Including Alarm Means Patents (Class 368/109)
  • Patent number: 4949320
    Abstract: Acoustic signal apparatus, especially used as time tapper for sportive interval trainings, having a signal giving device (3) producing acoustic signals, said signal giving device (3) being controlled by a master clock device (1) to produce a plurality of acoustic pulses mutually shifted by predetermined clock intervals. Mutually different acoustic pulses are produceable by the signal giving device (3), and the signal giving device (3) is controlled by the master clock device (1) in such a way that the mutually different acoustic pulses are mutually time shifted alternatingly in cyclical repetitions for predetermined clock intervals, said clock intervals being adjustable independently of each other by the adjusting device (13, 14) of the master clock device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Georg Karrenberg
  • Patent number: 4872005
    Abstract: An electronic paging receiver for reminding a user of an important event includes a time of day clock for recording the time when a data message is received. The paging receiver computes a future alert time to remind the user of the receipt of the data message. Additionally, the user may enter a future alert time to generate a future alert. Further, the paging receiver is capable of detecting a special time/date field in the received data message to automatically generate a future alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan S. DeLuca, Thomas F. Holmes, Mark J. Abbaticchio
  • Patent number: 4858207
    Abstract: An alarm device which will remind the user to take individually packaged medicaments such as contraceptive pills at the correct time. The device has a support for the package and individually depressible buttons, each aligned with one individual compartment of the packet. In this way depression of a button will get an individually packed pill. Timer means are provided for monitoring the time lapsed after any button has been depressed and means link the button to the timer means so that depression of any one button will re-start the timer means. An audible alarm is provided which sounds when the timer means reach a preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Micro Technologies International Limited
    Inventor: Albrecht Buchner
  • Patent number: 4849948
    Abstract: A highly portable, disposable, self-contained timer provides a user-perceptible signal at automatically-successive, fixed time intervals to alert the user as to the times for taking medications. The time intervals are not variably programmable, and different timers having different fixed time intervals are provided for use with different medications. Preferably, the time intervals are nonuniform, comprising multiple shorter intervals combined with a longer interval corresponding to a normal sleeping period so that, when the timer is initialized in accordance with the user's sleeping cycle, no signal is emitted while the user is asleep. The device is powered by a nonreplaceable battery for economy and disposability, and a deactivator circuit is included which permanently disables the unit after a predetermined length of time well within the life of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Medalarm Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley D. Davis, Judson C. Groshong, Leonard J. Marcel
  • Patent number: 4801921
    Abstract: An abdominal muscle firmness alarm is characterized by a control unit containing a mechanism for producing a signal in the form of an electrical charge or a vibration impulse; a switch for controlling operation; a timer for selecting the interval between the transmitted signals; and, discs interconnecting the control unit and selectively affixed to the wearer's abdominal region over the Rectus muscles. When the wearer senses the signal through the aforesaid discs, the wearer is reminded to contract the muscles of the abdomen, increasing the muscle tone of the latter and serving restoring and abdomen flattening purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Robert W. Zigenfus
  • Patent number: 4785433
    Abstract: A pet watch process and circuit discloses the use of an animal carried timer that gives audio signal after a preset time has elapsed. The timer is used in conjunction with a conditioning program to produce a desired motive behavior, e.g., to induce an animal to come home when the audio signal sounds. The timer is incremently adjustable and has a liquid crystal display. The conditioning method is an incremental process which begins with the owner calling the pet and sounding the alarm simultaneously with the pet in the same room, after longer and longer incremental time intervals, and finally is set off with the pet remote from its owner. (i.e. outside the house) As the training process proceeds, the alarm is set off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventors: George Bush, Estelle Ross
  • Patent number: 4768176
    Abstract: A container for medication has four compartments, each of which may store medication. An electrical signaling system emits take-medication signals from time to time, each of which said signals indicates (a) that medication should be taken, (b) from which compartment the medication should be taken, (c) the quantity of medication to be taken from the designated compartment, and instructions for taking the medication. If a designated compartment is not promptly opened and closed, the electrical signaling system will sound an alarm. If each designated compartment is opened and closed, the take-medication signal and the alarm (if operating) are turned off. A "night" switch is associated with each compartment and when manually operated turns off the signaling system for such compartment; however, the signaling system is automatically reactivated the next morning. A reload signal is given once a week, as a reminder to reload the compartments with medication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kehr, Albert L. Hedrich
  • Patent number: 4725997
    Abstract: A contingent dosing device which actively controls the pattern in which doses of one or more pharmaceutical preparations are administered to a patient. The device is programmed with information concerning an initial dosing regimen, and monitors deviations from that regimen. Based on the acceptability of the calculated deviations, the device may dispense or withhold medication. The invention also includes an automatic drug dosage compliance method using the contingent dosing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Aprex Corporation
    Inventors: John Urquhart, Harold R. Elgie
  • Patent number: 4711585
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing perceptible cueing signals to an expectant mother to which she may synchronize her breathing for the purpose of easing delivery includes an oscillator of selectable frequency and duty cycle which drives physiologically perceptible transducers. In the preferred embodiment, the transducers are two different colored lamps, one of which is illuminated to cue inhalation and the other to cue exhalation. The apparatus includes a manual start/stop switch depressed by the expectant mother at the beginning and end, respectively, of a contraction period to initiate and terminate the periodic display of inhalation and exhalation lamps. The apparatus includes an elapsed time indicator initiated by a stop signal and halted by a start signal which measures and displays the time interval between contractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Inventors: Meredith L. Fresquez, Chris J. Fresquez, Daniel A. Porter
  • Patent number: 4696576
    Abstract: A control board containing a row of electric timers, each of which is activated by an inserted ticket and a lamp activated by each timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventor: Frankie A. Moore
  • Patent number: 4687341
    Abstract: A timer advantageously in the form of a wristwatch and is combined with the time indicating function of the watch. The timer comprises a setting device enabling an accumulator to be loaded through the medium of a position transducer. The movement of the setting device being a stepwise one, each of its shifts enables a pulse to be generating which corresponds to a number of reference periods supplied by a time base. The accumulator is counted down by the time base and, when the accumulator is empty, a warning signal generating device is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: ETA SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventors: Jacques Muller, Alexandre Cassani
  • Patent number: 4660991
    Abstract: A device is described for storing and periodically signalling the time for taking drugs, consisting of a drug container in the form of a blister pack and having a signal emitter activated in settable time intervals. The signal emitter is an electric timer having an audio signal emitter and/or an optical signal indicator and an electrically activated input receiving an electrical starting pulse at the time when a first drug dose is removed from the pack. Sensors responding to the removal of the drug doses provide the electrical pulse. The device is designed so that commercially available drug containers may be used without alteration. For this purpose the device has a supporting frame which at least partially encloses the marginal zone or edge of the drug container, and which, owing to its at least partially open design at the bottom, permits dispensing of the drug doses from the drug container which is inserted in the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Udo Simon
  • Patent number: 4659233
    Abstract: The present invention provides a timpiece including clock and timer sections which can be operated solely or in association with each other. When the clock and timer sections are combined with each other, the start of the timer section is controlled by an alarm signal from the clock section such that two different alarm functions can be attained. The alarm signal is preferably in the form of an alarm output or alarm pause output. The clock and timer secitons may be connected into a unit or mechanically disconnected from each other. When the clock section can be separated from the timer section, the state of connection therebetween and the life of a battery used can warningly be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Nakamura, Hideki Morishima
  • Patent number: 4641125
    Abstract: A meter beater timer is provided which alerts the user when a pre-determined time interval has expired so that he can return to the meter and deposit additional coins if necessary. Unlike previous timers, the user is reminded to set the timer when he withdraws the ignition key from the ignition. The key is attached to a key ring and to a key chain which retracts into the timer housing when the key is removed from the ignition depressing a plunger which sets off an alarm. An electronic version and a mechanical version are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Nastazio Pesa
  • Patent number: 4637732
    Abstract: A sports timing device for referees, officials, umpires, coaches and the like. The timer is ideally adapted for football or basketball officiating and it contains circuit means for generating necessary timing signals for officiating the game. The circuit is initiated manually by depression of a primary switch, and timing alarm signals generated by the circuit actuate tactile stimulation means to vibrate the device enclosure to warn the referee or official without the necessity of him visually observing the apparatus. In the football mode the device preferably provides an alarm after expiration of twenty five seconds. In the basketball mode the device provides three second, five second and ten second warnings. Low battery signalling means are incorporated in the circuitry for immediately warning the user that the battery is weak prior to commencing a timing operation; also, an LED provides an immediate dead battery warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Charles Jones
    Inventors: Charles Jones, James L. Murphy, Kenneth Burks
  • Patent number: 4611924
    Abstract: A container particularly for medicaments is disclosed. The container includes an alarm which is actuated at a predetermined time each day if the container is not opened during a predetermined time interval prior to said predetermined time. The time interval can be twenty four hours. If the container is opened during said time interval, the alarm is disabled and only actuated at the end of the succeeding time interval. If the alarm is actuated because the container has not been opened during the preceding time interval, opening of the container disables the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Howard R. Stasin
  • Patent number: 4588303
    Abstract: A medical timer apparatus that provides a time of day display and that measures time as between sensings of a monitored parameter, such as the opening of a medication container. Alarm time information may be input as either preselected times of day or as an interval between openings of the medication container. A minimum safe interval between dosages unit operates to signal when medication should not be taken. A predosing interval unit operates to signal the operator that medication might be safely dispensed even though the alarm time has not yet arrived. The invention also operates to calculate and display a compliance score that indicates how well the patient has complied wtih the prescription schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Assignee: Mediminder Development Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Wirtschafter, Richard S. Walton
  • Patent number: 4566803
    Abstract: A power source off delay timer generates an off delay output after passage of a determinate time delay period from when an input power source is switched off. This timer includes a main body, a liquid crystal display mounted to the main body so as to display the operational condition of the timer, and a liquid crystal display drive unit for driving the liquid crystal display during the time that the power source is on and also during the determinate time delay period between the time instant at which the power source is switched off and the subsequent time instant at which the timer generates the off delay output. Thereby, the position of the liquid crystal display may be substantially arbitrarily selected, and also the position of the keep relay may be arbitrarily chosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Tetuya Waniisi, Hiroshi Sato, Isao Nanba
  • Patent number: 4530607
    Abstract: A battery-powered alarm and reset circuit for a conventional electromechanical countdown timing mechanism which drives a set of cam-actuated main contacts. The circuit renders both a visual and an audible alarm at zero countdown time. The rotation of a timer knob closes the main contacts which readies the digital NAND gate logic of the circuit to a state preliminary to oscillation. At zero countdown time, one of the NAND gates goes into oscillation to generate a sequence of relatively low-frequency pulses in response to the opening of the main contact at zero countdown time. The low-frequency pulses activate an LED light to render a visual blinking alarm and an electrical horn to render an audible beeping alarm. Both alarms continue indefinitely until momentary manual closure of a reset switch stops the NAND gate from oscillating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Pelouze Scale Company
    Inventor: John H. Bungener
  • Patent number: 4526479
    Abstract: A self-contained, battery-powered, hand-held and finger-actuated timer produces switch controlled signals at a series of increasing time intervals for timing athletic games and in form which allows the user to retain visual contact with the game being timed and also so as to leave the user's fingers free for finger signaling, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Carl N. Harris
  • Patent number: 4526474
    Abstract: A device is described for storing, and periodically announcing the time for removal of, drug doses in pill, tablet or capsule form. A patient is warned at regular intervals to remove a drug dose from a blister pack serving as drug container.An electronic timer system associated with the blister pack activates periodically a signal emitter which emits a preferably acoustic signal. Optionally an optical signal emitter can also be installed in the warning ystem. The system comprises an electrically activatable input which receives a starting pulse at the time when a first drug dose is to be removed from the blister pack. The starting pulse is generated by rupturing, through removal of a drug dose from a blister pocket, an electric pulse lead which extends across the blister pocket in the rupturable closing foil of the latter and which is connected to the starting pulse input of the timer in the warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Udo Simon
  • Patent number: 4523857
    Abstract: The analog electronic timepiece has a plurality of functions, each driven independently by a dedicated step motor. A stem, pullable to three positions and a plurality of pushbuttons control operation. Each indicator hand may be set to zero independently by operation of an external button when the electronic circuits indicate that the respective hand should be at the zero position. A single frequency signal source and divider network provide frequency signals to all functions. Phase shifting circuits assure that driving signals to the independent motors are never concurrent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha
    Inventor: Kenichi Ushikoshi
  • Patent number: 4492479
    Abstract: A small electronic timer comprises a circuit arrangement including a time unit pulse generating circuit for generating a time unit pulse, a time counter for counting the time unit pulse, a data memory circuit, a coincidence detecting circuit for comparing data stored in the data memory circuit and data of the time counter and producing a coincidence signal, and a control circuit operated by the coincidence signal; a sound emitting means driven by the control circuit; a time setting means for feeding a set time to the data memory circuit; and a first housing and a second housing for accommodating the circuit arrangement, sound emitting means and time setting means. The first and second housings permits their relative position to be changed, and by changing it, the time setting means is operated and the timer is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hatsuse, Kazunari Kume
  • Patent number: 4490051
    Abstract: An electromechanical short interval timer has an actuating dial which can be manually rotated from a rest position to establish a time-elapse period. An electric motor returns the dial to its rest position. A timing circuit delivers electric pulses to drive the motor. A frequency selector switch is connected to or within the timing circuit whereby the pulse frequency can be varied. In this way, the time elapse period which is set by a given amount of dial rotation can be varied in a simplified manner. The dial activates a signal emitter before reaching its rest position, and simultaneously activates a timer circuit to continue returning the dial to its rest position. The dial engages a movable stop at both ends of its 360 degree travel stroke which assumes that the dial travels exactly 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Gebruder Junghans GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Flaig, Egon Rapp, Herrmann Brede, Wolfgang Ganter
  • Patent number: 4490589
    Abstract: The invention is a timing mechanism comprising a motor drive having an output member including at least one leg, a shaft including a circular hub portion having a circular recess therein, a spring tightly and frictionally held within and against an inner wall of the recess, at least one tang extending from the spring and engaging the leg, cams independently rotatably carried on the hub portion through a bore in the cams, a lost motion connection coupling the cams to the hub portion, and a switch assembly responsive to a rotation of the cams to be opened and closed dependent upon the mode of operation. A spring clutch permits the shaft to be manually rotated independent of the motor drive. At the end of a time cycle, a movable switch blade of the switch assembly move a slider to actuate a bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmo W. Voland
  • Patent number: 4451158
    Abstract: A countdown timer designed for counting down predetermined intervals of time and periodically announcing the progressive elapse of the countdown period thru the use of a voice synthesizer. The time interval between the spoken announcements is decreased as the end of the period approaches. An automatic restart period is incorporated which recycles to a predetermined time to begin the countdown again the number of the restart cycle being counted down is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: William P. Ketcham
    Inventors: Stephen Selwyn, William P. Ketcham
  • Patent number: 4419016
    Abstract: A patient medication use compliance aid which enables the users to readily ascertain the time at which they took a previous dose of medication. A time keeping device is incorporated into a typical container for medicinal products without the need for complicated container construction or complex mechanical parts or expensive electronic circuitry. The time keeping device displays the time and day of the week when the container was last opened by the patient-user and continues to display the same, even after closing of the container, to serve as a reminder. The time keeping device may also be provided with settable alarms to visually or audibly alert the patient as to when the next dose is to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Bart J. Zoltan
  • Patent number: 4412750
    Abstract: One of two actuator arms is responsive to a sharp drop in a step of a cam means, the arm engaging the bottom of the step to limit its travel. A striker carried by the arm continues in the direction of the drop to engage an alarm means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice E. Schuder, Richard W. Stafford
  • Patent number: 4405241
    Abstract: Voice sounds can be recorded by recording sections in an electronic device having a timepiece function. The voice sounds indicate the purposes corresponding to alarm times so that the recorded contents may be reproduced upon operation of a particular switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Aihara, Iwao Tahara, Yushin Matsuo, Naoki Takahashi, Takuo Wakabayashi, deceased, Shigemasa Wakabayashi, executor
  • Patent number: 4361408
    Abstract: A timer and alarm apparatus suitable for complementary use with medication containers or other similar vessels. The timer includes an electronic elapsed time measuring unit and a display unit for indicating the elapsed time, an interval set unit for presetting a desired time period, an alarm unit to signal the conclusion of the preset interval and a reset unit to reinitiate the measurement of elapsed time. The timer also includes a unique capsule-shaped housing and includes an elastic strip for disposition about an appropriate container. The reset unit may be automatically responsive to the periodic dispensation of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: Mediminder Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Wirtschafter
  • Patent number: 4337529
    Abstract: A pace timing device for timing steps or other actions during physical exercise, providing audible tone bursts as timing information, and equipped with means for setting the repetition rate and rhythm of the tone bursts to suitable values. Audible and visible indications can be given of elapsed time and of numbers of actions completed during an exercise period, and pulse rate or other physiological parameters can be measured while exercise is being undertaken, and visible or audible indications thereof provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventor: Shigeru Morokawa
  • Patent number: 4267586
    Abstract: An electrophonic musical instrument which can be of sufficiently small size to be incorporated in a portable electronic timepiece, having operating members which serve to input data corresponding to pitch and timing information for a sequence of musical notes to be stored in an internal memory, and having means whereby said sequence of musical notes can be subsequently automatically reproduced audibly by actuating another operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Misao Uchino, Minoru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4267589
    Abstract: There are provided a frequency divider for dividing the frequency of the frequency signal produced by an oscillator, a counter for counting the number of the frequency divided fundamental signal, an input circuit for prestoring a time to be announced in a memory device so as to operate an alarm device, a comparator for comparing the time counted by the counter with a preset time, an input circuit supplied with a message so as to display the message concurrently with the operation of the alarm device, a character memory device for storing the applied message, and a display device for displaying the stored message. The content of the counter is compared with the time to be announced preset in the memory device. When a coincidence holds a buzzer is operated and at the same time a predetermined message preset in the character memory device is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1981
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4254955
    Abstract: A bingo game timer apparatus for cooperation with a device capable of supplying bingo indicia carrying articles, such as balls, one after the other along a path, to assist the bingo game operator in calling out bingo indicia to be played. The timer apparatus includes a limit switch having an actuator positioned for actuation by a ball moving along the path. A timer responds to actuation of the limit switch for timing an interval adjustable to be sufficient for the operator to call out, and the players to play, the bingo letter and number on a given ball. Signal lamps alternately respond to the state of the timer for signaling the occurrence of the interval to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Inventors: Carl M. Dundon, Cletus Israels
  • Patent number: 4246650
    Abstract: The disclosed is an electronic timepiece which has storage circuits for respectively storing data regarding a variety of times such as an alarm time for different operating modes, stop watch, timer, etc., a data processing circuit commonly provided for all the storage circuits for executing various time processes, and a control circuit for controlling a mutual transfer of the data between the respective storage circuits and the data processing circuit to selectively process the various times. Accordingly, this timepiece can process a large number of times without increasing the number of the time processing circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Seikosha
    Inventors: Nakanobu Moritani, Hajime Oda
  • Patent number: 4242746
    Abstract: First and second movable spring contact blades are disposed in substantially parallel relation and have substantially equal lengths with electrical contacts disposed near their distal ends. A third spring contact blade having electrical contacts at its distal end is fixedly disposed between the first two blades and has a shorter length than the two blades to provide a gap between the first two. The electrical contacts are in line with and facing each other at a distance just short of the gap. The combination of the electrical contacts provides a double pole switch means. Two independently operable actuator arms enter the gap to selectively engage the first and second spring contact blades to selectively open and close the electrical contacts. The two actuator arms in combination with the electrical contacts provide a program of a short pulsing duration within a longer program.There is a selector means which permits the actuator arm for the shorter duration to be operably removed from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice E. Schuder, Richard W. Stafford
  • Patent number: 4218871
    Abstract: An electronic timer includes a presettable counter for continuously counting clock pulses and which is controlled to selectively count to a desired time count and to continuously count from that desired time count. A storage device stores, upon actuation, a time count counted by the presettable counter. A detection output is produced when the presettable counter has completed the counting from the desired time count therein to a given time count. An alarm is generated in response to the detection output and is thereafter stopped. In response to the stopping of the alarm, the presettable counter is preset with the time count stored in the storage device. In this way the presettable counter is automatically set to an initial time count to enable repeated use without complication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Seikosha
    Inventors: Nakanobu Moritani, Hajime Oda, Toshihide Samejima
  • Patent number: 4216649
    Abstract: A function selection circuit for multi-function timepiece which has a timekeeping circuit, a display device to display output data from the timekeeping circuit, and a function circuit to provide a plurality of functions which can be selected by an external control member in a predetermined sequence. The function selection circuit has a circuit means controlled by the external control member to provide an output to enable a selection of time correction mode from said plurality of functions in the predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Company Limited
    Inventors: Singo Ichikawa, Fujio Ishida, Hideyuki Kawashima
  • Patent number: 4209970
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece in which a higher frequency signal from a frequency standard is divided down to a lower frequency drive signal by a frequency converter. The drive signal is applied through a driver circuit to an electro-mechanical transducer which actuates time-representing members to indicate time. A control means is coupled to intermediate stages of the frequency converter and produces higher frequency drive signals. At least one contact plate made of flexible, electrically conductive material is adapted to be depressed from outside the watch case through a recess formed therein whereby the control means is connected to the driver circuit to apply the higher frequency drive signals to the electro-mechanical transducer thereby rapidly advancing the time-representing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Kume, Minoru Watanabe, Hideshi Oono, Munetaka Tamaru
  • Patent number: 4209972
    Abstract: A digital electronic timepiece having a multi-digit digital display for displaying the time count in a time counter which receives a divided down time signal from a time base signal generator. At least one settable time counter for storing a count corresponding to a desired time period is provided which is receptive of a time signal for decrementing the count thereof to zero. A plurality of display driving signals, each corresponding to one digit of display are generated wherein the display signals of successive digits are phase delayed with respect to each other and the frequency thereof is sufficiently low to produce visible flickering of display. Upon the sensing of the zero count in the timer counter, the display which is normally non-flickering, is driven with the display driving signals to produce a sequential flickering of the digits of the time display to provide a visual indication of the lapse of the desired time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha
    Inventor: Takuro Fukuichi
  • Patent number: 4203278
    Abstract: An alarm electronic timepiece comprising a timepiece circuit, a display for displaying time, an alarm for generating an alarm sound at an alarm time, a memory circuit for memorizing the alarm time and an alarm control circuit for controlling the tone quality and a sound volume of the alarm sound. The alarm control circuit includes externally operable switches of the timepiece which are operable for controlling the alarm sound and which are also operable for correcting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha
    Inventors: Kenichi Kondo, Shojiro Komaki
  • Patent number: 4192133
    Abstract: An electronic watch having chronograph performance is provided with a pulse sound generator for generating a pulse sound at a predetermined interval. The pulse sound generator comprises a counter for counting predetermined clock pulses received from the frequency dividing circuit of the watch, a memory for memorizing a predetermined time interval, manually operable means for selecting the time interval memorized by the memory, a coincidence circuit for detecting coincidence between the contents of the counter and the time interval memorized by the memory and a pulse sound generating circuit for generating a pulse sound when such coincidence occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha
    Inventor: Shojiro Komaki