Abstract: A heartbeat monitor for wearing during exercise and receiving audio heartbeat information includes a pulse rate detector having an infrared source and an infrared sensor on a flexible cup-shaped ear piece which fits into the ear canal.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp constructed by screen printing, in succession on a rigid metal plate in the shape of a watch dial, a first of barium titanate, a second layer of phosphor particles in a polymerizable binder, a light transmissive third layer of indium tin oxide, and a conductive peripheral ring of silver epoxy. A transparent dial overlay of Mylar.TM. film with timekeeping indicia fits within the conductive ring. The conductive ring and the substrate serve as the electrodes for the lamp, which illuminates the dial overlay.

Abstract: A lighting system utilizing an optical fiber is provided. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, light rays from a light source are focused into an outer end of the optical fiber wound in a spiral shape. The light rays are focused in by a ball lens. In one embodiment, the spiral shape optical fiber is enclosed by a casing having a reflective inner surface along the periphery and the bottom; however, there is an aperture in the casing to permit light rays from the light source to reach the outer end of the spiral shape optical fiber.

Abstract: The method and structure for providing surface designs to electroluminescent (EL) lamps involves two essential steps. First, a layer of transflective material is introduced to the EL lamp comprising a transparent substrate and front and back electrodes sandwiching an electroluminescent layer and an insulating layer. The layer of transflective material reflects incident ambient light and transmits light emitted by an energized electroluminescent layer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the layer of transflective material replaces the front electrode of the EL lamp. Second, a predetermined surface design is provided to the transparent substrate to enhance diffusion and fringing of both the reflected incident ambient light and the light emitted by the energized electroluminescent layer. This enhanced diffusion and fringing leads to a visually appealing appearance.

Abstract: An alarm clock has a motion sensor, a time display comprising an electroluminescent dial, a manual alarm actuator with a lip cover and a flashlight actuator. When the manual alarm actuator is set in the ON position, any movement (e.g., waving a hand) in the field of view of the motion sensor causes the electroluminescent dial to become activated to a first brightness level. Furthermore, when the alarm is sounding, any movement in the field of view of the motion sensor silences the alarm for a preselected time interval, before the sounding of the alarm is resumed ("snooze" function). In the OFF position for the manual alarm actuator, the lip cover covers the motion sensor so that motion detection is prevented. When the flashlight actuator is actuated, the electroluminescent dial becomes activated to a second brightness level. The second brightness level is noticeably brighter than the first brightness level.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing electroluminescent timepiece dials having three-dimensional indicia and to timepiece dials produced by this method. A subdial having the indicia projecting therefrom is affixed to the bottom of the electroluminescent dial. Three-dimensional effect is created when the projecting indicia are received by apertures in the electroluminescent dial.

Abstract: In a drive circuit for driving an electroluminescent device having an electroluminescent lamp, a battery, and a frequency divider circuit for generating a plurality of signals, including a first signal, the improved voltage-boosting circuit comprising first and second inductors electrically connected to the battery; a digital logic gate electrically connected to the frequency divider circuit; a first transitive switch electrically connected to the frequency divider circuit for receiving the first signal, and electrically connected to the first inductor for providing the first signal to the first inductor; and, a second transitive switch electrically connected to receive an output signal from the digital logic gate and electrically connected to the second inductor for providing the output signal to the second inductor, wherein the first and second inductors are caused to alternately provide high voltage pulses for driving the electroluminescent lamp.

Abstract: The method of providing a pair of contact terminals on the back side of an electroluminescent (EL) lamp, of the type which has EL material between front and back conductive layers, which are disposed on a transparent substrate. A bump of conductive material deposited on the front conductive layer is insulated from the back conductive layer for providing a contact terminal on the back of the EL lamp which is connected to the front conductive layer. A preferred embodiment includes the further steps of adding an extension which relocates the back connection to a different place on the back of the EL lamp.

Abstract: An electroluminescent dial for an analog timepiece comprising a flexible transparent substrate, an inner layer comprising electrically conductive material adhered to the substrate, an EL layer comprising a mixture of electroluminescent material in a binder adhered to the inner layer, and an outer layer covering the electroluminescent layer comprising electrically conductive material, the substrate and the layers comprising a single flexible laminated assembly and having a hole therethrough for accommodating the rotatable stem, and includes a tab portion comprising the substrate and the inner layer extending beyond the EL and outer layers. A dial support member comprising a rigid plate substantially the size and shape of the electroluminescent dial supports the dial on one side of the frame.

Abstract: An improved textile material having a bristle pile specially adapted for use on articles of clothing to create a preferential movement thereof, said improved material comprising a plurality of weft and/or warp yarns, and a pile yarn passing among said weft and/or warp yarns, at least one leg of each loop of said pile yarn being straight and extending at a preselected angle from the surface of said textile to provide a plurality of relatively rigid bristles, and means causing said pile bristles to maintain said preselected angle with the surface of the textile, whereby random movement of the textile with the bristles against the surface of an adjacent object will create a preferential movement of said textile with respect to said object.