With Significant Winding Or Setting Patents (Class 368/74)
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Patent number: 9051930Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, an infinitely variable speed motor, and an arrangement for operating the motor. In one example, the pumping system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of retained speed values, an arrangement for providing a plurality of retained speed values to the memory, and an arrangement for reading a selected one of the plurality of retained speed values from the memory. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a storage medium for digitally storing a plurality of pre-established motor speed values and an arrangement for receiving input from a user to select one of the pre-established motor speeds. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system further includes an arrangement for restarting operation of the motor at a previously selected speed value when power supplied to the motor is interrupted during operation of the motor. A method for controlling the pumping system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Florin Lungeanu, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen
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Patent number: 9003660Abstract: Device for securing a first element of a watch 1 having a first threaded portion 11 to a second watch element 2 including a second threaded portion 22, including an intermediate element 3 for the angular orientation of the first element 1 relative to the second element 2. The intermediate element 3 includes a third threaded portion 31, arranged for cooperating with the first threaded portion 11 of the first element 1, and a fourth threaded portion 32, arranged to cooperate with the second threaded portion 22 of the second element 2. The thread pitches of the third threaded portion 31 and fourth threaded portion 32 are different.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Omega SAInventor: Daniel Knuchel
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Patent number: 9007877Abstract: An illumination device with wake-up and/or fall-asleep functionality is disclosed. The illumination devices comprises at least one controllable light source; a control device for controlling the light source, wherein in a STEADY mode, color and intensity of the output light are maintained constant at a steady colour value and a steady intensity value and in and a WAKE-UP mode, the intensity of the output light is gradually increased from zero to the steady intensity value and in a FALL-ASLEEP mode, the intensity of the output light is gradually decreased from the steady intensity value to zero.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Robert Godlieb
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Patent number: 9001624Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein are provided. The mobile terminal includes a controller, a display unit, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a selected time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the alarm time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of each set alarm.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Yeob Oh, Ji Sun Yang
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Publication number: 20140104993Abstract: Systems and methods relate to managing an alarm clock function of a device. The systems and methods for compare a time setting of a new alarm by a user to one or more previous times settings that the alarm has been set to determine whether to warn the user about and/or require the user to confirm the time setting of the new alarm. The systems and methods can detect a user input indicating a first time setting for the alarm clock function. Further, the systems and methods can examine the one or more previous time settings associated with the alarm clock function determine, based on the one or more previous time settings, whether to query the user to confirm an activation of the alarm clock function at the first time setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Michael Shields
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Patent number: 8630150Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein are provided. The mobile terminal includes a controller, a display unit, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a selected time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the alarm time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of each set alarm.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Yeob Oh, Ji Sun Yang
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Patent number: 8576669Abstract: A position information acquisition section acquires position information about a mobile terminal, and a storage section stores hour information and position condition information inputted to an interface section in association with each other. When the hour shown by a clock becomes the hour indicated by the hour information stored in the storage section, a comparison section compares the position condition information stored in association with the hour information, with the position information acquired by the position information acquisition section. If the position information corresponds to the position condition information as a result of the comparison, a notification section gives a notification.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: NEC Biglobe Ltd.Inventor: Yoshihiro Onda
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Patent number: 8505196Abstract: Method of securing a watch bezel 1 including a case 3 and a crystal 2, characterized in that it includes a step of snap fitting the bezel 1 onto the crystal 2, during which snap fit means 6 are guided by guide means 5 arranged on case 3.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère SuisseInventors: Thierry Altenhoven, Adolf Engelmann, Jean-Christophe Kroug
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Patent number: 8358564Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein are provided. The mobile terminal includes a controller, a display unit, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a selected time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the alarm time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of each set alarm.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung Yeob Oh, Ji Sun Yang
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Patent number: 8194506Abstract: An analog radio controlled clock includes a housing, a plurality of indicating, a radio controlled unit, and an audio alarm arrangement, which includes an alarm control unit and an audio device. The alarm control unit is disposed in the receiving cavity of the housing to communicate with the driving control unit for allowing setup of an alarm time. The audio device is electrically connected with the alarm control unit, and is arranged to generate interactive audible signal to a user regarding setting of an alarm time, wherein the audio device is arranged to commands and transmits them to the alarm control unit for setting up the alarm time, so that the user is able to set up the alarm time through commands such as voice instructions and simple physical actuation to the analog radio controlled lock.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventor: Tai Wai Luk
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Patent number: 8120995Abstract: An electronic timer graphically displaying programmed ON/OFF settings includes a microprocessor; a time setting unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for a user to set at least one programmed ON/OFF setting for at least one selected day; a memory unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for storing the programmed ON/OFF setting; a clock signal generating unit electrically connected to the microprocessor for generating a clock signal to the microprocessor; and a graphic time scale display unit electrically connected to the microprocessor and including a plurality of time scale segments, each of which represents a predetermined time period. The microprocessor calculates based on the programmed ON/OFF settings to derive all the time scale segments that are corresponding to the programmed ON/OFF settings, and drives the graphic time scale display unit to show the time scale segments corresponding to the programmed ON/OFF settings.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Daniel Liu
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Patent number: 8023361Abstract: In order to make it possible to set up an alarm method which is rich in variation, a mobile phone is configured so that a plurality of alarm times are related to the same group, the group to which a plurality of alarm times are related is set to activation or cancellation, and when there comes any one of a plurality of alarm times which are related to the group being set to activation, an alarm is raised. Since setting to raise an alarm at a plurality of alarm times, or cancellation of the setting can be made, an alarm method rich in variation can be configured.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Mineto Kokuryu
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Patent number: 7906938Abstract: A timing device utilizes hybrid power to drive a movement of the timing device, the hybrid power supply functioning as an auxiliary unit to deliver power to an electro-magnetically driving unit through an automatic control unit manipulated by a mechanical energy storage status detection unit to produce mechanical energy in time to prevent the movement from stopping; a main spring barrel or a potential difference weight of the kinetic energy storage unit being driven to further drive a wheel chain of the timing device and automatically suspend driving upon the completion of winding the wheel train.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 7746729Abstract: A method of switching working modes, the method includes: supplying a storage unit, therein the storage unit stores at least two working modes, alarm information, and alarm time, the alarm information includes indicating information and determining information; detecting whether a system time matches the alarm time; outputting the indicating information when the system time matches the alarm time; receiving input; determining whether the input matches the determining information; controlling the electronic device to switch from one working mode to another working mode when the input matches the determining information. An electronic device with working modes switching function is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chung-Jen Lan, Bo-Ching Lin, Xiao-Guang Li, Yun-Ru Chen
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Publication number: 20100135126Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece movement that includes first and second energy sources, wherein the first energy source is coupled to an oscillating weight by a first kinematic chain for automatically winding said movement, and the second energy source is coupled both to an activating device, and to a vibrating element by a second kinematic chain, to form a vibrating alarm mechanism that can be activated at a predetermined time. The timepiece movement is wherein the vibrating element of the vibrating alarm mechanism is the oscillating weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTDInventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Cédric Nicolas
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Patent number: 7715282Abstract: A single day alarm clock includes circuitry for selecting an alarm mode to be an alarm-on mode or an alarm-off mode, circuitry for setting an alarm time at which an alarm will sound when the alarm mode is set to the alarm-on mode and circuitry for automatically setting the alarm mode to the alarm-off mode once the alarm has sounded in the alarm-on mode, thereby preventing the alarm from sounding the next day at the set alarm time.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: SDI Technologies Inc.Inventor: John J. Driska
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Patent number: 7710831Abstract: A single day alarm clock radio includes a plurality of music setting buttons for setting different types of music; and having alarm buttons for setting an alarm for a radio mode, a buzzer mode, or an alarm off mode. A preset locking switch is provided for locking or unlocking the clock radio to allow the time to be preset, or the alarm time to be preset, or the radio station to be preset, or the type of music to be preset. Also provided is software for automatically cancelling a preset alarm time once it has sounded to change the alarm setting to the “off” mode so that a new hotel guest is not subject to the preset alarm time of the previous hotel guest.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: SDI Technologies Inc.Inventor: John J. Driska
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Patent number: 7639570Abstract: An electronic device with an alarm clock function includes a storage unit storing an alarm time, audio files and related information; an audio playing module for randomly playing an audio file via an audio output unit which matches the alarm time; an option generating module for generating and outputting preset number options, at least one of them containing the related information of the playing audio file; a comparison module for receiving inputs and determining whether the input matches the related information of the playing audio file; a managing unit for disabling the alarm clock function when the input matches the related information. A method of controlling the alarm clock function is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Hao Chou, Bo-Ching Lin, Xiao-Guang Li, Li Wang
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Patent number: 7626892Abstract: A timing device utilizes hybrid power to drive a movement of the timing device, the hybrid power supply functioning as an auxiliary unit to deliver power to an electro-magnetically driving unit through an automatic control unit manipulated by a mechanical energy storage status detection unit to produce mechanical energy in time to prevent the movement from stopping; a main spring barrel or a potential difference weight of the kinetic energy storage unit being driven to further drive a wheel chain of the timing device and automatically suspend driving upon the completion of winding the wheel train.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
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Patent number: 7522031Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an alarm using motion recognition in a portable terminal. In the method, motion input of the portable terminal is sensed in an alarm mode. It is checked whether the motion is a predetermined motion in a motion database. If the motion is the predetermined motion, a re-alarm time corresponding to the motion is set.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventor: Seok-Hun Lim
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Patent number: 7492274Abstract: A motion producing motion-based notification/alert device to be used in and for attachment to mobile electronic equipment or devices, where the motion producing motion-based notification/alert device, upon receipt of an electronic signal from the mobile electronic equipment or device, reacts to set the mobile electronic equipment or device into various elevations and motions. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device is designed to receive electronic signals from the mobile electronic equipment or device, whereby producing various motions resulting in the owner or user of the mobile electronic equipment or device being notified/alerted that the mobile electronic equipment or device has received an incoming signal or a desired event of the mobile electronic equipment or device has taken place. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device includes a housing containing a power spring/electric motor which can be used in or attached to the mobile electronic equipment or device.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Morgan Kennedy Osborne
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Patent number: 7463556Abstract: A programmable, microprocessor-based alarm clock apparatus provides seven independent alarms each one of which is specifically tied to one of the seven days of the week. Each alarm may be independently set in terms of appointed alarm-sounding time and active state (either on or off).Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: American Innovative, LLCInventor: Adam B. Hocherman
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Patent number: 7263035Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Research in Motion LimitedInventor: Jeff Emery
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Patent number: 7054232Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Research in Motion LimitedInventor: Jeff Emery
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Patent number: 6934521Abstract: The present invention concerns an automatic time-setting system for a portable object having an horological function. The present invention also concerns a portable object having an horological function capable of being automatically set to the right time, such as an electronic timepiece. According to the present invention, the portable object (100) includes means (11) for receiving an acoustic time-setting signal (50) and means (12, 13) for deriving time-setting indications (ho, mo) from this acoustic time-setting signal (50) allowing said time indication of the portable object (100) to be corrected. According to the present invention, the portable object may advantageously be set to the right time via an acoustic time-setting signal (50) transmitted for example by the loud speaker of a personal computer, a television, a radio or a telephone receiver.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'EbauchesInventors: Emmanuel Fleury, Fabien Blondeau, David Barras, Pierre-André Meister
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Patent number: 6934220Abstract: A portable programmable medical alert device can be used to program multiple events, each of which will be signaled by an audible and a visual alarm. The user can program and reprogram medication schedules using only the portable alert device. The device, including a battery powered microcontroller, can be programmed by manipulation of two input switches, a push button switch and a two position to prevent inadvertent programming. Each programmed event will be signaled at the same time of day at which the alarm was originally set. When the alarms are transmitted to a user, the alert or reminder can be acknowledged by pressing the push button switch. The user can also activate the device prior to the next scheduled alarm without affecting subsequent alarms or alerts. Outputs can be audible and/or visible outputs, including an LCD. Inputs can be alternatively programmed by computer.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: ALR Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stanley L. Cruitt, Sidney Chan, Jaroslav V. Tichy
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Patent number: 6639874Abstract: A pointer electronic timepiece (1) has a plurality of step motors, a plurality of pointers (11 to 18), and a plurality of external operation members of a winding crown (5) and buttons (6, 7). The pointer to be adjusted is selected from the plurality of pointers (15 to 18) by operating one of the buttons (6) while drawing out the winding crown (5) to a second stage and the other button (7) is operated to adjust the position of the selected pointer. Since the position of the pointers (15 to 18) driven by three step motors can be adjusted by the two buttons (6, 7), the number of the external operation member is not necessary to be increased even when the pointers (15 to 18), i.e. the step motors, are increased, so that the size and thickness of a movement-holder and cost thereof can be reduced and operability during adjustment can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Eisaku Shimizu, Akihiko Maruyama
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Patent number: 6394645Abstract: A correcting lever is integrally provided with a correcting portion for correcting a fifth wheel, a reset portion brought into contact with a reset pin for stopping an output of a pulse signal from an IC, a return spring portion and an engaged portion and is rotatably supported about a rotary center portion (hole) to a base plate. An engagement portion of a winding stem is engaged with the engaged portion by operation of drawing the winding stem and the correcting lever is shifted against the biasing force by a return spring portion in accordance with the motion of the winding stem so that the correcting portion and the reset portion are forcibly rotated to the fifth wheel and the reset pin, respectively, about the rotary center portion (hole) to thereby perform the correcting and reset actions.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Shigeo Suzuki, Mamoru Watanabe, Kenichi Nakajima
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Patent number: 6388952Abstract: A programmable time switch where a time or time interval set by a user to be reserved is displayed on a display. The display has a current time display part for displaying an hour hand and a minute hand which represent a current time, an hour unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of hours, and a minute unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of minutes. The current time and the AM or PM are digitally displayed on a current time display section and an AM/PM display section, respectively. A set section having a plurality of buttons are used for setting, canceling or confirming the reserved time or time interval. A control section controls through a drive section a peripheral interface in accordance with the reserved time or time interval set through the set section, and displays the reserved time or time interval through the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Joo-Sul Kim
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Patent number: 6379037Abstract: The present invention provides a rotational aid for setting a multimode electronic device of the type having a rotatable ring coupled to a switching mechanism. The rotational aid includes a handle and a device for coupling the handle to the ring. The handle is positionable in at least a retracted position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the handle projects outwardly from the ring such that the rotation of the ring is facilitated by the movement of the deployed handle. The present invention also provides a multimode electronic device having a case and an integrated circuit operable in a plurality of states. The electronic device includes a rotating switching mechanism at least partially disposed within the case. The switching mechanism includes a rotatable setting stem operatively coupled to the integrated circuit. The electronic device also includes a ring rotatably mounted on the case. The ring is coupleable to the switching mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Timex Group B.V.Inventors: Muhammad A. Saleh, John T. Houlihan
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Patent number: 6367967Abstract: To reduce electric power consumed during the operation of adjusting the indication of time and reduce the time required for the time adjusting operation. Using a second hand driving motor and a hour/minute hand driving motor both capable of rotating in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, the indication of time is adjusted by driving the second hand driving motor and the hour/minute hand driving motor at times different from each other. The hand driving method (hand driving direction) is determined on the basis of the time elapsed during the power saving mode measured by a time information adjusting part such that the hands are driven in a direction which results in a reduction in the power consumption or the adjusting time.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Makoto Okeya, Hiroshi Yabe, Noriaki Shimura, Joji Kitahara
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Patent number: 6134190Abstract: An alarm setting mechanism for an electronic timepiece has a linkage for converting displacement of an alarm activating stem into a larger displacement of an alarm status indicating member which traverses an arcuate path on the front face of a dial of the timepiece. An alarm switching mechanism sets an alarm by activation of a stem on the timepiece which is connected to the alarm status indicator and the alarm switching mechanism. The linkage includes a pivotable switching lever, a pivotable setting lever and a rotatable alarm indicator plate. The setting lever is connected to the stem to undergo pivotal movement in response to linear displacement of the stem. The switching lever is connected to the setting lever to undergo pivotal movement along with the setting lever and having an arm. The alarm indicator plate is connected to the arm of the switching to undergo rotational movement in response to pivotal movement of the switching lever.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Susumu Kotanagi
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Patent number: 5991241Abstract: A wristwatch with an alarm time-setting function includes a clock case having a hollow accommodating space, a clock mechanism mounted in the accommodating space, and a rotary drive ring mounted rotatably on the front side of the clock case. The wristwatch further includes a timer-setting member accommodated inside the accommodating space and connected to a timer-setting pin of the clock mechanism. A driving member of the rotary drive ring is disposed inside the accommodating space to engage a driven part of the timer-setting member. Thus, rotation of the rotary drive ring results in corresponding rotation of the timer-setting member and the timer-setting pin to set an alarm time.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Young Town Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mu-Sheng Hsu
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Patent number: 5886952Abstract: An Alarm Clock Remote Control System for assisting an individual in operating an alarm clock without requiring the individual to be removed from a bed. The device includes an encasement, a display within the encasement, a tether secured a swivel, a clamp secured to the tether, a light within the encasement and a keypad within the encasement for allowing programming of the alarm clock.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventor: Lucious White
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Patent number: 5881025Abstract: An information display apparatus is provided which has a first display means that displays a first information and a second display means that displays either the first information or second information that differs from the first information, an annunciating means which externally annunciates this condition based on a prescribed signal, when the second display means is displaying the second information, if the second information coincides with the first information being displayed by the first display means, and a switching means to enable selection of at least one of selection, changing, or repeated selection of one of the first information and the second information displayed to be displayed by the second display means.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akiyoshi Murakami
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Patent number: 5798986Abstract: An alarm mechanism system, comprising: an hour wheel, completing one turn every 12 hours; a ring gear, concentrically surrounding the hour wheel; a planet gear device, engaging with the hour wheel and the ring gear and, driven by the hour wheel, completing one turn every 24 hours; an alarm device, which contacts the planet gear device at a predetermined time within one turn of the planet gear device and issues an alarm at that time; and an adjustment device to adjust the predetermined time. The planet gear device completes a turn in 24 hours, enabling the alarm device to issue an alarm once in 24 hours.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Jaw-Horng Tzeng
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Patent number: 5559762Abstract: An electronic alarm clock including a clock timing circuit for counting the basic time, an alarm time setting circuit for setting an alarm time and an alarm time storing circuit storing said alarm time. The electronic alarm clock also includes an alarm coincidence detecting circuit for detecting the coincidence between the basic time and the alarm time stored in said alarm timing storing circuit, an alarm setting/resetting circuit and an alarm sounding control circuit for causing an alarm sounding circuit to sound when said alarm setting/resetting circuit is set and said alarm coincidence detecting circuit detects the coincidence between said basic time and said alarm time.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Yumi Sakamoto
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Patent number: 5559761Abstract: An electronic timepiece having an analog or digital display delivering time information in silent, tactile manner in which the control elements (L, C, B.sub.1, B.sub.2) provided on the exterior of a closed housing cooperate via the intermediary of an interpretation circuit with the electronic coding means (22) to drive the vibration generating device (23) by means of pulse strings to emit vibration strings representative of an item of time information or of the accuracy of a time instruction or non-time instruction introduced by means of said control elements.The timepiece presents a conventional appearance, but enables a visually impaired person to know the time, to correct the internal time and to set an alarm time.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Erik J. Frenkel, Jean-Jacques Born
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Patent number: 5479379Abstract: The alarm clock is formed of time indicating hands (3), alarm hands (4), and an alarm setting device (202, 204, 205, and 207); wherein the alarm setting device is provided with an alarm section (200) which works to stop the movement of alarm hands when the alarm setting device is in the alarm-set condition, and works to move the alarm hands in synchronous motion with the time indicating hands when the alarm setting device is in the non-alarm-set condition. This structure allows the wearer to instantly distinguish the alarm-set condition from the non-alarm-set condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetaka Tsuchiya, Haruhiko Higuchi
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Patent number: 5309413Abstract: A talking analog clock comprises an analog mechanical clock movement in which the minutes mechanism has attached to it a switch that opens and closes for each minute elapsed. A digital synchronizing circuit is included that senses the closing and opening of the switch and uses these events to increment a digital time-keeping circuit. A directional switch attached to a winding stem and connected to the digital synchronizing circuit allows the digital time-keeping circuit to be incremented or decremented with the winding stem. The time in the current time memory is thereafter locked in synchronization with the analog time shown on the display dial. A user can therefore set the time or an alarm time in a simple way.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: ESS Technology, Inc.Inventor: Shiu L. Chan
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Patent number: 5283769Abstract: A children's night and day clock has different appearances during the day and the night. Change is actuated by an alarm mechanism (9) which is linked to mechanically interdependent display elements (54, 56, 58) so that, at a preset time, they undergo a change in their mechanical positional relationship between the expression of night or sleeping time and day or waking time. Push button (18) is depressed to actuate the transition from day to night time. It lowers a lever (16; 116) which is then held in a loaded position against the urging of a spring (22; 122) by means of a latch (24; 180). When the clock reaches the present time, the latch is released and the clock reverts from the night configuration to the day configuration. Thereafter it remains in the day configuration until reset.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Inventor: Julian E. Renton
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Patent number: 5257244Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, a case, a plurality of manually actuated actuators disposed about said case, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide a plurality of modes for performing a plurality of timepiece functions, including a first and second modes. The integrated circuit is further programmed to permit an operator to sequentially cycle a timepiece through the plurality of modes by selectively and repetitively actuating a first actuator. The improved timepiece includes a program for the integrated circuit adapted to dispose the timepiece out of a first and second of the plurality of modes into a first and second operating instruction subroutine in response to actuation of a second actuator. The first and second operating instruction subroutine respectively comprise a first and second set of operating instructions which describe the operation of the actuators when the timepiece is respectively disposed in the first and second modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Tom Thinsen
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Patent number: 5226022Abstract: In accordance with the present improvement of the present invention, in a multimode electronic timepiece, actuation of a first actuator while the timepiece is disposed in a "home" mode will cause to be displayed an alternate mode for a first predetermined period of time. If said first actuator is released prior to the elapse of said first predetermined period of time, the timepiece will be returned to said "home" mode. However, if the operator continues to actuate said first actuator beyond this first predetermined period of time, the program is adapted upon elapse of said first predetermined period of time, to immediately display on said timepiece display for a second predetermined period of time, a message indicating to the timepiece operator that continued actuation of said first actuator will cause the timepiece to be disposed into a predetermined alternate mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Tom Thinesen
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Patent number: 5168476Abstract: A radio-controlled timepiece includes a clock face, a hands assembly mounted for rotation about an axis in front of the clock face, and an alarm setting mechanism. The alarm setting mechanism comprises a minute setting disk which is driven by an hour setting disk. A manually rotatable transparent support disk is mounted in front of the clock face for rotation about the same axis as the hands assembly. The support disk carries a marker which, when the support member is rotated, is moved to indicate a particular hour and minute indicator on the clock face. The support disk is connected to the hour setting disk to rotate the latter which, in turn, rotates the minute setting disk. The support disk is accessible to rotation at the front of the clock. The hour and minute setting disks are preferably connected to an alarm time storage device by means of conductive fingers which are mounted on the disks and which are engageable with concentric conductive strips mounted on a stationary part of the clock.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1992Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Junghans Uhren GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Ganter, Roland Maurer, Heinrich Oertel
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Patent number: 5113381Abstract: A multifunction electronic analog timepiece includes a face and a plurality of indicators positioned on the face for displaying at least two time keeping functions. At least two step motors are provided for driving the plurality of time keeping function indicators. The time keeping function indicators are arbitrarily disposed about the face dependent upon the number of step motors and position of step motors required to drive the indicators. A microcomputer is provided and includes a program memory for storing software instructions for controlling the step motors.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kenji Sakamoto, Akihiko Maruyama, Tatsuo Moriya, Hiroshi Yabe, Takashi Kawaguchi, Masato Yoshino
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Patent number: 5077707Abstract: A circular plate used in a time setting device has a through-hole, a plurality of arched protrusions extending downward from the bottom of the same and a pair of arched projections extending upward from the periphery of the through-hole. Each arched protrusion has a first edge spaced parallelly apart from the bottom of the circular plate and a pair of second edges which converge to the free ends of the first edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1991Date of Patent: December 31, 1991Inventor: Davis Kuo
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Patent number: 5063544Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has a display, an audible alarm device, manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to provide several operating modes. The modes include a first mode in which an alarm sounding setting is displayed, which is alterable in response to actuation of a selected setting switch. The modes include a second mode in which said alarm sounding setting is not displayed, but in which said audible alarm device may be disabled by actuation of a selected disabling switch. The improvement consists of a display of the alarm setting which pops up when the alarm sounds and allows the user to reset or restart the timing cycle within a preselected time by actuation of at least one selected switch. A timer causes the pop-up display to disappear without alteration of the alarm setting if the switch is not actuated within the preselected time.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Tom Thinesen
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Patent number: 5042016Abstract: A multifunction analog electronic watch includes at least two operating mechanisms to control the operation of a displayed multifunction in response to external regulation. The timepiece includes at least two clutch wheels, each clutch wheel disposed on and movable along an associated one of the operating mechanisms. A single setting element is coupled to each operating mechanism and to each clutch wheel for positioning the latter.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Shigeru Aoki, Akihiko Maruyama, Nobuhiro Koike
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Patent number: 5016231Abstract: An electronically correcting electronic timepiece is provided having indicating hands for indicating the time of day or the passage of time. At least one step motor is provided for driving the indicator. A correction signal forming circuit produces drive pulses for driving the step motor to correct the indicator. A control circuit controls the correction signal forming circuit to accelerate and decelerate the indicator in a step manner during correction of the indicator.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1989Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takashi Kawaguchi, Hiroshi Yabe, Akihiko Maruyama, Hiroyuki Kubo
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Patent number: 5008866Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece includes a display, an audible alarm device, a plurality of manually actuated switches, and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time and to provide a plurality of modes including time-of-day, alternate time zone and alarm setting modes. The integrated circuit is programmed to permit an operator to set time-of-day in response to actuation of selected switches, to set alternate time zone time in response to actuation of selected switches, and to set alarm set time in response to actuation of selected switches. The integrated circuit has a memory location for time-of-day and is programmed to selectively actuate the audible alarm device when the alarm set time corresponds to time-of-day in said memory location.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1990Date of Patent: April 16, 1991Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Tom Thinesen