US3579976A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic timepiece
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-11-21
•
Granted: 1971-05-25
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Expires: 1989-11-21
Abstract
Abstract A miniaturized electronic timepiece employing an electroluminescent display is disclosed. The indicia on the display are energized in the proper sequence through the use of logic circuitry and electronic switches controlled thereby.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F D Muhala
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:59
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04G; G04G9/00; G04G9/02; G04G9/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
An electronic timepiece comprising: a solid-state display, said display comprising a plurality of discrete areas of material capable of being stimulated to a light emissive condition by application of electrical energy; at least a pair of bus bars, said bus bars being electrically connected to respective groups of said discrete areas; means electrically interconnecting pairs of said discrete areas, one area of each pair being connected to a different one of said bus bars; a source of electrical power; first switch means for alternately connecting a first terminal of said power source to said bus bars; a source of control pulses; means connecting said control pulse source to said first switch means; second switch means for serially connecting said pairs of interconnected areas to a second terminal of said power source; and means responsive to said control pulses for operating said second switch means at a frequency lower than the frequency of operation of said first switch means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
An electronic timepiece comprising: a solid-state display, said display comprising a plurality of discrete areas of material capable of being stimulated to a light emissive condition by application of electrical energy; at least a pair of bus bars, said bus bars being electrically connected to respective groups of said discrete areas; means electrically interconnecting pairs of said discrete areas, one area of each pair being connected to a different one of said bus bars; a source of electrical power; first switch means for alternately connecting a first terminal of said power source to said bus bars; a source of control pulses; means connecting said control pulse source to said first switch means; second switch means for serially connecting said pairs of interconnected areas to a second terminal of said power source; and means responsive to said control pulses for operating said second switch means at a frequency lower than the frequency of operation of said first switch means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said display comprises discrete areas of electroluminescent material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for operating said second switch means comprises: frequency divider means responsive to said control pulses for generating lower frequency pulses; and means responsive to said lower frequency pulses for generating switching control signals in serial fashion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second switch means comprises a plurality of normally open electronic switches, each of said switches having a first terminal connected to one of said pairs of interconnected areas, the other terminal of each of said switches being connected to the second terminal of said power source, said switches being serially closed by said switching control signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising means for applying pulses at a frequency higher than the frequency of said control pulses to said first switch means and to said frequency divider means whereby said timepiece may be rapidly set to the desired state.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first switch means comprises a single-pole, double-throw solid-state switch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3258906A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-24 | 1974-11-23 | 1975-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-24 | 1978-11-23 | 1979-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-24 | 1982-11-23 | 1983-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |