Abstract: To extend the clock operation duration of a multi-functional rechargeable electronic watch, and to provide a rechargeable electronic watch that would not affect the feeling of use of said rechargeable electronic watch.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece (10) comprises time information generating unit (A) for generating time information, information generating unit for generating information (function information, warning information, etc.) other than the time information, and power-saving operation unit (D) for operating the electronic timepiece in a power-saving operation state entailing lower power consumption than in a normal operation state. The information generating unit or the power-saving operation unit (D) is operated preferentially.

Abstract: An electronic device in which a braking torque can be increased while reduction in power generation is suppressed, and in which a rotor is prevented from stopping or rotating at an excessive speed. Such an electronic device includes a generator which is driven by an mechanical energy source and a rotation controller which controls the rotational period of the generator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a power reserve indicator device (1) for a manually or automatically wound timepiece, said timepiece including a barrel, a mainspring housed in the barrel and time display elements mechanically coupled to said barrel, said indictor device (1) including a differential gear (10) a first input (8) of which is driven by a winding gear train (6) which meshes with a first driving gear formed by the barrel core, the output (16) of said differential gear (10) driving a display gear train (18) for indicating the reserve of power assured by the number of winding turns of the mainspring, characterised in that the second input (14) of the differential gear (10) is driven by a letting down gear train (12) which meshes with a second driving gear formed by the outer toothing of said barrel or by a wheel and pinion driven by said barrel.

Abstract: To provide a power accumulation structure of a simple construction, in which a planetary mechanism is not used, for a timepiece using a spring as power. A power accumulation structure of a simple construction not using a planetary mechanism is a power accumulation structure using a threaded mechanism.

Abstract: A first voltage detector detects whether the voltage of a secondary cell has reached to 1.2V and a first timer counts a time duration for which the voltage is equal to or above 1.2V. If the time counted by the first timer reaches one hour, a second timer starts counting time for one hour. An amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell is displays after counting of the one hour by the second timer is over. As a result, an accurate display of the amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell can be achieved.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprises power generation means for generating electricity by using external energy, storage means for storing electric energy received from the power generation means, time-indicating means powered by electric energy supplied from the power generation means or the storage means for indicating time, a switch circuit including a plurality of switching devices and adapted to transfer or intercept electric energy between the power generation means and the storage means and between the power generation means and the time-indicating means, voltage measuring means for measuring voltage across the time-indicating means, and control means that selects one of predetermined power ratios based on the results of measurement by the voltage measuring means and controls the switch circuit according to the selected ratio when the power generation means charges the storage means and the time-indicating means.

Abstract: A power-generation detection circuit for detecting a power-generation state by an AC voltage supplied from a power-generation device including a capacitor, and switching element, a resistor, and an inverter circuit which controls the charging of the capacitor by a power-generation device. The switching element is switched by the AC voltage from the power-generation device. The voltage of the capacitor is detected by the inverter circuit thereby performing power-generation detection.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having functions of a function-display operation and a power-saving operation, and driving method of the electronic timepiece. The electronic timepiece has time information generating means for generating time information, function information generating means for generating function information, display means for selectively display time information and function information, power-saving operation means for performing operations in a power-saving operation state consuming a power less than the normal operation state, and power-saving operation preferential means-for making the power-saving operation of power-saving operation means prior to the operation of function information.

Abstract: To provide a power accumulation structure of a simple construction, in which a planetary mechanism is not used, for a timepiece using a spring as power. A power accumulation structure of a simple construction not using a planetary mechanism is a power accumulation structure using a threaded mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is formed of a power generating device for generating power, a control device for driving on receipt of a power supply from the power generating device, a display device for displaying a time by an operation of the control device, a detecting device for detecting a state of the power generating device, and a deciding device for deciding whether or not the power generating device generates power based on a detection signal sent from the detecting device. The control device controls such that a power generating state of the power generating device is displayed on the display device based on a decision of the deciding device. It is possible to reduce power consumption by stopping hands if required.

Abstract: A voltage detection and a remaining battery voltage display for a secondary power source so as to notify the user of the remaining battery voltage of the secondary power source at the optimal timing and in an accurate manner. A voltage correlated to the power source capacity of the secondary power source is detected as a detection voltage. The detection voltage is directly output if a rapid charging is not being detected. If the rapid charging is being detected, the detection voltage is output after being corrected for an amount of the apparent voltage boost which occurs in the secondary power source due to the rapid charging. The detection voltage thus obtained is compared with a predetermined reference voltage so as to discriminate the remaining capacity of the secondary power source.

Abstract: Clock saver apparatus and methods which enable the restoration of clock operations in the event that a power outage is brief and without requiring that an operator reset the clock are described. In one embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:32 a.m. In another embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected plus the determined time duration of the power outage. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., and if the power outage duration is 15 seconds, then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:47 a.m.

Abstract: To easily adjust an indication reference of a battery life. A CPU generates a maximum voltage value necessary for the operations of all functions of an electronic watch as a reference voltage of an analog quantity, inputs the voltage value to an A/D converting circuit to convert it into a digital value, stores the digital value outputted from the A/D converting circuit as a reference value corresponding to a voltage value necessary for each processing mode of the electronic watch into an EEPROM, converts the voltage value as an analog quantity of a battery into a digital value, and compares the digital value with the foregoing reference value to determine and indicate the battery life.

Abstract: A power reserve mechanism has a ratchet wheel having a winding stem, a first winding stem train wheel connected to the winding stem of the ratchet wheel and having a first power reserve wheel, and a barrel member having a winding stem. A spring member is mounted in the barrel member. A second winding stem train wheel independent from the first winding stem train wheel is connected to the winding stem of the barrel member and has a second power reserve wheel. A first indicator is disposed on the first power reserve wheel. A second indicator is disposed on the second power reserve wheel. An amount of spring power stored by the spring member is indicated utilizing a relative variation in movement between the first and second indicators.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic watch 10 having a large variety of added functions, and providing an electronic watch and drive method therefor that have a high value as a product and a configuration enabling separate use of an energy-saving mode and a function information operating mode, this electronic watch 10 having a reference signal generation means 1, a time information generation means 2, which generates time information TJ based on a reference signal S3R from the reference signal generation means 1, a function information generation means for generating function information FJ, a display drive means 4, which outputs drive signals DRT and DRF for the purpose of displaying the function information FJ and the time information TJ on an appropriate display means, and a display means 5, which displays the function information FJ and the time information TJ based on the drive signals DRT and DRF from the display drive means 4, this electronic watch having an energy-saving operating condition with a power consump

Abstract: A time measurement device includes a first motor (1300) for indicating standard time, a second motor (1400) for indicating a chronograph, a generator (1600) which generates driving power for driving the first and second motors by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and a zero reset mechanism (1200) for mechanically resetting the chronograph to zero. A compact time measurement device, operable from a low power, is thus provided.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a power generator (20) as a power supply, a capacitor (30) for accumulating generated power, a logic circuit (170) driven by the power from the capacitor, and a power supply cut-off circuit (31). When the power generator starts operating,the power supply cut-off circuit (31) does not supply power to the logic circuit (170) until a voltage of the capacitor (30) reaches a preset voltage. When the voltage of the capacitor (3) becomes equal to or greater than the preset voltage, power is supplied from the capacitor to the logic circuit. Accordingly, a leakage current when power generation starts is prevented, and most of the generated power is accumulated in the capacitor. The capacitor, can rapidly accumulate electricity, and the time until activation of an electronic circuit driven by the capacitor is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprises a battery, capable of charging, a charging section for charging the battery, a timepiece control circuit performing time keeping operation by using a stored electric power in the battery, a display for displaying time kept by the timepiece control circuit, a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage of the stored voltage of the battery, and a charging detecting section for detecting a state of charging to the battery, and this timepiece, when the voltage of the stored voltage declines below a first prescribed voltage which is higher than an operation stop voltage of the timepiece control circuit, and non-charging state is detected for a prescribed time period, executes a forcible stop upon the time keeping operation by lowering or shutting off a current for the timepiece control circuit, and lifts the forcible stop when a prescribed operation return condition is satisfied.

Abstract: The invention provides a reproduction apparatus and a reproduction method by which the error of time information which arises from interruption of power supply to a timer which manages the term of term-managed contents data is minimized to allow accurate term management of contents data. The timer produces time information when power is supplied from a cell, but stops its operation when no power is supplied thereto. The time information produced by the timer is stored into a memory, and the memory holds the stored time information when no power is supplied to the timer. Then, when the power from the cell is supplied subsequently to the timer, the time information stored in the memory is set to the timer so that the timer may thereafter produce correct time information thereby to allow term management of term-managed contents data to be performed accurately.

Abstract: A reliable power supply control function in a portable electronic device which includes a limiter circuit, or includes the limiter circuit and a voltage step-up circuit, to reduce power consumption. It is detected whether or not a voltage generated by a power generator 40 or a voltage accumulated in a power supply device 48, 80 exceeds a preset limiter-ON voltage. When the voltage generated by the power generator 40 or the voltage accumulated in the power supply device 48, 80 has become not lower than the preset limiter-ON voltage, a voltage of electrical energy supplied to the power supply device is limited to a predetermined reference voltage set in advance. When it is determined based on a detection result of a status-of-power-generation detecting section 91 that power is not generated by the power generator 40, detecting operation of a limiter-ON-voltage detecting circuit 91A is prohibited. Power consumption required for operating the limiter-ON-voltage detecting circuit can be thus reduced.

Abstract: Power reserve indicator mechanism for a timepiece movement of the type provided with a power source formed of a motor spring (26), including a frame (10, 12, 14, 16), a power reserve indicator and a differential gear (30) with a first input (44) connected to a wheel (29) driven in rotation when the motor spring is wound, a second input (42) connected to a wheel (20) driven in rotation when the motor spring is let down, and an output (36a) connected to said indicator, wherein the indicator is capable of covering a given angle comprised between two end positions, defined by a stop (78). According to the invention, an intermediate wheel (32) is inserted between the output of the differential gear and said indicator and includes a resilient member (64) arranged so that the differential gear rotates freely while the indicator remains in abutment.

Abstract: Portable electronic equipment includes a carried-by-user detector for detecting whether the electronic equipment is in a state carried by a user or not. When the electronic equipment is in a state not carried by the user, i.e., when the user is not employing the electronic equipment, an operating mode is shifted from a normal operating mode to a power saving mode to reduce power consumption of the electronic equipment. Useless consumption of power during non-use of the electronic equipment can be thus reduced. Further, in electronic equipment (timepiece) incorporating a power generator for generating power by converting first energy (motion, pressure or heat) into electric energy as second energy, whether the power generator is generating power, i.e.

Abstract: Residual battery capacity is calculated in an electronic apparatus having an ultrasonic motor driven by a battery based on the revolution speed of the ultrasonic motor. This permits residual capacity to be calculated extremely close to actual battery life with a simplified circuit structure. An electronic watch having an ultrasonic motor as a driving source of a calendar display mechanism is provided with a residual battery capacity display device having a revolution speed detector for detecting a revolution speed of the ultrasonic motor, a memory for storing comparison representing a relationship between detected revolution speed and battery life, and a CPU for determining residual battery life based on the detected revolution speed and the comparison data. An alarm is generated when the battery life is over.

Abstract: Power reserve indicator mechanism for a timepiece movement of the type provided with a power source formed of a motor spring (26), including a frame (10, 12, 14, 16), a power reserve indicator and a differential gear (30) with a first input (44) connected to a wheel (29) driven in rotation when the motor spring is wound, a second input (42) connected to a wheel (20) driven in rotation when the motor spring is let down, and an output (36a) connected to said indicator, wherein the indicator is capable of covering a given angle comprised between two end positions, defined by a stop (78).

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus and a control method for an electronic apparatus that detects the power-generating state of a power generating unit in a power-saving mode and to positively switch to a normal operation mode. The power-generation voltage of a power generating unit is detected in a power-generation-voltage detection process (steps S2 and S12), and the operation mode of a unit to be driven is switched between a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode according to the power-generating state of the power generating unit or according to the manipulation state of manipulation means in an operation-mode control process (steps S3 to S7, and S10 to S15). In a limiter control process (step S8), the operation of a limiter is disabled when the operation mode of the unit to be driven is the power-saving mode.

Abstract: To provide an electronic watch with calendar without the need to adjust the calendar when the watch is restarted. A control mechanism 133 is provided which uses a signal from a 24-hour switch 12 which operates in synchronism with a time mechanism converter 6 as a signal for operating a date display drive converter 51 during normal watch operation, and uses a signal from a 24-hour counter which receives a signal from a time mechanism circuit 60 as a signal for operating the date display drive converter 51 at other times.

Abstract: A timer for measuring a time period including a high frequency generating unit, a low frequency generating unit and a controller connected to the high and low frequency generating units, wherein the controller deactivates the high frequency generating unit during at least a portion of the time period, detects and counts predetermined portions of the signals provided by the high and low frequency generating units and counts a plurality of the portions of the currently active frequency generating unit.

Abstract: To reduce a number of parts constituting a spring winding state display device and downsize a movement, a device including a first sun wheel installed with a first sun wheel gear 152 and a first sun wheel arbor 154. A second sun wheel 160 is provide with a second sun wheel gear 162 and a second sun wheel pinion 164. The second sun wheel gear 162 is in mesh with an intermediate ratchet wheel 140. A planetary reduction wheel gear 170 is in mesh with a barrel gear 126. A first planetary wheel 172 and a second planetary wheel 174 are rotatably arranged to a planetary reduction wheel gear 170 with centers of rotation thereof disposed at portions different from a center of rotation of the planetary reduction wheel gear 170. The first planetary wheel 172 rotates while revolving around the second sun wheel pinion 164. The second planetary wheel 174 rotates while revolving around the first sun wheel gear 152. A sun wheel finger 180 is attached to a third axle portion 154c such that it can slip.

Abstract: In an electronic watch provided with an electric power generator (1) for generating power from external energy and charge means (3) for charging power generated by the electric power generator (1), clock means (4) executes time display operation by power of the electric power generator (1) or charge means (3) and produces a count pulse (S10) for counting the amount of power stored in the charge means (3) and a charge monitoring means (6) counts the amount of stored power of the charge means (3) in response to the count pulse (S10) and displays the amount of stored power based on the counted value.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a time counter (19) for counting time reference signals, a calendar hand moving device (20) for moving hands in accordance with the count content of the time counter, a cover open/close switch (15) for sensing opening/closing of a timepiece cover and time information setting means for setting time calendar information when the timepiece cover is opened. The time counter (19) is constituted so that it counts the time reference signals by using the time information set by the time information setting means as the reference, and the time information setting means includes an electrode code plate (10) having a plurality of electrodes (10A) that can be electrically connected by an conductive material such as a pencil, a detection circuit (12) for judging the connection between the electrodes and a memory circuit (14) for judging the connection between the electrodes, converting it to time information and storing the time information.

Abstract: An electronic watch comprises electric power generator (10) for generating electric energy from external energy, electric power storage means (30) for storing the electric energy generated, and clock means (20) for executing time display operation by use of the electric energy supplied from the electric power generator (10) or electric power storage means (30). The electronic watch is further provided with arithmetic means (80) for calculating a ratio of a voltage generated by the electric power generator (10) to a voltage of the electric energy stored by the electric power storage means (30), switching circuit (40) for executing connection or disconnection among the electric power generator (10), electric power storage means (30), and clock means (20), and controller (50) so that connection or disconnection within the switching circuit (40) can be controlled by controller (50) according to the ratio as calculated by the arithmetic means (80).

Abstract: An electronic watch is provided with an electric power generator for generating electric energy by external energy, electric power charger for charging the electric energy generated by the electric power generator, a watch driving system comprising a watch driving circuit and a time display sub-system, operated by electric energy supplied by the electric power charger, a stored electric power detector for detecting an amount of electric energy charged in the electric power charger, and a controller. Operation of at least the time display sub-system of the watch driving system is suspended when the amount of electric energy stored as detected by the stored electric power detector falls below a preset standard value, and thereafter, operation of the suspended portion of the watch driving system is resumed upon detecting conditions for reactivation, such operation being continued at least for a period when preset conditions are met.

Abstract: Heretofore, in an electronic clock in which a hand is moved a plurality of divisional times per minute and the hand takes one step for each one minute during a correction, when a pointer is stopped at a point other than an exact minute due to a battery replacement or the like, a time correction has been troublesome. The present invention solves the problem and provides a pointer-type electronic clock which can easily perform the time correction even if the clock is arranged so that a minute hand may be moved a plurality of times per minute. The pointer-type electronic clock has a minute hand that is moved at a plurality of divisional steps per minute in a time display state. The minute hand is moved at one step per minute in a correction state. The pointer-type electronic clock comprises minute hand position adjusting means for allowing the minute hand to be moved onto any one of each minute scale and to be then stopped when the minute hand is stopped or time is corrected.

Abstract: A timepiece device mechanism for indicating the restart of pointer movements after recharging following a halt condition. The timepiece device includes a display for displaying time information wherein the display is driven by a display-drive. A termination-detector monitors the operation of the display and outputs a termination detection signal when detecting a halt of the display. A storage unit receives and holds the termination detection signal and outputs a termination-storage signal in response thereto. A power supply outputs a voltage and a power-supply-voltage detector detects the voltage-level output of the power supply and outputs a power-supply-voltage detection signal when the voltage is greater than or equal to a first reference voltage that is higher than a movement-start voltage.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece in accordance with the present invention includes a time clocking circuit for counting reference signals from a reference signal generating circuit to provide time information as its output; a warning device for warning the user of a specific time, by use of vibrations or a buzzer, on the basis of time information derived from the time clocking circuit; and a timepiece state detection device for detecting the states of the temperature and the power source voltage of the timepiece and, if the detection values deviate from predetermined values, the detection device operates to stop the warning action of the warning means. The timings of time information derived from the time clocking circuit differ from each other between when the timepiece state detection device has detected a low temperature of the timepiece and when it has detected a low voltage at the power source, and differ from the time information timing at the normal state.

Abstract: In an electronic timepiece using power supply means consisting of a solar cell and an electric double layer capacitor, whose output voltage varies, as a power supply, a plurality of driving pulse preparation means for preparing driving pulses for driving a stepping motor are arranged. Each driving pulse preparation means prepares a driving pulse group having a combination of pulse widths, which combination is different from that of remaining ones of the driving pulse preparation means. A varying output voltage of the power supply means is detected, and one of the plurality of driving pulse preparation means is selected in accordance with the detected output voltage. A driving pulse for minimizing the current consumption is selected and supplied to the drive circuit of the stepping motor. With this arrangement, the stepping motor can always be driven at a minimum current consumption, and the driving time can be prolonged.

Abstract: In an electronic watch having an electrical generation means, an electrical power storage means which stores electrical energy generated by the electrical generation means, an oscillator circuit, a control section which operates in response to a clock of the oscillator circuit, and a display section which is controlled by the control section, and which displays the time and also selectively displays a function other than the time, a voltage detection means which detects the voltage of the electrical power storage means and a control section management means which, in response to a detection signal from the voltage detection means controls the operation of the control section are provided, and hysteresis is provided between the operation starting point and operation ending point of the control section, which control such operations as storage of hand positions.

Abstract: A heavy-load driving device for a electronic watch is provided that assures reliable timekeeping operation and enables proper drive in accordance with the power supply voltage level. When drive command circuit generates an alarm-coincidence signal Sa, this signal Sa causes a preparatory judging circuit 10 to operate, so as to make a judgment, in accordance with the reduced power supply voltage level under a given load condition, as to whether or not to allow drive of a beeper device 31, a drive-enabling signal Svm being output if the judgment is to allow drive. By doing this, a heavy-load voltage detection circuit 21 starts to output a drive-time judgment signal Pvh which indicates the power supply voltage level judgment results.

Abstract: Timepiece including:a spring (1a) housed in said barrel (1),an electric power generator (2) coupled to said barrel (1),a rectifier circuit (4) connected to said generator, anda regulator circuit (6) supplied by the direct voltage (Ua) from the rectifier circuit and intended to control the rotational speed of the generator (2).

Abstract: Timepiece comprising a mechanical movement which includes a barrel (8) driving a mechanism formed by a gear train, said timepiece comprising a device for indicating the power reserve comprising a resilient element (6) rotatively coupling in a mechanical manner two coaxial wheels (2,4) of said gear train and a disk (4) and a hand (42) rotatively coupled to said two coaxial wheels respectively and arranged so as to indicate an angular displacement between said hand (42) and a reference mark associated to said disk (40) for indicating the moment of force exerted by said barrel on said gear train, said moment of force being representative of the power reserve of the timepiece.

Abstract: The wrist watch comprises essentially a battery (10), two electric motors (11, 12) which moves the hands (13, 14, 15) on the one hand and a disk of dates (16) on the other hand, an electronic circuit (23) and a watch-type microprocessor (22). When there is a determination by the electronic circuit (23) of the end of the life of the battery, the microprocessor powers the motor (12) in such a manner that the date displayed in the window (17) of the watch is displaced with respect to its normal position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a switching circuit for switching the connection between a first thermoelectric element and a second thermoelectric element between series connection and parallel connection, a voltage detecting circuit for controlling the switching circuit by detecting the voltage of the second thermoelectric element, and a storage battery circuit for storing electricity utilizing the voltages generated by the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element connected by the switching circuit. A voltage generated from an applied temperature difference is detected by the voltage detecting circuit. If there is a sufficient temperature difference, the first thermoelectric element and second thermoelectric element are connected in parallel by the switching circuit to charge the electricity in the storage battery circuit using the doubled current.

Abstract: This timepiece comprises a barrel (1), a spring (1a), hands (5) and an electric energy generator (2) intended to provide, by way of a rectifier (4) a continuous voltage to a regulating circuit (6). This regulating circuit controls the speed of the generator in such a way so as to impose to the hands a rotational speed which corresponds to a correct indication of the current time. The regulating circuit comprises a transistor (10) for short-circuiting the generator and for braking it when said regulating circuit observes that the generator is rotating at a speed which is too large to ensure a correct indication of the time.Means (13 to 17) are provided for counting the number of times that the generator is braked during periods of predetermined duration and means for providing, as a function of the result of this counting, a visual indication of the power reserve.

Abstract: A clock apparatus has a first clock unit, a backup power supply unit, a second clock unit, and a control unit. The first clock unit is used to count time, and the backup power supply unit is used to supply a backup power voltage to the first clock unit, when a general power supply unit does not supply a general power voltage to the clock apparatus. The second clock unit has a higher accuracy than the first clock unit. The control unit is used to adjust the time counted by the first clock unit in accordance with a specific period counted at the second clock unit, and the control unit is also used to control the resetting of an operation of the second clock unit, when the general power supply unit starts to supply the general power voltage to the clock apparatus after the general power supply unit has been stopped.

Abstract: A horological piece includes a display (10) comprising a recurring cycle indicator (13) driven by an independent motor (11) and having a supplementary display position (14) at which a sign representative of the state of charge of an energy source controlling the display, is provided. The horological piece further includes a detection circuit (2, 16) adapted to, firstly, during the detection of a predetermined level of charge of the energy source, control the display so that the recurring cycle indicator is moved the required number of steps to display the representative sign and, secondly, jump the supplementary position during the normal operation of the horological piece.

Abstract: An electronic system is used with one or more digital clocks. The electronic system comprises a two-wire module, attached to the digital clock, for allowing each digital clock to be run and reset to the correct time. A master clock controls a DC supply voltage applied to the two-wire module. The DC supply voltage keeps the digital clock in synchronization with the master clock. Interrupting the DC supply voltage and subsequently reapplying the DC supply voltage causes the two-wire module to set the digital clock to a predetermined time. Reversing polarity of the DC supply voltage for a calibrated time period electronically activates the two-wire module to reset the digital clock to the correct time.

Abstract: A clock circuit for driving a clock movement such as a bipolar clock contains a memory which is programmed to automatically adjust the clock movement for standard and daylight saving time adjustments. The circuit is normally powered from the AC power line but includes a battery backup and is designed to run the clock circuit uninterruptedly for its entire life without needing used initiated adjusting or actuating.

Abstract: A sensor signal processing apparatus for measuring a physical quantity through the use of a sensor. A data processor automatically provides an operation equation by applying two known physical quantities, at two points, to the sensor and storing the data at these two points in a pair of memories. The quantities in the memories are then converted in accordance with a sensor characteristics equation and displayed on a display unit. In addition, a battery is used to supply the data processor with power. If that battery's voltage level falls below a certain point an alarm is sounded, indicating that the battery should be replaced.

Abstract: A stepper motor shaft position sensor differentiates the current provided when the stepper motor is excited as by a step command voltage. The differentiated current is, in effect, a signature indicative of whether or not the motor shaft has taken a step. If the differentiated current falls below a predetermined level within a predetermined interval the motor shaft has taken a step as indicated by a sensor output at a predetermined logic level. Otherwise, the sensor output is at another predetermined logic level indicating that a step has not been taken and the motor is in a stalled condition. The sensor output is applied to a utilizing means which provides a continuous verification of the steppper motor shaft position.