Abstract: A selecting apparatus for a multimode electronic wrist instrument. A microcomputer in the wrist instrument is programmed to sequentially actuate selecting indicia similar to a cursor horizontally and/or vertically on the display to indicate a selectable function for the timepiece. At least four directional switches are operated by movement of an operator's finger with respect to a central reference position. The microcomputer is further programmed to select the selectable operating function displayed when a selecting switch is operated. In one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating means comprises four separate directional actuators arranged about a central actuator which operates the selecting switch. In another embodiment, the manual actuating means is a single member adapted to movement in at least four directions corresponding to movement of the selecting indicia on the display and also adapted to be depressed in the center to operate the selecting switch.

Abstract: An improved setting mechanism for a timepiece of a known type having a frame, a gear train, a detented setting stem rotatably mounted and axially slidable in the frame and having a toothed setting pinion which is engageable and disengageable with a plurality of crown teeth arranged on one of the gear train members, the stem setting pinion being arranged on a first axis and the crown tooth gear being arranged on a second axis. The improvement comprises offsetting the first axis so that it does not intersect the second axis and skewing the crown teeth in the direction of offset so that the setting pinion engages the crown teeth from a non-radial direction to facilitate engagement on only one side of the pinion. The offset further facilitates a stem extension in a non-interfering position.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, an audible alarm device, manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to provide several operating modes. The modes include a first mode in which an alarm sounding setting is displayed, which is alterable in response to actuation of a selected setting switch. The modes include a second mode in which said alarm sounding setting is not displayed, but in which said audible alarm device may be disabled by actuation of a selected disabling switch. The improvement consists of a display of the alarm setting which pops up when the alarm sounds and allows the user to reset or restart the timing cycle within a preselected time by actuation of at least one selected switch. A timer causes the pop-up display to disappear without alteration of the alarm setting if the switch is not actuated within the preselected time.

Abstract: Briefly stated, the invention comprises an improved stepping motor and method of making it including locating it in the timepiece frame, the stepping motor including a rotor and a stator. A flat magnetizable stator member defines a central opening with diametrically opposed narrow sections on either side of the opening, a non-magnetic bushing disposed in the opening and secured to the surface of the stator member. The bushing has diametrically opposed cut-out portions aligned with the narrow sections. The narrow sections are severed to separate the stator into two pole shoes which are retained in position by the bushing. The severing is preferably by laser, but may includes sawing or other severing methods. The pole shoes of the stator member are then attached to the timepiece frame plate. The stepping motor rotor is journalled in bores formed in the frame and bushing.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has an electroptic display, an alarm, several pushbuttons and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time. Several timepiece operating modes include a pace mode, wherein audible periodic beeping sounds are produced by the alarm which correspond to the value of a preselected pace of an operator. A first manual actuation of a pushbutton commences a timing event, and second manual actuation of the pushbutton terminates the timing event. An internal program alters the preselected pace and stores an altered pace in response to the time elapsed between first and second actuation of the pushbutton. The program displays the altered pace and causes the alarm to beep at a rate equivalent to the altered pace.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece includes a display, an audible alarm device, a plurality of manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide a plurality of modes including time-of-day, alternate time zone and alarm setting modes. The integrated circuit is programmed to permit an operator to set time-of-day in response to actuation of selected switches, to set alternate time zone time in response to actuation of selected switches, and to set alarm set time in response to actuation of selected switches. The integrated circuit has a memory location for time-of-day and is programmed to selectively actuate the audible alarm device when the alarm set time corresponds to time-of-day in said memory location.

Abstract: An expansion bank linkage of the type having an outer row of outer links and an inner row of staggered inner links, clips conencting each of the links of one row with two links of the other row and a spring in each of the links for resisting displacement when the linkage is stretched longitudinally. The improvement comprises a plurality of first and second clips having flat inner and outer legs connected by a central portion arranged to skew the legs with respect to one another. The first clips are skewed in an opposite sense than the second clips, the clips being arranged so that a first clip leg and a second clip leg are disposed adjacent one another in each of the links whereby the inner and outer links are held in laterally spaced relationship along the length of the linkage when it is in a relaxed position.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, a group plurality of manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide several operating modes including time-of-day mode. The integrated circuit is programmed to permit an operator to sequentially shift the current mode of operation from one mode to the next by selectively and repetitively actuating a first switch. The improved timepiece includes an alternate mode selection when a second switch is temporarily depressed to display the operating condition of a mode other than the current mode. The display returns to the current mode when the second switch is no longer actuated.

Abstract: A strap for holding a wristwatch has a pair of separable flexible strap ends adapted to curve around the wrist and to overlap one another to provide an overlapped section. At least one strap end of thermoplastic material has particles of permanently magnetizable material embedded in the thermoplastic material and magnetized to provide rows of alternating magnetic poles. The strap ends have surfaces contacting one another throughout the overlapped section and mutually nesting uniformly spaced interlocking teeth, whereby the magnetized particles provide a holding force resisting separation of the strap ends, while the nested teeth prevent sliding disengagement movement between strap ends.

Abstract: A three hand movement of the type having a frame, a stepping motor mounted in the frame, a manually actutable timesetting stem disposed in the frame and a gear train driven by the stepping motor to rotate coaxial members carrying "seconds", "minutes", and "hours" hands. An improved dual reduction gear assembly comprises a first rotatable member with a toothed wheel and a second rotatable member having first and second pinions driving the "hours" and "minutes" wheels. A timesetting gear is adapted to be clutched to the "minute wheel". A friction coupling connects the first and second rotatable members during timekeeping. During timesetting, the friction coupling slips to disengage the toothed wheel from the first and second pinions, so that the second rotatable member separately functions as a reduction gear during timesetting.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a timepiece stepping motor comprising the steps of: providing a flat one-piece stator member defining an opening for the rotor and having a pair of diametrically opposed narrow sections on either side of the opening; providing a movement frame having stator locating projections and defining a pair of holes larger than the narrow sections and extending through the movement frame; locating and attaching the stator to the frame with the narrow sections spanning the holes in the frame; cutting through the narrow sections with a laser to sever the stator into two members, utilizing the holes in the frame to dispose of vaporized metal from the stator; encapsulating and re-joining the severed sections with a plastic fixation; and attaching a coil core assembly to the stator members and in magnetic circuit therewith.