Abstract: An electronic wristwatch including an a.c. generator having an output which is rectified using a half-wave rectifier. The half-wave rectified output of the generator is stored in a capacitor serving as a secondary power supply. Booster circuitry is operable for increasing and decreasing the voltage of the secondary power supply which is then applied across an auxiliary capacitor used for powering the wristwatch. Additional circuitry provides a suitable voltage across the auxiliary capacitor for driving the watch when the voltage across the secondary power supply is at or below a predetermined level. A pair of detecting circuits detect the maximum and minimum permissible voltage levels of the secondary power supply and auxiliary capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transferring information into an integrated circuit over the power supply pins of the integrated circuit. The apparatus and method are used to load a test program into memory of the computer system and the system is caused to execute the test program to verify proper operation of the computer system. The apparatus and method are implemented by converting the information to be loaded into a serial bit stream, using the serial bit stream to modulate the power supply voltage of the computer system. Inside the computer system, the low power supply levels are sensed by a low power supply detection unit an fed to a serial-to-parallel converter where it is converted back into the original information.

Abstract: In a mounting arrangement for a wristwatch operating mechanism wherein a base plate carries a circuit board and other circuit components and has a cavity for the reception of a battery with a connector strap extending between the battery cavity and the circuit board for electrical connection of one battery pole with the appropriate contact of the circuit board, the circuit board is mounted on the base by a single screw which extends through the board and at the same time through one end of the connector strap so as to firmly engage the connector strap with the appropriate contact of the circuit board, the connector strap having a full coating of insulating material except for the contact areas with the battery and the circuit board.

Abstract: The connection arrangement of this invention includes one or several sets of electrical contacts, respectively within the case of an electronic appliance and the bracelet thereof. These contacts are separable by virtue of being associated with elastic latching means. Moreover they are surrounded by a complementary abutment surfaces which protect them from all damaging influence coming from the exterior (in particular that resulting from corrosive substances which may be exuded by the wrist). These surfaces are firmly applied to one another by the latching force of the contacts.The invention may be applied in particular to any timepiece having a bracelet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that provides an auxiliary timing source for electronic clocks, normally powered by alternating current (ac). The apparatus and method includes calibrating an inexpensive resistor-capacitor oscillator, powered by a battery. The oscillator is calibrated during normal ac operation by comparing a digital timing pulse derived from the oscillator and a digital timing pulse derived from the alternating current. When a power failure occurs, the calibrated oscillator provides an inexpensive and accurate auxiliary timing source. The apparatus and method may also include a non-volatile solid-state storage medium for storing the time of day and a set of timing instructions in the event that the battery becomes drained.

Abstract: The module comprises a first printed circuit (1) on one end portion (51) of a flexible support (50), and a second printed circuit (40) housed in a recess (53) provided in the watch plate (22). The first circuit has four conductive areas (2, 3, 8, 9). The second circuit has one side (40b) a first pair of conductive areas (41, 42) and on its other side (40a) a second pair of conductive areas (47,48). Two of the conductive areas (2, 3) of the first circuit are connected to the electrodes of a cell while its two other conductive areas (8, 9) are connected to the supply terminals of an electronic circuit. The second circuit (40) may be placed in the recess (53) in two different positions, identified by a pair of symbols. Each position corresponds to a different cell polarity.

Abstract: A power line-operated electronic time-clock including a clock switching circuit, a memory for storage of switching or alarm times, including an input device and a display device, and a power outage-bridging circuit for supplying electrical energy during a power outage to at least the timing components of the clock switching circuit and when required, to the memory storage device. The time-clock includes a monitoring circuit that is interconnected to the memory storage device, and the power outage-bridging circuit for generating a blocking signal in response to the absence of timing data being introduced into the memory device for rendering the power outage-bridging circuit inoperative. Thus, the energy storage device within the power outage circuit will not be drained prior to use or during testing of the clocks.

Abstract: A timepiece operated by solar cells wherein the timepiece includes a base plate defining thereabove a base with a time indicator. Mounted on the base plate is a driver for driving the time indicator. A plurality of circumferentially spaced solar cells are also mounted on the base plate for energizing the driver to drive the time indicator. The solar cells employed are respectively flat-shaped ones, each having a light sensitive surface on its one of two major surfaces, and are spaced circumferentially in a loop within a plane parallel with the base plate. A light guide is mounted on the base plate for transmitting incident light to the light sensitive surface of each solar cell through a deviated or deflected path for the purpose of giving greater design flexibility in the arrangement of the solar cells within a limited space of the timepiece, while retaining maximum light collecting efficiency.

Abstract: An analog-type electronic wristwatch structure comprising a main plate having a central area and first to third areas surrounding the central area. A wheel train mechanism is disposed in the central area, and a time correction mechanism is disposed in the first area. An electronic circuit block is disposed in the second area, and an electromechanical transducer is disposed in the third area. A flat battery is disposed over the wheel train mechanism, the time correction mechanism, the electronic circuit block and the electromechanical transducer.

Abstract: An analog-type electronic wristwatch structure, in which a main plate is made of an insulating material and has one side including a first area formed with a cutout, and second and third areas. A wheel train bridge is secured to one side of said main plate above said cutout to form therein a space, and a wheel train mechanism is disposed in said space. A flexible circuit board is disposed in the second area of said main plate and has its lower surface facing said main plate, said lower surface being provided with a printed circuit pattern. The flexible circuit board carries electronic components composed of at least a time base vibrator and an IC chip. An electromechanical transducer drive coil is disposed in the third area of said main plate. The main plate has recesses for accommodating at least portions of said electronic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a writing implement containing an electronic computer for computing and displaying time. The implement includes an elongated barrel portion with a writing element having a tip portion protruding from one end thereof and an electronic time signal generating device defined by a narrow elongated support having a chip or circuit board disposed within the barrel portion and containing display elements which extend in a row longitudinally of the barrel of the implement which display is aligned behind an elongated window which extends across a longitudinally extending opening in the wall of the barrel. Structures are provided for easily retaining and removing a battery with respect to the barrel to arrange it in circuit with the electronic circuit, supported by the circuit board. Structures are also provided for easily removing the elongated circuit board from the barrel and repairing or replacing it with another board.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprising a threshold voltage based constant voltage regulator circuit, which provides the regulated voltage to a first part of the timepiece system including an oscillator and a divider. The signal from the first part is transferred to a second part of the timepiece which is provided with a voltage from a power supply source directly. The regulator circuit improves the voltage dependence of the timepiece system such as current consumption, frequency stability, etc.

Abstract: An electronic watch having an improved arrangement for securing and electrically contacting a battery. The battery is held in the plate of the watch by a clamp bar 10 which is fixed by screws 12a, b at its ends. Interposed between the non-earthy terminal of the battery and the clamp bar 10 is an insulating plate member 16 which comprises a conductor 18 in contact with the terminal. The plate member 16 is connected to the printed circuit 20 by a flexible tongue 16a with a conductor track 18a connecting the conductor 18 to the track 22 of the printed circuit 20.

Abstract: A battery is placed in a recess in the plate of an electronic wrist watch movement. The battery cover presses against a spring contact fixed to a plate bearing a printed circuit. An insulating sheet insulates the battery from an inner flange of the movement plate. Disposed on the bottom of the battery casing is a pressure bracket having arms which resiliently grip the sidewall of the casing. Resilient radial tongues of the bracket are bent so as to be in contact with the back of the watch case which presses against the assembly at the time of casing-up so as to hold the battery in place. The connection to ground is established by a contact part and a screw, as well as by the contact between the battery casing and the movement plate and via the back of the watch case.

Abstract: The invention comprises an arrangement which permits placing a timepiece o a state of minimum energy consumption for storage purposes. It includes a manual control arranged to act on an electronic circuit. When the manual control is briefly actuated the minutes hand may be set to the minute, with a longer actuation causing the hands to advance through one time zone. Should the control be actuated while the hands are in motion during time zone adjustment the hands are stopped and the timepiece is in order for storage. The arrangement is applicable to timepieces which must be stored during a certain period and serves to conserve energy as well as to stop the hands in a uniform position for a collection on display.

Abstract: A charging control circuit for an electronic timepiece has a power source circuit including a charging device and a secondary battery, an electronic timepiece circuit, a drive signal change-over circuit for changing an alarm signal and warning signal for excessive charge, and a buzzer driving circuit for driving a buzzer.The buzzer sound for indicating excessive charge to the secondary battery is different from that of time alarm.

Abstract: The degenerating condition of the power source in an electronic timepiece, that is, a diminished battery voltage, is indicated to the user by unusual performance of the watch bands. Short periods of accelerated or decelerated hand movements alert the user to the battery condition. Persistent though intermittent unusual hand behavior distinguishes the battery life signals from malfunctions or poor timekeeping. A voltage detector circuit monitors the power source and on low voltage initiates the warning signals which are derived from the divider network of the timepiece. Mechanically resetting the hands to remove the visible effects or erratic hand movement, serves to reset the battery life detector circuits and repeat the warnings.

Abstract: Electronic circuits provide an indication on the face of an electronic wristwatch that battery voltage has diminished to a prescribed level and provide the same indication regardless of battery voltage by actuation of an external member. Multiple functions are activated by the same external member or members. The desired mode of operation is detected by the circuits dependent upon the position, sequence of operation and time duration in a selected position of an external member. In addition to a battery voltage operating mode, an alternative embodiment permits adjustment of minutes and hours without loss in second-hand accuracy. A counter memorizes elapsed time required for hand setting, and the second hand rapidly moves to its correct position after the hour and minute hands are set. The added function circuits are small, consume negligible power and have no adverse effect on battery life or design complexity.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a battery lifetime detection mechanism is provided with a control circuit and external operation member the suitable manipulation of which permits a battery lifetime warning indication, produced in response to a signal from the detection mechanism, to be temporarily displayed in the normal time display mode, transferred to an permanently displayed in another display mode, or converted to an audible warning tone if suitable acoustic means are provided.

Abstract: A hatch locking mechanism is disclosed for a battery compartment having a mouth opening in the rear side of a wristwatch. The mechanism includes an inner cover adapted to be received within the battery compartment mouth and a central support shaft extending outwardly therefrom. An outer cover is slidably mounted around the support shaft and adapted to overlie the inner cover and battery compartment mouth. A first resilient seal member is disposed between the outer periphery of the inner cover and battery compartment mouth, and a second resilient seal member is disposed between the covers adjacent the support shaft. A lever pivotally connected to the support shaft is operable to bias the covers together and the seal members into sealing engagement when moved to a locking position to secure the hatch locking mechanism to the wristwatch and close the mouth of the battery compartment.

Abstract: A semiconductor timing device having a charge storage region, the charge state of which may be detected by field effect action, the charge storage region containing radioactive material which decays by emitting charged nuclear particles, so that the charge state of the charge storage region varies progressively with time.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece indicates a change in one of the working parameters of the timepiece, such as the battery nearing its end of life, by changing a rest position of a user viewable indicating member. The timepiece includes a stepping motor driven by drive pulses produced from a timebase. The indicating member is rotated a certain amount by each step of the stepping motor and has two rest positions. The first indicates no change in the working parameter and the second indicates a change in the working parameter. The indicating member normally stops in the first rest position. A circuit responsive to a change in the working parameter causes an additional drive pulse to be applied to the motor, changing the normal stopping of the indicating member to the second rest position to indicate the changed working parameter.

Abstract: A voltage source is arranged within the stem control crown of a timekeeping watch. The crown is designed similar to a knob shell and forms a component of the electric circuit of the watch. This specific battery arrangement allows an easy exchange of batteries, even by unskilled persons, and makes furthermore feasible, a more compact arrangement and miniaturization of the individual watch components.

Abstract: A battery monitoring circuit for an electronic wristwatch that avoids an inadvertent indication of battery failure when a sudden, but temporary, load is placed upon the battery is provided. The invention is characterized by a monitoring circuit that produces an indication signal of impending failure of the battery in response to a detection signal being applied thereto. The detection signal is produced by a battery detection circuit when the voltage of the battery falls below a predetermined level. An inhibit circuit is coupled intermediate the voltage detection circuit and the monitoring circuit and detects when a temporary load is placed upon the battery and, in response thereto, inhibits the detection signal from being applied to the monitoring circuit to thereby prevent an indication signal, representative of imminent battery failure, from being produced as a result of an additional load being temporarily placed upon the battery.

Abstract: In a battery operated electric timepiece operated by a battery of the type including a time display, such as a second hand, when the voltage of the battery decreases below a predetermined value, the movement of the second hand is modified to give an alarm that the life of the battery has terminated.