Abstract: In the construction of an electrode matrix having m.multidot.n columns and rows for use, for example, with a liquid crystal display, the number of data electrodes to which independent signals are applied is Nn and the number of scanning electrodes to which independent signals are applied is m/N, N being the interval between elemental cell electrodes connected along the same data electrode. The data electrodes are formed on a baseplate with a layer of insulation covering the data electrodes. Elemental cell electrodes are formed on the insulating layer, and a limited number of openings through the insulating layer allow for an electrical connection between selected cell electrodes and the adjacent data electrode. Scanning electrodes may be formed on the insulating layer and/or on a facing baseplate. Two baseplates are in opposition to form a completed m.multidot.n matrix. Data electrodes on opposite plates overlap in the plan view, and a close spacing of individually controlled cell electrodes is achieved.

Abstract: A quartz crystal wristwatch is temperature compensated by applying additional pulses to the divider circuit. The number and frequency of application of the additional pulses is stored in memory and based upon mean temperature data for the worn wristwatch on an hourly or monthly basis. The oscillator itself uses little or no temperature compensation.

Abstract: Cutting a quartz tuning fork crystal vibrator at a preferred angle and with a thickness which establishes a close coupled relationship between the flexural and torsional modes of vibration of the arms or tines produces a vibrator having a highly favorable cubic frequency temperature characteristic at predetermined frequencies. Weight added to the ends of the vibrating tines reduces the frequency of both flexural and torsional vibration, whereas weight added at nodal points in the flexural vibration primarily reduces only the torsional vibrational mode. Accordingly, a wide range of frequency adjustments is possible. Deviations from the desired crystal operating frequency due to manufacturing variances are adjustable by sequential weight modifications while the desirable cubic temperature characteristic is retained. High accuracy over a wide temperature range permits operation in oscillator circuits at relatively low frequencies and with attendant low power consumption.

Abstract: A switch structure for an electronic timepiece including a multi-position external operational member is provided. The structure includes a click lever and a switch lever, each operationally engaged with the external operational member. Rotation of the external operational member pivots the switch lever for making a first switching connection. Axial displacement of the external operational member shifts the switch lever for making a second switching action upon operation of the external operational member. In a digital electronic timepiece including the switch structure, adjustment of time may be made when the click lever is in a first position and a calendar adjustment may be made once the click lever is in a second position.

Abstract: The dynamic loudspeaker formed with a vibration plate disposed between a yoke and a permanent magnet is provided. The vibration plate is substantially planar formed with a central projecting cylindrical region. A voice coil is disposed on the vertical wall of the central projecting region of the vibration plate. This planar construction of the vibration plate permits a miniaturized construction making the loudspeaker particularly well suited for use in portable electronic equipment having sound making capabilities.

Abstract: A magnetic shielding plate for decreasing the affects of external magnetic flux fields on a step motor in an electronic wristwatch is provided. Specifically, the step motor includes a permanent magnet rotor and a magnetic permeable stator surrounding said rotor for incrementally rotating said rotor in response to changes in the magnetic orientation of said stator. A coil assembly includes an elongated coil core coupled to the stator and a coil wrapped around the elongated core for receiving timekeeping signals. A magnetic shield plate extends the lengthwise extent of the elongated core for shielding the coil core from external magnetic fields surrounding the wristwatch. The minimum cross-sectional area of the shield in the direction perpendicular to the elongated core, taken along the lengthwise extent of the core, defines the magnetic shielding characteristics of the shielding plate.

Abstract: The degenerating condition of the power source in an electronic timepiece, that is, a diminished battery voltage, is indicated to the user by unusual performance of the watch bands. Short periods of accelerated or decelerated hand movements alert the user to the battery condition. Persistent though intermittent unusual hand behavior distinguishes the battery life signals from malfunctions or poor timekeeping. A voltage detector circuit monitors the power source and on low voltage initiates the warning signals which are derived from the divider network of the timepiece. Mechanically resetting the hands to remove the visible effects or erratic hand movement, serves to reset the battery life detector circuits and repeat the warnings.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece including a global time display that is adapted to display local time when the timepiece is in a local time mode and is adapted to be automatically indexed to display a time at a different time zone when the timepiece is in a global display mode is provided. A plurality of numerical display digits are provided for displaying time information and a plurality of visual indication display segments are disposed about the numerical display digits for selectively indicating a predetermined time zone corresponding to the time displayed by the numerical display digits. The mode select circuitry is provided for effecting a display of local time by the display digits and a local time zone by the visual indication display segments when the selection circuitry is disposed in a global time mode.

Abstract: An electronic wristwatch having a calendar display arrangement that is capable of memorizing and displaying date information is provided. Specifically, a digital display that is capable of displaying calendar information is coupled to a calendar display memory that is capable of selectively storing a plurality of predetermined dates therein. Operative means are coupled to the memory and the calendar display for effecting a display of the plurality of dates stored in the memory by the calendar display.

Abstract: A light-weight micro-printer including a one piece molded plastic main frame is provided. The printer frame includes two substantially parallel side frames spaced apart from each other a distance of the width of a print paper with integrally molded support members between the side frames. The support members function as a paper guide member and isolate an electromagnet disposed within the frame.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprising a fundamental frequency oscillator, a plurality of frequency divider stages, a timekeeping mechanism and display, includes circuitry for resetting and setting selective stages of the divider and thereby adding or subtracting timing pulses which are delivered to the timekeeping mechanism. A non-volatile memory stores data which terminates whether a divider stage is to be set or reset. Additionally, a plurality of circuit elements are selectively inserted to modify the circuit of the oscillator and to provide frequency adjustment. External contacts are provided for the inputting of data to memory and for measuring timing rate against an external standard.

Abstract: A power supply for a liquid crystal display including a power source for delivering a voltage larger than the driving voltage of the display and a voltage regulator for adjusting the voltage applied to the display to that required to drive the display is provided. The liquid crystal display includes at least two plates having electrodes thereon in a liquid crystal material disposed between the plates. The voltage regulator has a temperature characteristic corresponding to that of a liquid crystal display wherein the driving voltage of the display decreases with an increase in temperature. The power supply allows use of batteries having inferior discharge characteristics and operating the display in the 1/4 duty-driving mode.