Abstract: A radio-controlled timepiece includes an oscillator circuit of which an oscillation condition can be varied by an oscillation condition adjustment circuit that adjusts an oscillation frequency, a frequency divider circuit that divides the oscillation frequency and generates a time measurement reference timing signal, a frequency adjustment circuit that adjusts the period of time measurement reference timing signal, a local oscillator circuit that uses the oscillation frequency as a reference frequency and outputs a local oscillation frequency, and a control circuit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement cooperating with a display device, the timepiece movement comprising a mechanical energy source and a system of energy transmission from the energy source to at least one resonator including a first distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator. According to the invention, the timepiece also comprises a counting system mounted between the at least one resonator and the display device, and including a second distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator and cooperating with the display device to uncouple the energy transmission means from the counting means.

Abstract: A method is provided to authenticate a watch. The watch includes at least one processing and control circuit provided with a time base, hands to indicate a time, the hands being driven by a motorized device controlled by the processing and control circuit, and a device to store identification data. The method includes enabling at least one activation member of the watch, which is connected to the processing and control circuit, to change into watch authentication mode. The method includes operating an indicator device of the watch, which includes the hands, after enabling the activation member so that at least one of the hands is driven by the motorized device to be moved in succession into time indicating positions on a time-indicating dial to indicate successive digits or numbers of an identification code of at least one of a brand and a serial number of the watch to be authenticated.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus, including a first information acquisition section which acquires priority action information, a second information acquisition section which acquires biological information related to a body clock of the user at a present time, a state setting section which sets an ideal state of the body clock corresponding to the priority action, a state estimation section which estimates a present state of the body clock at the present time, a third information acquisition section which acquires set action information related to a set action, and a display control section which displays a state of the body clock in the schedule on a display section.

Abstract: The method concerns the authentication of an electronic watch (1). The watch, which displays the time using hands (6, 7), includes one processing and control circuit having a time base, and a means of storing personal data and/or identification data of a brand and/or serial number. For the authentication method, at least one activation member (4, 4?), which is connected to the processing and control circuit, is activated to change into authentication mode. Once the activation member has been enabled, an indicator device, which includes time indicating hands, visually indicates watch authentication information. The hands are moved on the watch dial (5) to indicate each successive digit or number of the identification code to be checked to authenticate said watch. The hands can describe a particular trajectory on the dial to authenticate the electronic watch.

Abstract: [Object] A low friction assembly is desired. [Solving Means] The present invention relates to a new low-friction lubrication assembly comprising a first member relatively slidable against a second member, the first member having chemical affinity with an OH-group on its sliding surface; and one or more oxygen containing compounds, provided on the sliding surface of the first member and being able to produce a tribofilm attached to the sliding surface of the first member through hydrogen bond interactions. Preferably the second member comprises a similar OH-terminated sliding surface wherein an oxygen containing compound (lubricant)-supported interface between the first and second sliding surfaces results in a H- and/or OH-terminated interface developing repulsive forces thereinbetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a first resonator (R1) oscillating at a first frequency (f1) and connected by a main gear train (T2) to a main energy source (B2) via a main escapement (D2). According to the invention, the timepiece comprises a second resonator (R2) oscillating at a second frequency (f2) which is lower than the first frequency and cooperating with the main escapement (D2) in order to synchronise maintenance of the first resonator (R1) to said second frequency (f2). The invention concerns the field of coupled oscillators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) comprising a first oscillator (15) oscillating at a first frequency and connected by a first gear train (5) to an energy source (9) to display the time and a chronograph system (51) comprising a second gear train (25) connected to the first gear train (5) via a coupling device (44) for selectively measuring a time. According to the invention, the chronograph system (51) further comprises a second oscillator (35), which is connected to the second gear train (25) and oscillates at a second frequency. Moreover, the second gear train (25) is connected to the first gear train (5) by an elastic coupling means (41), in order to synchronise the rate of the two oscillators (15, 35) using the same energy source (9) when the coupling device authorises said time measurement. The invention concerns the field of mechanical timepieces comprising a chronograph system.

Abstract: Digital wristwatch, digital watch, and digital clock. For example, a digital wristwatch comprises: a clocking module able to track: (a) current real time, and (b) rounded time; and a display unit able to display at least the rounded time. Additionally or alternatively, the digital wristwatch comprises: a clocking module able to determine current real time; a rounding unit able to determine that the real current time is at least two seconds prior to a rounded horological hour, and able to calculate rounded-up horological information; and a display unit able to display the rounded-up horological hour.

Abstract: In illustrative implementations of this invention, a mechanical clock is produced in a manner such that, once its separate parts are made, the clock requires no further assembly. In one implementation of this invention, a mechanical clock is designed using standard CAD (computer-aided design) modeling tools and made with a rapid prototyping machine. The support material used in rapid prototyping is then removed. Once the support material is removed, the clock runs without any additional assembly. In this implementation, the clock contains all the components that are required and they are all constructed in the rapid prototyping process.

Abstract: A tamper-proof reference usable as a time reference and an integrated circuit apparatus using the tamper-proof reference to determine an elapsed time are disclosed. The circuit comprises a reference source (200) contained in an integrated package comprising a radioactive material (210), a measurement circuit (220) in contact with the radioactive material (210), the measurement circuit for collecting for a predetermined period radiation generated by the radioactive material (210) and a processor (110) in communication with the reference (200), the processor (110) for initiating a measurement by the reference (200) and for determining an elapsed time based on a plurality of measurements by the reference (200).

Abstract: A viewable time piece has a face from which relative time is read. The time piece has a changeable time indicator. Symbol or image changes on the time indicator are effected by placement or replacement of at least some non-alphanumeric symbols for view that are indicative of various events over the course of a day. The time piece allows exchange and replacement of the non-alphanumeric symbols so that different events may be indicated for similar respective times over the course of a day. There may also be a system that provides time variant changes in the symbols that are displayed over the course of the day.

Abstract: A grease composition for a precision instrument comprising a lithium soap grease or a urea grease, and an anti-wear agent, wherein the lithium soap grease and the urea grease are each a grease having no hydroxyl group in a molecule, and the anti-wear agent is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 20% by weight based on the total amount of the grease composition. By the use of the grease composition for a sliding mechanism of a precision instrument such as a watch, an appropriate slip torque can be obtained, and the precision instrument such as a watch can operate stably.

Abstract: An electronic data system for use with sporting impliments for providing a user with an electronic device integrated into sport gloves to perform various functions unique to that particular sport. The electronic data system for use with sporting impliments includes a glove member designed for substantially enveloping a hand of a user. The glove member has a notch portion in a back side of the glove member. The notch portion is for facilitating insertion and removal of the user's hand from the glove member. The glove member has a tab portion positioned adjacent to a first side of the notch portion. A data assembly has a housing. The housing is operationally coupled to the glove member. The data assembly has a display for presenting a visual representation of information to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of converting two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images. In the present invention, a first image which forms the basis and a second image obtained by horizontally shifting the first image are produced from the original two-dimensional image. One of the first image and the second image is taken as a left eye image, and the other image is taken as a right eye image. If the left eye image and the right eye image obtained are displayed on a display almost simultaneously, and the left eye image and the right eye image displayed are viewed with the left eye and the right eye of a viewer, therefore, the original two-dimensional image is recognized as an image having a three-dimensional effect by the viewer even when it is a still image.

Abstract: A programmable electronic timer for measuring time based on linear or non-linear programmable functions comprising a display, a button keyboard pad, an electronic memory that contains the function definition and function parameters for each section of time, an electronic clock that generates equally spaced impulses, an arithmetic logical computation unit that converts equally spaced time impulses from the clock to linearly or non-linearly spaced time impulses, based on functions stored in memory, that are fed to the logical unit for transformation, and a start/stop button that switches modes from input mode to running mode and back.

Abstract: A clock for the attachment of a dog's collar or the like that indicates the passage of time according to the dog's or pet's frame of reference. For example, the rate of passage of time may be such that for each human day of time passage, seven dog or pet days are reflected by the clock's display. Additional data, displays, and information may be carried, manipulated, entered and chosen by the use of user control buttons or the like. A battery may supply power to internal circuitry that drives a display of liquid crystals (LCD). The data carried by the pet chronometer and identification tag may be held in EEPROM such that a power failure does not erase the data. This is particularly useful for any health data or contact information that is incorporated or recorded into the pet chronometer and identification tag.

Abstract: An absolute time scale clock includes a radioactive isotope and a computer. The computer includes a processor that determines an indication of the current absolute time and a memory that stores a decay constant of the radioactive isotope, a reference time, and an amount of the isotope at the reference time. A energy supply that provides power to the computer. The absolute time scale clock further includes a detector positioned to respond to emissions from the radioactive isotope. The detector generates an indication of the number of emissions over a time interval that varies with the decay rate of the isotope. The processor is responsive to the indication from the detector, the decay constant, the reference time, and the reference amount to determine the indication of current absolute time.

Abstract: A timepiece has a removably attachable aquarium adapted to support aquatic life. Living aquatic pets are introduced into the aquarium prior to attaching the aquarium to the timepiece. A wearer of such timepiece is then able to contemporaneously tell time and enjoy watching the living aquatic pets. A kit is also provided with a timepiece, an aquarium and aquatic life adapted to be supported in said aquarium.

Abstract: An electro-luminescent night light includes an analog time piece. The time piece display includes a mechanical analog clock illuminated by at least one electro-luminescent element positioned around the shaft assembly for the clock, the shaft extending from a conventional analog time piece unit powered by a conventional power source, with the electro-luminescent element being powered by prongs arranged to be inserted into an AC outlet or other power source, or to be powered by a separate battery and circuit that causes the electro-luminescent element to illuminate in case of a power failure or a condition such as the presence of smoke, an earthquake, or the like, the time piece also optionally including additional functions. In addition, the orientation of the time piece display may be made variable in order to enable the night light/time piece to be used in different orientations.

Abstract: A design is for a Congreve-style clock that keeps time more accurately, i.e. that is insensitive to minor variations in friction on the ball, in which the depth of each groove in the inclined plane varies along its length so that the path of the ball approximates a cycloid on each traversal. The grooves provide alternating paths that overlap such that the distance that the ball travels varies with the speed of the ball. In such system, increased friction causes the ball to move more slowly, but because the slower ball also follows a shorter path, the time required to reach the bottom of the inclined plane remains the same. Similarly, decreased friction causes the ball to travel more quickly, but a faster moving balls takes a longer path.

Abstract: A structure of dynamic fluid clock which can serve both functions of time indication and dynamic enjoyment provided by the fluid, characterized in by its utility and dual functions that conventional timepiece products are hard to serve.

Abstract: A timepiece for continuously calculating and displaying the actual biological time of day of an individual. After an initial biological time of day is entered, the timepiece runs at a pre-determined rate corresponding to the rate at which time would progress in a free-running circadian clock for the individual. When the individual is exposed to clock-altering stimuli, such as bright light, the timepiece computes a new operation rate based upon the relative effects of the clock-altering stimuli as determined by a phase response curve for the individual. By combining information concerning the presence or absence of clock-altering stimuli with information concerning the effects of that stimuli, the watch is able compute and continuously display the individual's accurate biological time.

Abstract: A microprocessor based timepiece capable of displaying a plurality of time information having one display (117) that continuously shows a time that is fast and varies within a user-specified range, and a second display (118) that is momentarily activated to show the actual time. The timepiece has a mode switch (113) for selecting the operating mode of the microprocessor, a set switch (114) for setting the actual time and inputting a desired range of fastness, and a time switch (115) for momentarily displaying the actual time.

Abstract: Reminder apparatus to be carried by a user with a key constructed to remind the user as to the last operation in which the key was used with respect to a lock. The key includes an operation sensor which stores the time of the last key operation, and a display which, upon manual operation of the key, displays the time of the last key operation.

Abstract: A novelty clock, watch, and the like for keeping time at an animal's rate, defined in terms of a multiple of human rate by dividing the average lifetime of a particular animal into the average lifetime of a human being. The multiple for dogs is seven, for example. The device comprises a housing, a source of reference frequency for producing pulses, means for producing 60 pulses per second times the multiple for the particular animal, means for accumulating time, and means for displaying time. The display is the usual clock face with the speed of the hands altered, preferably also with the data indicated as the number of days since the last "new year" in animal days. A digital display of time in human terms may be provided with an analog display of time in animal terms or, alternatively, a capability to switch from one to the other may be provided. Preferably, a variable resistor, between the frequency source and producing means allows the user to change the multiple for diferent types of animals.

Abstract: An electronic stop watch measures an elapsed time, and stores each measured elapsed time together with measurement date data. The measurement date data is also read out and displayed when the stored elapsed time is read out and displayed, so as to represent when the readout and displayed elapsed time was measured.

Abstract: An electronic stop watch measures an elapsed time, and stores each measured elapsed time together with measurement date data. The measurement date data is also read out and displayed when the stored elapsed time is read out and displayed, so as to represent when the readout and displayed elapsed time was measured.

Abstract: Battery-powered type compact electronic equipment comprises circuit members for performing various functions, a function data display device for displaying function data executed by the circuit members, and a case integrally formed of a synthetic resin and provided with a flat portion and an inclined portion inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the flat portion, the case being adapted to store the circuit members and the function data display device therein. The equipment may further comprises bands integrally formed with the case, the bands being adapted to cause the case to fit on a part of surface of a user's body.

Abstract: A switching control device having a plurality of displaceable fingers programmable for controlling a sequence of switching operations in a time-controlled system has a magnetic element for exerting a magnetically retentive force on displaced fingers to hold the displaced fingers in displaced or programmed position, and permitting easy release of a displaced finger upon cancellation of a program so that the finger can return to an unprogrammed neutral position. The fingers may be mounted in a control disc having a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, the control disc functioning as a magnetic yoke, or the fingers themselves may be magnetic.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece inputs bar code data, decodes the data and displays decoded information represented by the bar code data. An optical sensor scans bar codes printed on a paper and inputs corresponding electrical bar coded data signals to an amplifier. A digitizer digitizes the amplified signals into serial digital signals which are decoded by a decoder into parallel bar-decoded data signals. A buffer memory temporarily stores the decoded data signals during read-in of the bar code data, and a memory control circuit controls the transfer of the decoded data signals from the buffer memory to a main memory. A selector circuit selects the decoded data signals from either the buffer memory or the main memory for visual display via a display decoder/driver circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for moving an object in an oscillatory manner and in an arcuate path through the use of a fluid. The apparatus basically includes a hollow member or elongate tube having a curved portion and means for supplying fluid in pulses or at an increasing rate and then at a decreasing rate of flow to the tube on one side of the curved portion. The change in velocity of the fluid and the rate of change cause the movement of the tube due to inertia and, to a lesser extent, friction of the moving fluid within the tube. The density of the fluid also has a substantial effect on the movement of the tube, although gas alone will cause movement. The object to be moved is engagable by the tube and is usually supported by it. The object moved by the tube and fluid can take many forms, including signs, ornaments, figures, chimes, and clock dials.

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

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is provided with a photo-electric cell generating an output voltage indicative of incident illumination levels, circuit means for converting this output voltage into digital data signals, and a liquid crystal display which is driven in response to the data signals such that successive sections of the display act to progressively unmask a rear reflector plate to thereby indicate the illumination level. The circuits for converting illumination level to data signals are based on an oscillator circuit whose frequency is controlled by the photo-electric cell voltage, and digital means for measuring this frequency, so that the circuit configuration is very simple and power comsumption extremely low.

Abstract: A clock mechanism displays the time by accumulations of counting tokens visibly within generally vertical but zigzag-shaped channels. A synchronously driven belt carries projecting pins which push the tokens along a path from an enclosure near the bottom of the mechanism to positions above the channels, whence the tokens drop into the channels that are not full. When a particular channel is full, a token bypasses that channel and caused tokens already within the channel to be released for return to the enclosure.Time indicia disposed in front of the channels and the push-path identify the times represented by the various possible accumulations of tokens in the channels and the positions of tokens along the push-path. The indicia are adapted to be relatively inconspicuous when not backed up by tokens, and to be made relatively conspicuous when they are backed up by tokens.Dynamic feed means such as a rotating sectored wheel feed the tokens one at a time into position for takeup by the pushpins on the belt.

Abstract: An electronic sundial apparatus which signals the passage of each hour by a chime, bell or other audible indication and which requires no external source of power other than the sun. Inner and outer concentric hemispheres with vertically extending apertures, specifically slits, configured so as to diverge at their uppermost ends and having a location, length and shape corresponding to the azimuths and distance between the maximum and minimum altitudes of the sun in the sky at each hour throughout the year at predetermined latitudes collimate the sunlight once each hour. The collimated sunlight is detected by a photoelectric cell coupled to a signaling circuit powered by a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A rectangular-faced clock is provided wherein the passage of time is indicated by the intersection of a horizontal and vertical lines moving respectively vertically and horizontally across the front of the clock. The movement of one line relative to the other and vice versa respectively represent the passage of hours and minutes. A convenient means of achieving this result is to mark the lines on endless bands trained about rollers driven by a synchronous electric motor or motors.

Abstract: A time-keeping method and device, especially useful as a novelty device for astrologers, that divides a day into twelve equal periods of time. Each period of time is further sub-divided into one-hundred equal sub-periods of time. Each sub-period of time may further be sub-divided into one-hundred equal intervals of time. The time-keeping method and device includes counter-clockwise motion of one revolution per day, which motion is synchronized to begin at a reference point on the face of the time-keeping device that corresponds to the conventional three o'clock position. The time-keeping method includes synchronizing this motion so that it begins at this reference point at a time corresponding to the mean time of the rising of the sun. The time display may be analog and/or digital. The points of the compass may also appear on the clock face, thereby allowing the counter-clockwise motion associated with the device to depict the position of the sun relative to the set of compass points.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a compound display comprising an electro-optical display portion and an analog display portion having time indicating hands and a dial, with the electro-optical display portion being provided by an electro-optical display cell having a central aperture in which at least a portion of the movement of the analog display portion and the analog display dial are accommodated. Information such as seconds indication is provided peripherally around the analog display portion by the electro-optical display portion.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in the application is a time lock for bank vault doors and the like having a plurality of timer units of the settable dial type with a clockwork mechanism which includes a slip clutch in the gear train which permits the main winding stem to be rotated in an unwinding direction to move the dial in a descending time direction if it has been overdriven to a higher time setting than desired, and which includes a kicker arm mechanism to be abruptly kicked by spring force against a carrier assembly for the time lock unit to shift the carrier to release position when the dial reaches zero time.

Abstract: In order to simplify the production of electronic watches, there is provided a family of standardized movements whose members can be housed within a variety of watch cases of different size and shape. All movements in the family are identical but for their mounting plates which differ in size, and in some instances also in shape, to render the movements receivable in differently-configured cases. The standardized movements in the family include batteries of different size which take advantage of the space made available by the plates of different size to afford optimum battery life.

Abstract: Circuitry for reducing power consumption in a multi function electronic timepiece utilizes a low frequency signal from the timing pulse generating circuit and a halt signal from the time signal processing circuitry to inhibit the feeding of timing signals to the processing circuitry after the receipt of a halt signal signifying the end of a function routine and until the receipt of the next low frequency signal.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece including a ROM program memory for storing a program, a program counter for addressing the program memory, and a RAM data memory. An operating circuit including an arithmetic logic circuit operates on the data. The ROM program memory circuit stores a test program, and the program counter includes preset test means for addressing the test program stored in the ROM program circuit to operate the timepiece according to the test program. The program memory counter also includes jump inhibiting means for inhibiting execution of the operating program stored in the ROM program memory, in response to a jump address.

Abstract: The electronic timepiece comprises circuits within an integrated circuit for effecting at least one auxiliary function associated with information supplied to their inputs and, programming circuits for programming and memorizing the said information. A system applied to the timepiece makes it possible to consult and reprogram manually the memory from outside the timepiece, as well as memorizing the state of this memory in the absence of feed voltage, for as long as necessary.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a rotatable operating member such as a crown, with switch and pulse generation means coupled to the operating member whereby a number of pulses can be produced each time the operating member is rotated, these pulses being used to modify time information displayed by the timepiece.

Abstract: A digital electronic timepiece which comprises an oscillator circuit providing a relatively high frequency signal, a frequency divider dividing down the relatively high frequency signal to provide a first low frequency signal representative of the count of one second and a second low frequency signal higher in frequency than the first low frequency signal and representative of the count less than one second, a first counter responsive to the first low frequency signal to provide time and calendar information signals; and an additional data signal a second counter responsive to the second low frequency signal to provide output signals representative of the count less than one second, first display means for displaying time and calendar data in response to the time and calendar information signals, second display means composed of a plurality of display segments for displaying data representative of the count less than one second in step-wise fashion in response to the output signals from the second counter, sa

Abstract: A slip mechanism for a timepiece comprises a rotational shaft having a pinion, a gear and a spring wherein the rotational shaft has a flange for supporting the gear, a mounting portion formed adjacent the surface of the flange for rotatably mounting the gear and slots formed above the mounting portion for engagement with the spring. The slots coact with recessed portions of the spring for preventing the spring from rotating with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A solar cell battery charging control system having a storage battery and a plurality of solar cells connected in series for charging the storage battery, which system comprises a heavy load means adapted to be driven by the storage battery to discharge the storage battery for thereby preventing overcharging of the storage battery when a battery charge level exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A watch/calculator is disclosed which employs a hold circuit to hold clock incrementing pulses when data from the clock is transferred to calculator circuitry or an arithmetic operation is performed on the data. When the time data is returned from the calculator circuitry to the clock circuitry or the arithmetic operation is completed, the hold circuit releases any held incrementing signal so that an increment signal is not lost, even when the time data is momentarily out of the clock circuitry in the calculator circuitry or other operations are being performed on the time data. Thus, when the time data is returned to the clock circuitry or the operation is completed, the data is incremented or updated as it would have been normally.

Abstract: A laminated indicator which changes in a visually perceptible mode with the passage of time and a method for making such an indicator. At least two layers are provided whereby the molecular migration of an agent in an interior layer to the outermost surface of the exterior layer causes a change which can be visually percepted, e.g., a change in color or shade. Preferred embodiments include the migration of a dye or the migration of an acid or base wherein the outermost layer has the other member of an acid-base pair and a pH indicator.