Patents by Inventor Heihachiro Ebihara

Heihachiro Ebihara has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20050117626
    Abstract: A heat collecting member of a thermometer, such as a clinical thermometer, is formed of a titanium-based material or a metallic base material of which the surface is coated with the titanium-based material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Isamu Kobayashi, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6259492
    Abstract: An antiferroelectric liquid crystal display apparatus free from burn-in and achieving high display quality is provided by providing means for preventing pixel brightness from varying between pixels continuously held in an ON (bright) state and pixels continuously held in an OFF (dark) state. Aging processing is performed to saturate the brightness level of pixels into a stable state and thereby prevent the occurrence of a white brightening phenomenon. For this purpose, the brightness at a no voltage condition (base brightness) is set to a normalized level for all pixels in the liquid crystal panel that are required to exhibit uniform display performance. Further, temperature variations in the liquid crystal panel are eliminated to stabilize the brightness level and thereby prevent the occurrence of a white darkening phenomenon. Means is also provided for repeatedly performing normalization processes automatically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Imoto, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6232942
    Abstract: An antiferroelectric liquid crystal display device provided with means for preventing optical transmittance or the mean value of the optical transmittance from changing in a holding period tk. Thereby, the black display state thereof is stabilized. Further, the control of a gray shades display is facilitated. Moreover, linear gray scale characteristics and high contrast are provided. Thus, in the antiferroelectric liquid crystal display device having a selection period tw and the holding period tk, the optimum holding voltage (Vh), by which the optical transmittance little changes in the holding period tk, is applied to liquid crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Imoto, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6154069
    Abstract: A circuit for driving a capacitive load using a booster having a low power consumption, which amplifies spike-like signals at high speeds and produces a large voltage and a large current, and wherein two transistors 104 and 111 are connected in series across a first power source H1 and a second power source L1 having a potential lower than that of the first power source. An output terminal OUT is provided at a portion where the two transistors are connected together, and the first transistor 104 connected between the first power source and the output terminal has a complementary relationship to the second transistor 11 connected between the output terminal and the second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5945971
    Abstract: Antiferroelectric liquid crystal display device provided with a selection period tw, during which a scanning voltage is applied for determining a liquid-crystal display condition or state of a pixel, and further provided with a holding period tk, during which the determined liquid-crystal display state of the pixel is held, and a relaxation period ts, in which the state of the liquid crystal is changed from a ferroelectric state to an antiferroelectric state before the selection period tw and after the holding time tk. Moreover, in the case of this device, at least one horizontal scanning interval, in which the scanning signal voltage is not zero at least during a display signal active period, is provided in the relaxation period ts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Imoto, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5886755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antiferroelectric liquid crystal display device, by which a time (namely, a ferroelectric saturation time tr) required for transition of the state of a liquid crystal, which has been in a dark state, to a saturated bright state is reduced. A method of establishing a precedent driving period in such a manner as to be precedent to a selective driving period and of obtaining a value, at which the ferroelectric saturation time tr is minimized, of a synthetic voltage from a scanning signal and a display signal in the precedent driving period. A device using the value obtained by this method. In the precedent driving period, a voltage, whose voltage value is .vertline.Vx.vertline., is applied to the liquid crystal. In a selective driving period, a voltage, which is different in polarity from the voltage value .vertline.Vx.vertline. and has a voltage value is .vertline.Vz.vertline., is applied thereto. In other periods, a voltage having a voltage value of 0 is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Imoto, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5841412
    Abstract: The present invention improves the drop of a contrast, the occurrence of cross-talk and the drop of a response speed by bringing the drive state of an electrooptical display device to theoretical values. In a display device including a display panel having common electrode groups and segment electrode groups, a common electrode drive circuit and a segment electrode drive circuit, the quantity of the current flowing through the display panel through the segment electrode drive circuit is detected by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 101 and a resistor Ra and by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 102 and the resistor Ra, and the common electrode drive voltage applied to the common electrode groups through the common electrode drive circuit is controlled by a differential amplifier 103 on the basis of this current detection quantity, whereby the contrast is improve cross-talk is eliminated, and remarkable effects are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5828354
    Abstract: The present invention improves the drop of a contrast, the occurrence of cross-talk and the drop of a response speed by bringing the drive state of an electrooptical display device to theoretical values. In a display device including a display panel having common electrode groups and segment electrode groups, a common electrode drive circuit and a segment electrode drive circuit, the quantity of the current flowing through the display panel through the segment electrode drive circuit is detected by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 101 and a resistor Ra and by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 102 and the resistor Ra, and the common electrode drive voltage applied to the common electrode groups through the common electrode drive circuit is controlled by a differential amplifier 103 on the basis of this current detection quantity, whereby the contrast is improve, cross-talk is eliminated, and remarkable effects are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5583528
    Abstract: The present invention improves the drop of a contrast, the occurrence of cross-talk and the drop of a response speed by bringing the drive state of an electrooptical display device to theoretical values. In a display device including a display panel having common electrode groups and segment electrode groups, a common electrode drive circuit and a segment electrode drive circuit, the quantity of the current flowing through the display panel through the segment electrode drive circuit is detected by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 101 and a resistor Ra and by a current detection circuit consisting of a differential amplifier 102 and the resistor Ra, and the common electrode drive voltage applied to the common electrode groups through the common electrode drive circuit is controlled by a differential amplifier on the basis of this current detection quantity, whereby the contrast is improve, cross-talk is eliminated, and remarkable effects are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 5006933
    Abstract: In a liquid crystal television, segment electrodes of a liquid crystal panel are divided into image segment electrodes and indicator segment electrodes. A liquid crystal display unit includes an image segment driver for receiving a video signal from a television receiver and driving the image segment electrodes, and an indicator segment driver for receiving a tuning voltage from a tuning voltage control unit and driving the indicator segment electrodes. The image and indicator segment drivers are driven by signals having different voltage waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuminori Suzuki, Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 4589097
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory circuit comprising a plurality of semiconductor non-volatile memory elements, with erasure of data stored in all of these elements, enabling of selective write-in to all of the elements and read-out of stored data being controlled by potentials applied to a single control terminal. Use of a single terminal for these functions, rather than a pair of terminals as in the prior art, makes the circuit highly suitable for ultra-miniature electronic device applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 4487099
    Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer drive circuit for driving a device such as a miniature piezoelectric buzzer to emit musical notes, the notes having a damped waveform envelope whose shape is controlled by digital signals. The notes are formed by mutually independent circuit means and can be combined to produce musical chords. The circuit incorporates relatively few elements, and is suitable for implementation within a MOS IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 4266278
    Abstract: A portable electronic device with calculation and timekeeping functions, equipped with a keyboard for calculation and time setting purposes, means for producing scanning signals when a key is actuated, these signals being applied to switching elements connected to rows of keyboard contacts. When a key is depressed, the resultant high level signal potential applied to the corresponding contact row causes the row position to be detected and stored in a first memory circuit, which produces a signal causing the corresponding contact column to be detected and stored in a second memory circuit. Actuation of an external control member causes a signal to be stored by a reset signal in a first stage memory circuit which produces an output signal to be subsequently stored in a second stage memory circuit in synchronism with a timing signal. The low frequency and low duty cycle of the scanning signals and reset signal ensure minimized power consumption and suppression of switch bounce effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya, Takashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 4258275
    Abstract: Adjustments in a miniature electronic device are rapidly accomplished through electronic switching using non-volatile semiconductor memory elements which memorize the amount of an adjustment. Adjustments are accomplished by the application of positive or negative voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 4255723
    Abstract: An amplitude control inverter circuit for an electronic device having a power source and a signal source. A complementary pair of field effect transistors having gate electrodes are connected to the signal source, and at least one amplitude control field effect transistor is connected to the complementary pair of field effect transistors. The amplitude control field effect transistor has its gate electrode responsive to a phase delayed output of the complementary pair of field effect transistors to control a duration of current flow in the complementary pair of field effect transistors. A resistor is connected to the gate electrode of the amplitude control field effect transistor. A capacitor has one terminal connected to a terminal of the resistor and also to the amplitude control field effect transistor, and another terminal connected to the power source. The amplitude control inverter circuit may be used in crystal oscillators and in buffer amplifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Heihachiro Ebihara
  • Patent number: 4250571
    Abstract: A portable electronic device equipped with timekeeping circuit means for providing at least units of seconds and tens of seconds of time information, and display means for displaying said time information in digital form, which comprises first external control member for inputting numeric data signals, a control circuit for selecting at least said tens of seconds of said time data for correction, second external control member for inputting control signals to actuate said control circuit, first gate means for applying said numeric data signals to said timekeeping circuit means to effect correction of at least said tens of seconds of time information, second gate means for automatically resetting said units of seconds of time information to zero in response to correction of said tens of seconds of time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya, Takashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 4240150
    Abstract: A portable electronic device including a battery power supply, an oscillator for generating a time base signal, a timing pulse generator for generating timing pulses from said time base signal, shift registers for operations, and a display device for displaying the content of said registers, characterized by the provision of means for initiating and halting the operation of the timing pulse generator without disconnecting the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya, Takashi Yamada
  • Patent number: 4237420
    Abstract: A circuit for producing a digital output varying linearly with temperature changes by measuring the width of a pulse from a monostable multivibrator, in which the pulse is measured more than twice in succession and the results added. A greater change in the digital output for a given temperature change is achieved, providing higher measurement accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya, Misao Uchino
  • Patent number: 4229668
    Abstract: A transistor circuit having a plurality of CMOS circuits in which the power circuits of said CMOS circuits constitute a series circuit in which the power source circuits are in series connected to each other and the opposite ends of said series circuit is connected to the opposite ends of an electric battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya
  • Patent number: 4227192
    Abstract: Drive signals are applied to the segment and digit electrodes of a liquid crystal display device in a time-multiplexed manner by means of a control circuit adapted to control first and second gates the output of one of which is selected as a segment signal by selection means, and further adapted to control a digit signal generating circuit for producing a digit signal that cooperates with the segment signal to drive the display. The effective application of drive signals allows a reduction in the number of segment electrodes and in the quantity of associated wiring so that the degree of integration on an IC chip can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heihachiro Ebihara, Fukuo Sekiya, Takashi Yamada