Abstract: The invention concerns a correction device (10) for a timepiece display mechanism of the type including a display member (12) fitted with a toothing (16) of pitch P, the correction device (10) including a pinion (26) provided with a toothing (30) of pitch p, mounted on a winding stem (24) so as to occupy at least one display correcting position A, and a correction wheel (38) mounted between the pinion (26) and the display member (12). The correction wheel (38) includes a first toothing (40) defined by a pitch P, a head diameter D, and a foot diameter d1, formed of teeth (42) including a tip (44) extending substantially angularly, and the tip (44) is cut so as to form a second discontinuous toothing (46) that is coplanar and concentric to said first toothing (40), defined by a pitch p less than the pitch P of the first toothing (40), a head diameter D equal to the head diameter of the first toothing (40), and a foot diameter d2 greater than the foot diameter d1 of the first toothing (40).

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a mobile terminal, includes a touchscreen display and a control unit for operating responsive to user contact with the display. The control unit is configured to display an analog clock, detect user contact with the display, and adjust displayed position of a selected clock hand of the analog clock responsive to relative locations on the display that the detected user contact occurs.

Abstract: A time correction device has a reception unit that receives satellite signals transmitted from positioning information satellites orbiting the Earth; a time correction information storage unit that stores time correction information for correcting time information produced by a time information generating unit; and a time information correction unit for correcting the time information based on the time correction information. The satellite signals are transmitted by individual positioning information satellites, and contain a time-related information part denoting time-related information that is kept by each satellite, and a satellite information part denoting satellite information other than the time-related information. The time correction information is generated based on the time-related information.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of providing time-zone capability to existing personal information management (PIM) software that lacks time-zone capability, the method comprising: executing the existing PIM software; executing a time-zone application in parallel with the existing PIM software, wherein the time-zone application determines that there has been a change in time zone; and changes times of appointments stored in the PIM software to reflect the new time zone.

Abstract: A method of setting/calibrating at least two display hands in an electronic device, wherein the method comprises the steps of initiating an actuation sequence of the setting/calibration mechanism; causing the first of the at least two display hands to rotate at least in one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction and in a manner that is independent of the actuation sequence; initiating a hand selection sequence via a selection mode to select the second of the at least two display hands to be set/calibrated; and while preventing the first of the at least two display hands from rotating, causing the second of the at least two display hands to rotate in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction and in a manner independent of the hand selection sequence; wherein the second of the at least two display hands would be next for setting/calibrating.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring time related settings using a graphical interface is presented. A user is able to configure a time-of-day and select a time zone on an electronic device using a maximum of two stylus movements. The user contacts a display with the stylus and makes an hour stroke and minute stroke in one motion, without lifting the stylus from the display. The user may adjust a time value by moving the stylus in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the user is satisfied with a time value, the user removes the stylus from the display. If the user wishes to toggle an AM/PM indicator, the user performs a toggle stroke to instruct processing to change the AM/PM indicator. Processing also identifies a time zone corresponding to a radix point which is created during the hour stroke and minute stroke generation.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a reference wheel and one or more target wheels to be detected and corrected to the correct or standard time. The target wheels each includes a number of binary codes angularly spaced from each other, and each having a number of digits radially spaced from each other. The reference wheel includes a number of orifices angularly and radially spaced from each other, for moving over the digits of the binary codes and for determining the positions of the wheels by moving the orifices of the reference wheel relative to the digits of the binary codes.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a light emitting device for generating a light, and one or more rotary wheels having one or more light receiving orifices, and one or more reflective members attached onto the sides of the rotary wheels for reflecting the light generated by the light emitting device and emitted through the orifices of the rotary wheels. The orifices may be easily and precisely formed in the rotary wheels while forming the rotary wheels, and the reflective members may be easily attached onto the rotary wheels without precisely positioning relative to the rotary wheels.

Abstract: A mechanical clock having wireless manipulation and adjustment function includes a remote controller and a mechanical clock. The mechanical clock has a reception circuit board for receiving a wireless signal emitted by the remote controller to drive a motor to rotate. The motor then jointly leads a gear set to drive a hand of the mechanical clock to rotate. The remote controller can manipulate the alarm ring setting of the mechanical clock. The remote controller can be used to turn on or off the alarm ring timing function and the snooze function, and set the time of an alarm ring timing hand. A user can thus use the remote controller to manipulate related settings of the mechanical clock to facilitate the manipulations thereof.

Abstract: A time period setting structure of a timer, in which a rotary disk is provided on a periphery of a setting disk, and a transparent fixing cover and several setting keys are provided in the setting disk. A LCD is also provided in the transparent fixing cover, and a rotary ringed stand is provided under the rotary disk. Several projecting teeth are provided on the outer edge of the ringed body under the ringed stand, and a sliding device is provided on a base, a projecting tooth is provided on the sliding device. When the rotary disk is clockwise/counter-clockwise rotated, to-and-fro movement between left/right and central position is accomplished by the ringed body with projecting teeth fitting with the projecting tooth of the sliding device. Such to-and-fro movement triggers conductor area of pre-set circuit, and the setting of the Hour/Minute can be achieved by operating the rotary disk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for winding and setting the time of a timepiece such as a date watch (1) including a date disc (14), characterised in that the device includes a crown (12) arranged in the top plane of the watch (1) parallel to the plane of the movement (18).

Abstract: A data transmitting/receiving system is configured so as to send data to an analog-type watch, without the need to make direct electrical contact thereto and without influencing the drive of the hands of the watch. When a timing signal that is sent from the watch is received, a data transmitting unit performs transmission. The watch does not receive data at other times, and this receiving operation is performed intermittently.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of clock synchronization of a powerline modem network for a plurality of devices are provided. A plurality of devices are provided having a powerline modem and a clock (100). The powerline modem permits communication between the plurality of devices over a powerline network. A synchronization message is provided over the powerline network (102). The synchronization message includes an instruction for each of the plurality of devices to update their clock in accordance with a clock time provided in the synchronization message (104). A synchronization device may be provided to update device clocks on a powerline network.

Abstract: A first (5) of the indicators and a first pipe (1) form part of an angular position indicating moving part (MR1) carrying a plate (9) co-operating with a first sensor (11) for generating a position signal for said indicator as a result of discontinuities in the material of said plate. A second display indicator (6) coaxial to said first indicator is coupled to a second angular position indicating moving part (MR2). The latter, which is mounted at a distance from the first moving part, is in a meshing relationship with a second pipe (2) carrying said second indicator. This second moving part carries a second plate (18) co-operating with a second sensor (20), for generating a position signal for said second indicator as a result of discontinuities in the material of said second plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotational aid for setting a multimode electronic device of the type having a rotatable ring coupled to a switching mechanism. The rotational aid includes a handle and a device for coupling the handle to the ring. The handle is positionable in at least a retracted position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the handle projects outwardly from the ring such that the rotation of the ring is facilitated by the movement of the deployed handle. The present invention also provides a multimode electronic device having a case and an integrated circuit operable in a plurality of states. The electronic device includes a rotating switching mechanism at least partially disposed within the case. The switching mechanism includes a rotatable setting stem operatively coupled to the integrated circuit. The electronic device also includes a ring rotatably mounted on the case. The ring is coupleable to the switching mechanism.

Abstract: To reduce electric power consumed during the operation of adjusting the indication of time and reduce the time required for the time adjusting operation. Using a second hand driving motor and a hour/minute hand driving motor both capable of rotating in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the indication of time is adjusted by driving the second hand driving motor and the hour/minute hand driving motor at times different from each other. The hand driving method (hand driving direction) is determined on the basis of the time elapsed during the power saving mode measured by a time information adjusting part such that the hands are driven in a direction which results in a reduction in the power consumption or the adjusting time.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a rotating member (1) and a contactless electric capacitive detection device for detecting positions and/or movements of the member. In order to avoid the problems posed by conventional systems with electric switches, the detection device includes at least one capacitive sensor (2), having one or more fixed electrodes (6, 7) and a toothed rotor (5) driven by the member, and an electronic detection apparatus (3) sensitive to variations in the sensor capacitance. The device may include two capacitive sensors whose output signals are in quadrature, in order to be able to indicate the direction of rotation of the member. The rotating member may be a time-setting control stem or another component such as the shaft of a watch hand.

Abstract: A technique for setting time of an apparatus which receives signals either from a single analog channel and a single digital channel or from a plurality of analog channels and a plurality of digital channels. In the case that the apparatus receives signals from a plurality of analog channels and a plurality of digital channels, a determination is first made as to whether an input signal is from one of the analog or digital channels. Then, if the input signal is determined to be a signal from one of the digital channels, the current time is set based on current time information from the signal of the digital channel. Conversely, if the input signal is determined to be a signal from one of the analog channels, the current time is set based on the current time information from an arbitrary digital channel.

Abstract: An electronic sunrise-dependent timepiece, comprising an oscillator circuit for generating clock pulses at a predetermined frequency and a clock circuit coupled to the oscillator circuit for generating minutes and hours and calendar data. An offset correction circuit coupled to the clock circuit and being responsive to a current value of calendar data adds a respective offset to the minutes and hours data so as to generate a sunrise-dependent time of day for display on a suitable display device.

Abstract: The gear train (1) connecting the driving element (3) to the minute wheel (2) includes a wheel and pinion (5) able to be disconnected from this train to interrupt the movement and stop the hour (23) and minute (22) display when the time-setting stem (8) is actuated while in a pulled out position (21). The disconnectable wheel and pinion (5) then undergoes a movement of translation which removes it from the other wheels and pinions (4, 6) of the train (1), the axes about which all the wheel and pinions rotate remaining substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for selecting at least one item of data from a set of data regrouped in accordance with a predetermined order. This method is able to be implemented in an electronic device including means for displaying the selected item of data, input means for supplying, via the action of a user of the device, a direction and successive pulses, means for controlling the display means in a non-instantaneous manner, and a processing unit for the set of data. This method is characterised in that it includes a first step which consists in counting the number of pulses provided, via the action of the user, during the period of time in which said display means is being activated to reach said selected item of data, in order to determine the acceleration provided by said user to said input means during this period of time.

Abstract: A display setting arrangement for a timepiece, having a 12-hour display, on which, driven in a rotatable manner by a basic mechanism with two revolutions every 24 hours, the hours can be displayed. There is also a second hour display, which can be driven in a rotatable manner likewise by the basic mechanism. By means of a correction device, the 12-hour display can be adjusted manually relative to the second hour display. The second hour display is a 24-hour display and can be driven in a rotatable manner, in a direct gear train, by the basic mechanism of the time piece with one revolution every twenty-four hours. Via a force-fit connection, a 12-hour gear train can be driven in a rotatable manner, for the purpose of driving the 12-hour display, by a direct-gear-train wheel which is driven with one revolution every twelve hours.

Abstract: The time-setting device includes a stem (8) capable of driving by friction a motion work wheel (29). The stem (8) ends in a knob (31) which rests against an annular flange (32) made under the motion work wheel. When the stem (8) is in a pushed in position, the knob runs idle. When this stem is pulled out, the knob drives the motion work to set the time of the hour (23) and minute (22) hands.

Abstract: An information display apparatus is provided which has a first display means that displays a first information and a second display means that displays either the first information or second information that differs from the first information, an annunciating means which externally annunciates this condition based on a prescribed signal, when the second display means is displaying the second information, if the second information coincides with the first information being displayed by the first display means, and a switching means to enable selection of at least one of selection, changing, or repeated selection of one of the first information and the second information displayed to be displayed by the second display means.

Abstract: An electronic watch with a minute-repeater function wherein the strike is accompanied by characteristic movements of the hands. In a simple alternative embodiment, the watch comprises two independent hour and minute hands, driven by their own motor. When the minute-repeater function is activated, the two hands come first of all to 0, then return to their initial position making movements corresponding to each type of strike, hour strike=+1 hour, 15 minutes strike=+15 minutes, etc.

Abstract: A method for resetting a real-time clock of a pen-based computer system characterized by the steps of: displaying an image of an analog clock face with an hour hand and a minute hand on the screen of a pen-based computer system; determining whether a clock-setting stroke has been made with a stylus upon the image of the analog clock face; resetting the real-time clock to correspond to the clock-setting stroke; and moving at least one of the hour hand and the minute hand in response to the clock-setting stroke.

Abstract: Correction mechanism consisting of a corrector (K) mounted so as to pivot (1) and provided with a roller-pin (P) pressing against a rod (T) under the action of a spring (Kr). The rod (T) has two parts (Ta, Tb) of different diameters. When the roller-pin (P) is pressed against the large-diameter part (Ta), the corrector (K) is moved away from the wheel (R2) to be blocked or to be driven. A pull on the rod (T) enables the roller-pin (P) to move onto the smaller-diameter part (Tb), this having the effect of causing the corrector (K) to work in a negative manner. Such a corrector is advantageously used by itself or with a similar corrector in a double-faced watch.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analogue display timepeice exhibiting at least one universal time display mode. The timepice comprises:time display means constituted in the form of an hour hand and a minute hand,time zone display means comprising at least one analogue indicating organ of said time zones and able to provide data relating to the geographical position of said time zones by reference to the earth,motor means able to drive said analogue display organs facing indications of respectively time and place,electronic control means arranged to drive said display means, this invention being characterized in that said analogue organ enabling the time zones to be indicated is comprised of at least one of the two time display hands, for example the hour hand, brought by electronic control means into a particular position in conjunction with the other hand, notably the minute hand.

Abstract: A method for resetting a real-time clock of a pen-based computer system characterized by the steps of: displaying an image of an analog clock face with an hour hand and a minute hand on the screen of a pen-based computer system; determining whether a clock-setting stroke has been made with a stylus upon the image of the analog clock face; resetting the real-time clock to correspond to the clock-setting stroke; and moving at least one of the hour hand and the minute hand in response to the clock-setting stroke.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece including a horometric movement (M) with a dial train (8, 46), at least one hours hand (4) which is mounted on an hours pipe (4a) driven by the dial train, a rotary ring (48) driven by the hours pipe so as to effect one revolution per twenty-four hours, a first display means (3) including a twenty-four-hour hours circle and a second display means including geographic indications respectively indicating various time zones, one of the display means (3) being arranged on the rotary ring (48) in order to be displaced facing the other (5) and in order to furnish with the latter a universal time display, characterized in that it includes a correction mechanism (MC) adapted to act on the hours hand (4) independently from the driving of the rotary ring (48).

Abstract: A timepiece having a mode displaying function includes an external operating member that is rotatable by a user. A sliding pinion rotatable by the external operating member rotates a transmitting gear. A correction transmitting wheel is rotatable by the transmitting gear. A motion control gear is fixed to the correction transmitting wheel. A motion control spring member having a motion control part contacts with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the motion control gear to regulate the rotation of the correction transmitting wheel during the rotation of the motion control gear. A mode displaying plate is rotatable by the correction transmitting wheel and displays the modes of the timepiece. The mode displaying plate is fixed to a display gear which has a plurality of teeth. A spring member has an urging surface for contacting with a respective motion control face of the teeth of the display gear.

Abstract: The earth ring (8) bears the lunar disc (9) which pivots in a hollow of the surface (8a). On its outer periphery it possesses teeth (17) for driving it from the final wheel set (15) of the stepping transmission gear train (15,24,12). The driving wheel set (12) is activated one step per day from the date wheel. The pinion (20) of the lunar disc (9) is in mesh with the outer teeth (22), normally fixed but which may be displaced by means of the correction arrangement controlled by the stem (30) when it is turned in a predetermined sense. The same correction arrangement also enables one to act on the transmission train (12, 14,15,17). The stem (30) is then driven in a sense opposite to the above which displaces the sliding pinion (36) and enables correction of the position of the lunar disc (9) relative to the earth ring (8) this latter normally effecting a complete rotation in twelve months and the lunar disc (9 ) a complete rotation in about 29.5 days.

Abstract: This unidirectional correction arrangement (1) for a display device exhibiting a circular element (2) provided with teeth (3) includes a cylindrical element (4) around which is wrapped a helical spring (5), one of the ends of which serves as a finger (6) adapted to come into contact with a tooth (3). When the cylindrical element (4) is driven in rotation in a sense (A) for which the force (F1) exerted on the finger by the tooth is directed in a sense tending to wrap the spring around the cylindrical element and to tighten it therearound, the circular element (2) rotates. Such circular element (2) will not be driven when the cylindrical element (4) is driven so as to rotate in a sense (B) for which the force (F2) exerted on the finger by the tooth is directed in a sense tending to open the helical spring.

Abstract: A double faced watch has a movement driving a first gearing actuating a first hands array cooperating with a first dial and a second dial 31 on its opposed face cooperating with a second hands array 32, 33', 43. An automatic winding mass 19 is pivoted concentrically to the two hands arrays by a bail bearing the internal housing of which is fastened on a sleeve giving passage to an axle 7, 7', carrying one hand of the first hands array. This axle 7, 7' is used as a driver for the driving of the second hands array. A time setting stem 55 is axially slidable between two positions, in one of which its rotation sets one of the hands arrays and in the other of which its rotation sets the other hands array. A tilting member 62 (FIG. 6) ensures that the setting stem 55 slides in the opposite direction from a sliding pinion 47 so that the stem 55 and pinion 47 are alternately in driving relation with one or the other of the drive trains of the two hands arrays.

Abstract: A timepiece including: an inner hours pipe (2) supporting a lower wheel (6), an outer pipe (30) mounted on the inner pipe (2) and supporting an upper wheel (32) arranged above the lower wheel (6), a star (12) mounted on the hours pipe (2) and fixed in rotation to the lower wheel (6), two driving rollers (20) cooperating with the star (12) and driven by the upper wheel (32) and a spring (26) bringing back the roller (20), such timepiece being characterized in that the lower wheel (6), which constitutes an hours wheel in mesh with a dial train, is mounted to be free in rotation relative to the inner hours pipe (2), while the upper wheel (32) forms a correction wheel capable of acting on the hours pipe (2) in order to modify the hour displayed.

Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, a case, a plurality of manually actuated actuators disposed about said case, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide a plurality of modes for performing a plurality of timepiece functions, including a first and second modes. The integrated circuit is further programmed to permit an operator to sequentially cycle a timepiece through the plurality of modes by selectively and repetitively actuating a first actuator. The improved timepiece includes a program for the integrated circuit adapted to dispose the timepiece out of a first and second of the plurality of modes into a first and second operating instruction subroutine in response to actuation of a second actuator. The first and second operating instruction subroutine respectively comprise a first and second set of operating instructions which describe the operation of the actuators when the timepiece is respectively disposed in the first and second modes.

Abstract: A time-piece in the form of a wrist-watch which comprises a casing including a dial and a side wall in which a slot is formed, hour and minute hands, drive means located within the casing and supporting the hands on the dial for rotating the hands relative to the dial to indicate time, and a manual operating member located substantially within the casing for rotating the hands relative to the dial by rotation with the hands about corresponding substantially parallel axes. The operating member has a peripheral edge portion of which only a limited region is exposed through the slot in the side wall of the casing, and is movable between an operative position for rotating the hands and an inoperative position not acting upon the hands. A spring is located within the casing and resiliently biasses the operating member towards the inoperative position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a setting method of the perpetual calendar of a chronograph watch having an analogic display and comprising a watch case, a time setting stem and two chronograph pushers. The display comprises a dial provided with an hour and a minute graduation as well as a centered chronograph hand and eccentric chronograph counters for the minutes and the hours each presenting a graduation, a corresponding hand and a date display. The watch comprises at least a driving motor for these hands and an electronic circuit provided with a processor controlled by a quartz time base. The setting of the perpetual calendar, number of the years within a cycle of four years, number of the months of the year, and indication of the date is controlled by the time setting stem and the two chronograph pushers. During the setting process, one displays the value of each of the parameters to be set successively by one of the hands and of the corresponding graduation.

Abstract: An improved setting mechanism for a timepiece of a known type having a frame, a gear train, a detented setting stem rotatably mounted and axially slidable in the frame and having a toothed setting pinion which is engageable and disengageable with a plurality of crown teeth arranged on one of the gear train members, the stem setting pinion being arranged on a first axis and the crown tooth gear being arranged on a second axis. The improvement comprises offsetting the first axis so that it does not intersect the second axis and skewing the crown teeth in the direction of offset so that the setting pinion engages the crown teeth from a non-radial direction to facilitate engagement on only one side of the pinion. The offset further facilitates a stem extension in a non-interfering position.

Abstract: A multifunction analog electronic watch includes at least two operating mechanisms to control the operation of a displayed multifunction in response to external regulation. The timepiece includes at least two clutch wheels, each clutch wheel disposed on and movable along an associated one of the operating mechanisms. A single setting element is coupled to each operating mechanism and to each clutch wheel for positioning the latter.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch may also be used by a non-traveler to cause time to advance at a non-standard rate for other reasons. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions.

Abstract: A scale indicator used with an electronic setting apparatus, in which at least one of first and second indication sheets has the front surface with a plurality of scale marks and windows, and a third indication sheet rotatable from outside is arranged in 9 space between the first and second indication sheets. At least one of two surfaces of the third indication sheet is printed with characters of a plurality of series of units and numerals representing a plurality of setting scale ranges. The characters of each series of units and numerals are visible from outside through the windows by changing the angle of rotation. A single indicator is thus able to indicate a plurality of scale ranges being available for setting physical quantities and other numerical values.

Abstract: A hand adjustment structure for a wristwatch which has a spur gear structure disposed intermediate the minute and the hour gears of the watch includes a crown gear structure on one side of the spur gear disc for engagement with the pinion of a time setting shaft by which the spur gear structure can be rotated and together therewith the watch's minute and hour hands radial projections are stamped axially out of the spur gear disc in a circular array so as to form the crown gear structure integrally with the spur gear disc.

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions. The microprocessor includes a set of registers (145 to 160) for storing the departure, destination, and traveler's times, and for controlling operation of the watch.

Abstract: A watch has an hour wheel (17) which can be driven in rotation around an axis of rotation (10) by a drive, and has a rotatable universal-time hour wheel (13) arranged coaxially thereto. These two hour wheels are connected to each other by a spring-loaded detent connection. The universal-time hour wheel (13) is rotatably settable stepwise relative to the hour wheel (17) by a setting element. It overcomes the spring force of the detent connection, in which connection the setting element can be coupled to the universal-time hour wheel (13) for setting the latter and can be decoupled again after the setting. The hour wheel (17) is connected to an hour hand (2), and a universal-time hour hand (3) is connected to a universal-time hour wheel (13), by which means the times of two different time zones can be indicated on a stationary dial face.

Abstract: A three hand movement of the type having a frame, a stepping motor mounted in the frame, a manually actutable timesetting stem disposed in the frame and a gear train driven by the stepping motor to rotate coaxial members carrying "seconds", "minutes", and "hours" hands. An improved dual reduction gear assembly comprises a first rotatable member with a toothed wheel and a second rotatable member having first and second pinions driving the "hours" and "minutes" wheels. A timesetting gear is adapted to be clutched to the "minute wheel". A friction coupling connects the first and second rotatable members during timekeeping. During timesetting, the friction coupling slips to disengage the toothed wheel from the first and second pinions, so that the second rotatable member separately functions as a reduction gear during timesetting.

Abstract: An improved drive circuit for a quartz analog wristwatch having a bipole stepping motor with a drive coil, a power supply, a gear train having a plurality of gears driven by the rotor, a plurality of output members with hands rotatably driven by said gears, the rotor, gears, output members and hands together comprising a rotating system, wherein the improvement comprises a low impedance drive coil, first circuit means arrange to generate periodic pulses of alternating polarity at a normal timekeeping frequency, second circuit means arranged to supply successive drive pulses of alternating polarity to the coil at an intermediate frequency on the order of 300 to 600 pulses per second selected to sustain and synchronize the rotating system at a substantially constant angular velocity, and third circuit means arranged to modulate the periodic pulses generated by the first circuit means so as to chop them at a high frequency on the order of 4 kilohertz at a 25 to 50 percent duty cycle selected with regard to the l

Abstract: An electronic watch includes a "traveler's time" function which can be activated when a wearer leaves on a long trip, east or west by plane, boat or the like. This function will advance or retard the operation rate of the watch so that after a user-determined trip time has elapsed, the watch will display the actual local time at the arrival location, and the watch will resume operation at its normal rate. By glancing at the watch from time to time, a traveler can become accustomed gradually to a time change caused by his travel through different time zones so that the psychological effects of "jet lag" are minimized. The watch includes a microprocessor (10), a quartz crystal (20) for providing a time standard, a display (30) for displaying the time, and a set of switches (40-90) for activating the watch's functions. The microprocessor includes a set of registers (145 to 160) for storing the departure, destination, and traveler's times, and for controlling operation of the watch.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting a timepiece display includes a winding stem which extends within the timepiece and without the timepiece. The winding stem is movable from a normal carrying position to a first changing position. A convex region is formed on the winding stem. A sliding pinion is mounted about the stem. A first calendar correction operating wheel is loosely fit about the stem in the normal carrying position. The convex portion of the stem engages the first calendar correction operating wheel to provide a friction fit when the outside operating member is in the first step changing position to conduct date correction.

Abstract: An improved contact spring in a movement for a timepiece having a frame, a stepping motor, an energy cell, a circuit driving the stepping motor with a switching terminal for disabling the stepping motor, a gear train driven by the stepping motor, and a manually actuatable stem disposed in the frame. The improved contact spring comprises a shaped member of electrically conductive spring metal with a battery contact portion and a circuit supply portion respectively engaging the energy cell and the supply terminal of the circuit. The contact spring has a spring biased first arm actuated by movement of the stem, said first arm having a braking portion adapted to supply a braking force to a member of the gear train when the stem is actuated. The arm may further include a switching portion adapted to make and break contact with the switching terminal of the circuit to disable the stepping motor when the stem is actuated.