Displays Or Display Device Details Patents (Class 368/223)
  • Patent number: 6219306
    Abstract: A device for projecting spectral display onto a viewing surface, having numerous light projecting segments attached to rotating hollow shafts, mounted and rotating upon each other on coaxial based shaft. The projecting segments include a light emitting source to produce light rays, a light convergent member such as lens and a diffraction member such as prism or diffraction gratings, for effecting spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same onto viewing surface to create the spectral display in a motion or a dynamic spectral display. The rotating hollow shafts provide built-in electrical wiring tracks and a connection to energize the light source, and they also provide mechanical connection through geared wheel to receive power to effect the rotating motion. The projecting segments with their respective rotating shafts are accommodated inside a casing or a housing of the device, which can be individual or portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 6216490
    Abstract: A bracelet comprises at least one electronic display unit. The or each display unit has a display (9) having a plurality of display elements arranged in a sequence lying along the length of the bracelet and/or arranged in a sequence lying substantially around the perimeter of the display. The bracelet has control circuit (15) to control the display elements so that the characters displayed by the display elements appear to move along the sequence of display elements with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Philip J. Radley-Smith
  • Patent number: 6208592
    Abstract: A clock with novelty hands that exhibit a different configuration at each time change when viewed from a same elevation, and by memorizing the different configurations, a viewer can tell time without having to consult its clock face. The clock includes a base, a clock face, a specifically configured second hand rotatably mounted to the base, a second apparatus, a specifically configured minute hand, minute apparatus, a specifically configured hour hand, hour apparatus, and a bell jar. The clock face disposed on the base. The specifically configured second hand is rotatably mounted to the base. The second apparatus rotatably mounts the second hand to the base. The specifically configured minute hand is rotatably mounted to the base. The minute apparatus rotatably mounts the minute hand to the base. The specifically configured hour hand is rotatably mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Russell S. Turner
  • Patent number: 6198698
    Abstract: An illuminating, visual, time indicating device, incorporating a new and innovative time telling indication means that is both functional and stylistic. The watch utilizes LCD or other illuminating or indicating technology to indicate the hour by illuminating the number on the watch face, while indicating the minute in a pie chart like manner, filling the entire watch face in a clockwise fashion as the hour passes. The appearance of the watch conveys the time to the user at a glance while providing an outward appearance of style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Graves
  • Patent number: 6185160
    Abstract: A wristwatch which is both practical and enjoyable. Light emitting elements are provided for emitting light by applying electric energy to a main watch body. By operating operation buttons which are provided to be operable from outside the main watch body, the light emitting elements are caused to flash sequentially for a prescribed period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Innomind International Limited
    Inventor: Jun Ichiro Tsuda
  • Patent number: 6158884
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Lebby, Karen E. Jachimowicz, Davis H. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6147933
    Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Diarmuid John St. Colum Bland, Carla Louise Carr, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, William Warren Morgan, III
  • Patent number: 6116775
    Abstract: A clock assembly having magnetic ornaments, including a power device, and a base. The power device includes a core having a time indication output and an induction coil at a lower portion thereof, and a swing lever pivotally connected to a rear side thereof by means of a pivot shaft capable of relative movement. The swing lever has an intermediate section provided with an ornament magnet corresponding to the induction coil at the lower portion of the core, and a lower end having a forwardly bent lever plate. The lever plate has a lever magnet provided thereon. The swing lever further has a swing ornament disposed at a top end thereof. The base is a hollow housing accommodating and securing therein the power device. An upper portion of the base is provided with a window adapted to correspond to the time indication output. A lower portion thereof extends forwardly to form a base platform. At least one base ornament is disposed on the base platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Takahira Masateru
  • Patent number: 6108277
    Abstract: A timepiece and combined astrological display assembly including a casing which may be sized to resemble a wristwatch and a display assembly mounted on the casing and viewable through a display face. The display assembly is responsive to a processor sized to fit within the casing which includes or communicates with a plurality of databases, each of which is structured and disposed to store and depict different categories of information including, the current time of day at a given geographical location, as well as an ephemeris or other calendar and table which tracks the movement of various planets and celestial bodies, and the angular orientation between two planetary bodies for the determination of "Aspects" and/or a plurality of "Aspect" lines, each of which interconnects a selected pair of planetary bodies and provides forecasting astrological information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6094404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar-battery-mounted display structure which comprises a solar battery (16) having a light-receiving surface (16a) disposed in a displaying portion, a light-transmissive plate (17) disposed on the front side of the light-receiving surface and having a predetermined light-transmittance, and an coating layer (20) formed on the back surface of the light-transmissive plate such that the solar battery can securely generate at least a predetermined amount of electric power. Since an coating layer is formed on the back surface of the light-transmissive plate, no coating layer is necessary on the light-receiving surface of the solar battery. Due to this, consideration of suitability of such a coating layer to the light-receiving surface is not required, and discarding or exchange of the solar battery due to defects in such a coating layer is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hidai, Noriaki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6084828
    Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Diarmuid John St. Colum Bland, Carla Louise Carr, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, William Warren Morgan, III
  • Patent number: 6060980
    Abstract: A thin appointment timer that can be easily incorporated with the user's organizer ensemble. It includes a housing, a keypad assembly, an indicator assembly, an electronic assembly, and an alarm system. The housing supports the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes a touch sensitive membrane with a plurality of depressible keys, each key representing a pre-programmed particular time that may be selected by pressing it's associated key. The indicator assembly is supported by the housing and includes at least one circular portion having a plurality of illuminatable regions which are presented thereon as spaced clock positions. Each position corresponds to a pre-programmed time and is illuminatable in response to the depression of a depressible key. The electronics assembly is contained within the housing and is in electrical communication with the keypad assembly and the indicator assembly. The alarm system is also supported by the housing and is a portion of the electronics assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 6052338
    Abstract: A wristwatch with an illuminated ornamental display system comprising a case. The case has a bottom wall in a circular configuration with an upstanding side wall and with an open top to form a chamber there within. The bottom wall has a periphery for releasably coupling with the remainder of the case. A support plate has a peripheral edge coupled to the interior of the side wall of the case. The support plate includes a small circular opening in the center of a first hemisphere and an enlarged oval opening in the center of a second hemisphere. A timing assembly has a container beneath the small opening with upstanding concentric rods extending through the small opening and with hands coupled to the rods for the indication of time. An illuminatable ornamental display assembly includes a member of a translucent material with a base received within the enlarged opening and a raised surface above the upper surface of the support plate. The display assembly also has a light beneath the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Shevins
  • Patent number: 6031791
    Abstract: A clock for facilitating the monitoring of a periodic, cyclical event, such as the orderly turning of bed bound patients. The clock comprises a face, indicia corresponding to the hours of a day, an hour hand and a minute hand operably attached to the face. The indicia corresponding to the hours of the day are coded in some manner, such as by coloring, to establish a plurality of time intervals. A legend is provided to associate the coded time interval to the occurrence of an event or of a particular status corresponding to each respective time interval. In one embodiment, the indicia for the hours of the day may be colored to indicate a given time interval. In an alternate embodiment, the face of the clock may be divided into sectors, each being representative of a time interval. In yet another embodiment, the indicia for the hours of the day may be positioned within an annular ring or band that is divided into segments, each being representative of a time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: DeAnna Thoni
  • Patent number: 5999492
    Abstract: A chronological display device depicting a displayed event and a continuous time display informing the viewer of continuous time intervals from the unchanging event to the present time or the remaining time to a future unchanging event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Michael Teixeira
  • Patent number: 5999496
    Abstract: Apparatus for the display of time, which includes a support frame and a driven gear having external teeth mounted to the support frame. The apparatus also includes a driven gear member having external teeth which engage the external teeth of the rigid so as to rotate it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Yaron Chaut
  • Patent number: 5926443
    Abstract: A pendulum device comprises a pendulum rod, a support member for rockably supporting the pendulum rod to permit the pendulum rod to swing freely within a normal swinging angle, and a locking mechanism mounted on the support member for relative movement between first and second positions. The locking mechanism is operative in the first position to lock the pendulum rod from swinging freely and is operative in the second position to enable the pendulum rod to swing freely within the normal swinging angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroharu Kitaura
  • Patent number: 5896348
    Abstract: A novel method or convention of tracking and displaying the passage of time can be implemented in a variety of decorative and interesting timepiece configurations. Three groups of indicators are used. Each group of indicators is distinguishable from the other two groups. Each indicator is capable of displaying one of two states and can be readily switched between the two states. The first group consists of twelve indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the hour. The second group consists of five indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the passage of a multiple of ten minutes. The third group consists of nine indicators with the number of indicators in one of the two states being indicative of the passage of a minute. In this manner, the current time is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Zachary W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5894457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a football referee's watch, preferably a wristwatch, for the analog display of the playing and extra time when a game is prolonged (to make up interruptions in play) with a dial (1) to indicate the playing time divided into minutes, having a sector shaped section (4), preferably between the 45th and 60th minutes and with a rotary signal disc (2) arranged centrally beneath it to show the extra time which, when inoperative, also has a distinctive colour, a minute hand (3) above the dial (1), in which said analog displays (2,3) are operated by separate motors (M1,M2) and the display is controlled by an electronic circuit (E1) depending on the operation of various keys (T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6) with start, stop and special functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Alexander Luth
  • Patent number: 5892734
    Abstract: A timepiece is constructed of a hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12). A magnet (18) is affixed to the hand assembly (16) so that the hand assembly (16) may be magnetically mounted on a ferrous metal object (28). In another version there is further provided magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) which indicate the time. Yet another version provides the hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12) with a nonmagnetic adhesive (26) by which the hand assembly (16) affixes to the ferrous metal object (28). In this same version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided. In all versions of the timepiece construction an ornamental object (20) or ornamental ferrous metal object (24) may be further provided and attached to the clock movement (10) and hands (12), and the drive shaft (14) may extend through the ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Amal Montez Flores, Melissa Kerry Dagodag
  • Patent number: 5886956
    Abstract: When front and rear pendulum arms are swung together under the action of a clock movement, the front pendulum arm can swing behind an article supported on a pin because a slit formed in the front pendulum arm allows the front pendulum arm to pass by the article supporting pin. The slit in the front pendulum arm is camouflaged not to exist by camouflaging patterns.Therefore, although the article is supported on the pin with a space from the back board, the front pendulum arm can swing behind the article. The slit is camouflaged not to exist, so that the article will seem as if it supported itself or were floating in the air.Since the front pendulum arm can swing behind the article, the illusion of the floating article in the air is further enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Tenyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lubor Fiedler
  • Patent number: 5881025
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 5878003
    Abstract: A clock, called a "mystery" clock because of its almost totally transparent nature, comprising a transparent dial bearing reference markers (11), a minute indicator, transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (28') and an hour indicator, also transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (26'), indicators and dial having a common geometric axis (Y) and being carried by a frame or surround (20) and at least part of these indicators and dial having teeth at their periphery, masked by the surround (20), for driving them in rotation, in relation to the surround (20), about said axis (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Van Cleef & Arpels
    Inventor: Gerard Gantet
  • Patent number: 5872746
    Abstract: A clock timer having a face comprising a mouth, eyes, a nose, and an arm secured to the nose. Rotation of the nose turns a shaft which, via a camming mechanism, forces a plate housed within the clock upward. As the plate moves upward, a rack formed in the plate drives a gear mechanism which rotates the mouth and eyes from a smiling orientation to a frowning orientation. Rotation of the shaft also rotates a timer housed within the clock. Upon expiration of the timer the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction, thereby lowering the plate, driving the gear mechanism, and rotating the mouth and eyes from their frowning orientation to their smiling orientation, and activating a bell housed in the timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sanitoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Norbert L. Reiner, Frank Mercurio, Sidney Tepper
  • Patent number: 5850995
    Abstract: A clock stand is formed of a base body including of a plurality of base sides, which are arranged continuously such that they form a plurality of positive or negative equipotential angles of 120 degrees so as to make the clock stand versatile in form. The base sides are provided respectively with a projected shaft member and a recessed seat engagable with the projected shaft member in corporation with a base block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Mei-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 5850373
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism for a magnet-bearing ornament, in which a clock main spring barrel serves to provide power required by the ornament to show a dynamic scene. The clock main spring barrel has a second wheel to replace a conventional second hand. The second wheel has a large number of teeth provided along its circumferential surface and meshes with a small driven gear to cause the latter to rotate at a high speed. The small driven gear may then cause a magnet-bearing member to coaxially rotate with it via a rotating shaft of the gear connected to the magnet-bearing member. Alternatively, the small driven gear is provided with a major rotational disc having magnets attached thereto. When the small driven gear rotates, the major rotational disc rotates synchronously to magnetically rotate the magnet-bearing member behind a background board of the ornament disposed between the clock main spring barrel and a front showing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Vincent Kuo Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 5848029
    Abstract: A motion liquid display toy including a base, a transparent container mounted on the base and holding a liquid, a floating ornament floating in the liquid and having a magnet at the bottom, and a transmission mechanism mounted in the base and controlled to force the floating ornament to move in the liquid, wherein the transmission mechanism includes a dial horizontally disposed in the base below the transparent container and having a center hole, an output shaft protruding over the center hole of the dial, a link horizontally suspending above the dial, the link having a first end coupled to the output shaft and a second end terminating in a coupling device, and a magnetic member coupled to the coupling device of the link, the magnetic member of the transmission mechanism being turned round to act with the magnet of the floating ornament when the output shaft is turned to move the link over the dial, thereby causing the floating ornament to move forwards and backwards in the liquid, to sink or float in the liq
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Yu-Shun Chang
  • Patent number: 5844864
    Abstract: Apparatus for the display of time, which includes a support frame and a driven gear having external teeth mounted to the support frame. The apparatus further includes a rigid annular member with internal teeth for engagement with the external teeth of the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Yaron Chaut
  • Patent number: 5844863
    Abstract: A modular time piece including a time keeping mechanism, a time indicating casing and a band secured to the time indicating casing. The time keeping mechanism is easily engageable and disengageable to the time indicating casing to permit the time indicating casing and band to be selectively interchanged. The modular time piece farther includes a time setting stem and a retractable tab extending from the back of the time keeping mechanism. The retractable tab permits finger rotation of the time keeping mechanism relative to the time indicating casing during engagement and disengagement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Voss, Claudia Voss
  • Patent number: 5841738
    Abstract: A display unit structure for an electronic device is formed of a solar cell, and a display unit. The display unit includes a transparent base layer disposed on the solar cell, and a hologram layer laminated on the base layer and having a virtual mirror plane for reflecting a light with a predetermined wavelength. The virtual mirror plane of the hologram layer is inclined with respect to front and back surfaces of the hologram layer. Thus, the light with the predetermined wavelength is reflected by the hologram layer, and light other that the predetermined wavelength is transmitted to the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Kamei, Yasuo Kamiyama, Masao Mafune, Yoshio Katsuki
  • Patent number: 5838643
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a timepiece which comprises a face having a polygonal configuration when viewed in plan and having a timekeeping mechanism coupled with the timepiece face. Along at least one of the sides of the polygon there is provided means for indicating the units of time. The hour of time may be indicated along one side and along another side may be provided means for indicating the minute of the hour. The invention includes additional features wherein the day of the month may be included along another side, and the seconds of the hour may be provided along another side of the polygon. Preferably the time piece, according to the present invention, will comprise an LCD screen which will display a decorative design in either a static or dynamic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. Reiner
  • Patent number: 5805531
    Abstract: A watch composed of at least one guide element, at least one time indicator element, and a dial interposed between the at least one guide element and the at least one time indicator element. The at least one guide element is movable as a function of time and the at least one time indicator element is magnetically coupled to the at least one guide element for movement with the at least one guide element to provide a detectable time indication. The watch is further provided with a cage space for maintaining the at least one time indicator element secure against loss, and the magnetic coupling between the at least one time indicator element and the at least one guide element extends over at least a partial area of the cage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Erich Lacher Uhrenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Roy Schafer
  • Patent number: 5793710
    Abstract: A horologe, such as a watch or a clock, includes a body housing a horological mechanism and having a substantially flat outer surface, a stem extending in a perpendicular direction from the outer surface, at least one hand attached to the stem and extending in a direction parallel to the outer surface. A rim extends around the periphery of the body, wherein a portion of the rim is removable from the body. An outer transparent crystal and inner transparent cover is attached to the non-removable portion of the rim above the outer surface. The crystal is disposed above the hand and the cover is disposed below the hand and above the outer surface. A thin, substantially flat removable face is adapted for insertion in and removal from the space between the outer surface and the inner transparent cover below the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: North River Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Jacobi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5787055
    Abstract: A changeable wall clock system includes a single clock base used in conjunction with a number of different clock dials. The clock dials can be stacked atop one another in the clock base with only the uppermost dial visible. By changing which dial is uppermost, the visual appearance of the clock can be readily changed. The clock dials that are not visible can be stored in the clock base until they are needed. A tab and slot arrangement secures the multiple clock dials in the clock base. A removable frame helps hold the assembled clock together. By including multiple frames of different appearance in the system, further variety in the appearance of the assembled clock can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Alpert
  • Patent number: 5757731
    Abstract: A wristwatch linear time display (32) is disclosed which can be read at a glance and requires very little display space. Additional functions are described which use the remaining surplus display space. These functions substantially increase the usefulness of wristwatches. Devices for the wearer to interact with the added functions are disclosed.The compact time display (32) may be located where it can be seen without turning a wrist. It may also be combined with other temporal displays to improve display clarity by eliminating clutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Burton A. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5751667
    Abstract: A measuring instrument assembly, such as a clock, thermometer, or barometer, comprises a casing including a base and an upstanding perimeter (e.g. annular) portion (e.g. integral with the base). An instrument face is mounted by the base and has an upper surface facing away from the base, typically including instrument indicia (such as clock numbers) and preferably also including word indicia. A substantially transparent cover substantially parallel to the instrument face and supported by the casing is spaced from the instrument face to define, with the casing upstanding perimeter portion, an interior volume. At least one discrete object, and preferably a plurality of loosely provided objects, such as golf tees, are disposed within the interior volume. A passageway is defined through the interior volume for an instrument shaft extending from the base substantially perpendicular to the face through the cover and spaced from the upstanding perimeter portion of the casing. A measuring instrument movement (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Brendon Nunes
  • Patent number: 5748568
    Abstract: A watch or clock display shows hours as large digits and the minutes past the hour as the incremental filling of a familiar or regular figure. The digits and the partially filled figure are superimposed to make maximum use of the space available for the display.At the new hour, and for a predetermined number of minutes thereafter (say five or 7.5), only the hour number is shown in the center of the display. Then the first of successive segments of the figure are displayed. As the hour progresses, the figure becomes more nearly filled by increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Hal M. Harrison
  • Patent number: 5694378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a time display apparatus consisting of at least two partly transparent discs (A, B, C) which are arranged concentrically and axially displaced with respect to one another, with each of the discs (A, B, C) being rotationally driven about the central axle with separately preselectable period duration and being provided with a visible marking for the display of hours, minutes and seconds, with one freely rotating disc (D, E) which carries a graphical representation being concentrically arranged axially adjacent to at least one of the rotationally driven discs (C). The invention is based on the object of displaying not only the time by means of the time display apparatus, but also of enabling special optical effects. This is achieved in such a way that the rotationally driven disc (C) is provided with a (first) entrainment means (X.sub.1) on its side facing the freely rotatable disc, which means cooperates with a (first) actuating means (X.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Taiyo Musikinstrumente GmbH
    Inventor: Ryoichi Totsuka
  • Patent number: 5680372
    Abstract: A timepiece is constructed of a hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12). A magnet (18) is affixed to the hand assembly (16) so that the hand assembly (16) may be magnetically mounted on a ferrous metal object (28). In another version there is further provided magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) which indicate the time. In still another version an ornamental ferrous metal object (24) is provided and attached to the clock movement (10) and hands (12). In this same version the drive shaft (14) extends through the ornamental ferrous metal object (24), and the magnet (18) is also affixed to the hand assembly (16). Also in this version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided. Yet another version provides the hand assembly (16) including a clock movement (10) and hands (12) with a non-magnetic adhesive (26) by which the hand assembly (16) affixes to the ferrous metal object (28). In this same version magnetic ornamental indicator(s) (22) may be further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Amal Montez Flores, Melissa Kerry Dagodag
  • Patent number: 5673238
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'Ebauches
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Berney
  • Patent number: 5671194
    Abstract: Apparatus for the display of time, which includes a support frame and a driven gear having external teeth mounted to the support frame. The apparatus further includes a rigid annular member with internal teeth for engagement with the external teeth of the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Yaron Chaut
  • Patent number: 5654940
    Abstract: A multi-purpose clock including a known clock movement and a clock body accommodating the clock movement. The clock body has at least twelve hollow compartments disposed at the positions of the hours numerals. Each hollow compartment contains a turnable, block which is pivotally disposed therein by means of a couple of positioning element. Each block has at least one side showing an hour numeral and at least one side showing a list of the days of the corresponding calendar month. The blocks may also display various patterns to provide greater variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Chao-Chia Wei
  • Patent number: 5646913
    Abstract: A teaching clock with removable repositionable pieces for representing different periods of time including a housing having an interior and an opening for allowing access to the interior; a timing mechanism disposed within the interior of the housing for keeping track of a current hour of a day; a dial face plate extended over the timing mechanism of the housing; an hour hand coupled to the timing mechanism, disposed over the dial face plate, and rotatable relative to the dial face plate for indicating the current hour; a plurality of different-sized and generally pie-shaped pieces positionable upon the dial face plate and below the hour hand, each piece subtending a sectoral region on the dial face plate in relation to the hour hand for representing a period of time when a certain activity is to be performed; and a first coupling mechanism for removably coupling the pieces to the dial face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Lyndale W. Quesenberry
  • Patent number: 5642334
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is an electronic pacer for facilitating the taking of multiple choice, short answer, or other types of examinations. More specifically, it paces an examinee on a question by question basis by providing a question number display that is incremented at a frequency that allows the examinee to devote an appropriate time to each question and finish the test in a timely manner. This has the utility of allowing an examinee to precisely and accurately determine if she is ahead of or behind schedule. Additionally, the device of the present invention tracks all answer choices and displays the distribution of those answer choices. This feature has the benefit of allowing an examinee unsure of the answer to a particular question, to consider the previously answered questions and choose an under represented answer choice as the answer to the current question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Liberman
  • Patent number: 5642335
    Abstract: A clock useful for instruction in how to read time comprising a face and two sets of numbers, the first set including integers one through twelve and the second set including integers zero through fifty-nine, positioned about the face and contained within differently colored bands first and second distances, respectively, from a center point of the face. The clock includes an hour hand colored the same as the first band and a minute hand colored the same as the second band rotatably attached to the face at the center point and extending to the first and second sets of numbers, respectively, the minute hand being longer than the hour hand. The face is divided into twelve equally sized segments, each of which is further divided into five equally sized sub-segments, beginning at the top center of the face and proceeding in a clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5640372
    Abstract: A rotationally symmetric timepiece wherein time information is displayed along an axis that is marked in 13 locations with axially symmetric markers. The 13 markers divide the axis into 12 sections of preferably equal length as well as mark the ends of the axis. Time information is displayed by one or more indicators which move along the axis at controlled rates. To display hour information, an indicator, which encircles the axis, is moved along the axis at a speed such that it travels the full length of the axis in a 12-hour period. At the end of this period, the indicator is preferably reset back to the first indicator. To display minute and second information, two additional indicators are used. The minute indicator is made to travel the length of the axis every hour before being reset, while the second indicator travels the length of the axis over a period of one minute before it is reset. The indicators are of different diameters so they do not interfere with each other as they travel along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: John I. Thackara
  • Patent number: 5638341
    Abstract: From various traditional medical teachings, it is known that humans have a life rhythm which depends upon the time. As one example, there are the traditional Indian medical teachings of the "Ayurveda". In the present invention, in order to display which time period of the Ayurveda corresponds to the present time, a character panel of a watch has been separated according to color into three wedge-shaped regions. The respective color-separated regions correspond to the Vata (V), the Kapha (K), and the Pitta (P) of the Ayurveda. The Ayurveda time is indicated by an hour hand which points to one of these regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Amano
  • Patent number: 5638340
    Abstract: An analog or digital clock having a ferromagnetic pendulum that is magnetically levitated under feeedback-control and that, alternatively, may be (1) driven at a forced oscillation frequency which is decoupled from and asynchronous with the clock's time control element (e.g., a quartz crystal), (2) driven at a forced oscillation frequency which is coupled to and synchronous with the clock's time control element or (3) oscillated at the resonant frequency of the levitated pendulum and this resonant frequency is used as a time control for determining the clock's timing. Such a levitated pendulum clock is useful for both ornamental and educational purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Walter P. Schiefele
  • Patent number: 5619477
    Abstract: A clock has at least one display unit for the real time, at least one input unit for at least one adjustable set-time, if necessary linked to a date, that can be stored in a memory and that triggers a process when it is attained, as well as at least one display unit for the set-time(s). The input unit has at least three main input means. Each main input means allows a moment in time located in the future with respect to the time presently displayed in the set-time display unit to be reached, starting from the real time or from an adjusted set-time that has been programmed immediately beforehand with the same or another main input means. Said future moment in time represents an integral multiple or an integral fraction of an hour and/or the beginning of an explicitly named set period in time adapted to our natural time perception conditioned by culture and tradition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: U. Martin Schenk
  • Patent number: RE36662
    Abstract: A timepiece having a circular face for displaying analog time of day and using the same face to display the phases of the moon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: William A. Galison