, a base portion and securing means. The top portion includes a lens cover portion that threads onto the base portion. A ribbed ring portion is rotatably connected peripherally around said lens cover portion. The base portion includes an electrically energized light source and a power source for energizing said light source. A nylon strap, secured by a hook and loop fastening system allows the device to be fastened to either the palm or the back of the hand. The device further has a three-position switch that allows for off, on or flashing modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jack R. Rowe, Lynn F. Rowe
  • Patent number: 6717889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Yuan-Chi Sung
  • Patent number: 6697303
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Amano, Shunji Minami
  • Patent number: 6685353
    Abstract: A clock apparatus comprises a clock case made of either an opaque material or a translucent material, the clock case enclosing an electronic circuit comprising electronic circuit elements including: a clock timer, a source of electrical current, a power switch, a switching device, and a means for illumination. The clock case comprises a pair of cubes, with an upper one of the cubes mounted at one corner, on a face of a lower one of the cubes. The cubes provide apertures having a distribution on the clock case in correspondence with the dots of a pair of dice. Windows made of either an opaque or a translucent material, cover the apertures so that light from the illumination means of the electrical circuit is visible through either the clock case or the windows as a light show in accordance with the switching device. A clock face is engaged with the clock timer and is mounted on one of the faces of the upper one of the cubes so as to be visible to a viewer of the light show.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent Arroyo
  • Patent number: 6621766
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau
  • Patent number: 6579003
    Abstract: An hourglass timepiece that is filled with a plurality of precious or semi-precious stones, such as small uncut diamonds, which are suspended in a silicone compound, such as silicone oil, to prevent scratching of the interior surface of the hourglass as the stones move by gravity from an upper compartment to a lower compartment of the hourglass. The hourglass has similar ends, either of which can be supported by a decorative base that reflects light into the stones to highlight them and compensate for the reflective loss due to the silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Louis Glick Diamond Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Glick, Stanley Zale
  • Patent number: 6565253
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a watch that includes a steerable light. The light may be attached to a rotating bezel on the watch, or included in a crown or other moveable fixture of the watch, such that the light may be pointed independently from the orientation of the watch. A light that is moveably attached to a watch in this manner may be securely fastened to a user's wrist in an unobtrusive form factor, while at the same time freely directed toward an object of interest without requiring a specific orientation of the user's limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Timberland Company
    Inventor: Jong H. Yang
  • Patent number: 6512721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Amano, Shunji Minami
  • Patent number: 6487143
    Abstract: Peripheral lighting device for the scale of a dial (11) of an apparatus of small dimensions including a case (1) in which are housed a movement (14) driving at least one hand (12a, 12b, 12c) with respect to the scale, a power source (6) and an electronic circuit (15) able to supply a pulsed voltage, said case being closed by crystal (4) extended on the dial side by an annular extension forming a flange (17), characterized in that a circular recess (19) is provided inside the base (18) of the flange (17) to accommodate on the one hand, an electroluminescent ring (20) formed of a strip having a border (21) extending beyond the base and a connecting lug (22), and on the other hand a ring (30) made of translucent plastic material forced into the annular recess (19) to hold the electroluminescent ring (20) at the bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d' Ebauches
    Inventor: Laurent Kaelin
  • Patent number: 6452872
    Abstract: Solid optical guide (10) with microprisms (20) of refractive index n, for uniformly illuminating a surface (4) in grazing incidence at an angle &thgr;1 in which a plane angle &dgr; of the cross-section develops with respect to the surface (4) a substantially perpendicular face (15) and a substantially parallel face (14), in which microprisms (20) are structured in hollows, one facet (21) of said microprisms oriented towards the face (15) has its edge (22) formed with the parallel face (14) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&agr;)} with respect to the axis of the guide and its edge (23) formed with the perpendicular face (15) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&ggr;)} with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be illuminated, the values {right arrow over (&agr;)} and {right arrow over (&ggr;)} being determined from characteristics n, &thgr;1 and &dgr; of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Teijido, Jean-Charles Poli, Joachim Grupp, Hans Peter Herzig
  • Patent number: 6366539
    Abstract: An alarm clock comprises a seat, a switch, a light emitter, a light guiding plate, a light shielding layer, a timer, a transparent mask, a frame, and a power source. The timer is installed in the seat and drives a rotary shaft to pass out through the light shielding layer and the light guiding plate to be connected to indicators. The surface of the light guiding plate is arranged with scales and numeral indicators. A frame is fixed at a periphery of the seat, and after the light guiding plate and the light shielding layer are positioned, a transparent mask is connected to the inner side of the frame. The seat supports a light emitter and a light emitter switch which are connected with one another. The switch is connected to a power source. Pressing the lateral side of the transparent mask operates the light emitter switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Liao
  • Patent number: 6353579
    Abstract: A method of illuminating a display in an electronic device comprising a display, a lamp for illuminating said display, a plurality of actuated switches one of which is a lamp switch that when activated, causes the activation of the lamp to illuminate the display, and an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of actuated switches, the integrated circuit being able to sense the activation of each of the plurality of actuated switches, wherein the method comprises the steps of sensing the activation of the lamp switch, activating the lamp to illuminate the display for a first predetermined period of time, sensing the activation of another one of the plurality of actuated switches, determining whether the another one of the plurality of actuated switches was activated while the display was illuminated; and if so maintaining the illumination of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Richard D. Ciervo
  • Patent number: 6299321
    Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conentional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Luminary Logic LTD
    Inventor: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa
  • Patent number: 6266297
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sonoda, Shunji Minami
  • Patent number: 6160767
    Abstract: A clock includes a base, a clock movement held by the base and having rotatable translucent hour and minute indicators, a cover coaxially connected to the base, and a light source supported between the cover and the indicators for shining light through the indicators to form respective images around the base on a wall behind the base for displaying time. The cover includes a light diffusible extended periphery having an inner surface with an integral visual element for illumination by the light source to appear visible on an outer surface of the periphery, opposite the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Leona Lighting Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Wai Kwan Ho
  • Patent number: 6106127
    Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conventional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Luminary Logic Ltd.
    Inventor: Michelle Jillian Fuwausa
  • Patent number: 6010242
    Abstract: A rotary switch laser indicator having a casing a mirror seat, and a laser unit, that will display different images by rotating the mirror seat to control the switch. The casing can be attached to a band and the switch can be used as an indicator in the watch display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Ko-Liang Ho
  • Patent number: 5966344
    Abstract: A light transmitting metallic dial 50 is disposed above a cell 2 such as an EL device, a solar battery, or the like and the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 is secured by engaging an aligning portion 50b formed on the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 with an aligning portion 4b formed on a casing frame 4. In the light transmitting type metallic dial 50, light transmitting holes 50a and 51 constituting various characters, numerals, patterns, and the like are formed. Further, when the transparent plate is laminated on the light transmitting metallic dial 50, a clearance 7 is formed between the cell 2 and the transparent plate 5 using a spacer or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Umemoto, Masami Fukuda, Kenji Shimoda, Yasuo Kitajima, Isamu Kobayashi, Yoshio Katsuki, Yurie Udoh
  • Patent number: 5930204
    Abstract: The watch and method of manufacture thereof includes 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sonoda, Shunji Minami
  • Patent number: 5894456
    Abstract: Wristwatch including a case (1) for accommodating a movement (4), luminous elements carried by the bezel or by the middle part of said case, a source of energy (44, 45) and an electronic circuit (33) housed in said case to control the power supply of said luminous elements and at least one control element (5), characterized in that at least one luminous element is formed by a finger (11-15) made of flexible materials, supported by said case and extending beyond the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques D'Ebauches
    Inventor: Rolf Schneider
  • Patent number: 5883862
    Abstract: A clock is provided with an emergency lighting device which is composed of an electronic control apparatus, at least one light bulb, a battery, a plug, and a switch knob. The light bulb is located in a concave slot of the dial plate of the clock such that light bulb does not obstruct the movements of the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand of the clock. The emergency lighting device is housed in the case of the clock. When a power outage takes place, the electronic control apparatus is triggered to turn on the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Shui-Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 5881024
    Abstract: A timepiece is equipped with a hand shaft display portion having hands and driving shafts for the hands, and a liquid crystal display portion situated above a substrate. A liquid crystal display portion support frame is situated above the substrate for supporting the liquid crystal display portion. The liquid crystal display portion support frame includes a shaft insertion hole for allowing the driving shafts to pass therethrough, a penetration window located away from the shaft insertion hole and facing the liquid crystal display portion, and a light transmission member formed at least around the shaft insertion hole. An EL element is situated under the liquid crystal display portion support frame relative to the hands. The EL element illuminates the liquid crystal display portion and the hand shaft display portion through the light transmission member when the EL element is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuo Nishimura, Yuichi Kamei
  • Patent number: 5838639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch having laser pointer of the type which comprises a housing, a modulating core, a laser diode module, and a power supply. The housing is provided with a clear cover and a display is disposed thereunder. A modulating core is disposed under the display. The power supply is disposed under the modulating core and the diode modulate is disposed in the peripheral of the housing. The laser diode module is provided with a button switch which is used to switch on/off the laser diode module. The emitted laser beam is further intensified by a convex lens and this intensified beam is directed through a aperture of the housing. This intensified light beam can be used to mark the graphic or character on the screen for clear demonstration. On the other hand, the water may still be used as a timing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Hsien-Jung Hwang