With Optical Signal Patents (Class 368/256)
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Patent number: 10845766Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a light apparatus, the light apparatus comprising an outer housing comprising a translucent portion; a main light source positioned inside the outer housing for generating light, wherein light generated by the main light source is incident on the translucent portion; and a display light source positioned inside the outer housing for projecting information onto a part of the translucent portion on which light is incident from the main light source.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Harko Jan Taekema, Michiel Hans Zeinstra, Jeroen Beutick, Michiel Heersema
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Patent number: 8922283Abstract: A wristwatch, which comprises an atomic oscillator comprising a system for detecting the beat frequencies obtained by the Raman effect.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: ROLEX S.A.Inventors: Laurent Balet, Jacques Haesler, Steve Lecomte, David Ruffieux
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Patent number: 8811126Abstract: The present model relates to an individual reminding device, comprising: an electrical timer providing a current time and at least one predetermined time; at least a directional reminding unit electrically connected with the electrical time providing a prompt toward a direction at the at least one predetermined time; and a display demonstrating the current time and the at least one predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Rayleigh Ping-Ying Chiang, Shih-Chung Kang, Chia-Hsuan Chiang, Zai-Ting Yeh
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Publication number: 20130208576Abstract: A user is aroused from sleep by applying a stimulus of light to simulate dawn. The device operates to monitor movements of a sleeping subject by the use of one or more motion sensors. The detected movements are used to identify the sleep cycle timings for the user. The user can then be aroused during a light phase of sleep by timing the dawn simulator to increase to sufficient brightness to arouse the user during a light stage of sleep that is proximate to a desired wake up time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Leonor F. Loree, IV, Steven D. Powell
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Patent number: 8477568Abstract: An alarm clock includes a power supply unit; a key input setting unit (110); the lamp (140); a microcomputer (120) configured to be provided with a timer having a clock function; the time display unit (170); the alarm module (160) configured to be selectively turned on and off in response to the alarm control signal output by the microcomputer (120); a lamp power supply control unit (130) configured to be selectively switched on and off in response to the lamp drive control signal output by the microcomputer (120); and a lamp current adjustment unit (160) configured to perform control so that an amount of current flowing through the lamp (140) gradually increases based on the pulse width signal output by the microcomputer (120). The lamp gradually fades in and an alarm is issued after the lamp has been completely lit up.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventor: Jae-Chun Go
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Publication number: 20130163394Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed towards a system and method for awakening a user from a period of sleep by applying a stimulus of light for a period determined from a comparative analysis of the user's sleep stage and a desired wake time. One exemplary method includes setting an alarm time and then monitoring motion sensors to detect movements of the user that indicate the user is in a stage of light sleep. When it is determined that the user has entered a stage of light sleep, the alarm time may be compared with the timing of the light stage of sleep. If the alarm time coincides with the sleep stage timing, an alarm comprised of a gradually intensifying stimulus of light can be triggered to awaken the user. In some embodiments, the gradually intensifying stimulus of light can be made to simulate a dawn event of the sun rising.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventor: Leonor F. Loree, IV
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Patent number: 8295130Abstract: The invention concerns a child's clock indicator (1) comprising a housing (6) and a dial (7). Time-switch or timepiece elements are mounted in the housing (6) and are connected to a time adjusting indicator (4) which is adjustable with adjusting knobs (5, 8). Waking (2) or sleep (3) designs are activated in waking position or sleep position by the time-switch or timepiece elements and based on the adjustment of the time adjusting indicator.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventor: Vincent Claessens
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Patent number: 8284631Abstract: A multimedia projection alarm clock with integrated illumination is disclosed. It includes a projector module which projects an animated image, an illuminating light source which emits illuminating light of adjustable color and/or brightness, a speaker which outputs music or sound effects, and a control unit which animates a projected image and/or varies an illuminating light with music or sound effects so that an alarm signal featuring a theme of vivid figures with matching backgrounds may be provided. The control unit is also equipped with a simple user interface allowing the user to access handy bedside functions such as the night light easily.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Tirid Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuo-Hsiung Cho, Ping-Hung Tsai, Chin-I Liu
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Patent number: 8259535Abstract: The invention relates to a wake up stimulus control system, comprising a control unit (1) arranged to receive a user-determinable wake up time input and to control at least one stimulus source (11), a coupling for operably coupling at least one stimulus source (11) to said control unit, wherein the stimulus source (11) is controllable by the control unit (1) in such a way that the stimulus source (11) provides a gradually increasing stimulus output in dependence on said input wake up time, at least during a time period before the input wake up time, and at least one stimulus sensor (7) that is operably coupled to the control unit (1). The sensor allows a much better control of the supplied stimulus level to account for various ambient influences. The stimulus is preferably light. The invention also provides a socket, a stimulus source and a control unit for use in the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Daniel Eduardt Sandu, Harko Jan Taekema
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Publication number: 20120195175Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-screen display, a processor, a memory, and one or more modules stored in the memory. The one or more modules are adapted to be executed by the processor to enter into a user-interface alarm state from a user-interface non-alarm state in responds to an alarm trigger condition. The one or more modules are adapted to display one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display in the user-interface alarm state. The one or more modules are adapted to change locations of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to detect one or more contact actions on each of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to change the electronic device to the user-interface non-alarm state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: TAY-YANG LIN, CHIN-FENG CHEN, SHU-MING LIU, CHI-TSE SHIH, NI-CHUN HOU, HSIN-CHIH HSU, CHENG-HSIU DU
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Publication number: 20110317526Abstract: An alarm clock includes a power supply unit; a key input setting unit (110); the lamp (140); a microcomputer (120) configured to be provided with a timer having a clock function; the time display unit (170); the alarm module (160) configured to be selectively turned on and off in response to the alarm control signal output by the microcomputer (120); a lamp power supply control unit (130) configured to be selectively switched on and off in response to the lamp drive control signal output by the microcomputer (120); and a lamp current adjustment unit (160) configured to perform control so that an amount of current flowing through the lamp (140) gradually increases based on the pulse width signal output by the microcomputer (120). The lamp gradually fades in and an alarm is issued after the lamp has been completely lit up.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Jae-Chun Go
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Patent number: 8031560Abstract: The open eyes alarm clock consists of a sleeping mask that wraps around an end user's head, which includes speakers located in the general vicinity of an end user's ears as well as light emitting means affixed along interior surfaces covering the eyes. The open eyes alarm clock is designed to emit an audio and/or visual alarm in order to awake persons that have either a hearing impairment or that are deep sleepers.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: Kenneth Washington
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Publication number: 20110096637Abstract: The present model relates to an individual reminding device, comprising: an electrical timer providing a current time and at least one predetermined time; at least a directional reminding unit electrically connected with the electrical time providing a prompt toward a direction at the at least one predetermined time; and a display demonstrating the current time and the at least one predetermined time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: National Taiwan UniversityInventors: Rayleigh Ping-Ying Chiang, Shih-Chung Kang, Chia-Hsuan Chiang, Zai-Ting Yeh
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Publication number: 20110058456Abstract: An apparatus for waking up a user, the apparatus (1) comprising a light source (3) that is adapted to produce a light effect (L), such as a light beam, that is directed to a user, or at least to a user's head, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises means for displacing the light effect (L) in an upward (Ru) or downward (Rd) direction during a period of time, in order to change a position of the light effect with respect to the user, or at least to the user's head, wherein the means to displace the light effect (L) is adapted to displace the light effect (L) gradually along an amount of displacement during the time period, for instance during a wake-up period until reaching a final wake-up time.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
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Publication number: 20100278016Abstract: The invention relates to a wake up stimulus control system, comprising a control unit (1) arranged to receive a user-determinable wake up time input and to control at least one stimulus source (11), a coupling for operably coupling at least one stimulus source (11) to said control unit, wherein the stimulus source (11) is controllable by the control unit (1) in such a way that the stimulus source (11) provides a gradually increasing stimulus output in dependence on said input wake up time, at least during a time period before the input wake up time, and at least one stimulus sensor (7) that is operably coupled to the control unit (1). The sensor allows a much better control of the supplied stimulus level to account for various ambient influences. The stimulus is preferably light. The invention also provides a socket, a stimulus source and a control unit for use in the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Daniel Eduardt Sandu, Harko Jan Taekema
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Publication number: 20100265803Abstract: An aid device for enhancing sleeping and awakening includes an illuminant device and an audio device. A control unit is electrically connected to the illuminant device and the audio device. The control unit includes an illuminant gradual transformation module, an audio gradual transformation module, and a time setting module. The illuminant gradual transformation module is controlled the illuminant device. The audio gradual transformation module is controlled the audio device. The time setting module is controlled an active time of the illuminant device and an active time of the audio device. A control interface is electrically connected to the control unit. The control interface is provided for inputting a data to the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Wen-Sung LEE
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Publication number: 20100232261Abstract: An alarm clock including a rectangular base, a housing mounted on the base, an opaque portion on the front of the housing, a translucent portion on the front of the housing, a time display located on the front of the housing, and a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted inside the housing behind the translucent portion, wherein a first time prior to a set time for an alarm a first number of the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit, wherein on successive times prior to the set time for the alarm successive numbers of the plurality of light emitting diodes are lit, and wherein at the set time for the alarm the entire plurality of light emitting diodes are lit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventor: Chi Ming Suen
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Publication number: 20080123332Abstract: A nightlight provides therapeutic effects on the body and mind including promoting relaxation, sleep and wakefulness. The nightlight includes a light source, a central processor, one or more controls, and a power supply. The light source produces at least three illumination modes including a sleep readiness mode, a sleep help mode and a wake-up mode. The sleep readiness mode produces monochromatic light of various selectable colors at about 40 lumens which may undulate in luminosity. Meanwhile, the wake-up mode produces substantially full spectrum light at higher luminosity. The controls allow a person to control the various light modes including selecting colors, time periods for activation, and transitions between colors during the sleep help mode. Moreover, the nightlight may include biological sensors for measuring physiological activity of the body. The nightlight may be incorporated into a bedside alarm clock which includes numerous features found in a traditional alarm clock.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Inventor: Robert L. Searfoss
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Patent number: 7280439Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved countermeasure for circadian and sleep disruption as caused by a traditional alarm clock. It incorporates a lighting system at the alarm clock that, prior to the preset waking time, will emit a light that gradually increases in intensity as it changes the ultraviolet spectrum of light it emits, so as to simulate the rising sun. This will ease the waking process for many people, especially those prone to simple disruptions of their circadian regulation. It may also be set to operate in a reverse mode so as to simulate the setting sun thus helping stimulate melatonin production and easing one into sleep.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Inventor: Daniel Edward Shaddox
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Patent number: 6987710Abstract: An alarm clock of the analog type with hands for indicating the time includes a battery, a housing, a dial with time indicia disposed in the housing and an illumination module disposed adjacently to the dial. The illumination module has one or more recesses defined in an edge with one or more light sources disposed in the recesses to provide illumination into the module. The illumination module has edges and a back surface with light reflective properties to reflect light in the interior of the module and out the front surface and through the dial to provide night lighting exterior to the clock. Preferably, the module has an ovate shape such that the recesses and light sources are disposed outside of the dial area. A light sensor senses the ambient lighting conditions and activates and deactivates the light source. A dimmer control adjusts the desired level of illumination. A three position switch controls the alarm clock between alarm only, night light only, and both alarm and night light modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Equity Industries, Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Kibiloski, Charles Wong Tak Chung
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Patent number: 6236622Abstract: A lighting fixture having a lamp and alarm clock with a wake-up cycle and sleep cycle with gradually increasing and decreasing light and sounds. The lighting fixture includes at least one lamp for emitting light in the wake-up cycle and in the sleep cycle. The lighting fixture also includes at least one speaker for emitting sound in the wake-up cycle and in the sleep cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Verilux, Inc.Inventor: Stephen E. Blackman
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Patent number: 6163507Abstract: A remotely activated snooze control circuit for enabling a snooze alarm from a position remote from the snooze control circuit. The remotely activated snooze control circuit includes a remote control unit including an infrared signal generator and a transmitter. An alarm clock is located remotely from the remote control unit and includes an infrared receiver and a control unit connected to the infrared receiver and the snooze control circuit. When the infrared signal is transmitted by the remote control unit and received by the alarm clock, the snooze control circuit is activated to prevent the alarm clock from generating an alarm signal for a predetermined period of time. The remote control unit is preferably in the form of a laser gun and includes a trigger, a speaker and a visual alarm generator. Pressing the trigger initiates activation of the infrared signal and causes the speaker and visual alarm generator to produce audible and visual alarm signals simulating the firing of a laser gun.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Gary R Gholson
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Patent number: 6057769Abstract: The intelligent alarm system of the present invention provides a reliable, low cost system for alerting a user to the presence of snow outside of a building. The system includes a sensor and an intelligent alarm clock for use inside a building or dwelling. The system can be set by a user to signal an alarm a programmable amount of time earlier or later than the user's normal waking time if an accumulation of snow is detected. The system is capable of processing preprogrammed data, user entered data and data accumulated from the sensor to determine whether a true snow condition exists and to generate an appropriate alarm signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Carl R. Stevenson
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Patent number: 5539627Abstract: A tree stand locating device including a first housing unit that has a front face, a rear face, and a pair of side panels. The first housing unit has an alarm clock mechanism with a clock body. The side panels of the first housing unit each have a pile-type fastener assembly attached. The rear panel has a cover section positioned along a lower portion. Included is a second housing unit that is coupled to the first housing unit along a bottom panel. Provided is a strap that has the interior surface of the first end and the second end each with a pile-type fastener assembly thereon for coupling the pile-type fastener assembly of each side panel of the first housing unit. A light mechanism is positioned within the second housing unit and activated when a preset time on the clock arrives. Lastly, a switch mechanism directs the time counted to send a current to the light mechanism, when the first housing unit is hung from the limb above a tree stand.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Inventor: Robert G. Foster
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Patent number: 5469346Abstract: A device which can be set to start a light flashing unattended at a predetermined time. The device includes a light and a battery, together with a small electronic clock. The clock has a display for displaying a time, a memory for holding a settable alarm time, and alarm output terminals for outputting a signal at a pre-established time stored in the memory. An electronic control circuit receives the signal from the clock at the pre-established time, and causes the light to begin flashing at that time. In the embodiment shown here, the control circuit flashes the light for a predetermined time, and then turns the light off. In this embodiment the device includes a casing, and a switch mounted in the casing and electrically connected between the battery and the light. By this switch, the light can be turned on and off in a manner generally conventional for a flashlight.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Paul R. HautInventors: Paul R. Haut, William Schuster
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Patent number: 5327331Abstract: A method of reducing the resistance of a sleeping mammal to arising at a preselected wake up time by exposing the mammal to at least one source of artificial light for a period of exposure of at least about 0.5 hour and no longer than about 8 hours before the preselected wake up time. The intensity of the artificial light may increase during the period of exposure. an apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a normally deacutated source of artificial light capable of illuminating a mammal, comprising a plurality of electric lamps, a control device, such as a timer, for signalling the commencement of a period of exposure preceding the mammal's preselected wake up time and an increase in illumination intensity during the period of exposure, after its commencement. The apparatus further features circuitry and a power supply, responsive to the control device, for actuating one lamp in response to the commencement signal, and for actuating additional lamps later during the period of exposure.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Inventor: Seth D. Roberts
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Patent number: 5243568Abstract: An electronic circuit, which, when inserted into a clock/radio, utilizes the time-setting mechanism and the audio system of the clock/radio, and which, in conjunction with a light sensor, causes both light and sound to start at low intensity and increase gradually together to full intensity.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1992Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Inventors: Nancy Burch, Mark Parent
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Patent number: 5212672Abstract: A timing control apparatus for selectively actuating at least one remote device, such as a variable intensity lamp, an audio device or an aroma generator at a selected future time, by generating a plurality of clock pulses of a known time duration at the selected time, and by counting the clock pulses to gradually increase the intensity of electrical current in response to the clock pulses counted, from an initial zero state to full intensity over time, such as one hour. The gradual increase in intensity provides a gradual increase in the light, sound or smell from selected remote devices, to gently awaken a user, without an abrupt on/off actuation found in alarm clocks, and other similar devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1991Date of Patent: May 18, 1993Inventors: Julius A. Loisch, Rod Snider, John W. Harriger
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Patent number: 5079682Abstract: A method of reducing the resistance of a sleeping mammal to arising at a preselected wake up time by exposing the mammal to at least one source of artificial light for a period of exposure of at least about 0.5 hour and no longer than about 8 hours before the preselected wake up time. The intensity of the artificial light may increase during the period of exposure. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a normally deactuated source of artificial light capable of illuminating a mammal, comprising a plurality of electric lamps, a control device, such as a timer, for signalling the commencement of a period of exposure preceding the mammal's preselected wake up time and an increase in illumination intensity during the period of exposure, after its commencement. The apparatus further features circuitry and a power supply, responsive to the control device, for actuating one lamp in response to the commencement signal, and for actuating additional lamps later during the period of exposure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1988Date of Patent: January 7, 1992Inventor: Seth D. Roberts
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Patent number: 5016229Abstract: An electronic circuit for energizing an electric lamp associated with an alarm clock. Alarm circuitry within the clock energizes an electronic flasher that delivers a control signal to a bidirectional switch means in an A.C. circuit containing the lamp. The switch means triggers a two direction silicon controlled switch means in the lamp circuit. The lamp provides an optical alarm that can be used as a wake-up signal by persons who are deaf but who can see.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Harry C. Gibbens, Jr.
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Patent number: 5008865Abstract: A device and method of awaking a sleeper includes an alarm clock coupled to a control circuit for controlling the power provided to a lamp. After the alarm clock wake-up signal is provided, the light intensity emitted by the lamp slowly, smoothly and gradually increased. The time interval over which the light intensity increases is selectable by the user but will usually be in the range of thirty minutes to an hour. The circuit for increasing the light intensity is designed to ensure that the intensity increase is smooth, especially at the beginning of the wake-up cycle. The circuit may be either analog or digital. In each embodiment, an optocoupler is controlled to lower the firing angle of a triac to gradually increase the intensity of the light. The circuit causes the firing angle to change more slowly when the light is very dim then when the light intensity is bright because the human eye is more sensitive to light intensity variations when the background light level is low than when it is high.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1990Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Blaine P. ShafferInventors: Blaine P. Shaffer, William G. Haab
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Patent number: 4894813Abstract: The invention is directed to an alarm shut-off device for an alarm clock or timer permitting a signal delivered by the clock to be interupted or to be cancelled in that the user of the clock approaches the clock or merely moves a part of his body, for example, his hand, towards the clock. Preferably, the clock is equipped with a transmitter 2, 2' emitting infrared radiation or ultrasonic waves and a corresponding receiver 3, 3' which detects the infrared radiation or the ultasonic waves reflected by the moved body part 1. A signal shaping network 4, 5 and 6 determines the variation of the intensity with time, which variation is compared in a threshold switching stage 7 with a predeterminable value which, when exceeded, causes the alarm signal A to be shut off.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1988Date of Patent: January 16, 1990Assignee: Braun AktiengesellschaftInventors: Lothar Pacher, Heinz Schiebelhuth
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Patent number: 4523856Abstract: An electronic timepiece is provided with an alarm and means coupling a sounding unit to a circuit generating a sonic signal. The first electrode (6) of the sounding unit (5) is mechanically and electrically fixed to a metallized decoration (4) set under the glass (3). Two conductive members (12) are arranged to pass through the timepiece dial and then to be elastically supported, the first against the decoration (4) and the second against the second electrode (7) of the sounding unit in order to connect said unit to the terminals (10) of the signal generating circuit. The arrangement facilitates encasing the timepiece and thus realizes an increased productivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1981Date of Patent: June 18, 1985Assignee: Societe Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogere Management ServicesInventor: Claude-Andre Gygax
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Patent number: 4388000Abstract: An electronic apparatus having a musical alarm function and a display, which produced a musical sound when an alarm time is reached while also concurrently performing score display of the musical notes of the produced musical sound on a printed five-line staff. The display produces a display of another function when the apparatus performs a function other than generation of the musical sounds.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1980Date of Patent: June 14, 1983Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Touru Hagihira
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Patent number: 4373822Abstract: A novelty alarm clock that incorporates an illumination system that selectively lights portions of the clock face, at least a portion of the illumination system being governed by the alarm-setting mechanism of the clock which can also include an aural alarm that gives a desired message.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1980Date of Patent: February 15, 1983Inventor: Frank S. Tkac
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Patent number: 4322830Abstract: An alarm device for electronic watches has a memory for storing data representing a specified date. When the user operates a switch on that day, the device sounds an alarm to tell the user the specified date has arrived.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1979Date of Patent: March 30, 1982Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Nakazawa
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Patent number: 4196582Abstract: A control device for controlling the display of an electronic watch capable of providing two different types of information. The control device enables selection of the information to be displayed and differentiation between the two types of display available.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1977Date of Patent: April 8, 1980Assignee: Ebauches S.A.Inventors: Pierre Hersberger, Remy Grandjean