Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.

Abstract: An electrochromic device for use in the field of optical lenses. The device includes a substrate having an expanse and an edge region. A first electrode layer is coated on the expanse and extends substantially across the expanse and into the edge region. An electrochromic layer is coated on the first electrode so that the first electrode layer physically isolates the electrochromic layer from the substrate. A second electrode layer is coated on the electrochromic layer, so that the electrochromic layer physically isolates the second electrode layer from the first electrode layer. A first contact is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. An isolative barrier is coated on the first electrode layer in the edge region. A second contact is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. Alternatively, an isolative channel is formed in the second electrode layer to electrically isolate the first electrode layer from the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.

Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display adapted for a solid state analog timepiece has front and rear transparent substrates with radial transparent electrodes to represent hour, minute and second hands. The contact terminals connected to the electrodes are grouped in an array at the center of the front substrate. An elastomeric connector containing multiple discrete conductors extends through a center hole in the rear substrate to connect the array of contact terminals on the front substrate with a similar array of contact terminals on a printed circuit board behind the display. Liquid crystal material is sealed between the substrates both at the periphery of the display and around the central hole.

Abstract: A battery switch plate is disclosed having a U-shaped frame that receives and supports a timepiece battery and that also provides electrical contact between the positive battery terminal and the timepiece integrated circuit via a lead frame. The switch plate, which is received by an aperture in the rear pod of the timepiece module, holds the battery in position and permits the negative battery terminal to come into contact with another lead frame conducting member. Switching occurs to correct and change timekeeping function of the timepiece when switch contacts are independently forced into electrical contact with underlying leaf spring members that are attached to and extend oppositely outward from the ends of the U-shaped frame or when the leaf spring members are independently forced into electrical contact with underlying switch contacts.

Abstract: A pod which holds the components of an electronic timepiece including the electro-optic display, substrate board and light source for illuminating the display is molded of transparent light transmitting material to pipe the light throughout the portion of the pod behind the display for backlighting the display.