Optical Patents (Class 368/79)
  • Patent number: 11953869
    Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide local and/or remote control for one or more connected loads or remote appliances. A load control device includes controls for switching and varying the power to associated loads and also includes communication components for remote operations. A user interface device includes a configurable and user customizable interface to communicate control instructions to the load control device. The load control device and the user interface device may be installed as a single unit, mechanically and electrically coupled together, or they may be installed remote from each other. Accordingly, the load control device and the user interface device include wired and wireless communication capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Inventor: Joerg Wagner
  • Patent number: 11709645
    Abstract: A wearable terminal device capable of wirelessly communicating with a mobile terminal device having a display unit, the wearable terminal device comprising receiving status information of the mobile terminal device from the mobile terminal device when status of the mobile terminal device changes, determining whether or not to select display of the wearable terminal device based on the status information, and controlling the display of the wearable terminal device based on a determination result by the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 11141558
    Abstract: A mental targeting system. The mental targeting system has a housing which includes a base, at least one sidewall extending from the base, and a top surface, all of which defines an interior volume. A control circuit is disposed in the interior volume which is in electrical communication with a speaker, a microphone, a projector, a plurality of buttons, and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The speaker is disposed in a sidewall and plays sounds stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium. The projector includes a projection lens, and is disposed on the top of the housing where it projects light through a removably securable disc. A slot disposed in the sidewall below the projection lens is used to deposit and retrieve the disc. Full insertion of the disc into the slot positions a portion of the disc directly below, and parallel with, the projection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Steve Brophy
  • Patent number: 10973983
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drug delivery device comprising: a housing; a moveable number sleeve disposed within the housing and having numbers printed thereon; and a transparent window occupying an aperture of the housing and covering the number sleeve such that the number sleeve is visible through the transparent window. At least one region of the housing located adjacent to the transparent window is transparent to visible light and is in optical communication with the transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventor: Roman Prager
  • Patent number: 8654616
    Abstract: A visual alert device includes a keypad for a user to enter a primary follow-up time period for which a user desires to be visually reminded of its progressive expiration. Based on the entered primary follow-up time period, the visual alert device computes a preliminary and a final follow-up time value, which are associated with a level of response priority that is visually represented by the illumination of corresponding illuminable color segments. Thus, when a timer of the visual alert device reaches each of the preliminary follow-up time value, the primary follow-up time period, and the final follow-up time value, the corresponding color segments are illuminated to indicate the current response priority level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Visilert, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James W. Pope, Richard T. Kessler
  • Patent number: 8593912
    Abstract: A multimedia alarm clock projector having a housing assembly, a speaker system, and a projector assembly. The projector assembly has a projector having a focusing ring and lens. The projector further has electrical wiring, a mount assembly, and first base. The first base is mounted onto the housing assembly. The projector projects a visual projection at any angle between a horizontal plane to an vertical plane. The projector assembly further has a stationary ring fixed to the housing assembly. The stationary ring has a first lip. The projector assembly further has a rotational base plate with a second lip, a second base, and a channel. The rotational base plate is rotatably mounted onto the stationary ring, whereby the channel receives the first lip. The projector is mounted onto the rotational base plate. The rotational base plate comprises a cavity. The multimedia alarm clock further has a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: William Amores
  • Patent number: 8526273
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of two or more time intervals is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a base portion with a user interface and a light portion. The light portion includes three lights of different colors that are disposed in a vertical arrangement above the base portion. The user interface includes a display and a keypad for programming the device with one or more time durations, and for associating one or more of the lights with each time interval. A controller is in communication with the user interface and operatively coupled with the lights to illuminate and turn off each light during its associated interval. The device may include an audio section linked to the controller for further indicating the intervals or transitions therebetween by outputting one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Patent number: 8284631
    Abstract: A multimedia projection alarm clock with integrated illumination is disclosed. It includes a projector module which projects an animated image, an illuminating light source which emits illuminating light of adjustable color and/or brightness, a speaker which outputs music or sound effects, and a control unit which animates a projected image and/or varies an illuminating light with music or sound effects so that an alarm signal featuring a theme of vivid figures with matching backgrounds may be provided. The control unit is also equipped with a simple user interface allowing the user to access handy bedside functions such as the night light easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tirid Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsiung Cho, Ping-Hung Tsai, Chin-I Liu
  • Publication number: 20120147711
    Abstract: A time indication device includes a time display body, a controller, an hour hand module, a minute hand module, and a second hand module. The hour hand module includes an hour hand ring placed around the time display body. An hour hand driving unit connected to the controller, and controlled by the controller to drive the hour hand ring to rotate around the time display body. An hour hand projecting unit, fixed to the hour hand ring, for projecting an hour hand on the time display body. Thus, when the hour hand ring is driven by the hour hand driving unit to rotate around the time display body, it is shown that the hour hand moves on the time display body. The minute hand module and the second hand module have nearly the same structure as the hour hand module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIN-SHI LAI
  • Patent number: 8077552
    Abstract: A visual alert device includes a keypad for a user to enter a primary follow-up time period for which a user desires to be visually reminded of its progressive expiration. Based on the entered primary follow-up time period, the visual alert device computes a preliminary and a final follow-up time value, which are associated with a level of response priority that is visually represented by the illumination of corresponding illuminable color segments. Thus, when a timer of the visual alert device reaches each of the preliminary follow-up time value, the primary follow-up time period, and the final follow-up time value, the corresponding color segments are illuminated to indicate the current response priority level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Visilert, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James W. Pope, Richard T. Kessler
  • Patent number: 8072846
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of two or more time intervals is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a base portion with a user interface and a light portion. The light portion includes three lights of different colors that are disposed in a vertical arrangement above the base portion. The user interface includes a display and a keypad for programming the device with one or more time durations, and for associating one or more of the lights with each time interval. A controller is in communication with the user interface and operatively coupled with the lights to illuminate and turn off each light during its associated interval. The device may include an audio section linked to the controller for further indicating the intervals or transitions therebetween by outputting one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Publication number: 20110141856
    Abstract: A multimedia projection alarm clock with integrated illumination is disclosed. It includes a projector module which projects an animated image, an illuminating light source which emits illuminating light of adjustable color and/or brightness, a speaker which outputs music or sound effects, and a control unit which animates a projected image and/or varies an illuminating light with music or sound effects so that an alarm signal featuring a theme of vivid figures with matching backgrounds may be provided. The control unit is also equipped with a simple user interface allowing the user to access handy bedside functions such as the night light easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsiung CHO, Ping-Hung Tsai, Chin-I Liu
  • Patent number: 7729206
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of two or more time intervals is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a base portion with a user interface and a light portion. The light portion includes three lights of different colors that are disposed in a vertical arrangement above the base portion. The user interface includes a display and a keypad for programming the device with one or more time durations, and for associating one or more of the lights with each time interval. A controller is in communication with the user interface and operatively coupled with the lights to illuminate and turn off each light during its associated interval. The device may include an audio section linked to the controller for further indicating the intervals or transitions therebetween by outputting one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Patent number: 7388813
    Abstract: A time display device which utilizes light beams to display time is disclosed. The time display device at least comprises a timetable panel, an illuminant module, a counter unit, and a control unit. When the counter unit sends a counting result to the control unit, the control unit controls the illuminant module to respectively emit three color light beams projected on the timetable panel through the shielding of at least one shielding structure to form three color image areas with different distances to represent a second, a minute and a hour corresponding to the counting result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Intematix Technology Center Corp.
    Inventor: Hwa Su
  • Patent number: 7379393
    Abstract: The present invention provides a time tracking device comprising a display incorporated into a housing of a projector, a control pad, and a power source. The time tracking device can provide a presenter with the ability to track the elapsed time of a presentation. The time tracking device is further capable of being projected onto a viewing screen using the light source and lens of the projector device. The device comprises a control pad which controls the functions of the timer device, such as on/off, start, stop, pause, reset, mode, illumination, and time of day. The present invention also provides a presentation timer comprising a presentation timer program module and an input control module operable for controlling timer functions associated with the presentation timer program module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Morykwas, Phillip R. Merkey
  • Patent number: 7366059
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for a wristwatch comprising a luminescent surface for illuminating the background of a display element consisting of one or more alphanumeric characters. The display device comprises a window in an opaque watch face in which these characters can be displayed. The luminescent surface covers at least one partial area of a supporting surface situated behind said window. The alphanumeric characters of the display element have an opaque material and are located between the watch face and the luminescent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Eterna AG Uhrenfabrik
    Inventor: Ernst Seyr
  • Patent number: 7154818
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radio controlled clock movement control system, including two stepper motors, two gearings, and a photo electronic control unit. The two stepper motors are operated independently each one driving a gearing, where the first gearing contains a second wheel, and the second gearing contains an hour wheel and a minute wheel. The photo electronic control unit contains a first photo detector, a second photo detector, and a light source. Multiple through holes are formed in succession over one sector near the rim of the second and minute wheels, which are moved in the direction of rotation over the photo detectors that undertakes to check the minute and second wheels for the zero alignment. Therefore, a radio controlled clock having the present clock movement control system can be self reset in a fast manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ele Gancy Tleleancy Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai-Te Liu
  • Patent number: 7149152
    Abstract: A projection clock includes a base unit that includes a power supply, a clock circuit powered by the power supply, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting time information provided by the clock circuit. Also, a projection unit, separate from the base unit, includes a projection circuit and a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving the transmitted time information, based on which the projection circuit operatively projects the time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: IDT Technology Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Chan
  • Patent number: 6987711
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timekeeping clock wherein on the axis of a mobile counter completing a cycle in 11 seconds is mounted a transparent disc (42) bearing (11) radial markers (44). The dial positioned beneath the disc (41) provides a marking in the form of a marker circle (40) with (10) radial markers (41) numbered 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. At each step of the mobile disc successive alignments occur between a marker of the disc (42) and a marker of the ring (40) thereby enabling tenths of seconds elapsed to be displayed anticlockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Patent number: 6871407
    Abstract: This invention represents an improvement to an equatorial sundial comprising an independent simultaneous single scale indication of both time and date as represented from a primary and secondary gnomon. This allows one unfamiliar with the physics of an equatorial sundial to with simple observation quickly assess both time and date as a singular measurement. The sundial displays conventional time measurement on a single scale transcribed on the equatorial ring from a primary gnomon aligned with the polar axis. The improvement includes a date scale transcribed on the primary gnomon that is cast a shadow from the secondary gnomon comprised of the upper equatorial ring. Since the sun maintains an essentially equivalent angle of declination throughout the day, the shadow cast by the upper equatorial ring (secondary gnomon) on the primary gnomon (containing the date scale) remains consistent in position and date can be observed at any time of the solar day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Jack William Maegli
  • Patent number: 6798720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel design for a projection alarm clock for displaying various values by means of projection, using a projector with one optical unit and one optoelectrical unit for producing the images of the data to be projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Rolf Wilhelm Haupt, Fritz Schäffel
  • Patent number: 6754139
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a plurality of coaxially mounted disks which are driven with different periods, at least some of the disks having a time indicator area which is visible through one or more transmissive areas on one or more disks which lie over it. In a preferred embodiment, one of the disks is provided with three concentric annular zones and is driven with a period of sixty seconds. The outermost zone has discrete reflective areas which are visible through discrete transmissive areas in an overlying annular zone. The inner zones have discrete transmissive areas through which discrete reflective areas in two concentric annular zones on two respective lower disks are visible. The lowermost disk is driven with a period of twelve hours and is visible through a central transparent area of an intermediate disk which is driven with a period of sixty minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Timefoundry, LLC
    Inventors: David F. Herbstman, Marco Prieschl
  • Patent number: 6731571
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a reference wheel and a target wheel each having one or more reflective members for reflecting a light generated from a light emitting device. The position of the reference wheel may be positively determined when receiving a starting code which includes one or more “off” signals and one or more “on” signals reflected by the reflective member of the reference wheel. The reference wheel may be quickly rotated to align an orifice with the light emitting device, for allowing the light to be reflected by the reflective member of the target wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chih Hao Yiu
  • Patent number: 6680877
    Abstract: A solar counter to provide an accurate way of measuring the middle of the night or another selected fraction of the day or night. The solar counter activates an electronic event when it has finished counting down. For example, a lamp can be turned off half way through the dark part of the night. This process is extremely accurate, and adaptations of this concept can be used in the safety industry, irrigation, or in agriculture. One embodiment of this concept has a battery back-up circuit, but a substitute 50/60 Hz clock input frequency in the case of AC power loss can also be provided using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard M. Lienau
  • Publication number: 20030206494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel design for a projection alarm clock for displaying various values by means of projection, using a projector with one optical unit and one optoelectrical unit for producing the images of the data to be projected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Rolf Wilhelm Haupt, Fritz Schaffel
  • Patent number: 6473366
    Abstract: A method for timing a radio clock includes the steps of initiating the photoelectric element to sense the references on the hour hand, the minute hand and the second hand, determining whether a reference that stands for the second hand is detected, stopping the second hand at a zero position when the reference that stands for the second hand is detected, initiating the motors of the hour and the minute hands, revolving the hour and minute hand wheels until a reference mark on the hour hand wheel is detected, stopping the hour hand wheel and the minute hand wheel when the reference mark of the minute hand wheel is detected by the photoelectric element; and synchronizing the hour hand, the minute hand and the second hand with readings of the hour, the minute and the second of a time signal sent from a time station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Koung-Chung Peng
  • Patent number: 6473367
    Abstract: A radio clock, which is a mechanical clock with an hour hand, a minute band a second hand driven by motors, comprises an antenna, a receiving circuit, and a processor to receive timing information as the reference time for time setting. An hour pinion, minute pinion, and a second pinion are engaged respectively with an hour transmission pinion, a minute transmission pinion, and a second transmission pinion. The hour transmission pinion, the minute transmission pinion, and the second transmission pinion are provided, respectively, with an hour masking disc, a minute masking disc, and a second masking disc, wherein the hour masking disc, the minute masking disc, and the second masking disc are provided with protruded masking fins, respectively. The transmission pinions are configured to close to their corresponding masking discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Koung-Chung Peng
  • Patent number: 6378771
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and/or managing a business meeting, the system including a processor, memory circuitry, timer circuitry, a display and an electronic sensor. The electronic sensor scans an identification device of each attendee arriving at or withdrawing from the meeting to acquire individual unit time cost and/or individual identification data. The processor adds or subtracts individual unit time cost data to a total unit time cost parameter stored in the memory circuitry each time that an identification device is scanned by the electronic sensor, and calculates a metered cost parameter based upon the total unit time cost parameter and elapsed time data from the timer circuitry. The processor also increases or decrease a total number of attendees parameter each time an identification device is scanned. The system displays a number of time and/or cost related parameters of the meeting, such as the metered cost, the total elapsed time, and the total number of attendees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6236622
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a lamp and alarm clock with a wake-up cycle and sleep cycle with gradually increasing and decreasing light and sounds. The lighting fixture includes at least one lamp for emitting light in the wake-up cycle and in the sleep cycle. The lighting fixture also includes at least one speaker for emitting sound in the wake-up cycle and in the sleep cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Verilux, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Blackman
  • Patent number: 6220512
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and/or managing a business meeting, the system including a processor, memory circuitry, timer circuitry, a display and an electronic sensor. The electronic sensor scans an identification device of each attendee arriving at or withdrawing from the meeting to acquire individual unit time cost and/or individual identification data. The processor adds or subtracts individual unit time cost data to a total unit time cost parameter stored in the memory circuitry each time that an identification device is scanned by the electronic sensor, and calculates a metered cost parameter based upon the total unit time cost parameter and elapsed time data from the timer circuitry. The processor also increases or decrease a total number of attendees parameter each time an identification device is scanned. The system displays a number of time and/or cost related parameters of the meeting, such as the metered cost, the total elapsed time, and the total number of attendees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: James R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6219306
    Abstract: A device for projecting spectral display onto a viewing surface, having numerous light projecting segments attached to rotating hollow shafts, mounted and rotating upon each other on coaxial based shaft. The projecting segments include a light emitting source to produce light rays, a light convergent member such as lens and a diffraction member such as prism or diffraction gratings, for effecting spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same onto viewing surface to create the spectral display in a motion or a dynamic spectral display. The rotating hollow shafts provide built-in electrical wiring tracks and a connection to energize the light source, and they also provide mechanical connection through geared wheel to receive power to effect the rotating motion. The projecting segments with their respective rotating shafts are accommodated inside a casing or a housing of the device, which can be individual or portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 6160767
    Abstract: A clock includes a base, a clock movement held by the base and having rotatable translucent hour and minute indicators, a cover coaxially connected to the base, and a light source supported between the cover and the indicators for shining light through the indicators to form respective images around the base on a wall behind the base for displaying time. The cover includes a light diffusible extended periphery having an inner surface with an integral visual element for illumination by the light source to appear visible on an outer surface of the periphery, opposite the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Leona Lighting Design Ltd.
    Inventor: Wai Kwan Ho
  • Patent number: 5596553
    Abstract: A sundial gnomon including a first surface having a plurality of parallel first surface apertures transmissive to light and through which a plurality of sunbeams pass, and a second surface having a plurality of second surface segment apertures for regulating the passage of sunbeams passing through the plurality of first surface apertures. The plurality of second surface segment apertures are arranged in a plurality of stencil patterns, each stencil pattern including a plurality of second surface segment apertures. The plurality of second surface segment apertures are configured to cause sunbeams passing through the plurality of first surface apertures to be incident upon second surface segment apertures of only one stencil pattern at a given time. Thus, sunbeams passing through the two surfaces will display the hour of the day. Preferably, the gnomon includes a second set of surfaces having apertures therein through which sunbeams pass to respectively display portions of an hour such as 10 minute intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Robert L. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 5365495
    Abstract: A clock device utilizing a hollow housing having stackable--columnar--first, second and third stations, each having a blinking light emitting diode (LED) controllably connected to a battery through a firm-wired or hardwired circuit with: the upper hour LED being energized first in sequence to present the hour of the predetermined time of day, by flashing such LED in accordance with a control algorithm or first pulse subcode to proved a total number of flashes contained in the time of day, viz., between 1 and 12; a mid-LED being next energized in accordance with a control algorithm or second pulse subcode that is decimally based, i.e., each flash denoting the number of ten minutes blocks or decades contained in the time of day; and a lower-LED being next being energized in accordance with a control algorithm or third pulse subcode that is also decimally based, each flash denoting a number of minute units in a particular 10-minute block, such number being between zero and nine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: William J. Cussen
  • Patent number: 5247491
    Abstract: A device for projecting a rainbow-like spectral display including a housing provided with a projecting arrangement for projecting the rainbow-like spectral display onto a viewable surface. The projecting arrangement includes segments, each segment including a light emitting source for producing light rays, and a diffraction member such as a prism for effecting a spectral dispersion of the light rays for projecting same to produce the rainbow-like spectral display. Preferably, each segment also includes a convergent or convex lens disposed between the light emitting source and the diffraction member, and a reflector covering a rear portion of each light emitting source. The housing could be portable, battery operated, and in the form of a casing provided with a hinged cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Zdzislaw Kwiatkowski
  • Patent number: 5247492
    Abstract: A projection clock and in particular to one including a housing, the housing being provided at one end with a light bulb and a converging lens in alignment with the light bulb, and at the other end with a clock having a reflective dial with laterally inverted figures marking hours, and a cover engaged with the housing and having a diverging lens in alignment with the reflective dial of the clock and a converging member aligned with the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Chih H. Pan
  • Patent number: 5243568
    Abstract: An electronic circuit, which, when inserted into a clock/radio, utilizes the time-setting mechanism and the audio system of the clock/radio, and which, in conjunction with a light sensor, causes both light and sound to start at low intensity and increase gradually together to full intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: Nancy Burch, Mark Parent
  • Patent number: 5237545
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece having a face forming a simulated sundial, a gnomon, a first and second plurality of electronic display circuit elements extending radially from the first and second ends of the base of the gnomon and a control circuit to activate selected display circuit elements to simulate a functioning sundial is disclosed. In one arrangement, the timepiece has a digital auxiliary display and a circuit to convert from the digital display to the selected display circuit elements. The timepiece, in one arrangement, includes a day/night indicator in the form of a solar disk for day and a moon crescent for night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Paul M. Schrader
    Inventors: Paul M. Schrader, Joachim K. Andrew
  • Patent number: 5212672
    Abstract: A timing control apparatus for selectively actuating at least one remote device, such as a variable intensity lamp, an audio device or an aroma generator at a selected future time, by generating a plurality of clock pulses of a known time duration at the selected time, and by counting the clock pulses to gradually increase the intensity of electrical current in response to the clock pulses counted, from an initial zero state to full intensity over time, such as one hour. The gradual increase in intensity provides a gradual increase in the light, sound or smell from selected remote devices, to gently awaken a user, without an abrupt on/off actuation found in alarm clocks, and other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventors: Julius A. Loisch, Rod Snider, John W. Harriger
  • Patent number: 4970815
    Abstract: A light computer is provided for illuminated and animated displays. Light planes are illuminated and images carried thereon are lit when light is applied to any edge. A moving light and opaque coatings on the edges of the light plane are used to vary the sequence and time the frequency and duration of the lighting of the plane. When an opaque coating is positioned between the light and the plane, the plane does not light. Only when the opaque coating is not present and the light is present is the plane lit. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is mounted at the end of a stack of circular light planes and light from the light source is admitted to the edges of the light planes by means of a rotating mask having a window leading to a prism for reflecting the light onto the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Howard F. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 4834475
    Abstract: In an analogue indicating device (e.g. a clock) in which the relative positions of two relatively movable components (FIGS. 1-3; 26/28 and 12) is judged by the position of a reference marker (30/32) on one of the components (26/28) in relation to an adjacent scale (48) on the other component (12), the scale is constituted by a hologram (in 12) which when illuminated by a predetermined reference light (33) portrays a desired image of the scale (48) against which the reference marker (26/28) is seen. That image may also portray an environment (34) (e.g. a clock case) in which the scale (48) appears to be contained. The reference marker (26/28) may also be constituted by a hologram for portraying a holographic image of the reference marker. Alternatively, a holographically portrayed reference marker may cooperate with a real scale. The holographically produced image is preferably coplanar with the other image, whether the latter image be real or holographically produced, so as to elliminate parallax errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Anthony J. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4461581
    Abstract: A light beam clock including a clock drive motor including a first member rotatable at the speed of one revolution per hour and a second member rotatable at the speed of one-twelfth revolution per hour; light source means; a circumferential portion; a beam mechanism including a first optical device mounted with the first member for directing light from the light source means in a first radial beam to form a first spot of light representing minutes on the circumferential portion, and a second optical device mounted with the second member for directing light from the light source means in a second radial beam to form a second spot of light for representing hours on the circumferential portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
  • Patent number: 4415276
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a timepiece standard generator, a frequency divider having a resettable terminal, a circuit for controlling an optically displaying device connected to the frequency divider, a circuit for controlling a hand displaying device connected to the frequency divider, a below second linking control circuit for detecting first the content of the frequency divider in response to the operation of either first switch for resetting to zero the digit of second of the optically displaying device or second switch for initiating to act the hand displaying device and for resetting next to zero the digit of second of the optically displaying device and initiating to act the hand displaying device after the time adjustment of the hand displaying device respectively. At the time of detection of a below second linking control circuit, the below second linking control circuit controls to advance by one second on the hand displaying device if the content of the frequency divider is 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha
    Inventors: Yukio Ikehata, Kenichi Ono
  • Patent number: 4374623
    Abstract: A light beam clock including a clock drive motor including a first member rotatable at the speed of one revolution per hour and a second member rotatable at the speed of one-twelfth revolution per hour; light source means; a circumferential portion; a beam mechanism including a first optical device mounted with the first member for directing light from the light source means in a first radial beam to form a first spot of light representing minutes on the circumferential portion, and a second optical device mounted with the second member for directing light from the light source means in a second radial beam to form a second spot of light for representing hours on the circumferential portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1983
    Inventor: Jerome H. Simon
  • Patent number: 4253170
    Abstract: A light fixture which indicates the time of day includes a clock mechanism having a movable hand and an electrically operated illumination device arranged relative to the clock mechanism for casting a shadow of the hand on a surface. A light sensing device senses the ambient light intensity at the fixture location and it is operatively connected to the illumination device to increase the intensity of the illumination device in response to an increase in ambient light intensity and to decrease the intensity of the illumination device in response to a decrease in ambient light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Inventor: Arthur L. Meisner
  • Patent number: 4228346
    Abstract: A clock circuit designed to keep time based upon a known frequency of an alternating current power supply is provided with a d.c. power backup system to operate the clock circuit during periods of a.c. power failure. The clock circuit includes a high frequency oscillator which generates a large number of timing pulses for each alternating current power cycle. During periods of normal operation on alternating current power, the number of oscillator timing pulses occurring between successive null points in the alternating current power supply waveform are counted and stored. When the clock circuit is operated from the d.c. power supply during periods of a.c. power failure, the last count of timing pulses between successive null points in the a.c. cycle is loaded as an initial count into a counter. The counter is decremented down to zero, whereupon the counter registers the passage of a period of time corresponding to the time interval between two null points in the a.c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Charles E. Barker
  • Patent number: 4208869
    Abstract: An illumination device for an electronic timepiece equipped with an electro-optical display device and a battery as a power source, which comprises: an electro-luminescent sheet disposed at the lower surface of said electro-optical display device; a booster circuit for converting the battery voltage to an AC voltage; and an illumination switch for operating said booster circuit in response to the manipulation of an external control member; whereby said electro-optical display means is illuminated when said electro-luminescent sheet is rendered light emissive in response to manipulation of said illumination switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 4207731
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece control circuit for facilitating the selection of a preferred function in a multi-functional electronic timekeeping circuit wherein each function can also be selected cyclicly in sequence, is provided. The timekeeping circuit is adapted to be disposed in at least three timekeeping functional modes to perform at least one distinct timekeeping function in each functional mode in response to a function control signal being applied thereto. Mode select circuitry is coupled to the timekeeping circuit for cyclicly selecting, in sequence, each timekeeping functional mode of the timekeeping circuit in response to each mode select signal applied thereto. A judgment circuit is coupled to thetimekeeping circuit and is adapted to return the timekeeping circuit to a predetermined timekeeping functional mode in response to a mode select signal and a function control signal being coincidentally applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha
    Inventor: Hidehiko Seki
  • Patent number: 4205518
    Abstract: A voltage conversion system for an electronic timepiece having a power source, which system generates power at lower voltage level than that of the power source for operating at least one of a frequency standard, a frequency converter, a time counter circuit and a display system. The voltage conversion system comprises an oscillator circuit coupled to the power source to generate output signals, a plurality of capacitors, and a plurality of switching elements responsive to the output signals for alternately setting the capacitors in a parallel connected condition and a series connected condition, whereby an output voltage lower than that of the power source is generated at an output terminal of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Morokawa