Mechanically Actuated Stop Time Type Patents (Class 368/110)
  • Patent number: 7236428
    Abstract: A multifunction timer device for providing a time/date stamp on objects includes a housing, a controller with a timer circuit contained in the housing, a display for displaying information from the timer circuit, and a multifunction input button. The input button is operable in predetermined sequences to select operating and display modes of the timer device. The input button can be operated to display an actual date or time, to display a current timer value, to select between count-up and count-down modes, and to increment a counter. An adhesive backing is provided for attaching the timer device to an object. A communications link is provided for interfacing the controller with an external programmer. A reset trigger is used to automatically reset the timer device when the object is moved in a particular way, such as when a lid is removed from a pill container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Morse
  • Patent number: 7232254
    Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph-type watch provided with a movement (29) comprising: current time display means, measured time display means, a time base designed to regulate said display means, a control device (34, 40) for starting and stopping the measured time display means, a reset device for resetting the measured time display means when time measurement is over. The watch is provided with a case (10) for housing the movement (29) and comprising at least one slide (24) for controlling the control and reset devices. Said watch further comprises a locking device (32, 52) designed to co-operate with the control device (34, 40) to enable or disable it, and an actuating member (28, 44) designed to de accessible outside the case (10), for controlling device locking device (32, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignees: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A, Complitime S.A.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Methuen Forsey, Robert Greubel
  • Patent number: 7184370
    Abstract: Underwater pace clock allows competitive and recreational swimmers the benefit of being able to observe training times without having to stop to observe a pool area clock. This invention will be solar and/or battery operated with a reset mechanism allowing synchronization with pool area clocks for benefit of instructional staff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Rogacki, Francis X. Graney
  • Patent number: 7173883
    Abstract: Disclosed is an analogue chronograph comprising a digital display. The digital display contains an hour and/or minute indicator using numbers. The latter are arranged on individual circular tracks and under a viewing window, form the hour and/or minute indicator in a digital manner. The minute indicator, in particular, can be sub-divided into decimal and unit positions. The chronograph enables the elapsed time to be easily read, even when subjected to strong vibrations, or when the wearer of the chronograph can only glance at the face. The hour indicator has, in addition to numbers 0 to e.g. 9, a symbol similar to a flag, in order to indicate that the limit of the validity range of the time measurement has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik
    Inventor: Ernst Seyr
  • Patent number: 7167416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watch comprising a movement arranged for driving hands displaying hours and minutes as well as a counting mechanism for driving an additional hand arranged to display the working time of the watch user, day after day, within a one week cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Asthagiri Raman Krishnamani
  • Patent number: 7130247
    Abstract: A watch with an analog time display has at least one minute hand and one hour hand. This watch is moreover equipped with a fly back hand mechanism which has at least one minute fly back hand and/or hour fly back hand located coaxially to the hands of the normal time display. In the normal mode, the fly back hand or hands is/are moved synchronously with the hands of the normal time display and relative to them in an overlapping position. They can be stopped in a timer mode for marking of any instant of time and after expiry of any time interval, for again synchronously running with the hands of the normal time display. The actuated coupling of the fly back hand mechanism is located preferably non-coaxially to the axis of the motion work of the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Richemont International SA
    Inventors: Pius Brida, Denis Zimmermann, Stefan Ihnen
  • Patent number: 7092317
    Abstract: A chronograph timepiece has a movable crown, a start button operable to start and stop measurement of a time period in a chronograph mode using at least one chronograph hand, and a reset button operable to reset the chronograph hand to a zero position. A control circuit controls operation of the start button and the reset button in a plurality of reset modes to return the chronograph hand to the zero position in accordance with whether the reset button has already been operated when the crown is operable from one position to another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 7081807
    Abstract: This present invention is for new user-friendly electronic pill reminder devices that convert regular conventional pill bottles to automatic reminder pill bottles. The reminder device is compatible and can be retrofitted inside a regular conventional pill bottle cap. This reminder device is installed inside the conventional pill bottle between the bottle cap and the bottle container. When the user closes the pill bottle cap on the bottle container, the electronic timer, with factory predetermined time interval, is automatically activated. That activated timer will generate alert signals not only remind user last pill has taken but also to remind the user to take his/hers next dose at time-out. The reminder device and alert signals are automatically deactivated and reset when the user opens the pill bottle cap (to take contents from the bottle container). This present reminder device works with both conventional safety (child-resistant) and non-safety pill bottle caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Lai
  • Patent number: 7042806
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for timing manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination competitions. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for timing cup stacking competitions. The apparatus of the present invention includes a mat which may incorporate a timer and the cups which are to be stacked on the mat. One embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-pieced timing mechanism which may be selectively interconnected to a mat. Further, a plurality of these timing mechanisms may be used remotely from the mat or with the mat such that a plurality of players may be used in individual mats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Speedstacks, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Fox, John L. Goers
  • Patent number: 7038973
    Abstract: A handheld data device with cellular connectivitys for facilitating tracking of training and handicapping for horses. The handheld data device with cellular connectivitys includes a housing, designed for being grasped by a human hand, which includes a front wall and defines an interior space, a processing and storage means preferably positioned within the housing, and timing means used for determining an elapsed time, and also positioned within the housing. The timing means facilitates timing of a horse. A plurality of actuators are operationally coupled to the timing means and facilitates indication of a start time, a stop time, and a split/lap for the timing means. A stop watch display may be positioned on the front wall. The stop watch display is operationally coupled to the timing means and provides a visual indication of an elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Angelo Merlino
  • Patent number: 7029169
    Abstract: To realize a chronograph timepiece capable of firmly and simultaneously zeroing an hour heart cam, a second heart cam and a minute heart cam. A chronograph timepiece of the invention includes a hammer operated by operating a reset button for controlling to operate to zero an hour chronograph wheel & pinion, a minute chronograph wheel & pinion and a second chronograph wheel & pinion. When the hammer is brought into contact with an hour heart cam, a second heart cam and a minute heart cam, a position of the hammer is determined only by the hour heart cam, the second heart cam and the minute heart cam. When the hammer is brought into contact with the hour heart cam, the second heart cam and the minute heart cam, a direction of a press force exerted to the hammer is constituted to pass a rotational center of the second chronograph wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Takahashi, Mamoru Watanabe, Katsuyoshi Takizawa, Shigeo Suzuki, Takeshi Tokoro
  • Patent number: 6987712
    Abstract: An analog chronograph timepiece has a main plate and a setting stem for correcting time information. Defined at the main plate are a reference vertical axis line passing through the rotational center of the main plate and disposed parallel to a central axis line of the setting stem, and a reference horizontal axis line passing through the rotational center of the main plate and disposed orthogonal to the main plate reference vertical axis line. The main plate has regions disposed relative to the reference vertical and horizontal lines and in which a time coil block and first and second chronograph coil blocks are selectively arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Tamotsu Ono, Mamoru Watanabe, Yuichi Shino, Kei Hirano
  • Patent number: 6975561
    Abstract: Chronograph mechanism including first (20, 22) and second (21, 23) measured time counters and control means (24) arranged so as to start to stop one or other of the counters and a switching device (25) arranged such that the actuation thereof causes the started counter to stop and the stopped counter to start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Methuen Forsey, Robert Greubel
  • Patent number: 6940784
    Abstract: A hand held lap indicator for indicating a lap number to a swimmer in a pool includes a casing having a front surface, a rear surface and a handle portion. The front surface provides a lap indicating display operable to display a lap indicating number to the swimmer. The handle portion includes at least one button which is actuatable to at least advance the lap indicating number in response to a manual input by the user or holder of the lap indicator. The lap indicator may include a timing device and may be operable to display a timing output to the swimmer. The rear surface of the casing preferably includes a last lap indicating panel, such that when the user flips the lap indicator around, the last lap indicating panel indicates to the swimmer that the swimmer is on the final lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Lynn S. Benson
  • Patent number: 6940783
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for timing manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination competitions. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for timing cup stacking competitions. The apparatus of the present invention includes a mat which may incorporate a timer and the cups which are to be stacked on the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Speed Stacks, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Fox, John L. Goers
  • Patent number: 6926438
    Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph mechanism of the type comprising a chronograph train (22) including: a coupling lever (16) for ensuring the movement of a coupling wheel, between a first position in which the mechanism is operating and a second position in which the mechanism is not operating, and a control lever (26) activating the coupling lever (16) to make it pass from one position to another. In this mechanism, the control lever (26) carries a locking member (36) and the coupling lever (16) a catch (20) cooperating with the locking member when the coupling wheel (14) occupies its first position, such that the coupling lever (16) is prevented from moving via the effect of a shock when the chronograph is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Girard-Perregaux SA
    Inventor: Johnny Girardin
  • Patent number: 6909671
    Abstract: A time computing device including an actuator mechanism for actuating a timer mechanism, which outputs elapsed time quantity. The actuator mechanism provides selection inputs corresponding to race total distance quantity and split number quantity. A central control mechanism is in communication with the actuator mechanism and sets a split distance increment and performs calculations resulting in a split time, a predicted split time and a predicted race finishing time. The time computing device includes a display mechanism for visually displaying actuator mechanism inputs and computational results. A predictive method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Charles G. Setler
  • Patent number: 6894951
    Abstract: Watch movement with hand display, comprising mobile elements (44, 42), designed to receive the hour (16) and minute (20) hands indicating current time, mounted pivoting to pivot about a first axis (A—A) arranged substantially at the center of the movement and four mobile elements (58b, 60b, 64b, 62b) designed to receive hands displaying complementary functions. According to the invention, the four mobile elements (58b, 60b, 64b, 62b) are mounted pivoting on the movement about second (B—B), third (C—C), fourth (ND) and fifth (E—E) axes arranged on a straight line (X—X) perpendicular to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Eberhard et Co. SA
    Inventors: Charles Brandt, Pierre Jeannet
  • Patent number: 6842403
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph having a chronograph drive by means of which, when a first actuating element is actuated manually, a chronograph-hand stem of a chronograph hand can be driven in rotation, and having a rattrapante-hand stem, coaxial with the chronograph-hand stem, of a rattrapante hand which can be driven in an overlapping manner with the chronograph hand. A seconds heart cam for resetting the chronograph hand is arranged on the chronograph-hand stem, and the chronograph-hand stem and rattrapante-hand stem are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by a rattrapante heart cam of a force-fitting coupling. A rattrapante wheel 6 is arranged on the rattrapante-hand stem, can be encompassed under spring prestressing by the gripper arms of a rattrapante gripper and can be blocked against rotation by a friection or form fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lange Uhren GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Meis
  • Publication number: 20040264303
    Abstract: This invention relates to a watch (1), especially a wristwatch, with an analog time display, which has at least one minute hand (2) and one hour hand (3). This watch is moreover equipped with a fly back hand mechanism which has at least one minute fly back hand (5) and/or hour fly back hand (6) located coaxially to the hands (2, 3) of the normal time display. In the normal mode of the watch, the fly back hand or hands (5,6) is/are moved synchronously with the hands (2,3) of the normal time display and relative to them in an overlapping position, and they (5, 6) can be stopped in a timer mode for marking of any instant of time and after expiry of any time interval, for again synchronously running with the hands (2,3) of the normal time display, can be moved again into the overlapping position relative to them (2,3). The actuated coupling of the fly back hand mechanism is located preferably non-coaxially to the axis (58, 68) of the motion work (50/60) of the watch (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: RICHEMONT INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventors: Pius Brida, Denis Zimmermann, Stefan Ihnen
  • Patent number: 6822930
    Abstract: A timer is enclosed in a pressure tight enclosure which is attached to or is part of the motor rotor. Rotation of the rotor is sensed and the timer is turned on when the rotor is turning and is turned off when the rotor is idle. The version usable in motors of the progressing cavity type can power the timer, and provide timer control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Falgout, Sr
  • Publication number: 20040208087
    Abstract: To realize a chronograph timepiece in which a manufacture and an assembly of a chronograph mechanism are easy. A chronograph timepiece of the invention contains a main plate, a front train wheel and an escapement/speed control device, and possesses a base unit having at least one of a self-winding device or a hand winging device, and a chronograph unit containing a second display mechanism, a second chronograph train wheel, a minute chronograph train wheel, and an hour chronograph train wheel. The chronograph unit is disposed in a dial side than the base unit. The base unit contains a 1st transmission wheel, i.e., second wheel & pinion, and a 2nd transmission wheel, i.e., minute driving wheel & pinion, which are rotated on the basis of a rotation of a movement barrel complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Takizawa, Mamoru Watanabe, Shigeo Suzuki, Takashi Takahashi, Takeshi Tokoro
  • Publication number: 20040190381
    Abstract: To realize a chronograph timepiece in which a number of levers constituting a coupling mechanism is small, a shape of the lever is simple and fabrication of the lever is facilitated. A chronograph timepiece of the invention includes a main plate, a surface train wheel, an escapement/speed control apparatus, at least one of an automatic winding apparatus and a hand winding apparatus, a second chronograph train wheel, a minute chronograph train wheel and an hour chronograph train wheel. The chronograph timepiece further includes a plurality of levers for coupling operation of the second chronograph train wheel and an hour/minute coupling lever for controlling to operate to rotate and stop the minute chronograph train wheel and the hour chronograph train wheel. The hour/minute coupling lever includes an hour clutch ring contract portion for making an hour chronograph wheel clutch ring ON/OFF and a minute clutch ring contact portion for making a minute chronograph wheel clutch ring ON/OFF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Takeshi Tokoro, Shigeo Suzuki, Takashi Takahashi, Katsuyoshi Takizawa, Mamoru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6795375
    Abstract: A programmable electronic timer for measuring time based on linear or non-linear programmable functions comprising a display, a button keyboard pad, an electronic memory that contains the function definition and function parameters for each section of time, an electronic clock that generates equally spaced impulses, an arithmetric logical computation unit that converts equally spaced time impulses from the clock to linearly or non-linearly spaced time impulses, based on functions stored in memory, that are feed to the logical unit for transformation, and a start/stop button that switches modes from input mode to running mode and back. A preferred embodiment includes a watch-like or a calculator-like body which can be programmed to help pace student efforts during a exams such as the SAT by displaying the current section number, the time within sections, and the question number that the student should be concentrating on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Dan Streja
  • Publication number: 20040170088
    Abstract: Disclosed is an analogue chronograph comprising a digital display. The digital display contains an hour and/or minute indicator using numbers. The latter are arranged on individual circular tracks and under a viewing window, form the hour and/or minute indicator in a digital manner. The minute indicator, in particular, can be sub-divided into decimal and unit positions. The chronograph enables the elapsed time to be easily read, even when subjected to strong vibrations, or when the wearer of the chronograph can only glance at the face. The hour indicator has, in addition to numbers 0 to e.g. 9, a symbol similar to a flag, in order to indicate that the limit of the validity range of the time measurement has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ernst Seyr
  • Publication number: 20040156272
    Abstract: To enable to return a chronograph hand swiftly to a zero position even when the chronograph hand is stopped at any position. A chronograph {fraction (1/10)} second hand and a chronograph second/minute cooperation hand are included, a control circuit sets a function of resetting to regularly rotate the chronograph {fraction (1/10)} second hand to a start button and sets a function of resetting to regularly rotate the chronograph second/minute cooperation hand to a reset button in a case in which the reset button is not operated when a crown is operated. Further, the control circuit sets a function of resetting to reversely rotate the chronograph second/minute cooperation hand to the start button and sets a function of resetting to regularly rotate the chronograph second/minute cooperation hand to the reset button in the case in which the reset button is operated when the crown is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kenji Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20040151073
    Abstract: An integrated transceiver contains a optical equalizer for a distorted O/E-converted signal, an adaptive regenerator coupled to the equalizer, and a clock recovery circuit coupled to the adaptive regenerator. The transceiver has further an embedded processing unit and an integrated programmable memory which stores software program. The processing unit is coupled to adjust threshold values of the adaptive regenerator according to a software algorithm loaded into the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventor: Helmut Preisach
  • Patent number: 6761478
    Abstract: There is disclosed a chronograph mechanism capable of operating either in the conventional direct direction, or in the opposite direction to perform a countdown. The seconds counter (80) has a control finger (85) for incrementing and decrementing the minutes counter (11). In order to prevent the control finger acting at the start of a revolution of the seconds counter during a countdown, it is mounted so as to pivot on a disc (91) of the counter. Two pins (95, 96), which can be indexed and are fixed onto the disc, abut against the respective flanks of the control finger to drive it only at the end of a revolution, respectively in one direction or the other. A spring (97) keeps the finger from meshing with the transmission wheel (84) when the countdown time interval is being pre-selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: GlashĂ¼tter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Schmiedchen, Patrick Streubel
  • Patent number: 6747918
    Abstract: A drinking vessel includes a timer coupled to a sidewall of the vessel and having an actuator protruding from the vessel which controls the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Nathaniel L. Hight, Brian P. Trimm, Thomas S. Reynolds, II
  • Publication number: 20040081026
    Abstract: Watch comprising a case with the following components arranged inside it:
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Asthagiri Raman Krishnamani
  • Publication number: 20040037171
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph having a chronograph drive by means of which, when a first actuating element 44 is actuated manually, a chronograph-hand stem 28 of a chronograph hand 47 can be driven in rotation, and having a rattrapante-hand stem 5, coaxial with the chronograph-hand stem 28, of a rattrapante hand 48 which can be driven in an overlapping manner with the chronograph hand 47. In this case, a seconds heart cam 29 for resetting the chronograph hand 47 is arranged on the chronograph-hand stem 28, and the chronograph-hand stem 28 and rattrapante-hand stem 5 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by a rattrapante heart cam 30 of a force-fitting coupling. A rattrapante wheel 6 is arranged on the rattrapante-hand stem 5, can be encompassed under spring prestressing by the gripper arms 12, 12′ of a rattrapante gripper and can be blocked against rotation by a friction or form fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Reinhard Meis
  • Publication number: 20040022133
    Abstract: There is disclosed a chronograph mechanism capable of operating either in the conventional direct direction, or in the opposite direction to perform a countdown. The seconds counter (80) has a control finger (85) for incrementing and decrementing the minutes counter (11). In order to prevent the control finger acting at the start of a revolution of the seconds counter during a countdown, it is mounted so as to pivot on a disc (91) of the counter. Two pins (95, 96), which can be indexed and are fixed onto the disc, abut against the respective flanks of the control finger to drive it only at the end of a revolution, respectively in one direction or the other. A spring (97) keeps the finger from meshing with the transmission wheel (84) when the countdown time interval is being pre-selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Christian Schmiedchen, Patrick Streubel
  • Publication number: 20040008586
    Abstract: To provide a timepiece capable of arranging a chronograph second hand at a center of a movement of a chronograph timepiece as well as a position other than the center of the movement. In an analog chronograph timepiece, a main plate and bridge members are provided with bearing portions of a rotor and a train wheel for “center chronograph timepiece” and bearing portions of a rotor and a train wheel for “side chronograph timepiece”. The rotor and the train wheel for “side chronograph timepiece” are rotatably integrated to the bearing portions of the main plate and the bridge members. Time information is indicated by time indicating members rotated with a main plate center as a rotation center and a result of measuring chronograph is indicated by chronograph indicating members rotated with positions between the main plate center and outer shape portions of the main plate as rotation centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Tamotsu Ono, Mamoru Watanabe, Yuichi Shino, Kei Hirano
  • Publication number: 20030210612
    Abstract: A device used at a sports event, by an official, that when activated can create a whistle sound, with instant transmission of a coded signal to compatible receivers, located in one or more timepieces, to start or stop this crucial piece of equipment, immediately, accurately and without outside interference, thereby indicating the time status of the game being officiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Max Meier Stern
  • Patent number: 6639874
    Abstract: A pointer electronic timepiece (1) has a plurality of step motors, a plurality of pointers (11 to 18), and a plurality of external operation members of a winding crown (5) and buttons (6, 7). The pointer to be adjusted is selected from the plurality of pointers (15 to 18) by operating one of the buttons (6) while drawing out the winding crown (5) to a second stage and the other button (7) is operated to adjust the position of the selected pointer. Since the position of the pointers (15 to 18) driven by three step motors can be adjusted by the two buttons (6, 7), the number of the external operation member is not necessary to be increased even when the pointers (15 to 18), i.e. the step motors, are increased, so that the size and thickness of a movement-holder and cost thereof can be reduced and operability during adjustment can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eisaku Shimizu, Akihiko Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6625089
    Abstract: A setting structure of electronic timer, its constitution includes a main body and a reveal able faceplate, a LED display is provided on the faceplate, a recess is provided on the main body there under, several keys are provided in the recess; setting position is via faceplate displayed by means of controlling and operating the keys; a projection is further provided under the faceplate, and a key is provided on main body of a relative position with the projection, the key can be indirectly depressed by depressing faceplate in order to achieve a function ON/OFF therein; a structure of timer with larger displaying faceplate and wider interval between keys is achieved by above-mentioned structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: All-Time Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 6614726
    Abstract: A stopwatch has a measuring section for measuring a primary physical quantity, a memory section for previously storing as a target value the value of the primary physical quantity at a point where a time is to be recorded, and recording sections for recording a measured value of time at a time point when the value measured by the measuring section becomes equal to the target value, after initiation of measurement of time. The target value is, for example, a value actually recorded before initiation of measurement of time by the measuring section at the point where time is to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignees: Seiko Instruments Inc., Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Masaharu Yamasaki, Curtis Milander
  • Publication number: 20030137900
    Abstract: A mechanism having at least a function of measuring an arbitrary elapsed time is provided, which disables the function from being reset after the function is started, and enables the function to be reset after the function is stopped. The function is continuously held in an electrical ON state after being started, except when being normally stopped. This provides a time measurement device and method in which an electrical operating state and a mechanical operating state can coincide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Hidehiro Akahane, Kenichi Okuhara, Akihiko Maruyama, Nobuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 6597637
    Abstract: An electronic chronograph watch (1) with an analogue display wherein the measured times are displayed on small dials (5, 6, 7) located on the periphery of the main dial (2). The measured times are displayed by small hands (8, 9, 10) each driven by a motor. The watch (1) includes a stem-crown (11) used to adjust the position of the hands (3, 4) indicating the current time via conventional mechanical means. The watch further includes at least two push-buttons (12, 13) which, when manipulated, allow access to all the functions of the chronograph part, including the function of adjusting the rest position of the chronograph hands (8, 9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Patent number: 6570823
    Abstract: The invention concerns electronic chronograph watches which include a central hour hand (3), a central minute hand (4) and a small off-central second hand (6) for permanently indicating the current time, chronograph hands (7, 8, 9) for indicating a measured time when the watch is operating in chronograph mode, drive units for driving said hands and generator means responding to manual control means (P1, P2, 10) to apply control pulses to said drive units. According to the invention, the watch also includes a central second hand (5) driven by its own drive unit and the generator means include means for selectively applying the control pulses to this drive unit, so that the central second hand indicates the seconds of the current time, in phase with the small off-center second hand (6), when the watch is operating normally and the measured seconds when the watch is operating in chronograph mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventors: Beat Gilomen, André Triponez
  • Patent number: 6567345
    Abstract: A timepiece has an ordinary time measuring section including an ordinary time display unit for measuring an ordinary time and time information (i.e., chronograph) measuring sections including chronograph displays for measuring time information other than the ordinary time (i.e., chronograph information). The timepiece is configured such that the ordinary time display unit and the chronograph display units, are disposed on a display surface of the timepiece without overlapping each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Furukawa, Nobuhiro Koike, Eiichi Hiraya, Akihiko Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6533451
    Abstract: An underwater electromechanical timer comprises a motor-driven timer assembly which includes a threaded member that engages an endless screw driven in rotation by means of a motor. Time programming of the timer is accomplished via presetting a length of sliding of the threaded member along the endless screw. The sliding threaded member causes a timely switching event of a device switch placed in the casing structure. The device switch, electrically connected to an external device, thereby activates the external device. The underwater electromechanical timer is activated via an activation mechanism that is externally exposed. Under an external pressure, the activation mechanism connects an output of the motor with the endless screw, and further turns on the motor. Resilient elements are further mounted between the motor and the endless screw and between the threaded member and the device switch to prevent undesired activation events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Ruey-Shan Liu
  • Patent number: 6466518
    Abstract: A time measurement device includes a first motor (1300) for indicating standard time, a second motor (1400) for indicating a chronograph, a generator (1600) which generates driving power for driving the first and second motors by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and a zero reset mechanism (1200) for mechanically resetting the chronograph to zero. A compact time measurement device, operable from a low power, is thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiro Akahane, Kenichi Okuhara, Akihiko Maruyama, Nobuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 6392962
    Abstract: A method to aid the treatment of sleeping disorders that are aggravated by an insomniac's underestimation of total sleep time and sleep efficiency, and overestimation of time necessary to fall asleep. The method includes an observation of the beginning of rest time and self-actuated measurement of the time necessary to fall asleep. The insomniac is made aware of the elapsed wake time and total sleep time upon wakening by further observing the time of awaking and the elapsed wake time as recorded on a wrist watch or other device. The apparatus can include a wrist mounted timer with a hand mounted actuator that stops timing when the insomniac falls asleep and disengages contact with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: RMP, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Wyatt
  • Patent number: 6385137
    Abstract: A timing device for tracking the length of time a user is absent from a particular location comprises a base member that includes a housing, a timer mounted to the housing, a display connected to the timer, and a timing-key receiver attached to the housing and in communication with the timer and utilized in starting and stopping the timer. Provided is a visually prominent timing-key releasably mountable to the timing-key receiver that comprises a key body and a coupler attached to the key body which releasably mates with the timing-key receiver. The device is commonly employed in tracking how long a student is temporarily absent from a classroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Austin Porter, Richard Steven Porter
  • Patent number: 6370087
    Abstract: In a time measurement device (1000) having, at least, both a function of measuring standard time and a function of measuring any elapsed time, when a predetermined amount of time passes from a temporary suspension of a watch hand in position in the middle of the measurement of the elapsed time, the suspension of the watch hand is automatically released and the watch hand is driven to a watch hand position indicating the elapsed time. Provided thereby is the time measurement device which automatically releases the temporary suspension state in time measurement after the predetermined amount of time, thereby shortening the temporary suspension time and reducing power consumed to drive the watch hand to an originally expected watch hand position at the release of the temporary suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiro Akahane, Kenichi Okuhara, Akihiko Maruyama, Nobuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 6330520
    Abstract: A wrist watch which instantaneously displays the velocity of the service ball in kilometers or miles for its manual or electronic display during competitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Adolphe Richard Dziulko, Alice Wanda Dziulko
  • Publication number: 20010014056
    Abstract: A stopwatch has a measuring section for measuring a primary physical quantity, a memory section for previously storing as a target value the value of the primary physical quantity at a point where a time is to be recorded, and recording sections for recording a measured value of time at a time point when the value measured by the measuring section becomes equal to the target value, after initiation of measurement of time. The target value is, for example, a value actually recorded before initiation of measurement of time by the measuring section at the point where time is to be recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Masaharu Yamasaki, Curtis Milander
  • Patent number: 6229764
    Abstract: An athletic training device including a housing. Also included is light or speaker mounted on the housing for providing an indication upon the actuation thereof. At least one impact sensor is mounted on the housing for actuating the indication means upon being struck by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Steven R. Tongue
  • Patent number: 6181647
    Abstract: A method to measure height of a vertical jump of a jumper. At least one switch is deactivated by the jumper stepping thereon. The switch is initially activated by the jumper jumping upward therefrom and thereafter deactivated upon return. A time period is measured while the switch is activated. The square of the activated time period is calculated and thereafter the result is multiplied by a constant to derive vertical jump height. Finally, the resultant vertical jump height of the jump is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Steven M. Tipton, Matt Hackworth, Kelly Willson