Abstract: A correction system for a hands display type of electronic timepiece which can display a plurality of types of time information such as an alarm time and the current time by a single set of hands, with changeover between display of the different types of information being performed by rapid rotation of the hands, with the system being characterized in that means are provided for inhibiting any input of correction signals by external switch actuations while such changeover is in progress. Errors resulting from accidental switch actuations during display changeover are thereby effectively eliminated.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece movement includes a control stem slidably guided in a radial passage of a base plate. Pulling on this control stem brings a return spring acting on the stem into contact with a stud which is carried by the substrate of an electronic circuit module of the movement. This connects a conductive lead to ground, which controls an operation function of the timepiece. The pull-out control stem and associated return spring can be replaced by a push-in member and by a return coil spring located in said passage. The stud is then positioned in a hole of the substrate of the electronic circuit, which hole is situated opposite to the longitudinal axis of the passage. Pressure exerted on this push-in member places a portion thereof into electrical contact with the stud and this connects the lead to ground, as before. Thus, the movement can according to choice be completed for operation either by a push-in control movement or by a pull-out control stem movement.

Abstract: An electronic digital timer for displaying time information on an electronic digital display device such as a fluorescent display tube. A time setting knob is employed to set time information. By operating the time setting knob in an analog fashion, time information is displayed on the electronic digital display device in a digital fashion.

Abstract: A game timing device for simultaneously timing events for two players comprising clock means for counting the time of two different eventsa pair of start switches, each for initiating the operation of the clock means for counting one of the two different events and for interrupting the count of the other of the two different events;display means coupled to the clock means for displaying the time for each of the two events;reset switch means for resetting the clock means to a predetermined initial value;advancing switch means for advancing the clock means at a faster than normal rate;counter means coupled to the respective ones of the pair of switches for counting the number of operations of respective ones of the pair of start switches; andmeans coupling the clock means to the display means for normally displaying time in one set of units and means responsive to a predetermined time count by the clock means for displaying the time count in shorter units of time.

Abstract: An electronic analog timepiece is disclosed that utilizes digital storage devices for setting alarm time and when selectively displaying, in response to the activation of a setting member, either alarm time or actual, updated time by the timepiece hands. When setting the alarm time, the minute hand and second hand are positioned on the timepiece display to indicate alarm time in hours and minutes, respectively. Specifically, the minute and second representations of the minute hand and second hand positions on the display are transformed, in a selected storage device, to alarm time hour and minute representations, respectively. When displaying either alarm time or actual, updated time from the other time presently being displayed, the setting member is activated to produce fast rotation of the hands from one time setting to the other.

Abstract: A time set apparatus includes twelve hour set switch keys and twelve minute set switch keys. Each of the hour set switch keys designates one of 1 o'clock to 12 o'clock. Each of the minute set switch keys designates one of 0, 5, 10, . . . 50 and 55 minutes. The minute set switches are coupled to an interpolation circuit. The interpolation circuit counts how many times any one of the minute switch keys is depressed, and generates an interpolation data. When 10 o'clock key and 30 minute key is once depressed and then the 30 minute key is further depressed by three times, the interpolation data indicates "3" and the set time becomes "10:33".

Abstract: A multi-mode electronic timepiece includes a case body on which an annular dial is mounted for angular stepwise displacement. A circuit board is mounted within the case body and includes a plurality of angularly spaced-apart switch terminal patterns connected to circuitry for generating different mode signals depending on which of the switch terminal patterns are actuated. A plurality of switches are disposed adjacent respective ones of the switch terminal patterns and each switch includes a movable rod movable between first and second positions to actuate or not actuate its respective switch terminal pattern. The underside of the annular dial is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced-apart camming portions which are suitably located to cam the switch rods in response to manual angular stepwise displacement of the dial to actuate selected ones of the switches to accordingly actuate selected ones of the switch terminal patterns and produce a corresponding mode signal.

Abstract: Manually actuatable means are provided for programming or time setting a digital-electronic time switch device which utilizes an analog program input eliminating the need for a separate data display terminal. The time setting system includes a manually adjustable dial assembly having at least one adjustable indicator arm movable about an annular time marking scale and connected through a train to a command encoder. The command encoder includes a wheel connected to the dial train for forward or backward rotation. The wheel is suitably constructed, such as by radial slits to code dial assembly settings for triggering a digital information transducer, such as an opto-electronic device, which signals an electronic counter. The electronic counter adjusts the device data memory by specific time units in relation to the digital information received by the command encoder. The dial assembly inherently indicates the adjusted time setting to the operator in readily observable analog form.

Abstract: A timepiece has a time set mode and another time-related mode. It comprises a logic circuit for recognizing the time set mode and an electroacoustic transducer responsive to the logic circuit for providing a particular sound in succession when the timepiece is in the time set mode. The present timepiece makes it easy for the user, especially a blind or weak-eyed person, to recognize that the time set mode is in effect.

Abstract: An electronic analog timepiece with time zone and time setting modes selected by appropriate rotation and axial movement of a crown that controls a high speed stepping motor is disclosed. The stepping motor provides high frequency signals to produce time correction rotation of the timepiece hands. The speed of the stepping motor is reduced by a deceleration ramp from high speed prior to stopping the motor at the end of time correction. The time setting mode may be selected when the watch is in the shutdown mode and the time zone mode is selected when the watch is in the normal clockwise running mode by rotating the crown in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The shutdown mode may be selected from the normal running mode by pulling the crown to its out/setting position and the normal running mode may be selected from the shutdown mode by pushing the crown to its on/run position.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece of analog display type is provided with at least one other additional function mode such as an alarm mode in addition to a current time mode of operation. When changeover from one function mode to another is performed, by actuation of an external operating member, information indicated by the timepiece analog display is rapidly changed over to correspond to information for the new function mode, e.g. is rapidly changed over to indicate an alarm time when changeover from the current time mode to the alarm time mode is performed, and rapidly changed to indicate current time when the reverse mode changeover is performed.

Abstract: A multistage counter 3, 5, 7, 10 normally counts seconds pulses from a frequency divider 2. Counters 5 and 7 are units and tens minutes counters and are set by shifting a counter 21 by button B to provide a "1" on output 21d. When a button A is then held down the seconds pulses pass through gates 17 and 22 and count the units counter 5 up to the numeral 0. A flip-flop 19, 26 is then set to disable gate 22 and enable gate 23 so that the units counter stays at the numeral 0 and the tens counter advances to the desired value, when button A is released, which resets the flip-flop. Button A is pressed again to count the units counter from the numeral 0 to the desired value. The invention in one embodiment simplifies the setting of a digital watch and reduces the time (number of pulses) needed to preset the units and tens of minutes counters. The invention can be extended to more than two counters and used for counters other than in clocks and watches.

Abstract: A pushbutton device comprises a pipe or tubular member for being affixed to a casing as of an electronic watch, a pushbutton body axially movably disposed in the pipe, resilient structure for returning the pushbutton body to an original position, structure for retaining the pushbutton body in the pipe, and a plurality of contacts selectively actuatable by the pushbutton body into and out of mutual electrical contact. Either the pushbutton body or the pipe has at least one step on its upper surface remote from the contacts to provide a plurality of stepped strokes of depressed movement of the pushbutton body with respect to the pipe for selective actuation of the contacts. The resilient structure may be a coil spring or a resilient leaf spring.

Abstract: A clock adjustment switch system for a clock having a display panel, such as an optoelectronic or liquid crystal display panel, and a transparent cover fit over the display panel. Transparent touch-switches for adjusting the timekeeping or other function of the clock are provided on the transparent cover and luminous indicator means are provided at corresponding positions on the display panel. The time switches are made operative and the luminous indicator means are lit only when the clock adjustment function has been made operative by another switch provided on the transparent cover.

Abstract: For performing a very precise detection of the position of at least one hand, the watch is provided with an electro-optical detection device.The detection device comprises a wheel 8 carrying a mirror 26. The wheel 8 is intermittently driven by the driving member 6 for defining n angular positions of the mirror 26. The member 6 is meshing with the gear train 12 of the watch. It further comprises a light emitter 30 and a light receiver 32 which receives a light beam when the mirror 26 is in an angular position corresponding to the reference position of the hand. The number n is inferior to the number of steps performed by the hand during a complete revolution of said hand.

Abstract: The watch comprises a plurality of stores, each containing a particular item of time data and each producing an output signal representing the data therein. A single operating button is displaceable by the user of the watch, on the one hand in the axial direction between a pushed-in position and a pulled-out position for which a switch is respectively open and closed, and on the other hand rotatably. Rotation of the button closes and opens two more switches by two cams rotationally displaced so that two pulse trains are produced with a phase relationship indicating the sense of rotation. A circuit processes these pulse trains to produce UP pulse for one sense of rotation and DOWN pulses for the other sense of rotation. These pulses are used to correct the value in a selected store. The particular store to which the correction signal is applied is selected by axially displacing the operating button from the pushed-in position to the pulled-out position a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a timepiece standard generator, a frequency divider having a resettable terminal, a circuit for controlling an optically displaying device connected to the frequency divider, a circuit for controlling a hand displaying device connected to the frequency divider, a below second linking control circuit for detecting first the content of the frequency divider in response to the operation of either first switch for resetting to zero the digit of second of the optically displaying device or second switch for initiating to act the hand displaying device and for resetting next to zero the digit of second of the optically displaying device and initiating to act the hand displaying device after the time adjustment of the hand displaying device respectively. At the time of detection of a below second linking control circuit, the below second linking control circuit controls to advance by one second on the hand displaying device if the content of the frequency divider is 0.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprising counters and logic devices, in which the counters are utilized to memorize a variation of rate of the timepiece with respect to a time reference in response to actuation of a control means, and in which the logic devices are controlled by signals delivered by the frequency divider chain and are arranged to periodically effect automatic correction of the variation of rate by an amount equivalent to the value memorized in the counters.The invention relates to a timepiece which permits the user to himself adjust the rate of his watch by means of a simple manipulation not requiring any complicated adjustment of electronic circuits, and which further performs an automatic correction of the variation of rate.

Abstract: In the quartz watch according to the invention all the time displaying hands (of the hours, the minutes and, possibly, the seconds) are kinematically permanently connected to each other, thus always displaying time in a very precise manner by their respective positions, whichever manipulations are made by the watch carrier.The addition to the conventional parts of the watch of a detector sensitive to the manually controlled displacements of the hands and of a counting device for finishing off these displacements and for memorizing the time impulses during the manual correction, ensures automatically setting the hands in the exact time indicating positions thus permitting the watch carrier who travels from one time zone into another one to make rapidly the necessary time alterations without prejudice of the previous precision of the time indication.

Abstract: A step second timepiece comprises a quartz crystal oscillator and a frequency divider containing a reset circuit. The reset circuit includes a reset switch operable such that the time interval from when the reset switch is released up to when the next pulse is fed from the frequency divider is shorter than the pulse interval of the successive pulses fed from the said frequency divider thereby compensating for time lag associated with the release of the reset switch.

Abstract: A plurality of counters are connected with a plurality of correction terminals for independently correcting counts of the counters. An initializing circuit is connected between initializing terminals of the counters and the correction terminals. An initializing signal generator is connected between an input line from the power source and the correction terminals, for initializing the counters to predetermined counts only when signals are simultaneously applied to the correction terminals.

Abstract: An electronic timekeeping device performs timekeeping functions and on command selectively outputs a plurality of data signals and performs supplemental functions for an external unit such as a microcomputer. Control signals inputted via a data bus from the external unit actuate switch means which selectively permit the external unit to command the timekeeping device to output required data signals or perform a particular function. The basic timekeeping circuits of the device continuously perform the timekeeping function regardless of the data signals or functions which have been commanded for output, and when the external unit is inoperative. Data signals from the external unit can also be input to modify the data output of the timekeeping device. Individual data buses within the timekeeping device are devoted to particular functions.

Abstract: To render a setting circuit more suited to the use of a microprocessor, the frequency of pulses applied by a setting shaft are periodically measured and the value found is multiplied by a weighting factor which depends on the speed of rotation of the setting shaft. The weighted, measured values are integrated and the integrated value can be used to tune a receiver or to set the time display of a clock.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has an optical display device for displaying time in digits and an alarm time indicator for setting an alarm time in terms of the position of a pointer. The position of the pointer is electronically detected and is applied as alarm time data to a time counting circuit. When current time is coincident with the alarm time set by the pointer, the alarm is given.

Abstract: A time correction circuit for a timepiece with an electrochromic display which includes a timing circuit having counters counting time standard clock signals and for generating time display output signals, a time display circuit having an electrochromic display section displaying output signals from said counters, a correction mode changeover switch selectively switching between a time display mode and a time correction mode, a correcting circuit which works only when said correction mode changeover switch selects the correction mode to change the count in the counters, a writing and erasing control circuit for controlling the timing of the writing and the erasing of the electrochromic display section in response to the mode selected by the correction mode changeover switch and a correction pulse generating circuit for outputting time correction writing pulses of smaller pulse width than time correction writing and erasing pulses during the time display mode when the correction mode changeover switch selects

Abstract: A time-correcting mechanism is actuated by a single external member which is rotated, pushed and pulled. Data representative of the rotational speed of the external member is stored in memory and the digital time display is subsequently adjusted in predetermined amounts and rates in accordance with the stored data. In an alternative mechanism, as few as one corrective pulse is applied to a one-minute counter for minor display adjustment when the external member is slowly rotated. More-rapid rotation of the external member causes a plurality of quickly fed pulses to be applied to a one-minute counter, and still more rapid rotation causes pulses to be applied to both the one- and ten-minute counters. Large adjustments in the display are rapidly accomplished.

Abstract: In an electronic timepiece the digital display of time functions is corrected by the manipulation of a multi-contact rotary switch. Rotation of the switch in one direction corrects one displayed function, e.g., hours and minutes, and rotation of the switch in the other direction corrects another displayed function, e.g., day and date. The rate of display correction is responsive to the rate of switch rotation. Rotational direction is electronically determined by detecting which contact in the rotary switch is the first to close. Rate of switch rotation is determined by measuring the time required in cyclic actuation of the rotary switch contacts.

Abstract: An electronic analog timepiece with hour and minute hand driven by a stepping motor in accordance with low frequency timekeeping signals supplied by a high frequency quartz time reference. The electronic time-setting control circuit is controlled by a single manual push-button switch. The time is adjusted for correction, daylight saving or time zone change at slow, fast and accelerated rate in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Both an automatic single hour time correction with automatic restart, and a manual restart option are incorporated.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a liquid crystal display device in which a plurality of liquid crystal display elements each in the shape of a time-indicating hand are radially arrayed and the liquid crystal display elements are selectively turned on responsive to time-divided time information. A set of counters produce the time data only during time adjustment when the contents in the counters are adjusted, predetermined time units of the time data are selected extending over a longer time than other remaining time units so that there is obtained a larger effective value of voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal display elements in comparison with the case of non-adjustment so that even if the time adjustment is quickly made, one may recognize a display portion which is sequentially turned on in response to the time data.

Abstract: A personal data bank system is disclosed for use in combination with a digital watch. The personal data bank system is capable of generating, storing and recalling alphanumeric data using a minimum number of switches. The system includes a set control logic circuit capable of generating a sequence of alphanumeric characters which are displayed on the watch. Upon repeated actuations of a single switch, a desired array of characters are selected and thereafter are stored in a memory. Recalling the information is accomplished by either an alphabetic search or by a unique code number system wherein a code number is assigned to each data set. The sequence of characters is generated by the set control logic circuit which includes a blank character to facilitate the programming of the memory.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece including an external member which by linear and rotating motion actuates three switch functions, comprises circuits to correct for inadvertent improper sequencing in actuation of the external member. A counter-timer discriminates between inadvertent actuations occurring at abnormally short time intervals and normal actuations at longer intervals, and in cooperation with memory circuits, restores conditions which have been inadvertently altered.

Abstract: The watch comprises a detecting device including a resilient blade, the free end of which cooperates with a disk. When a slot in the edge of the disk is oriented in the direction of the blade, the latter vibrates owing to its own resiliency. The two edges of the slot are preferably bent in opposite directions in order to increase the bending stress on the blade just before its abrupt release into the slot. A piezoelectric strip fixed to the blade registers voltage fluctuations, the polarity of which corresponds to the direction in which the blade moves.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a time-piece including an oscillator, a frequency divider, an electronic circuit for effecting at least one auxiliary function depending on information delivered to the inputs thereof, a circuit for controlling a display and a circuit for setting the time. The integrated circuit is provided with a first group of terminals for enabling connection of the integrated circuit with external components such as a piezo-electric resonator, the display, and the time-setting circuit.

Abstract: A single external stem member of an electronic timepiece operates independent switches by push-pull motions and by a rotary operation. Many functions are controlled or adjusted with signals generated by particular sequential combinations of stem member operations in the push-pull and rotary modes. In an alarm timepiece, the rotary switch controls the alarm time setting, and the push-pull switch determines whether an audible alarm and hour markers are to sound, no sounds are to be emitted, or only the alarm is to sound.

Abstract: An operating apparatus for an appliance with electrical indication, particularly an electric clock of a motor vehicle, wherein push-button switches for setting or otherwise controlling the appliance are switched to one of their operative and inoperative positions by a contact switch operated with a key, such as the ignition key of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A electronic timepiece having a dynamic frequency divider, a static frequency divider and a reset system, in which a switching means is provided in the voltage supply circuit of the dynamic frequency divider and a gate means is provided between the dynamic frequency divider and the static frequency divider. The switching means is a transistor adapted to be cut off to stop the operation of the dynamic frequency divider in the reset state and the gate means is a digital logic gate adapted to fix the output thereof by an input voltage applied by the reset system, whereby power consumption in the dynamic frequency divider and in the static frequency divider may be reduced.

Abstract: A process and circuit for the setting of an electronic digital display for a desired time period, particularly the cooking time of a microwave oven. The setting is effected through a series of stepping pulses controlling the registers of counter-display units for a time period which is subdivided into predetermined time units.

Abstract: A digital watch including a clocking signal generator is disclosed wherein a control circuit provides phasing signals for multiplexing data representing seconds, minutes, hours, and data information in successive cycles to a visual display panel. In the normal mode of operation of the watch, minutes and hours are displayed. The watch further includes circuitry for selectively displaying seconds and date information as well as for setting the hours, minutes, and date. The aforementioned functions require the utilization of only three functional switches which may be incorporated into a stem of the watch. By selectively closing and opening one switch, as for example, pushing in and releasing the stem, seconds information is first displayed and then the date information is momentarily displayed for a predetermined interval after which the watch returns to a normal mode of operation of displaying hours and minutes.

Abstract: A switch structure for an electronic timepiece including a multi-position external operational member is provided. The structure includes a click lever and a switch lever, each operationally engaged with the external operational member. Rotation of the external operational member pivots the switch lever for making a first switching connection. Axial displacement of the external operational member shifts the switch lever for making a second switching action upon operation of the external operational member. In a digital electronic timepiece including the switch structure, adjustment of time may be made when the click lever is in a first position and a calendar adjustment may be made once the click lever is in a second position.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece equipped with a switch means to produce switching pulses in response to actuation of an external operation member, and means for detecting the time intervals between pairs of the switching pulses and producing first control signals indicative of duration of the time intervals. A counter circuit is responsive to the first control signals to provide a second control signal, in response to which a correction signal generation means produces correction signals, the number of which depends on the second control signal.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece equipped with a rotatable operating member which actuates a switch, and means for detecting the direction of rotation of the operating member to utilize a signal produced by the switch for correction of information displayed by the timepiece, the information to be corrected being selected in accordance with the direction of rotation of the operating member.

Abstract: An LED watch which is capable of displaying both horological information and up to five words of five characters each which are sequentially displayed. These alpha-numeric words are programmed by the watch user.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a frequency supply for providing a relatively high frequency time base signal, a circuit including a frequency converter responsive to the time base signal to provide a relatively low frequency time unit signal, and a time-keeping register responsive to the time unit signal to produce a time information signal. An input means includes an external control to provide an actuation signal when actuated, and an input signal is generated in response to the actuation signal, provision being made for selectively rendering the input signal generating means inoperative. An enabling signal is generated in response to the input signal and the time information signal, and a control responsive to the enabling signal controls the circuit means to correct the time information signal.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a frequency supply for providing a relatively high frequency time base signal, a frequency converter responsive to the time base signal to provide a relatively low frequency time unit signal, and timekeeping means responsive to the time unit signal to provide current time information. The current time information is corrected and displayed. A calculation command signal is generated and enables a circuit means to produce, in response to the time unit signal, a frequency error signal indicative of an error in the frequency of the time unit signal. A gain/loss adjustment signal is generated in response to the frequency error signal, and a frequency adjusting circuit is provided for adjusting the frequency of the time unit signal in response to the gain/loss adjustment signal.

Abstract: A quick feeding system for feeding quick counting pulses to a counter, such as an hours counter of an electronic clock of the digital display type, comprising frequency dividing circuits, a switch for effecting a quick feed of pulses to the counter and a quick feed pulse generation circuit connected between one of the frequency dividing circuits and the counter.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece in which scheduled time data on specified date or on specified day of the week are set into a counter and their contents are displayed. When the scheduled time comes, an alarm sound is generated. If specific data are inserted instead of the instruction data representative of the date or the day of the week, the timepiece generates the alarm sound repeatedly at the scheduled time. A number of scheduled contents can be set using the same circuit construction and set action for generating repeatedly the alarm sound can be made easily.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a first display unit which indicates the present time by means of digital values, and a second display unit of the hand type which displays the time set by an additional function such as alarm function by means of one or more hands.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a stepping motor which can be driven at a normal frequency and at a relatively faster correction frequency includes a manually actuable switch and circuitry responsive to two successive actuations of the switch within a first predetermined time period for effecting a change in the motor drive from the normal frequency to the correction frequency and responsive to a third actuation of the switch after a predetermined time period from said change, to return the motor drive to the normal frequency.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a stepping motor and a drive circuit responsive to a control signal for applying electrical drive pulses having polarities determined by the control signal for rotating the rotor of the stepping motor. The control circuit normally operates in a mode for applying a control signal to the drive circuit effective to control the drive circuit to apply alternate polarity electrical drive pulses to rotate the stepping motor rotor in a normal direction. Resetting circuitry is operable for correcting the time kept by the timepiece. A detecting circuit detects whether the stepping motor rotor is in a position to be rotated by a forthcoming drive pulse after resetting. If the stepping motor rotor is not in a position for rotation a detection circuit signal is applied to the control circuit so that the control signal controls the drive circuit to apply an electrical pulse effective to rotate the stepping motor rotor after resetting.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece adapted to perform time correction in response to a train of time correction pulses transmitted from another electronic timepiece. The electronic timepiece comprises a detecting means to detect the train of time correction pulses; a writing-in signal generator circuit to generate writing-in signals in synchronism with a synchronizing signal contained in the train of time correction pulses, and a writing-in gate circuit means to perform writing-in of the train of time correction pulses into a timekeeping circuit of the timepiece as new current time data in response to the writing-in signals.