Abstract: A meter reader is disclosed for automatically reading utility meters at a telephone subscriber station and transmitting the meter data read to a central office over non-dedicated telephone lines in response to a call initiated by the central office. The meter reader is located at the subscriber station and includes, a microprocessor, a telephone isolating device, a call answering device, a ring detector, an off-hook detector, a ring generator, a data transmitter-receiver device and a modem. Each day the telephone is isolated from the telephone lines for a predetermined data access time. Any call made to the subscriber station during the data access time is answered by the meter reader. A coded signal is sent out over the telephone lines by the meter reader for the purpose of determining the source of the call. If the call is from the central office a coded reply signal is sent back and, the meter reader transmits the data to the central office.

Abstract: A solid state digital watch and barometric pressure indicator having a sealed quartz crystal and a second unsealed quartz crystal which changes frequency with atmospheric pressure changes. The frequency variation of the unsealed quartz crystal is measured over a selected (interrogation) period and some number proportional to the frequency variation, which is indicative of the magnitude of atmospheric pressure change, is displayed with an appropriate sign to indicate increasing or decreasing atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A driving circuit for an electrochromic display cell wherein writing and erasing of a segment is effected by relatively high write and erase transition potentials. After a predetermined transition period, the written and erased segments are stabilized at a desired coloration or transparency by application of a maintaining write potential(s) and a maintaining erase potential(s) respectively. The write maintain potential is periodically adjusted to a level whereby a predetermined charge level is maintained on the written segments. In this manner, a maintain potential on the segments(s) is periodically adjusted to compensate for degradation of the electrochromic material and to thereby maintain the desired contrast ratio between the written and erased segments.

Abstract: An alarm device comprises a wrist watch which includes timing and alarm setting elements with a separate alarm box containing a sensor and sonic generator alarm. When the alarm feature is to be used, the watch is mounted in the alarm box and at the time of alarm, the wristwatch provides electrically generated alarm coupling signals which are detected by the remote sensor to activate the sonic generator alarm. The electrically generated coupling signals may be RF, magnetic or optical. Since the sonic generator and associated power supply of the alarm are mounted in the alarm box, rather than in the watch, the alarm watch may be styled to provide an aesthetically attractive watch which is thin and of suitably small dimensions.

Abstract: A method of trimming or tuning the frequency of vibration of a piezoelectric resonator comprising varying the ambient gas pressure within an unsealed resonator can until the desired frequency is obtained. The can is then sealed at the desired pressure, and thereby maintains the desired resonant frequency.

Abstract: A one button-switch time display set and adjustment apparatus for an electronic timepiece having a digital electro-optic display. The (time) information being displayed is set or adjusted by depressing and holding depressed the buttonswitch which causes the display indicia, i.e. digit (s) and other time display intervals, each to flash or flicker separately in a predetermined order. If the button-switch is released while the segment to be adjusted is being interrogated, indicated by the flickering or flashing of that indicia, the interrogation operation or sequence is interrupted and that indicia continues to flicker. Depressing and holding depressed the button-switch again, for a predetermined time, causes updating of the interrogated indicia at a 1 HZ rate. Releasing the button-switch stops the updating of the selected display indicia and causes the timepiece to return to the normal running mode or operation.

Abstract: A one button-switch time display set and adjustment apparatus for an electronic timepiece having a digital electro-optic display. The (time) information being displayed is set or adjusted by depressing and holding depressed the buttonswitch which causes the display indicia, i.e. digit (s) and other time display intervals, each to flash or flicker separately in a predetermined order. If the button-switch is released while the segment to be adjusted is being interrogated, indicated by the flickering or flashing of that indicia, the interrogation operation or sequence is interrupted and that indicia continues to flicker. Depressing and holding depressed the button-switch again, for a predetermined time, causes updating of the interrogated indicia at a 1 HZ rate. Releasing the button-switch stops the updating of the selected display indicia and causes the timepiece to return to the normal running mode or operation.