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: A display apparatus includes a display apparatus main body, illuminating component, and transparent plate. The display apparatus main body has a flat screen. The illuminating component is formed into a frame to, correspond to a peripheral edge portion of the screen, and is arranged in tight contact with the screen. The transparent plate is arranged on an opposite side of the screen in tight contact with the illuminating component to face the screen. The illuminating component entirely seals a peripheral portion of a gap between the screen and transparent plate.

Abstract: An alarm clock comprises a seat, a switch, a light emitter, a light guiding plate, a light shielding layer, a timer, a transparent mask, a frame, and a power source. The timer is installed in the seat and drives a rotary shaft to pass out through the light shielding layer and the light guiding plate to be connected to indicators. The surface of the light guiding plate is arranged with scales and numeral indicators. A frame is fixed at a periphery of the seat, and after the light guiding plate and the light shielding layer are positioned, a transparent mask is connected to the inner side of the frame. The seat supports a light emitter and a light emitter switch which are connected with one another. The switch is connected to a power source. Pressing the lateral side of the transparent mask operates the light emitter switch.

Abstract: A method of illuminating a display in an electronic device comprising a display, a lamp for illuminating said display, a plurality of actuated switches one of which is a lamp switch that when activated, causes the activation of the lamp to illuminate the display, and an integrated circuit coupled to the plurality of actuated switches, the integrated circuit being able to sense the activation of each of the plurality of actuated switches, wherein the method comprises the steps of sensing the activation of the lamp switch, activating the lamp to illuminate the display for a first predetermined period of time, sensing the activation of another one of the plurality of actuated switches, determining whether the another one of the plurality of actuated switches was activated while the display was illuminated; and if so maintaining the illumination of the display.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conentional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

Abstract: An analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.

Abstract: A translucent or transparent panel member which has a protrusion on the upper surface thereof is disposed on the upper surface of a plate-like luminescent member, to form a luminescent device. The luminescent device is manufactured by forming a protrusion on the upper surface of the panel member, providing a masking layer on the peripheral side surface and the upper surface, of the protrusion, forming a printed layer on the upper surface of the panel member, forming a printed layer on the upper surface of the protrusion after removing the masking layer from the protrusions, and arranging the panel member on the upper surface of the plate-like luminescent member. Such a plate-like luminescent device is arranged in the timepiece case to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. Such a plate-like luminescent device is also arranged in an electronic apparatus case to illuminate a liquid crystal display device of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A wristwatch which is both practical and enjoyable. Light emitting elements are provided for emitting light by applying electric energy to a main watch body. By operating operation buttons which are provided to be operable from outside the main watch body, the light emitting elements are caused to flash sequentially for a prescribed period of time.

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 light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conventional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

Abstract: A lighting arrangement includes a three-dimensional electro-luminescent lighting element, the electro-luminescent lighting element being arranged to emit light in multiple directions without deforming the element, and including a center conductor and a coaxial outer conductor having wires that are stripped to form terminals of the lighting element, an electrical circuit connected to the terminals for supplying electrical power to the electro-luminescent lighting element at a frequency and voltage sufficient to cause the electro-luminescent lighting element to emit light, and an attachment structure for attaching the electro-luminescent lighting element to a main object in order to provide illumination for the main object over an arc angle of from 10.degree. to 360.degree..

Abstract: A wristwatch dial illumination system with a light guide beneath a light transmissive dial receiving light from an LED mounted on a PC board below the light guide. A pattern of white reflective dots on the bottom surface,of the light guide selectively ejects internally reflected light toward the dial and an absorption pattern of light absorbing material selectively absorbs ejected light, including the bright spot from the LED.

Abstract: Illumination device for the dial (4) of a display device formed by a case (1) sealed by a crystal (8) arranged above the dial (4) and held by a fitting ring (9), said device including at least one light source (13, 33, 35, 43, 53) arranged in at least one recess arranged in at least one light guide (20, 30, 40, 50) positioned at the periphery of the dial (4), said guide having a polished internal surface (21) oriented towards the dial (4) and an external surface (22) held in a space delimited by the dial (4), the crystal (8) and the inner wall (10) of the fitting ring (9), characterised in that all or part of said external surface (22) of the guide is arranged to allow a progressive increase along the guide (20, 30, 40, 50) of the quantity of light diffused by said external wall gradually as one moves away from one of the light sources (13, 33, 35, 43, 53).

Abstract: When an inclination switch SW3 is turned on by inclining a wristwatch 12 up at 12 o'clock within a predetermined time after an acceleration switch SW2 is turned on in a state where an auto mode on/off subswitch SW1-1 is on, a lighting circuit lights up an electroluminescence panel EL and puts off same automatically after a predetermined time has passed. If the auto mode subswitch SW1-1 is off, there is no possibility that the panel EL will be lighted up even when the user makes a motion to look at the time displayed on the wristwatch. As a result, the panel EL is not recklessly lighted up excluding by the user's intended motion, useless power consumption is suppressed to prolong the life of a battery used.

Abstract: The watch and method of manufacture thereof includes an analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.

Abstract: A night light is combined with a time piece, the night light including an electro-luminescent panel which illuminates a display of the time piece. The time piece may be separable from the night light so that either could be separately used, and/or an optical effects device or member may be added to project an image of the illuminated display.

Abstract: An EL display comprises a transparent substrate and a first electrode layer made of a transparent material disposed on the transparent substrate. A luminescent layer, a first insulation layer and a second electrode layer are disposed successively on a surface of the first electrode layer except for a preselected surface portion thereof defining an exposed portion. A second insulation layer is disposed on a surface of the second electrode layer except for a preselected surface portion thereof defining an exposed portion. A first contact layer is disposed on the exposed portion of the second electrode layer for electrical connection to an external driving control circuit. A second contact layer is disposed on the second insulation layer for electrical connection to the exposed portion of the first electrode layer and to the external driving control circuit.

Abstract: Wristwatch including a case (1) for accommodating a movement (4), luminous elements carried by the bezel or by the middle part of said case, a source of energy (44, 45) and an electronic circuit (33) housed in said case to control the power supply of said luminous elements and at least one control element (5), characterized in that at least one luminous element is formed by a finger (11-15) made of flexible materials, supported by said case and extending beyond the latter.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising a solar cell, a secondary battery charged by an output from the solar cell, an illumination detector for detecting the brightness of the environment of the solar cell based on the output from the solar cell, a display unit, an electroluminescence (EL) element for illumining the display unit, an attitude detector for detecting an attitude of the electronic device, a driver for driving the EL element on the basis of the attitude of the electronic device detected by the attitude detector and the result of the detection by the illumination detector. Only when the illumination detector detects that the environment of the solar cell is dark, and the attitude detector detects that the electronic device takes a specified attitude, the EL element is turned on. Otherwise, the illuminator is not turned on. Thus, wasteful power consumption is suppressed to prolong the solar cell's service life.

Abstract: A clock is provided with an emergency lighting device which is composed of an electronic control apparatus, at least one light bulb, a battery, a plug, and a switch knob. The light bulb is located in a concave slot of the dial plate of the clock such that light bulb does not obstruct the movements of the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand of the clock. The emergency lighting device is housed in the case of the clock. When a power outage takes place, the electronic control apparatus is triggered to turn on the light bulb.

Abstract: A timepiece is equipped with a hand shaft display portion having hands and driving shafts for the hands, and a liquid crystal display portion situated above a substrate. A liquid crystal display portion support frame is situated above the substrate for supporting the liquid crystal display portion. The liquid crystal display portion support frame includes a shaft insertion hole for allowing the driving shafts to pass therethrough, a penetration window located away from the shaft insertion hole and facing the liquid crystal display portion, and a light transmission member formed at least around the shaft insertion hole. An EL element is situated under the liquid crystal display portion support frame relative to the hands. The EL element illuminates the liquid crystal display portion and the hand shaft display portion through the light transmission member when the EL element is illuminated.

Abstract: An analog hand mechanism having hands in a watch case, and a plate-like luminescent device in the watch case, to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. A metallic layer or a metallic ink layer, for giving a feeling of metallic gloss by receiving illumination of light emitted from the surface of the luminescent device, is disposed on at least a side of the upper surface and the lower surface of the luminescent device.

Abstract: An inverter for powering an electroluminescent lamp includes a supply terminal, a ground terminal, a first switching transistor, an inductor, and a second switcing transistor connected in series between the supply terminal and the ground terminal. As implemented in a semiconductor device, one of the switching transistors in a discrete device and the other of the switching transistors is included in the same die as the driving circuit for the switching transistors. The sum of die cost, packaging cost, and external device cost is a minimum for a single, external power transistor.

Abstract: An illuminating timepiece includes: a casing having a plurality of hour numerals circumferentially disposed on a chapter ring of a dial of the casing, a plurality of stator illuminators each formed on each hour numeral on the dial, a first pointer or an hour hand rotatably mounted in the casing having at least a first rotor illuminator formed on the first pointer, a second pointer or a minute hand rotatably mounted in the casing having at least a second rotor illuminator formed on the second pointer, and an electric control device secured in the casing for subsequently switching on or off the illuminators in each pre-determined time interval for a clear read-out of time in a night or dark place.

Abstract: An electroluminescent watch dial is provided with silhouette images on the dial. A transflective film covers an opaque image layer applied to a conventional electroluminescent watch dial. Timekeeping indicia are applied over the transflective film. The image is not seen in ambient light but is visible when the electroluminescent lamp is actuated.

Abstract: An electroluminescent ("EL") lamp has EL material sandwiched between front and back conductive layers, which are disposed on a transparent substrate. The indiciae are formed from ink or other material deposited on the second surface of the front conductive layer, thereby completely burying the indicia within the EL lamp. The material may be transparent or colored, conductive or insulating, or made with an EL phosphor. The buried indicia provide sufficient contrast, when viewed with the EL lamp in an illuminated or non-illuminated state, to be seen. The present invention also describes a method for fabrication of such EL lamps.

Abstract: A drive circuit having a converter that provides current pulses that charge a capacitive electroluminescent (EL) lamp to produce light, a switching circuit that switches successive current pulses for progressively charging the EL lamp and an adjustable circuit that permits external control of the switching circuit to provide a plurality of different predetermined numbers of the current pulses to the EL lamp is disclosed.

Abstract: When an electronic instrument has taken a predetermined attitude, an attitude-detecting switch incorporated in the instrument detects the attitude, and outputs a switch signal to a CPU. The CPU, in turn, drives a lighting device for lighting a liquid crystal display device. The lighting device is driven, for example, only when a predetermined number of pulses of the switch signal are generated within a predetermined period of time, or only when the switch signal has continued for a predetermined period of time or more. Thus, there are cases where the lighting device is not driven irrespective of the generation of the switch signal. As a result, the lighting device is prevented from operating so often, and hence the life of its battery is lengthened.

Abstract: A black light illuminated analog watch that contains an ultraviolet light emitting tube. This tube is contained in the inner periphery of a conventional analog watch case. Various components of the watch, including the watch hands, the dial, the watch glass, and others, are coated with a visible light emitting phosphor that is energized by the tube. The phosphors may be selected to glow with different colors. The watch contains circuitry needed to power the tube.

Abstract: An EL panel includes a pair of EL lamps on a common substrate, separated by a predetermined distance along a longitudinal axis. A first flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the front electrodes of the lamps and a second flexible, electrically conductive trace on the substrate interconnects the rear electrodes of the lamps. The lamps share a common front electrode and the first trace overlies the front electrode between the lamps. One of the lamps is rotated relative to the other to position the lamps one above the other in separate, parallel planes.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp driver system for driving or powering an electroluminescent lamp to illuminate the display in an electronic watch, such as a quartz analog watch, uses the counter in a CMOS timekeeping chip which counts down the quartz oscillator frequency to one Hz for an analog quartz watch. The counter provides a plurality of pulse trains which are combined in digital logic to provide switching signals. The digital logic is included in the timekeeping chip and is implemented in low voltage bulk CMOS. A high voltage is required to drive the lamp and it is provided in a separate chip containing a high voltage inverter in which current is switch through an inductor in response to the switching signals from the timekeeping chip.

Abstract: An alarm clock has a motion sensor, a time display comprising an electroluminescent dial, a manual alarm actuator with a lip cover and a flashlight actuator. When the manual alarm actuator is set in the ON position, any movement (e.g., waving a hand) in the field of view of the motion sensor causes the electroluminescent dial to become activated to a first brightness level. Furthermore, when the alarm is sounding, any movement in the field of view of the motion sensor silences the alarm for a preselected time interval, before the sounding of the alarm is resumed ("snooze" function). In the OFF position for the manual alarm actuator, the lip cover covers the motion sensor so that motion detection is prevented. When the flashlight actuator is actuated, the electroluminescent dial becomes activated to a second brightness level. The second brightness level is noticeably brighter than the first brightness level.

Abstract: An electronic watch, either digital or analog, includes an EL lamp powered by a split chip inverter having a low voltage portion incorporated into a first semiconductor chip and a high voltage portion incorporated in a second semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip preferably includes all the other low voltage circuitry of the watch, e.g. timer/divider circuitry and logic for driving a display.

Abstract: An alarm clock has an ambient light detector for controlling the illumination of a time displaying section. An alarm time which is selected by a user is stored in a memory. An alarm set switch is used to switch between alarm-on and alarm-off conditions. A photosensor detects the ambient light surrounding the alarm clock. The illumination of the displaying section is controlled so that the displaying section is illuminated only when the current time is within a predetermined time zone before the alarm time set by the user, the alarm set switch is in the alarm-on condition and the detected ambient light is below a predetermined level. The illumination of the displaying section is also controlled so that the display is illuminated while an alarm sound is being generated.

Abstract: A watch has a motion responsive switch having ON and OFF states and a circuit adapted to energize a light, visible on the watch, for a predetermined interval after an OFF to ON transition but then to maintain the light off until the next OFF to ON transition.

Abstract: An electric alarm clock is disclosed which operates from a conventional external AC power source but is able to continue timekeeping in the event power from the external source is interrupted. A dial illumination feature is also operable during a power failure.

Abstract: An electroluminescent dial for an analog timepiece comprising a flexible transparent substrate, an inner layer comprising electrically conductive material adhered to the substrate, an EL layer comprising a mixture of electroluminescent material in a binder adhered to the inner layer, and an outer layer covering the electroluminescent layer comprising electrically conductive material, the substrate and the layers comprising a single flexible laminated assembly and having a hole therethrough for accommodating the rotatable stem, and includes a tab portion comprising the substrate and the inner layer extending beyond the EL and outer layers. A dial support member comprising a rigid plate substantially the size and shape of the electroluminescent dial supports the dial on one side of the frame.

Abstract: A light display comprises a neon or other light source situated between two panels of semi-reflective, semi-transparent material supported in a box-like frame. When the light source is activated, the visual effect of viewing the light source from outside the frame yields a plurality of successively smaller images of the light source, analogous to seeing the shape of the light source being reflected and repeated into infinity.

Abstract: A timepiece comprises a display including a light emitting element. A detector detects ambient light around the timepiece and a switch is switchable into first and second operating modes. When the switch is in the first mode the light emitting element is illuminated at a first brightness level when the detected ambient light is below a predetermined level and the light emitting element is not illuminated when the detected ambient light is above the predetermined level. When the switch is in the second mode, the light emitting element is illuminated at a second brightness level which is greater than the first brightness level.

Abstract: A watch face illuminating device packaged inside a watchband and totally independent of any watch employs a bright and narrow beam of light to illuminate any type of watch by means of reflection of said beam from any reflective surface such as a finger or article of clothing. Electrical circuit means for connecting a battery power source to the light emitter contains a pushbutton switch and a timer for extinguishing the light source after a preset time period and a light emitter current regulator for more constant light emitter output to counter the effects of continuously decreasing voltage over the life of the battery. The device may also be employed in the manner of a small flashlight for illuminating tasks and objects close at hand.

Abstract: An improvement in a multimode electronic wristwatch of the type having a display, a lamp for illuminating the display, manually actuated switches and an integrated circuit programmed in a first logic sequence to light the lamp in response to actuation of a first switch, to change modes in response to actuation of a second switch and to change information displayed in each mode in response to actuation of a third switch. The improvement comprises transfer logic responsive to actuating the first switch for more than 2 seconds so as to alter the first logic sequence into a second logic sequence, wherein actuation of either of the second or third switches will automatically light the lamp momentarily in addition to duplicating the first logic sequence. The program returns the watch to the first logic sequence after a period of time, 3 hours in the example shown.

Abstract: A light diffusing ring for positioning in a wristwatch about the circumference of a time display face thereof to illuminate the face. The ring is constructed of light transmitting material. The ring defines a top and a bottom wall, parallel to one another and an inner side wall. An elongated cavity is formed in an outer side wall of the ring and extends at least in one quarter of the circumference of the ring. The cavity has a cross-section dimension to receive at least two lamps therein and spaced from one another.

Abstract: A wafer battery has a light-emitting diode attached to its jacket, with one ead of the diode soldered to the battery jacket, and the other lead extending around the battery and overhanging its anode. The combination of diode and battery is encapsulated in a cover of elastomeric material, with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. The bezel is applied to crystal of an instrument such as a meter, gauge, or the like and illuminates the gauge when a series connection is completed between the battery and light-emitting diode by pressing the cover over the battery anode to make the light-emitting diode lead contact the anode. The bezel is small with respect to the surface area of the crystal to which it is applied, in order that is not obscure the scale, dial, or face of the instrument. An alternate embodiment has one lead of the light-emitting diode soldered to the battery anode and the other lead extending over the side of the battery jacket.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device adapted to serve as the dial of a conventional analog timepiece, with a central aperture for the stem carrying the timepiece hand and inscribed on the upper surface thereof with conventional time-indicating indicia, so that it can be read as a normal watch dial.

Abstract: An electrical conductive circuit for use in a wristwatch and wherein the circuit comprises an elongated flat electrically conductive band formed from a conductive strip having opposed electrical insulating layers. The band also has a component attachment region and a pair of battery terminals. The band is also formed as a flexible band which is adaptable to be configured to fit in a slot area of a wristwatch.

Abstract: A dashboard clock in which a liquid crystal plate for display on a front face, a light source and a controlling electronic circuit are structured in such a way that an opening permits direct illumination and heating of the plate by means of the light source while reducing the length of the connections between the plate and the electronic circuit.Such a clock is conveniently utilized, for example, on board motor vehicles.

Abstract: A portable time piece having a casing for supporting a watch movement therein. A dial face is also disposed in said housing with a time indicator visible from a top side of the dial face whereby to display time. The time piece is characterized by a light diffusing member located above the dial face and extending in a predetermined circumferential area thereof. At least one light source is associated with the light diffusing member so that light is transmitted along and out of the member to illuminate at least the portion of the dial face, and radiate light outwardly of the top side of the casing. A light source within the casing supplies electrical power to the light source.

Abstract: A drive circuit is disclosed which includes a converter that provides current pulses that charge a capacitive electroluminescent lamp to produce light and a switching circuit that switches a predetermined number of successive current pulses at high frequency for progressively charging the electroluminescent lamp. The switching circuit also reverses the polarity of the electroluminescent lamp at low frequency when the electroluminescent lamp discharges at the end of a predetermined number of successive current pulses and before the electroluminescent lamp charges again by current pulses produced by the converter. The switching circuit is connected to and is responsive to signals provided by the timepiece frequency divider circuit and the converter is connected to the timepiece battery for stepping up the battery voltage to provide for the charging current pulses. The EL lamp is used as its own storage capacitor and receives substantially all of the energy provided by the converter.

Abstract: An alarm timepiece is disclosed which is capable of setting a plurality of alarm settings and selecting which of a plurality of messages should be outputted in association with a respective alarm setting. Selected messages are output by a speech synthesis technique, and an exchangeable ROM cassette is provided for containing speech-synthesizing data characteristic of the content of the messages.

Abstract: An illumination device (7, 23) for a wristwatch (1), having a completely self-contained power source (15) and illuminating lamp (17, 29) which is carried on the watchband (6). A flexible wall (21, 31) permits contact between lamp terminals (20, 35) and battery terminals to close the circuit when the device is manually actuated. An overhanging portion (8, 26) extends beyond the attachment (28) of the band to the wristwatch, so that the lamp (17, 29) may illuminate the face (4) of the wristwatch.