Astronomical Patents (Class 368/15)
  • Patent number: 12072675
    Abstract: A display device for a timepiece representing the lunar libration phenomenon thanks to at least one Moon disk, to at least one aperture and to at least one drive organ. The at least one Moon disk includes a set of Moon phase representations including at least three Moon phases with a first surface, a second surface and/or a delimitation configured to delimit this first surface and this second surface. The at least one aperture being configured to reveal this set of Moon phase representations and this at least one drive organ is configured to move this at least one Moon disk so as to represent the lunar libration phenomenon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cédric Blatter, Simon Springer
  • Patent number: 11493883
    Abstract: A timepiece drive mechanism including a structure on which pivots an arm subjected to the return torque of a first energy source, this arm carrying a planetary gear including a wheel, a second energy source subjecting to a return torque a third wheel set on which the wheel rolls, under the action of the first energy source, the structure carries a stop device cooperating with complementary a stop device of the third wheel set to hold the latter in position, which are uncouplable under the action of uncoupling control device of the arm at the end of the forward angular travel of the arm to allow the third wheel set to pivot in a single direction under the action of the second energy source, causing a backward rotation of the arm to its start-of-angular-travel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Harry Winston SA
    Inventors: Johnny Buehler, Emmanuel Bouchet
  • Patent number: 11253789
    Abstract: A light projection apparatus in the shape of a toy animal includes components that promote a twinkling effect on a display of light through an outer shell. The outer shell includes apertures that together form a pattern in the appearance of a constellation on a surface when light is projected outwardly from inside the apparatus. Light-emitting members are spread apart internally on a surface within the apparatus, and each member has a perforated cover positioned above it to partially block light emitted therefrom. Each cover has either a different pattern and/or a different orientation relative to the light-emitting member it covers, and each member is also configured to slowly brighten and dim, the combination of which creates the twinkling effect when light is projected out through the apertures. Each member's brightening and dimming function may be at predetermined intervals independent of other members, and may also be of a different color, to increase the effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: BTL DIFFUSION SARL
    Inventor: Jeffery Wayne Johnson
  • Patent number: 11119445
    Abstract: A horological device designed to indicate the position of a celestial body or planet in the sky relative to the user. The horological device includes two hands, which rotate within the main plane of the timepiece to display the position of the celestial body or planet selected by the user. One hand is used to indicate the location of the selected celestial body or planet relative to the user's horizontal plane, while the second hand is used to indicate the location of the selected celestial body or planet relative to the user's vertical plane. Thus, the user can directly see the celestial body in the sky by following the directions given by the hands of the display system. The horological device can be used to display either the current time or position of the selected celestial body or planet by simply switching the mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Jean-Bernard Peters
  • Patent number: 11119448
    Abstract: An electronic visible light sensor is employed to detect the presence or lack of sunlight. The simple, digital light/dark data from the sensor is fed to electronic circuits which control security and other devices dependent upon day and night status. These circuits are directed and controlled in turn by associated electronic circuits that gather data which measures the length of the solar night, that is, between dusk and dawn, and by deduction, the length of the day. Given that these time periods vary daily and in a regular fashion, the result will necessarily differ by a few minutes each and every day during the 365 day solar year. The resulting day/night time data is used to estimate, with say, a four to ten minute accuracy, taken against the Universal Coordinated Time System, to establish start/stop times, durations and cycles of security and other devices dependent upon the presence or lack of sunlight relative to UCT designated within the universally accepted twenty-four day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Richard Michael Lienau
  • Patent number: 11106180
    Abstract: A date and moon phase display mechanism for watches, including a date ring with an inner toothing arranged to be driven by a timepiece movement, or arranged to cooperate with a date ring with an inner toothing of a timepiece movement, this mechanism including a moon display wheel set held in position by a moon jumper, this mechanism including drive devices, which are actuated by this inner toothing during each rotation of this date ring, and which are arranged to drive this moon display wheel set by a first constant angular pitch during each this rotation of this date ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Julien Saglini
  • Patent number: 10747179
    Abstract: A universal moon phase display device for a watch including a device that calculates or receives the date, that receives a geolocation signal, that calculates or receives a lunar calendar with the correlation between the date of the moon phase, that converts the day's moon phase into a first angular position of a first display member included in this device and which includes a representation of the normal moon, and that further determines the northern or southern hemisphere in which this device is located and controls the direction of rotation of first drive device included in this device in order to drive the first display member in opposite directions in the northern hemisphere and in the southern hemisphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Pascal Lagorgette, Thierry Bonnet
  • Patent number: 10025399
    Abstract: A watch-type mobile terminal including a display; a bezel forming a rim of the display and including a touch sensor; a crown; and a controller configured to display first content on the display, sense a rotation input on at least one of the crown and the bezel when the first content is displayed on the display, and display second content associated with the first content on the display in response to the rotation input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yung Kim, Jonghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9804759
    Abstract: Context-specific user interfaces for use with a portable multifunction device are disclosed. The methods described herein for context-specific user interfaces provide indications of time and, optionally, a variety of additional information. Further disclosed are non-transitory computer-readable storage media, systems, and devices configured to perform the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wilson, Gary Ian Butcher, Kevin Will Chen, Imran Chaudhri, Alan C. Dye, Aurelio Guzman, Jonathan P. Ive, Chanaka G. Karunamuni, Kenneth Kocienda, Kevin Lynch, Pedro Mari, Alessandro Sabatelli, Brian Schmitt, Eric Lance Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 9551980
    Abstract: In a GPS-equipped device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer with a compatible operating system, a useful dynamic display of directional and timing information is provided based on GPS data obtained through conventional means processed according to computational modules or applications stored on the device. These displays include a solar timer, a compass dial and other date, time and location-based information. Underlying the displayable information is a database of information that is processed with input from an accurate compass employing a calculated reference line based on two time-separated GPS readings and a direction parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Lonestar Inventions, L.P.
    Inventors: Osman Ersed Akcasu, Ibrahim Akcay
  • Patent number: 8995233
    Abstract: Mechanism for displaying the day and phase of at least a first celestial body, comprising a gear train for a constant frequency gear drive on an output of a timepiece movement. This mechanism includes a means for the three-dimensional display of the day and phase of said first celestial body represented by a first mobile component, which is driven by the gear train, which includes a phase train and a day train, each in mesh on an output of this same movement. This phase train and/or this day train include at least one uncoupling means between the input and its output thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Goeller, Alain Zaugg
  • Patent number: 8942067
    Abstract: A mechanism for displaying and correcting a state of two different time measurable quantities for a timepiece includes a movement driving a first display mechanism to display a first measurable time quantity and a second display mechanism to display a second measurable time quantity, and including an adjusting member. The first and second display mechanisms respectively include first and second drive mechanisms sharing a common drive mechanism driven by the movement, and controlling a driving of one of the display mechanisms by instantaneous jumps and of the other by dragging. The display mechanisms respectively include a first and a second correction mechanism, sharing a common correction mechanism driven by the adjusting member independent of the common drive mechanism, including a friction safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventor: Ivan Villar
  • Publication number: 20140269219
    Abstract: Universal running equation of time mechanism including a differential device outputting a running equation minute which indicates the difference between civil time and solar time, the running equation minute driving a true running equation minute which drives a true running equation hour, a jumper spring cooperating with a star wheel connected to an arbour carrying a true running equation hour hand, a time zone wheel carrying the true running equation hour hand, a train making it possible to apply, to the true running equation hour, the time difference associated with the longitude position of a user, the time zone wheel making it possible to apply, to the arbour carrying the true running equation hour hand the difference between the true running equation hour and the civil hour at the place where the user is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Blancpain SA
    Inventor: Marco Rochat
  • Publication number: 20140247699
    Abstract: A wearable device comprising a display arrangement for displaying moon phases. The image of the one or more moons is provided in the dial and a rotating member is provided above the dial to provide images of a full, waning, new and waxing moon. The device provides for both bi-directional and uni-directional rotation of the rotating member. The device can simultaneously or selectively display moon phases consistent with views from the northern hemisphere and/or southern hemisphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Timex Group USA, Inc.
    Inventors: BORIS SEMBRITZKI, SIEGFRIED GRAU
  • Publication number: 20140226445
    Abstract: A device which is suitable for integration into a timepiece, in particular in the form of a timepiece module, another type of watch module or a basic watch movement. The device includes at least one opening, in each of which an associated image guide is mounted, and for each of these image guides the device including means for fastening the image guide in the associated opening, such that the image guide allows display information displayed on a representation plane to be reproduced on a display plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Sébastien Dordor, Schelling Debora
  • Publication number: 20140126336
    Abstract: Mechanism for displaying the day and phase of at least a first celestial body, comprising a gear train for a constant frequency gear drive on an output of a timepiece movement. This mechanism includes a means for the three-dimensional display of the day and phase of said first celestial body represented by a first mobile component, which is driven by the gear train, which includes a phase train and a day train, each in mesh on an output of this same movement. This phase train and/or this day train include at least one uncoupling means between the input and its output thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Eric GOELLER, Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20130336096
    Abstract: Device (100) for displaying a magnitude on an oscillating weight (1) for a self-winding timepiece movement (10) comprising a means (20) of displaying said magnitude by comparison to a complementary display means (30). Said display means (20) pivots coaxially to said oscillating weight (1), and is subject to a general pivoting motion resulting from the combination of a first pivoting motion synchronous with that of said oscillating weight (1), and a second pivoting motion resulting from said display means (20) being pivoted by said movement (10) relative to said complementary display means (30) integral with said oscillating weight (1). Oscillating weight (1) including such a device (100). Self-winding watch including an oscillating weight (1) comprising such a device (100), and whose motions are transmitted to a mainspring of said watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Bernhard Grossenbacher, Nicolas Debaud
  • Publication number: 20130329528
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for projecting an electronic image. The apparatus includes at least one of a static image and a mechanically-animated object disposed within a framed region. An electronic display device displays a computer-generated image adjacent to the at least one of the static image and the mechanically-animated object within the framed region to establish an artistic composition. The computer-generated image includes content that is related to, and supplements content included in the at least one of the static image and the mechanically-animated object to provide an adaptable context to the at least one of the static image and the mechanically-animated object. A controller controls the images displayed by the electronic display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Botten
  • Publication number: 20130250737
    Abstract: Mechanism (1) for displaying and correcting the state of two different time measurable quantities for a timepiece (1000) including a movement (2) driving a first display mechanism (3) a first measurable time quantity and a second display mechanism (4) a second measurable time quantity and including an adjusting member (50). Said first (3) and second (4) display mechanisms respectively include a first (30) and a second (40) drive mechanisms sharing a common drive mechanism (10) driven by said movement (2), and controlling the driving of one of said display mechanisms (4; 3) by instantaneous jumps and of the other (3; 4) by dragging. The display mechanisms respectively include a first (300) and a second (400) correction mechanism, sharing a common correction mechanism (100) driven by said adjusting member (50) independent of said common drive mechanism (10), including a friction safety device (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Omega S.A.
    Inventor: Ivan VILLAR
  • Patent number: 8533963
    Abstract: A hemispheric armillary with arms and supporting a structure for supporting a gnomon over a time indicating dial plate is constructed to avoid the arms' shadows from eclipsing the gnomon shadow on the dial plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: William J. H. Andrewes
  • Patent number: 8498179
    Abstract: A mechanism for indication of the lunar phases, in particular for a mechanical watch, including a moon disk and a dial having a substantially semi-circular aperture. The moon disk is rotated in such a way as to display the indications inscribed on the moon disk through the aperture in order to indicate the lunar phases. In addition, the mechanism comprises at least one first occultation disk housed rotatably, at least in part, between the moon disk and the dial, and a gear train which drives the at least first occultation disk in such a way that the indications inscribed on the moon disk are obscured, at least in part, during specific phases of operation of the mechanism in such a manner that the indications appearing through the aperture correspond substantially to the natural appearance of the moon during the entire lunation. The invention also relates to a watch piece comprising such an indication mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Societe anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventors: Johan Montet, Fabrice Deschanel
  • Publication number: 20130176827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism (5) comprising a measuring system (11, 13) mechanically connected to a display system (9) for displaying a time-related or other piece of information (2, 14). According to the invention, the display system (9) includes a quick correction device (10, 12) with an epicycloidal gear train for correcting said display of time-related or other information (2, 14) at any time while maintaining the relationship between the display system (9) and the measuring system (11, 13) during the correction phase. The invention particularly concerns the field of timepieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S. A.
    Inventor: Montres Breguet S. A.
  • Patent number: 8462591
    Abstract: A system and method is proposed that provides a scheduling device and system for notifying a user of Islamic prayer times, aiding the user in preparing to pray, and presents the user with data related to fitness. The system and method may comprise a portable electronic device and a notification system. The system may include a database storing information comprising a list of prayer times and Rakha numbers, the prayer times and the Rakha numbers being associated with a location and date. The portable electronic device may include a display, an electronic compass, a memory, an alarm, a pedometer, a location module, and a processor. The processor may be programmed to execute a program comprising the notification system, wherein the notification system comprises a scheduling function and an exercise function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Sanaa Marhaben
  • Publication number: 20120294125
    Abstract: An astronomical clock, comprising a first and second celestial body representations, a displacement mechanism operatively connected to the second celestial body representation, the displacement mechanism displacing the second celestial body representation around the first celestial body representation along an ellipsoidal trajectory an a first set of time scale indicators positioned along the ellipsoid trajectory. The displacement mechanism displaces the second celestial body representation around the first celestial body representation at a speed proportional to the revolution of the second celestial body around the first celestial body, the position of the second celestial body representation with respect to the first set of time scale indicators indicating a time period corresponding to the positioning of the second celestial body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Luc Laramee
  • Publication number: 20120243380
    Abstract: The timepiece movement comprises a running equation of time device having a pipe (113) provided to support a minute hand for solar time mounted concentrically to the minute and hour hands for civil time, an equation of time cam (101) rotatably driven by the movement at the rate of one revolution per year, and a correction mechanism provided to periodically adjust the angular displacement of the minute hand for solar time in relation to the minute hand for civil time as a function of the angular position of the equation of time cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventor: Eric GOELLER
  • Publication number: 20110170379
    Abstract: A Nonlinear Timer apparatus characterized by having a display indicator (e.g. hands) with a large plurality of respectively contiguous perceived velocities, said indicator being configured to include predetermined non-zero acceleration for substantially any contiguous intermediate plurality of said respective indicator velocities. The apparatus is for portraying substantially nonlinear temporal frames of reference that are more honestly scaled to the individuals' respective circumstance than to the metronome mechanical tempos of industrial world time-clocks. However, the Nonlinear Timer apparatus is preferably represented according to classical concentrically rotating clock hands; digital or analog.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tidhar Eylon-Azoulay
  • Publication number: 20110069590
    Abstract: Timepiece including indicator members actuated or not actuated by the movement. These indicator members are composed of movable hour marks represented by the faces of the studs (30, 40) mounted on staffs having planet wheels (34) driven by a rack (50). The faces of the studs carry stones of various colours. When the movement operates the rack, it determines the change of the hour marks. When operation by the movement is disengaged, manual control elements allow the hour marks appearing on the dial to be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Publication number: 20100226213
    Abstract: A timepiece or wristwatch displays celestial “complications” and meteorological events based upon calculations and conditions relevant to the geographic location of the timepiece. A memory storage device, microprocessor, mechanical and software controlled graphical display systems and network connectivity facilitate the input of user selected complications, display options, geographic arguments and other variables. The timepiece is not limited to a preprogramed geographic area or to predefined complications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Robert Drugge
  • Patent number: 7773462
    Abstract: A watch includes a mechanical or electromechanical timepiece movement, analog time indicators, a lunar indicator indicating lunar date on a scale and driven by the timepiece movement to perform one revolution in one or two synodic months, and Chinese calendar indicator members actuated by a calendar mechanism driven from the lunar indicator. A month moving part provided with an indicator of lunar months is driven via a rocking lever so as to perform one revolution per ordinary year of twelve months and per leap year of thirteen months. The other Chinese calendar indicators are driven from the month moving part and comprise a first year indicator performing one revolution in twelve years, a second year indicator performing one revolution in ten years, and a third year indicator performing one revolution in nineteen years and associated with a cam representing the Chang cycle of ordinary years and leap years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Alain Vuilleumier, Frédéric Meylan
  • Patent number: 7636276
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for measuring geo-solar time parameters. Wrist-watches, clocks, and computer functionality provide, in addition to a traditional chronological parameter for a control frame of reference, several geo-solar time parameters including but not limited to distance Earth travels or has travelled between any two universal orbital points, dynamic Earth-Sun distance, and dynamic rotational velocity of Earth at any longitudinal-latitudinal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Navarre
  • Publication number: 20090135676
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and device of time-keeping on a location of a celestial body (first celestial body). In this invention, we determine the location of a first celestial body with respect to a second celestial body and the motion of the first celestial body with respect to a second celestial body and other celestial bodies, as it moves along its celestial path in universe. By using the location and motion of the first celestial body to represent a point in time on the first or second celestial body and using the motion of the first celestial body to represent progression of time on the first or second celestial body, as they move in universe along their celestial paths. Where, the first celestial body could be any one of a moon, an asteroid, a planetoid, a planet, a star, a galaxy, a cluster of galaxies and an arbitrary point in the universe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin W. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7529156
    Abstract: By enabling its users to see and thus more vividly experience local solar day and local solar night, etc., the Synclecron invention seeks to somewhat alleviate the modern-day problem of human separation from the flows and ebbs of natural time. It does so via providing a way of mapping and displaying the experiential passage of solar and other day and night to conventional displays of conventional time. The Synclecron invention achieves this by two means. First by utilizing waxing & waning, journeying pairs of hieroglyph circles that alternately travel twice a day through a hieroglyph sky around a hieroglyph earth. And, last, by using a rotating “minute-hour” indicator, which displays where the Synclecron invention's user is in local natural time during each “natural” one-twelfth hour of his or her local natural day and natural night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Yale S. Landsberg
  • Patent number: 7518956
    Abstract: A timepiece for displaying a planisphere and indicating a portion of the planisphere. Another exemplary embodiment is a clock that displays both sidereal and solar time, while indicating a portion of the planisphere at a particular time. Another exemplary embodiment of the timepiece includes an adjustment feature that allows a user to adjust the portion of the planisphere indicated to a particular geographic location. An exemplary embodiment may contain a celestial or terrestrial planisphere. As a result, an exemplary embodiment of the timepiece may provide valuable information about the planisphere at any particular sidereal or solar time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Trident Design, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Hansel
  • Patent number: 7196973
    Abstract: In order to display images true to the real appearance of the moon during a lunation, particularly in a watch, there is provided a rotating indicator disc (8) arranged behind a circular aperture of a dial and comprising an annular region (20) subdivided into alternatively light (21–25) and dark (26–30) fields by lines of separation (31–40) having different shapes, which can appear in succession in the aperture. The drive means impart primary movements on the indicator disc (8), each of which is large enough to replace one of the lines of separation by another in the aperture, and smaller secondary movements, to produce small movements of the line of separation inside the aperture. This allows a new image of the moon to be given every day, true to reality, with a restricted number of light and dark fields on the indicator disc and a particularly large aperture in relation to the size of the dial. A version with electric driving is disclosed and a version driven by a mechanical watch movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Frédéric Meylan
  • Patent number: 7154815
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic astronomical watch, in particular of the wristwatch type, said watch (1) being capable of indicating the position of celestial bodies in the heavens, said watch (1) including: a time base (48) for producing a standard frequency signal; means (50) for determining the current time and date from the standard signal means (28, 30) for selecting a celestial body; analogue time display means using two hands (10, 12); means (32) for determining the position of the selected celestial body in the heavens and indicating this position via the display means (10, 12), the watch (1) being wherein it includes a rotating dial (14) on which there is shown the map (16) of the heavens and in that the shape of the hands (10, 12) is such that their intersection or point of conjunction enables any point of the map of the heavens (16) to be designated on the dial (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Raymond Froidevaux
  • Patent number: 6901032
    Abstract: Disclosed is a timepiece from which a sunrise and sunset time along with the position of the sun can be determined. The sunrise time and the sunset time are changed according to the season and the latitude of the place where one man the time. People acquire the sunrise and sunset time from the news of a television or a newspaper. According to the enlargement of cities, underground activities and the degree of building closure are increased to shield the sun. The timepiece of the present invention comprises a circular hour plate which rotates once per 24 hours. Also included is a sunrise and sunset time designating section (21) for indicating the sunrise time and the sunset time for each month. Through the timepiece of the present invention, the present time, the position of the sun at the present time, the sunrise and sunset time can be appreciated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Timespace System Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-hyoung Eo, Jang-sung Choi
  • Patent number: 6744695
    Abstract: A planisphere watch includes a watch case having a transparent lens. A time keeping mechanism is disposed within the case and has a time display viewable through the lens. A planisphere map of star constellations and star systems is viewable through the lens. A rotatable bezel overlies the lens and defines a window through which a portion of the planisphere is viewed. The bezel includes time indicia alignable with date indicia imprinted onto an underlying tension ring. Rotating the bezel to align a selected time with a selected date reveals a portion of the planisphere map viewable in the night sky at that selected time and date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Alex Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6650596
    Abstract: A method for calculating a Hijri religious calendar based on the visibility of a crescent moon. The method comprises using a camera and/or weather reports to determine the weather conditions in a region. Preferably, the camera view and the weather report are available via the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Bruce Kumhyr, Samer Farid Najjar, Dalal Fathy Younis
  • Patent number: 6625085
    Abstract: A universal timepiece from which a latitude and a longitude can be determined. A bottom plate which has the names of the main cities in the world, scales and the relative longitudes according to the real longitudes of the cities on the circumference thereof, is included. Comprised is a circular hour plate which has a 24-divisional scale having the same angles with respect to the center. And a circular star plate which rotates 360.99 per 24 hours is included. The rotational axis coincides with the Polaris or the south pole and the main stars and a concentric circle for representing the declination are designated in the star plate. At each concentric circle, the declination or the value obtained by subtracting the declination from 90 is recorded. The clock plate rotates to indicate the time. The star plate is the timepiece which rotates in the same velocity with the actual celestial sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Timespace System Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-hyoung Eo, Jang-sung Choi
  • Patent number: 6580663
    Abstract: A timepiece and combined astrological display assembly including a casing which may be sized to resemble a wristwatch, PDA or a variety of other structures and including a display assembly mounted on the casing. The display assembly is responsive to a processor mounted on the casing and associated with appropriate storage facilities structured to respectively store and depict different categories of information including, the current time of day at a given geographical location, as well as ephemeris data indicative of the movement and positions of the celestial bodies of the Zodiac, and the angular orientation between two planetary bodies for the determination of “Aspects” and/or a plurality of “Aspect” lines, each of which interconnects a selected pair of planetary bodies and facilitates the forecasting of astrological information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Keith Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20030095475
    Abstract: A planisphere watch includes a watch case having a transparent lens. A time keeping mechanism is disposed within the case and has a time display viewable through the lens. A planisphere map of star constellations and star systems is viewable through the lens. A rotatable bezel overlies the lens and defines a window through which a portion of the planisphere is viewed. The bezel includes time indicia alignable with date indicia imprinted onto an underlying tension ring. Rotating the bezel to align a selected time with a selected date reveals a portion of the planisphere map viewable in the night sky at that selected time and date.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Alex Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20020136093
    Abstract: A method for calculating a Hijri religious calendar based on the visibility of a crescent moon. The method comprises using a camera and/or weather reports to determine the weather conditions in a region. Preferably, the camera view and the weather report are available via the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Bruce Kumhyr, Samer Farid Najjar, Dalal Fathy Younis
  • Patent number: 6411567
    Abstract: A system for managing delivery of pharmaceutical drugs is formed of a blister package that includes a plurality of cells arranged in a grid. Each of the cells is sealed by a breakable wall and holds a unit-dose of medication. A user gains access to the medication in a given cell by puncturing the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A severable conductor is positioned proximate to each breakable wall. The severable conductor associated with a given cell ruptures upon puncturing of the breakable wall associated with the given cell. A computer chip is electrically connected to the severable conductors. The computer chip senses the puncturing of each cell in the grid by monitoring the rupturing of each of the severable conductors. An RF transmitter is coupled to the computer chip. The RF transmitter sends information corresponding to usage of each of medications stored in the blister package to a remote information transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Niemiec, Louis M. Heidelberger, Daniel H. Golub
  • Patent number: 6272076
    Abstract: The invention concerns astronomic watches capable of indicating the position of heavenly bodies of the solar system with respect to the Earth and to the zodiac. The watch according to the invention is an electronic watch including: a time base (1) for generating a standard frequency signal, a circuit (2) for determining the current time and date from said standard frequency signal, this current date including the day of the month, the month and the year, a manual control system (7; 21, 22, 23) allowing each of said heavenly bodies to be selected, a display system (6; 14, 15, 16, 20), and means (3, 4, 5) for determining the position of a selected heavenly body with respect to the Earth and to the signs of the zodiac and for causing this position to be indicated by the display system. Preferably the watch according to the invention is designed to allow the position of a heavenly body to be indicated at a date other than the current date which can be a past or future date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventor: Rudolf Dinger
  • Patent number: 6222796
    Abstract: The concept of an astrological watch is that of a watch which provides a daily horoscope based on ones astrological sign. The astrological watch matches up with a birth sign. The watch contains a computer chip that provides daily horoscopes for the sign of the person, based upon their birth date and time, covering one entire year. An LCD readout allows the person to read their individual daily horoscope each day. In addition, the astrological watch provides the function of a standard electronic digital watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Lauren Rosen
  • Patent number: 6202035
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining a time and/or direction for prayer, comprising: receiving means for receiving signals indicative of a position on or above the earth; computing means for computing a time for prayer on the basis of the received signals; and display means for displaying a computed time for prayer, characterized in that the receiving means are adapted to receive GPS signals coming from satellites, that the computing means are adapted and connected to the receiving means such that the desired prayer direction on the basis of the position as well as the desired time for prayer are computed directly from the GPS signals, and both are displayed on a screen of the display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ballad Investment N.V.
    Inventor: Joep Lameer
  • Patent number: 6108277
    Abstract: A timepiece and combined astrological display assembly including a casing which may be sized to resemble a wristwatch and a display assembly mounted on the casing and viewable through a display face. The display assembly is responsive to a processor sized to fit within the casing which includes or communicates with a plurality of databases, each of which is structured and disposed to store and depict different categories of information including, the current time of day at a given geographical location, as well as an ephemeris or other calendar and table which tracks the movement of various planets and celestial bodies, and the angular orientation between two planetary bodies for the determination of "Aspects" and/or a plurality of "Aspect" lines, each of which interconnects a selected pair of planetary bodies and provides forecasting astrological information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Whitmore
  • Patent number: 5701678
    Abstract: A space-time tracker for announcing the time and tracking the celestrial bodies on the spot of observation comprises a clock mechanism with clock hands on a dial of 24 hours and a synchronic motor for driving a star atlas and a plurality of planet driving devices which actuate a plurality of annular displays moving around a moon/star ring to periodically show an on spot planet thereon. The space-time tracker also indicates the variations or deviations of the solar calendar and the lunar calendar and the times of different time zones around the world. This disclosure is characterized in automatically and perfectly demonstrating the relationship between the time and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Jen-Hu Wang
  • Patent number: 5590093
    Abstract: A digital sundial displays the current solar time in digits, words, or pictures. Two closely-spaced parallel masks project different images depending on the angular position of the sun in the following way: The first mask, a regular array of thin vertical slits, casts a striped light pattern onto the second mask. This light pattern is independent of the height of the sun. The second mask is composed of narrow stripes of the digits, words, or pictures to be displayed. The striped pattern of sunlight cast by the first mask illuminates exactly those stripes of the second mask corresponding to the image representing the current time. The light shining through both masks is projected onto a translucent viewing screen mounted closely behind the second mask, which results in a digital display of the time. A plate of light-refracting material can be inserted between the two masks, effectively linearizing the motion of the light pattern cast onto the second mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: Hans Scharstein, Werner Krotz-Vogel, Daniel Scharstein
  • Patent number: 5519673
    Abstract: A clock is formed by a front frame (11) for forming a clock body, a back frame (35) fixed with the former, a transparent dial plate (17) fixed with the front frame and having scale marks on the periphery for representing month and day, a constellation disc (15) rotatably held by the dial plate and having an annular toothed member (63) on the circumference thereof, a support member (71, 79) provided on the back surface of the dial plate for rotatably guiding and supporting the constellation disc, and a drive mechanism (75) provided on the back surface of the dial plate for driving the annular toothed member of the constellation disc while engaging with the toothed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Uehara, Mamoru Shibata