Abstract: A timepiece display mechanism with a resilient hand including a first and second device for driving, about an output axis, a first and a second pipe mounted at the ends of a flexible strip, and including a display index distant from the pipes, these drive devices being arranged to deform the flexible strip, by varying the angular position of one pipe with respect to the other about the output axis, and to vary the radial position of the display index with respect to this axis, this mechanism includes a first differential on the drive train of the first pipe, one input of which is formed by a first cam, and a second differential on the drive train of the second pipe, one input of which is formed by a second cam.

Abstract: A timepiece mechanism including a deformable rhombus including four coplanar segments pivotally connected in pairs by their vertices, including an input segment adjacent to an output segment, both pivoted about a pivot axis perpendicular to the plane of the rhombus and passing through a first vertex common to the input and output segments and locked in translation in the plane of the rhombus, a lever mounted to pivot about the pivot axis, the lever being kinematically connected in rotation, about the pivot axis, to a second vertex of the rhombus, opposite to the first vertex, a first locking member movable between a first locking position, in which the lever is locked in rotation, and a first unlocking position in which the first locking member does not hinder rotation of the lever, a second locking member movable between a second locking position, in which the second vertex is locked in translation in a radial direction, and a second unlocking position in which the second locking member does not hinder radia

Abstract: The present invention proposes a timepiece mechanism comprising: a lever, rotatable about a lever axis, the angular position of the lever representing a first value, wherein a zero value of the first value corresponds to a reference direction, a sliding block mounted to move in translation on the lever in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the lever and comprising a guide-mark element whose trajectory in translation relative to the lever is secant to the lever axis, the radial position of the guide-mark element with respect to the lever axis representing a second value, an output device formed of a deformable parallelogram in a plane perpendicular to the lever axis, the parallelogram including a first side, which is stationary with reference to the lever axis and perpendicular to the reference direction, a second side, which is opposite to the first side and linked in translation to the guide-mark element in the direction perpendicular to the reference direction, the angular position o

Abstract: Context-specific user interfaces for use with a portable multifunction device are disclosed. The methods described herein for context-specific user interfaces provide indications of time and, optionally, a variety of additional information. Further disclosed are non-transitory computer-readable storage media, systems, and devices configured to perform the methods described herein.

Abstract: Timepiece display mechanism including a cam driven by a time base, and a pivoting lever including an elastically returned feeler member following the contour of the cam and a first rack meshing with a first angular orientation wheel which drives an indicator plate synchronously or via a differential mechanism, the indicator plate projecting radially with respect to a main axis and being parallel to or coplanar with the first wheel, the display mechanism includes a connecting rod articulated at a first end to a carriage slidably mounted on the indicator plate and carrying a retractable hand, a second end of the connecting rod being pivoted on a fixed pivot or on a movable pivot comprised in an elongation wheel set driven directly or indirectly by the lever.

Abstract: Timepiece movement driving at least one output wheel set, from a means of generating a time magnitude, or a means of detecting the magnitude of the state of a control member of this movement, or a device for measuring a physical magnitude, the position of this output wheel set being linked to an instantaneous value of this magnitude, displayed on a swiveling display base and including a display wheel set cooperating with this output wheel set, this display wheel set being permanently coupled to this output wheel set and this movement including a supplementary wheel set pivoting synchronously or in an integer pivoting velocity ratio relative to supplementary wheel set.

Abstract: Resilient timepiece hand including a first drive pipe integral with a flexible strip. The resilient hand is in a single-piece and this flexible strip includes a first flexible segment between this first pipe and a first tip which is at a variable distance from this first pipe according to stresses applied to this flexible strip. Timepiece display mechanism including a resilient hand of this type. The mechanism includes a first drive pinion for driving this first pipe of this resilient hand about a pivot axis, and a second pinion or a cam for stressing this resilient hand to vary the position of at least one this tip of this resilient hand with respect to this pivot axis. Watch including a display movement of this type.

Abstract: In a trick-action type clock, a part of an hour plate rotates along a plane parallel to a clock support plate. The trick-action type clock includes a first hour plate portion which is fixed to the clock support plate and has a circular shape, and a second hour plate portion which is rotated by a driving motor. The first hour plate portion includes an indicator needle shaft insertion portion which is provided at a position remote from a center of the first hour plate portion so as to insert an indicator needle shaft 101 therethrough. The second hour plate portion includes a circular notched hole which has a rotation center coincides with the center of the first hour plate portion with a circular shape and has the same shape as that of the first hour plate portion.

Abstract: A timepiece is equipped with a novel type of entertainment, that is a mechanical card game. The timepiece includes: a dial (10) provided with a plurality of windows (12); systems (14) for opening and closing at least some of the windows (12), actuated by control bodies; a plurality of display disks (16) carrying representations of cards to be played, to be visible via the windows (12), the disks being pivoted on axes that are perpendicular to the plane of the dial (10); and a system (18) for rotating the disks and stopping them at random.

Abstract: A Christmas-themed mechanical clock includes a base with first and second substantially planar platforms spaced apart from and in parallel with each other, with the second platform further having first and second grooves defined therein. At least one gear drive is positioned between the first and second platforms. A first nativity character assembly is coupled to one gear drive and driven between first and second positions along the first groove for a first predetermined period of time. A second nativity character assembly is coupled to another gear drive and driven between first and second positions along the second groove for a second predetermined period of time. A twenty-four hour background clock assembly coupled to the second platform, at least a portion of which rotates in accordance with first and second twelve hour time periods to display first and second background images, respectively.

Abstract: Timepiece with an hour circle formed by a module placed around the movement. The module cover comprises openings at the position of each hour. Inside the module are rockers with decorations in two particular positions. An oscillating mass moves when the inclination of the plane of the timepiece changes and moves the rockers from one position to the other.

Abstract: A children's clock comprising a housing, at least one clock display on the housing for displaying time and illustration means for visually illustrating the continuous passage of time to a child who cannot read time. The illustration means is on the housing and is synchronized with the at least one clock display. The clock helps a child to learn concepts of time by providing them with an identifiable visual image to illustrate the continuous passage of time.

Abstract: A mechanical timepiece has a plurality of divisional segments divided in a movable manner, a driving source operable to produce a driving rotation for moving the divisional segments, an ornamental portion to be exposed by outward movement of the divisional segments, and a plurality of driving mechanisms operable to move the divisional segments and rotate them about their axes so as to change an exposure state of the ornamental portion by using the driving rotation transmitted from the driving source.

Abstract: The invention concerns a watch including a case having a middle part and housing a watch movement having a time-setting stem in a first peripheral region, said movement further including a first and a second control member which are arranged on either side of the time-setting stem and which each have an angular shift of less than 90° with the time-setting stem in relation to the centre of the movement, the watch further including an actuation device including a first and a second push-button arranged on the case in proximity to the movement, for respectively actuating said first and second control members, said watch being characterized in that, between each of said first and second push-buttons and said time-setting stem, there is an angular shift greater than 90° in relation to the centre of the movement, in that said first and second push-buttons are arranged in a second peripheral region of said watch movement, in that said actuation device further includes a transmission mechanism extending between sa

Abstract: A mechanical timepiece has an ornamental portion and a plurality of movable units operable to expose and hide the ornamental portion. Each of the movable units includes a divisional segment for exposing and hiding the ornamental portion by inward and outward movement, a holding plate configured to hold the divisional segment in a movable manner so as to move the divisional segment in inward and outward directions, and an attachment structure for attaching the divisional segment to the holding plate. The attachment structure is formed integrally with at least one of the holding plate and the divisional segment. The attachment structure includes engagement portions projecting from both sides of the holding plate and a pair of holder members formed on a surface of the divisional segment so as to have an L-shaped cross-section with their tip portions being opposed to each other.

Abstract: A cuckoo clock having a scissored extension arm is disclosed. The clock, using the arm, provides an attractive visual display with minimum displacement and shift of center of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention is a children's sleeptime timer and clock device. It includes (a) a housing adapted to contain and display at least one clock and to contain (b) at least one clock; and (c) a sleeptime display timer contained within the housing, which contains: (i) a moveable, three dimensional display having at least two three dimensional illustrations, wherein, when a first three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least a second three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and when the second three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least the first three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and wherein the first three dimensional illustration relates to a child's sleeptime; (ii) a step-up mechanism connected to the three dimensional display.

Abstract: A digital cartoon or animation creation process, alternately describable as digital rotoscoping. Images are obtained in digital format by set-up steps (32, 44), image capture steps (34-36 and 46), and image storage (38, 48). The rotoscoping process (10) includes an image to line art rendering sub-process (14) which optionally may be followed by a specialized line art rendering sub-process (16) or a coloring sub-process (18). The line art rendering sub-process (14) includes a series of filters, particularly including a high-pass filter (68) using a gaussian blur convolution matrix. The specialized rendering sub-process (16) has particular use for carrying image regions having particularized detail through into final images in a manner that such detail is not lost, and the coloring sub-process (18) permits creation of colorized final images.

Abstract: A time-keeper has two discs 5 and 6 at least partly visible from the front of the time-keeper. The discs are urged to rotate by the time-keeper drive mechanism in casing 10 such that each disc rotates in the same direction and angular velocity as time-keeper hand 2. Time-keeper hand 2 is a conventional clock and/or watch hand such as hour hand, minute hand or second hand.

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.

Abstract: A digital cartoon or animation creation process, alternately describable as digital rotoscoping. Images are obtained in digital format by set-up steps (32, 44), image capture steps (34-36 and 46), and image storage (38, 48). The rotoscoping process (10) includes an image to line art rendering sub-process (14) which optionally may be followed by a specialized line art rendering sub-process (16) or a coloring sub-process (18). The line art rendering sub-process (14) includes a series of filters, particularly including a high-pass filter (68) using a gaussian blur convolution matrix. The specialized rendering sub-process (16) has particular use for carrying image regions having particularized detail through into final images in a manner that such detail is not lost, and the coloring sub-process (18) permits creation of colorized final images.

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.

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

Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. A integrated circuit is provided which combines the capability to control clock functions, actuate the animation feature, synthesize speech and drive a dynamic speaker to provide overall control of the animation from a single actuation. Firmware incorporated in the integrated circuit includes means to selectively vary the message and comment in order to provide enhanced animation and novelty.

Abstract: A personalizable animated character display (10) for transforming a face photograph (24) into a personalized animated character comprising a body image (20) and one or more movable body parts (12, 14). In the preferred embodiment, the animation is driven by a clock drive mechanism (30) and the display is configured to also serve the role of a clock. The display is made personalizable by providing an opening (22) in the character body image (20), through which the face on the personalizing face photograph (24) may be shown in such a position as to integrate with the character body image (20).

Abstract: A video camera apparatus having a solid state imager for generating video signals and a black level balance adjusting circuit for automatically adjusting black levels of the video signals. The video camera apparatus comprises an incident light control device, an electronic shutter control circuit, a comparator and a processor. The incident light control device controls the amount of light incident to the solid state imager. The electronic shutter control circuit varies the mode of the solid state imager between at least a first mode and a second mode. The effective accumulating period of the solid state imager in the first mode is different from the corresponding period in the second mode. The comparator compares the voltage level of the video signal obtained in the first mode with that obtained in the second mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece movement having a baseplate (20), a motor (22), an oscillating system (24), driving elements (26, 27) intended to drive indicating elements (16, 18), a gear train (28) having at least one wheel coupling the driving elements (26, 27) to the motor (22), the motion of the gear train being regulated by the oscillating system (24), the timepiece movement being characterized in that it further includes a support element (50) for at least one of the elements other than the baseplate constituting the movement, the support element (50) being driven in rotation in the vicinity of the edge of the baseplate by a wheel (48) of the gear train.

Abstract: An astronomical data indicating device is provided with a memory for storing location data representing a location on the earth. In the present device, before calculation of astronomical data such as hour angle data of moon and moon phase data, at first hour angle data and moon phase data for Greenwich Mean Time are calculated regardless of the place where the present device is used, and then hour angle data and moon phase data at the place where the present device is used are calculated. Therefore, the calculation process is performed in a very simple manner.

Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. An electrical circuit is provided with an actuation switch that may be pressed to actuate an audio speaker which emits a simulated time indicating voice in synchronism with intermittent energization of such armature to selectively move such nose between mouth open and mouth closed positions.

Abstract: A combined clock and decorative liquid display wherein an oscillating pendulum of an electronic clock causes a float suspended in a body of liquid to move back and forth due to magnetic induction generated between a magnetic material carried by the pendulum and a magnetically attractive material carried by the float.

Abstract: An animated kinetic sculpture device in the form of a pedestal for support of another kinetic sculpture or other object, or as a stand alone advertising piece. The device comprises a supporting structure, a motor driven upright cylindrical helical coil spring rotatably mounted to the supporting structure, a sliding and pivoting post adjacent to and generally parallel to the coil spring, an object, optionally in the form of a figure of a human, bushed to the sliding post, a lifter follower also bushed to the sliding post such that it can also pivot, the follower especially conformed to engage the rotating coil spring and to bear mainly on that side of the coil spring that will pull it into engagement, such that the follower and the object will be carried up the coil spring along the sliding post. An ejection piece at the top of the coil spring is provided to pivot the follower out of engagement so the object and follower may slide back down by gravity.

Abstract: A disklike ornamental timepiece dial face (12) is constructed of transparent material forming an enclosed chamber (24) and a central clearance (28). Decorative materials (32) are located within the chamber and provide a kinetic display on movement of the timepiece. A second version, provides a motor (58) which rotates the ornamental dial face (12) to induce a continuous kinetic display.

Abstract: A decorative clock with sand picture having the function of showing flowing picture and correct time mainly consists of a gear set housing, a sand picture, and a set of hour hand and minute hand assembled together to be positioned on a support seat in such a manner that the sand picture may freely rotate to form a flowing picture without affecting the correct indication of time by the hour hand and the minute hand.

Abstract: A timepiece with mobile decorations comprises: a roof disposed over a case body having a timepiece unit built therein; driving means to make said roof up and down while turning the same in response to a signal from the said timepiece unit; and mobile decorations disposed inside of the roof to operate and become visible from the outside while the roof is in a raised position.

Abstract: An analog type electronic watch having a step motor to drive hands has a movement indicator other than hands. The movement indicator has a magnet member and is driven with the magnetic influence of a rotor magnet of the step motor. The magnet member is arranged within a window provided in a dial plate of the watch within the range of the magnetic force of the rotor. The movement indicator is supported so as to be synchronously moved with the rotation of the rotor under the magnetic influence.

Abstract: Time display elements for displaying different units of time in a clock or other timepiece are arranged in a unitary solid geometrical structure having a predetermined symmetry. That symmetry of the unitary solid geometrical structure is periodically broken up by ongoing contortion of the unitary solid geometrical structure itself, and is periodically restored by movement of the time display elements relative to each other in a display of time providing a definitive space-time statement continually.

Abstract: An analog type electronic watch having a step motor to drive hands has a movement indicator other than hands. The movement indicator has a magnet member and is driven with the magnetic influence of a rotor magnet of the step motor. The magnet member is arranged within a window provided in a dial plate of the watch within the range of the magnetic force of the rotor. The movement indicator is supported so as to be synchronously moved with the rotation of the rotor under the magnetic influence.

Abstract: A novelty watch construction is disclosed. The face of the watch or dial includes first and second members, the first one being substantially smaller in diameter than that of the watch crystal. It overlies the second dial in spaced parallel relation, to form an interstice therebetween. The second dial member has a diameter approximating that of the crystal. A pendulum-like support is mounted on bearings between the first and second dials for orbital movement relative to the dial members and hands, the support carrying an exposed jewel or jewels which move within the circular area between the periphery of the first and second dial members. Where the jewel is provided with facets, such movement causes a continuously changing sparkle effect.

Abstract: A clock is provided with at least partially upwardly disposed time indicia and a pendulum is arranged to oscillate above the correct indicia to indicate current time. The clock may take any one of a number of embodiments, the common factor being the oscillation of a pendulum above or adjacent to the current time, which may be mounted upon various clock faces, endless strips, rotating rings, and other arrangements over which a pendulum is arranged to oscillate to at least partially indicate the correct time. Auxiliary means such as lights or the like may be used to aid in the indication of the correct time.

Abstract: A table clock characterized in thattwo pendulum rods are swingably supported on either side of a support body in symmetrical positional relation,bobs are attached to the lower ends of the respective pendulum rods,the upper end portions of the two pendulum rods are mutually interlinked by a coupling rod,a vertical rod is coupled to the middle of the coupling rod, anda clock body and a bob are attached, respectively, to the upper end and the lower end of the vertical rod.

Abstract: A novelty clock is provided wherein a spherical representation of the earth rotates about the face of the clock as would a second hand. While rotating about the face of the clock, the earth also rotates upon its own axis, thereby providing a more realistic and appealing visual effect. The special motion of the earth is achieved by a motion producing mechanism driven by the rotational force of the shaft which ordinarily drives the second hand of the clock.

Abstract: An electronic analog timepiece having an illustration on the dial provides animation by including a portion of the illustration on the second hand and by giving the second hand an erratic motion. Logic circuitry combines a plurality of frequency signals from the divider circuits such that periodic but erratic second hand motion is achieved between moments when the second hand is accurate. Normal second hand motion is also selectively provided.

Abstract: A time keeping clock that includes a kinetic clock sculpture arrangement in which the clock comprises the usual minute and hour hands journalled for rotation in clockwise directions about a common axis, and a time keeping mechanism for driving said minute and hour hands to keep time, with the clock including a kinetic sculpture arrangement comprising a relatively large, medially located, kinetic sculpture drive gear wheel that is vertically disposed and has its axis of rotation disposed horizontally and paralleling that of the common axis of the clock minute and hour hands, one or more driven gear wheels that are of a diameter which is relatively small as compared to that of the drive wheel gear, and which are disposed in coupled rotation to the drive gear wheel at spaced locations thereabout, with several of said driven gear wheels each driving a separate crank about a horizontal axis, and a drive gear wheel actuated mechanical linkage of miniature stick figure form articulated to each of the said cranks, wi

Abstract: An electronic timepiece with an animated display is provided. The animated display includes flickering display elements for providing the animation. The timepiece includes a timekeeping circuit for generating actual time signals in at least hours and minutes and a corresponding time display region for displaying time in response to the time signals generated by the timekeeping circuit. The flickering animated display elements are driven independently of the timekeeping display.A digital display timepiece may include the animated display elements within a picture pattern. In this case, the flickering display elements form a part of the pattern. In a liquid crystal display timepiece, the flickering display elements may comprise portions of segments of display terminals and may be driven in response to seconds signals generated by a seconds counter of the timekeeping circuit.