Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens having a far vision viewing zone in the upper region of the lens, a near vision viewing zone in the lower region of the lens, an intermediate vision viewing zone in the region intermediate the far vision zone and the near vision zone and a principal meridian vertically disposed in the center of the lens is provided. The far vision viewing zone is divided horizontally into three regions wherein astigmatism is at least in the central region and increases in the regions on both sides of the center region. The central region is formed so that the principal meridian substantially bisects the central region of the far vision viewing zone.

Abstract: A pair of trial spectacles for allowing a wearer to test the feeling and effect of a pair of spectacles and lenses before an actual pair is constructed. The trial spectacles include a frame member adapted to be supported on the face of a wearer having at least a first eye rim portion positioned in front of one of the eyes of wearer when the frame member is supported on the face of the wearer. The first rim portion is adapted to removably support a first lens. The first lens is horizontally slidable in the first portion so that the first lens can be horizontally adjusted to meet the wearer's visual requirements.

Abstract: Progressive multifocal ophthalmic lenses are provided having a far vision viewing zone, a near vision viewing zone and an intermediate vision viewing zone therebetween. A principal meridian curve extends vertically through the far, intermediate and near vision viewing zones. The surface power along the principal meridian curve in the intermediate vision viewing zone varies progressively. The sizes of the zones and configuration of the zones are set by predetermined conditions and equations. The construction provides improved lenses for use in activities such as sports, driving, shopping and the like.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: An improved electronic timepiece transducer wherein the construction of the permanent magnet rotor and a magnetic permeable stator effects a reduction in energy consumption during operation. In particular, the rotor is characterized by a predetermined thickness and at least two concentric circular equal radii surfaces having the same radius. Similarly, the stator includes highly permeable stator poles having a predetermined thickness and two symmetrical equal radii semi-circular stator surfaces having the same radius and surrounding the rotor. The ratio of the rotor radii to the stator radii and the ratio of the rotor thickness to the stator thickness define a specific relationship that effects a reduction in the energy consumed by the step motor during operation.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low-frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: A step motor driving and control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor by detecting the signals induced in the drive coil of the step motor after each stepping of the rotor. The load detection circuitry selectively produces a load condition signal in response to detecting current peaks representative of a predetermined load condition of the step motor. The load detection circuitry is characterized by the use of MOS transistors therein for accurately detecting the occurrence of the current peaks. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal, when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry.