Abstract: In an electronic apparatus including a generator device for generating power, a storage device for storing the generated electric energy, and a motor driven by the electric energy stored in the storage device, it is detected whether a magnetic field is generated by power generation. If it is detected that a magnetic field is generated by power generation, a correcting driving-pulse signal having an effective power larger than a normal driving-pulse signal, which is output for controlling the driving of the motor, is output to the motor. In performing this operation, a determination is made by assuming that a magnetic field is generated while the storage device is in the charging state.

Abstract: When a stem switch (8) is pulled out, a switch signal forming unit 9 outputs a signal (RS) indicating that effect, a control unit (13) receives the signal (RS) and starts clocking by a timer (13a). The control unit (13) receives a signal (HS) output from an electricity-generation detecting unit (12) within the clocking period, detects the electricity generating operation of an electricity generating unit (10), and outputs a signal (CS) indicating that effect. A narrow pulse forming unit (7) forms a narrow pulse having a width of such a degree that the motor (5) is not driven based on the signal (CS), and outputs the narrow pulse to a motor driving circuit (4). The motor driving circuit (4) flows a fine current through a coil (4a) which drives the motor (5) based on the narrow pulse. An external device detects a variation of the narrow pulse, thereby confirming whether electricity is generated.

Abstract: Generator of the clockwork type including a rotor formed of two flanges 8 supporting magnets 9 and arranged at the end of shaft 5 having a diameter D at its centre. The stator is formed of three coils 11a, 11b, 11c carried by a support made in two parts 21 and 22 allowing the coils to be mounted in a separate manner between the rotor flanges upon the assembly of the rotor with the stator. Accordingly, the distance separating two adjacent coils can be less than the diameter D of the rotor shaft after the assembly of the generator. This allows the magnet-coil coupling to be increased by increasing the dimensions of the coils so that the overlapping surface between the flanges 8 which carry the magnets 9 is optimum.

Abstract: A time measurement device includes a first motor (1300) for indicating standard time, a second motor (1400) for indicating a chronograph, a generator (1600) which generates driving power for driving the first and second motors by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and a zero reset mechanism (1200) for mechanically resetting the chronograph to zero. A compact time measurement device, operable from a low power, is thus provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor function-equipped portable device having a sensor function for detecting and displaying physical information, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor function-equipped portable device that can ensure high resolution of A/D conversion and high reproducibility with use of only a single compact and inexpensive 1.5 V button-type silver cell. To achieve this object, the present invention comprises a sensor function-equipped portable device which is furnished with a cell as a low-voltage power source and a step-up power source circuit that elevates the low voltage of this cell to a high voltage, and in which the sensor drive circuit is directly driven by the low voltage of this cell and the amplifier circuit and the A/D converter circuit are driven by the high voltage elevated by the step-up power source circuit. The present invention makes it possible to perform sensor signal processing using a −1.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a power generator (20) as a power supply, a capacitor (30) for accumulating generated power, a logic circuit (170) driven by the power from the capacitor, and a power supply cut-off circuit (31). When the power generator starts operating,the power supply cut-off circuit (31) does not supply power to the logic circuit (170) until a voltage of the capacitor (30) reaches a preset voltage. When the voltage of the capacitor (3) becomes equal to or greater than the preset voltage, power is supplied from the capacitor to the logic circuit. Accordingly, a leakage current when power generation starts is prevented, and most of the generated power is accumulated in the capacitor. The capacitor, can rapidly accumulate electricity, and the time until activation of an electronic circuit driven by the capacitor is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprises a battery, capable of charging, a charging section for charging the battery, a timepiece control circuit performing time keeping operation by using a stored electric power in the battery, a display for displaying time kept by the timepiece control circuit, a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage of the stored voltage of the battery, and a charging detecting section for detecting a state of charging to the battery, and this timepiece, when the voltage of the stored voltage declines below a first prescribed voltage which is higher than an operation stop voltage of the timepiece control circuit, and non-charging state is detected for a prescribed time period, executes a forcible stop upon the time keeping operation by lowering or shutting off a current for the timepiece control circuit, and lifts the forcible stop when a prescribed operation return condition is satisfied.

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 watch type portable radiotelephone is disclosed which includes a body element having upper and lower case frames, data input means, an LCD unit for outputting inputted data and displaying a variety of information, an antenna unit electrically connected to a receiver and a transmitter, a speaker unit, and a microphone unit. The radiotelephone also includes a holding part formed integrally with the lower case frame of the body element. The holding part at least partially defines a receiving space in which a battery pack for supplying power to the body element is able to be received. The holding part secures the battery pack to the body element. A locking projection for locking and unlocking the battery pack to and from the body element is formed on the battery pack. An electrically conductive connection assembly is provided for electrically connecting the body element and the battery pack with each other.

Abstract: To discharge the static electricity intruded through a timepiece exterior case without giving an adverse effect upon an electronic circuit of the timepiece. In a timepiece having a structure that a case is insulated in plurality of number using as insulating means a heat insulation material of a heat generation timepiece exterior case and a timepiece exterior case is used as electrode for charging and a timepiece having a structure that similarly a timepiece upper case and lower case are electrically insulated, a circuit pattern for allowing the static; electricity intruded through a timepiece exterior to freely discharge into air is provided in a wiring board in the heat generator. This made possible to prevent malfunction of a timepiece electronic circuit due to static electricity.

Abstract: A portable wrist device has a thermoelectric generator for generating electric energy from a temperature difference between a heat receiving portion and a heat radiating portion. A heat radiating upper frame radiates heat from the heat radiating portion of the thermoelectric generator. A back cover supplies heat to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric generator. The back cover has an inner surface connected to the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric generator and an outer surface for contacting a wrist of a user. A heat collecting plate is disposed on the inner surface of the back cover and has a contact portion disposed in contact with the heat receiving portion of the thermoelectric generator. The contact portion of the heat collecting plate has a thickness greater than other portions of the heat collecting plate for storing higher temperature heat.

Abstract: To provide a portable electronic device which is easily shifted into a power save mode at the discretion of an operator, such as a user, and optimally reduces power consumption in accordance with the current use of the device. An operator can force an electronic device into a power save mode at the operator's discretion by manipulating a control. Electrical energy stored is thus reliably saved in accordance with the usage by the operator, and unnecessary power consumption is efficiently reduced, even more than in a method in which a device automatically stops the time display and is shifted into a power save mode in accordance with the presence or absence of power generation. Setting a time limit within which the operational state of the control needs to be complete, the operator is prevented from erroneously shifting into the power save mode, and the ease of use of the time measurement device is still assured.

Abstract: In an AC voltage detection circuit, a chopper charging circuit converts an induced voltage of an AC generator to a chopper voltage and charges a main capacitor. When the chopper voltage becomes a predetermined voltage or less, the chopper charging circuit charges an auxiliary capacitor and detects a power generation state of the AC generator at an early stage based on a potential obtained by adding the potential between output terminals of the AC generator and the auxiliary capacitor and starts the charging.

Abstract: The problem is to provide a battery lid structure for a timepiece case, which does not require complicate machining, such as for slant surfaces and stoppers, in an inner surface of a back lid or case bottom surface, and can reduce a thickness. The back lid has, at an immediately underneath the battery accommodating hole, a different-shaped battery hole having a pair of larger-diameter arcs and a pair of smaller-diameter arcs in an alternate fashion. A battery lid is fitted in the battery hole in a manner described later.

Abstract: A center wheel & pinion of a wheel train is formed so that high load is applied to the wheel train when a minute hand stands at twelve o'clock. A pulse control circuit outputs a normal driving pulse. When a motor does not rotate by the normal driving pulse, the pulse control circuit outputs a first auxiliary driving pulse. Further, when the motor does not rotate by the first auxiliary driving pulse, the pulse control circuit outputs a second auxiliary driving pulse. The motor 6 normally rotates by the normal driving pulse or the first auxiliary driving pulse or rotates by the second auxiliary driving pulse when the high load is applied to the wheel train, i.e., when the minute hand stands at twelve o'clock. A pointer position detecting circuit judges that the minute hand stands at twelve o'clock when it receives the P3 output signal from the pulse control circuit, i.e., when the second auxiliary driving pulse is outputted from the pulse control circuit.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece has first and second switches (121, 122) placed between an input terminal (22a) of a capacitor (22) and output terminals MG1 and MG2 of a generator (20), a third switch (130) placed between the output terminal MG1 and an input terminal (22b) of the capacitor (22), and a brake control circuit (55) enabled to control the switches independent of one another. Electric current is fed through the generator 20 by opening the switch (121) and closing the switches (122, 130). Thus, a rate measurement pulse is outputted therefrom. Consequently, rate measurement is easily achieved.

Abstract: A timepiece has a case back made of a thermally conductive material, an upper case body made of a thermally conductive material and disposed opposite to the case back, and a lower case body made of a thermally insulating material and disposed between the upper case body and the case back. A thermoelectric generator unit generates an electromotive force in accordance with heat conducted from the case back. At least one step-up circuit steps up an electromotive force generated by the thermoelectric generator unit. A storage member stores power and an electromotive force stepped up by the step-up circuit. A timepiece driving circuit is driven by power stored in the storage member or by electromotive force stepped up by the step-up circuit. A power supply operating control circuit controls power flow from the step-up circuit to the storage member and controls whether the electromotive force stepped up by the step-up circuit or the power stored in the storage member is supplied to the timepiece driving circuit.

Abstract: The transmission device disclosed is inserted between a rotating oscillating weight and an electric micro-generator in order to drive the generator rotor from the oscillating weight by multiplying the rotational speed. Its intermediate wheel and pinion includes a barrel (27) whose central shaft (24) is coupled to the drum (41) of the barrel by a spiral spring (30). The inner end of the spring has a bent portion (34) which engages via resilience in any one of a number of hollows (51) in the shaft and can be released by sliding over a slanting side (52) when the shaft exerts too great a torque in the given rotational direction. This arrangement prevents damage resulting from shocks, in particular in the case of a watch, without using a friction system.

Abstract: An electronic device has a battery for storing electric power, an electronic circuit driven by electric power from the battery, and a coil block for generating a magnetic field in accordance with a signal from the electric circuit. A protective film is connected to the battery and is disposed over the coil block for protecting the coil block.

Abstract: In the transition from a state in which charge is being transferred from a large-capacitance secondary power supply to an auxiliary capacitor through a step-up/down circuit by a step-up/down multiplying factor M′ (M′ is a positive real number excluding one) to a state in which the large-capacitance secondary power supply and the auxiliary capacitor are electrically directly coupled, the electrical energy is transferred from the large-capacitance secondary power supply to the auxiliary capacitor through the step-up/down circuit by a step-up/down multiplying factor M=1 in a non-stepping-up/down state. A potential difference between the large-capacitance secondary power supply and the auxiliary capacitor is less than a predetermined potential difference. Since a sudden variation in a power supply voltage due to changing the step-up/down multiplying factor is prevented, malfunctioning in an electronic apparatus resulting from the sudden variation in the power supply voltage is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electric timepiece, in particular a wristwatch, supplied with electric current by an accumulator (16) intended to be recharged once flat, this timepiece (1) including a time-setting stem (4) and at least one control member (6) for at least one horological function of said timepiece (1), characterised in that the time-setting stem (4) is electrically connected to one of the poles (18) of the accumulator (16), and in that the control member (6) can be electrically connected to the other pole of the accumulator (16) after said member has been pressed. The present invention also concerns a timepiece of the type-described above, this timepiece (1) including at least a first and a second control member (6′) each controlling at least one horological function of said timepiece (1), characterised in that each of the first and second control members (6′) can be connected to a respective pole (18, 20) of the accumulator (16) after said member (6′) has been pressed.

Abstract: Watch movement in which the rotor of a generator (10, 11, 13) is driven by a spring over a plurality of wheels (51, 61, 71) and pinions (50, 60, 70), the operation of the generator being regulated by an electronic regulating circuit (81).

Abstract: An electronic device is described, for a timepiece of electronic or electromechanical type, comprising a source of electrical power (4), such as a battery, an electronic circuit (3) and an electrical connector tongue (5) effecting an electrical connection between the source of electrical power and the electronic circuit. The electrical connector tongue (5) has first and second openings (55, 56) cooperating with a pair of fixing pins (25, 26) fixed to a support (2) of the said device, and further comprises a section (57) formed between the said openings (55, 56) and adapted to deform in an elastic manner so as to alter the spacing between the openings (55, 56) and allow engagement and retention of the electrical connector tongue (5) on the fixing pins (25, 26).

Abstract: A gap h between a rotor inertia disk 12c and stators 123 and 133 is set so that the load torque between the components due to air viscosity resistance is equal to or less than 1/10 of the maximum output torque at a rotor. Since the load torque is thereby sufficiently reduced, it is possible to limit energy loss of a mainspring, and to extend the period of operation of a timepiece.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes a mechanical energy source; a generator for converting mechanical energy transmitted through a train wheel to electrical energy. A rotation controller coupled to the generator controls rotation of the generator and includes switch capable of short circuiting the generator by intermittently activating and deactivating the switch using chopper control.

Abstract: In an overcharge prevention method for a voltage storage element connected to a bridge rectifier circuit which includes a first switching section connected between one input terminal supplied with an AC voltage and a first power source line, a second switching section connected between the other input terminal supplied with the AC voltage and the first power source line, a third switching section connected between the one input terminal and a second power source line, and a fourth switching section connected between the other input terminal and the second power source line, both the first and second switching sections or both the third and fourth switching sections are concurrently turned on, forming a closed loop path between the one input terminal and the other input terminal, and thus the charge voltage at the voltage storage element is prevented from exceeding a withstand voltage of the voltage storage element, and the overcharging of the voltage storage element is avoided.

Abstract: A fourth wheel 8 disposed in a torque transmission path and to which a second hand is mounted includes a pinion 8a and a gear 8b. Therefore, when the gear 8b engages a fifth-wheel first intermediate wheel 9, the diametrical dimension from a center of rotation of the fourth wheel 8 to a portion where it engages the fifth-wheel first intermediate wheel 9 can be made large, so that, even when the fourth wheel 8 is decentered, the amount by which the second hand gets shifted can be made small by making the effects of the decentering at the center-of-rotation side small. In addition, since the fourth wheel 8 is disposed so as not to overlap a mainspring 1a, the width of the mainspring 1a can be made correspondingly small. Thus, the length of time a timepiece continues operating can be increased by increasing the torque of the mainspring 1a without increasing the thickness of the entire timepiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic device assuring an electrical connection between a source of electrical power (4), such as a battery, and an electronic circuit (3) of a timepiece. This device includes at least one electrical connector tongue (5) effecting an electrical connection between said source of electrical power (4) and said electronic circuit (3), mounted on a support (2) of the timepiece and having a pair of apertures (55, 56) cooperating with a pair of securing pins (25, 26) fixed to the support (2). The electrical connector tongue (5) further includes at least a first pair of fingers (55a, 55b, 56a, 56b) framing and defining a first of said apertures (55, 56), these fingers being adapted to deform at least resiliently in order to modify the diameter of said first aperture and to allow said electrical connector tongue to be engaged and held on at least a first of said securing pins (25, 26).

Abstract: A portable electronic device has a casing has an upper case body and a rear case cover both made of a thermally conductive material. A heat insulating member thermally insulates the rear case cover from the upper case body of the casing. A thermoelectric generator unit is disposed in the casing for generating an electromotive force based on the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric generator unit has a heat radiating plate for transferring heat to the upper case body and a heat absorbing plate. A heat conductive spacer is made of a thermally conductive and elastically deformable sheet of material and has opposed main surfaces. One of the main surface is disposed in contact with the heat absorbing plate of the thermoelectric generator unit and the other main surface is disposed in contact with an inner side surface of the rear case cover for conducting heat from the rear case cover to the thermoelectric generator unit.

Abstract: A reliable power supply control function in a portable electronic device which includes a limiter circuit, or includes the limiter circuit and a voltage step-up circuit, to reduce power consumption. It is detected whether or not a voltage generated by a power generator 40 or a voltage accumulated in a power supply device 48, 80 exceeds a preset limiter-ON voltage. When the voltage generated by the power generator 40 or the voltage accumulated in the power supply device 48, 80 has become not lower than the preset limiter-ON voltage, a voltage of electrical energy supplied to the power supply device is limited to a predetermined reference voltage set in advance. When it is determined based on a detection result of a status-of-power-generation detecting section 91 that power is not generated by the power generator 40, detecting operation of a limiter-ON-voltage detecting circuit 91A is prohibited. Power consumption required for operating the limiter-ON-voltage detecting circuit can be thus reduced.

Abstract: In an electronic unit having a plurality of motors, a reduction in power-supply voltage is suppressed even if the plurality of motors are driven, and a difference in hand moving timing is allowed to be made inconspicuous. An electronic timepiece having a seconds motor for driving a seconds hand and an hour-and-minute motor for driving hour and minute hands, which serves as an electronic unit, moves the seconds hand and the hour and minute hands such that, when a seconds auxiliary pulse signal is output to the seconds motor at the hand moving timing of the seconds hand, control is applied in a way in which neither magnetic-field detection around the hour-and-minute motor nor the rotation detection of the hour-and-minute motor is performed at the hand moving timing of the hour and minute hands, and an hour-and-minute auxiliary pulse signal is output to the hour-and-minute motor.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes a mechanical energy source; a generator for converting mechanical energy transmitted through a train wheel to electrical energy. A rotation controller coupled to the generator controls rotation of the generator and includes switch capable of short circuiting the generator by intermittently activating and deactivating the switch using chopper control.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic watch 10 having a large variety of added functions, and providing an electronic watch and drive method therefor that have a high value as a product and a configuration enabling separate use of an energy-saving mode and a function information operating mode, this electronic watch having 10 having a reference signal generation means 1, a time information generation means 2, which generates time information TJ based on a reference signal S3R from the reference signal generation means 1, a function information generation means for generating function information FJ, a display drive means 4, which outputs drive signals DRT and DRF for the purpose of displaying the function information FJ and the time information TJ on an appropriate display means, and a display means 5, which displays the function information FJ and the time information TJ based on the drive signals DRT and DRF from the display drive means 4, this electronic watch having an energy-saving operating condition with a power

Abstract: Portable electronic equipment includes a carried-by-user detector for detecting whether the electronic equipment is in a state carried by a user or not. When the electronic equipment is in a state not carried by the user, i.e., when the user is not employing the electronic equipment, an operating mode is shifted from a normal operating mode to a power saving mode to reduce power consumption of the electronic equipment. Useless consumption of power during non-use of the electronic equipment can be thus reduced. Further, in electronic equipment (timepiece) incorporating a power generator for generating power by converting first energy (motion, pressure or heat) into electric energy as second energy, whether the power generator is generating power, i.e.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a mechanical energy source, a generator, and a train wheel connecting the mechanical energy source and the generator. The mechanical energy source drives the train wheel to cause the generator to rotate thereby creating electrical power. A rotation controller coupled to the generator controls the rotation of the generator, and includes a rotation detector for detecting the rotation of the generator and generating a rotation signal corresponding to the rotation and a reference signal generator for generating a reference signal based on a signal from a time reference source. The brake controller counts the reference signal and produces a first count, counts the rotation signal and produces a second count, and brakes the rotation of the generator when the first count is less than the second count.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece, which is an electronic device, is equipped with a generator 2 for converting the mechanical energy transmitted from a mainspring through the intermediary of a train wheel into electrical energy, and a rotation control unit for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator 2. The rotation control unit is equipped with a count-up/down counter 60 that compares a reference signal with a rotation detection signal of the generator 2 thereby to adjust a braking time for the generator 2, and a brake control signal generating circuit 81 that corrects the time set at the count-up/down counter 60 on the basis of the rotation cycle of the generator 2. If the rotation cycle of the generator 2 significantly deviates from a reference signal cycle, then the braking time is adjusted on the basis of the rotation cycle.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating electronic timepiece comprises a thermoelectric generator for generating electric power in response to a temperature difference thereacross. A heat radiating case is thermally connected to a cold pole of the thermoelectric generator for radiating heat. A heat absorbing case is thermally connected to a hot pole of the thermoelectric generator for absorbing heat. A heat insulating case thermally insulates the heat absorbing case and the heat radiating case. A band is provided for securing the thermoelectric generating electronic timepiece to the arm of a user. The band has a heat absorbing member thermally connected to the heat absorbing case for absorbing heat and a heat insulating member for restraining radiation and transfer of heat.

Abstract: When a time keeping apparatus is in a power saving mode, performing time display is stopped, and the apparatus periodically receives external time data and sets the data into a second time counter and an hour-and-minute time counter. When the operation mode of the time keeping apparatus is switched from the power saving mode to the display mode, the apparatus resumes display of the current time based on the counted values in the second time counter and the hour and minute time counter.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus and a control method for an electronic apparatus that detects the power-generating state of a power generating unit in a power-saving mode and to positively switch to a normal operation mode. The power-generation voltage of a power generating unit is detected in a power-generation-voltage detection process (steps S2 and S12), and the operation mode of a unit to be driven is switched between a normal operation mode and a power-saving mode according to the power-generating state of the power generating unit or according to the manipulation state of manipulation means in an operation-mode control process (steps S3 to S7, and S10 to S15). In a limiter control process (step S8), the operation of a limiter is disabled when the operation mode of the unit to be driven is the power-saving mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch having an opening formed through the watch body. The opening can be of various shapes to facilitate a variety of designs and serve to ventilate the watch-wearing area of a human body. The watch with the opening may include shafts of hour and minute pointers, which separately rotate and are substantially coaxial with the watch opening.

Abstract: A structure in which destruction of electrothermic elements due to external force is prevented. Connection with the output terminal of a thermoelectric generator unit and with a movement are facilitated. The structure has a good efficiency of heat conduction. A frame 119 is mounted around the electrothermic elements, 111. A heat-absorbing plate 112 and a heat-dissipating plate 118 are firmly mounted to the top and bottom of the frame 119. A buffer member 121 having thermal conductivity is loaded or placed between the electrothermic elements 111 and the heat-absorbing plate 112 or the heat-dissipating plate 118. Thus, the electrothermic elements 111 make a unit structure. The electrothermic elements 111 are connected in series. An electrode portion 114a is at the final end. This electrode portion 114a, the heat-absorbing plate 112, and the heat-dissipating plate 118 are connected to form an electromotive force output means.

Abstract: An electronically controlled mechanical timepiece includes: a voltage-controlled oscillator (25) including a generator that uses a rotor (12) driven by a spring (1a) to rotate, and a brake circuit (23) for controlling the rotation cycle of the generator (20); and a rotation control means (50) for controlling the rotation cycle of (50) includes a phase-comparison circuit (54) for comparing the phases of rectangular-wave pulses fr output from a VCO (25) and time standard signal fs, and a brake control circuit (56) for inputting, based on an output from the phase-comparison circuit (54), a signal for controlling the brake circuit (23) to a voltage-controlled oscillator (25). By providing the VCO (25) and the phase-comparison circuit (54), PLL control is realized to enable a rapidly responsive system.

Abstract: The electronic circuit allows the control or regulation of the speed of rotation of a microgenerator (1) in a watch movement. It comprises two inputs (G−, G+) connected to said microgenerator, a quartz oscillator (3, 4), an energy-dissipation circuit,(9) for braking said microgenerator, energy-dissipation control means (5, 6, 7, 30, 31) for controlling the energy dissipation of the energy-dissipation circuit as a function of the frequency difference between the signal coming from the quartz oscillator and the signal coming from said microgenerator, and a rectifier and voltage-transformer (2) for rectifying and multiplying the signal coming from said microgenerator, with at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) charged by said microgenerator via at least one switch (17, 18, 19). The momentary energy dissipation of the braking circuit can further be reduced when the capacitors are charged.

Abstract: The electronic circuit allows the control or regulation of the speed of rotation of a microgenerator (1) in a watch movement. The electronic circuit includes two inputs (G−, G+) connected to said microgenerator, a quartz oscillator (3, 4), an energy-dissipation circuit (9) for braking said microgenerator, energy dissipation control means (5, 6, 7, 30, 31) for controlling the energy dissipation of the energy-dissipation circuit as a function of the frequency difference between the signal coming from the quartz oscillator and the signal coming from said microgenerator, and a rectifier and voltage-transformer (2) for rectifying and multiplying the signal coming from said microgenerator, with at least one capacitor (C1, C2, C3) charged by said microgenerator via at least one switch (17, 18, 19). The momentary energy dissipation of the braking circuit can further be reduced when the capacitors are charged.

Abstract: An Electronic clock having an electric power generating element which is operable even in a state where the voltage of the electric power generating element is low. The electronic clock includes an electric power generating element, a low-voltage oscillating circuit which can oscillate even with a low voltage with the electromotive force developed by the electric power generating element as a power supply, an electronic clock movement having signal generating means, a voltage detecting circuit that detects an output voltage of a charging circuit, a selecting circuit that selects any one of the output signal of the low-voltage oscillating circuit and the output signal of the signal generating means on the basis of the voltage detection result to output it, and a step-up circuit that inputs an output signal of the selecting circuit and a voltage from the electric power generating element for stepping it up to output a stepped-up voltage to the charging circuit.

Abstract: A timepiece movement proposed has a spring which drives, via gearing, a time display and a generator (1) supplying an a.c. voltage. The generator (1) powers, via a voltage-transformer circuit (2), a first capacitative component (10). The first capacitative component (10) powers an electronic reference circuit (3, 4, 5) with a stable oscillator (3, 4) and an electronic control circuit (6, 7, 8, 9). The first capacitative component (10) is charged immediately after the movement is started for the first time by one or more passive components. The one or more passive components are replaced, or supplemented in parallel, by one or more active units as soon as the voltage of the first capacitative component (10) is sufficient to operate the one or more active units, the one or more active units having a lower electrical resistance in the pass direction then the one or more passive components.

Abstract: In an electronic apparatus such as a timing device capable of a quick-moving operation, a detecting coil wound coaxially with a driving coil for driving a rotor is arranged, a feedback-induced voltage appearing in the detecting coil is detected by a detector circuit, and a first peak appearing first subsequent to the supply of a drive pulse and having the same polarity as the drive pulse is picked up to detect the rotation of a rotor. Based on the detected timing of the first peak, a next drive pulse is supplied, and the drive pulse is thus fast supplied while the rotation of the rotor is checked. This arrangement allows a quick-moving operation free from faulty watch hand driving to run even faster.

Abstract: A portable electronic device adapted to be worn on a user's wrist including an electronic unit including a transceiver for receiving and transmitting messages and a watch included within the electronic unit having movements for displaying a time of day. A wrist band including a plurality of electrically conductive fibers is electrically coupled to the electronic unit thereby creating an electronic circuit. A power source is integrated with the plurality of electrically conductive fibers fabricating the wrist band. At least one display is integrated with the electronic unit for the display of informative data.

Abstract: A power-generating device can include a dynamo for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, a switch capable of short-circuiting output terminals of the dynamo, a controller capable of controlling the switch, a rectifier for rectifying an output of the dynamo, and a charging portion capable of storing the output of the dynamo. The controller can perform chopper control for cyclically turning on and off the switch in accordance with a PWM signal. Where an electromotive voltage of the dynamo is lower than a charged voltage, a boosted voltage can be produced by chopper amplification. If the electromotive voltage is low, it can be charged in the charging portion if the boosted voltage is increased to a sufficient level prior to charging.

Abstract: A transformerless LED digital display clock circuitry using AC line voltage as a primary source of power is disclosed. The AC line voltage is substantially reduced to around 10 volts or less and then rectified to provide DC power to the quartz analog clock. Also included is a NiCad battery circuitry used as a power backup and to allow for occasional but high current using devices. The LED digital display is made up of four separate "digit" displays each independently controlled by four separate cathode outputs from a microprocessor.