Timepieces Using The Position Of The Sun, Moon, Or Stars (devices For Fixing The Place And Time By Astronomical Observations G01c 21/00) [g04b 49/00] Patents (Class 968/414)

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Sundials (normal dials subclass 147) [g04b 49/02] (Class 968/415)
  • Diurnal solar event triggering mechanism
    Patent number: 6612041
    Abstract: A mechanism for determining whether the sun is visible at a diurnal solar event and for mechanically triggering actions based upon the sun being visible during the diurnal solar event is disclosed. The mechanisms of the invention can perform these operations without intervention or supervision for long periods of time. Certain embodiments have been applied to provide a diurnal solar event trigger based upon sidereal noon for a clock providing accurate timing for 10,000 years without intervention or supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Long Now Foundation
    Inventor: W. Daniel Hillis