US3597918A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Digitally indicating clock-timer
Assignee: GENERAL TIME INSTRUMENTS Inc A CORP OF DE
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Filing: 1969-10-06
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Granted: 1971-08-10
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Expires: 1989-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A digitally indicating clock-timer having endless loops of tape, each carrying a cycle of numerals for direct time indication, with the tapes being driven by drums of small diameter which are coupled together by geneva-type mechanisms so constructed that each tape is advanced one unit only upon completion of passage of a complete cycle of numerals on the tape of next lower order. In the preferred embodiment, such ''''cycle stepping'''' is achieved by employing two geneva stages in series with one another. The tape is disposed in a folded, reentrant arrangement for maximum compactness with the driving drums in alignment in central position. A transparent guide member enables illumination of the tape by transmitted light. A synchronous motor serves to drive the minute tape via a timing train and geneva mechanism for stepped advancement of the ''''minutes'''' drum. An hour wheel coupled to the minutes drum, and cooperating with an alarm set wheel under the control of a function lever, serves to operate a switch for turning on the associated radio and, a short time thereafter, for sounding an alarm. A settable ''''sleep'''' lever cooperating with the timing train permits the user to fall asleep with the radio on with subsequent automatic turnoff. The ''''sleep'''' lever, by disabling of the alarm, also serves upon actuation of the associated ''''drowse'''' button, to give the user the option of a few minutes of additional sleep after the alarm goes off. The tape display and driving arrangement and a particular form of positive locking geneva mechanism have features of general utility not limited to clocks or timers.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph C Robinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:12
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/04; G06M1/041; G04; G04C; G04C17/00; G04C17/0008; G04C21/00; G04C21/16; G04C21/18; G04C23/00; G04C23/02; G04C23/08; G06M1/14; G06M1/16; G06M1/163; G06M1/22; G06M1/24; G06M1/241; G06M1/246; G06M3/00; G06M3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element only upon completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element only upon completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and auxiliary divider means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order, said auxiliary divider means being in the form of a stage of stepdown gearing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and auxiliary divider means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order, said auxiliary divider means being in the form of a stage of stepdown gearing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
137 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element only upon completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order, each drum having sprockets for engaging sprocket holes in the tape for maintenance of synchronism therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
137 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element only upon completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order, each drum having sprockets for engaging sprocket holes in the tape for maintenance of synchronism therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
186 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums arranged end to end, endless loops of tape on the respective drums bearing cycles of numerals representative of minutes, tens-of-minutes and hours in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape, geneva mechanism between drums of successIve order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times, the tens-of-minutes tape having two complete cycles thereon and of the same length as the hours tape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
186 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums arranged end to end, endless loops of tape on the respective drums bearing cycles of numerals representative of minutes, tens-of-minutes and hours in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape, geneva mechanism between drums of successIve order having an output element connected to the drum of higher order and an input element coupled to the drum of lower order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape of higher order multiplied by the length ratio of the drum of higher order, and means interposed between the drum of lower order and the input element for actuating the input element to produce a step of movement of the output element incident to completion of passage of a cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order and for disabling the input element at all other times, the tens-of-minutes tape having two complete cycles thereon and of the same length as the hours tape.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
113 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, and geneva mechanism consisting of a plurality of geneva stages between the drums of successive order and of such ratio as to produce a step of movement of the drum of higher order upon completion of a number of revolutions of the drum of lower order corresponding to completion of the cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
113 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, and geneva mechanism consisting of a plurality of geneva stages between the drums of successive order and of such ratio as to produce a step of movement of the drum of higher order upon completion of a number of revolutions of the drum of lower order corresponding to completion of the cycle of numerals on the tape of lower order.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order including a first stage and a second stage in series with one another, the first stage having an input element connected to the drum of lower order and the second stage having an output element connected to the drum of higher order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape multiplied by the drum periphery-to-tape length ratio, the first geneva stage being selected to produce drum-to-drum dividing ratio equal to the order-to-order value ratio of the numerals on the tapes multiplied by ratio of length ratios and the ratio of the number of numerals on the respective tapes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
167 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of drums, individual endless loops of tape trained about the respective drums and bearing cycles of numerals in successive orders, each drum having a periphery which is shorter than the length of the associated tape in a convenient low-integer ratio, geneva mechanism between drums of successive order including a first stage and a second stage in series with one another, the first stage having an input element connected to the drum of lower order and the second stage having an output element connected to the drum of higher order, the output element having a number of stations equal to the number of numerals on the tape multiplied by the drum periphery-to-tape length ratio, the first geneva stage being selected to produce drum-to-drum dividing ratio equal to the order-to-order value ratio of the numerals on the tapes multiplied by ratio of length ratios and the ratio of the number of numerals on the respective tapes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls, a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means at the front of the housing defining a horizontal viewing window, means for guiding the tape vertically past the window, means for guiding runs of the tape adjacent and generally parallel to the top and bottom walls, the tape being folded reentrantly into a ''''C'''' configuration, each of the tapes having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, and means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
126 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls, a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means at the front of the housing defining a horizontal viewing window, means for guiding the tape vertically past the window, means for guiding runs of the tape adjacent and generally parallel to the top and bottom walls, the tape being folded reentrantly into a ''''C'''' configuration, each of the tapes having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, and means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls, a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means at the front of the enclosure defining a horizontal viewing window, a vertical guide member for guiding the tapes past the window and having rounded entry and exit surfaces, means including horizontal rollers toward the back of the enclosure for guiding runs of the tape generally parallel to the top and bottom walls, the tape being folded reentrantly about the idler rollers into ''''C'''' configuration, each of the loops of tape having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the dRums in series from lowest to highest order.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls, a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means at the front of the enclosure defining a horizontal viewing window, a vertical guide member for guiding the tapes past the window and having rounded entry and exit surfaces, means including horizontal rollers toward the back of the enclosure for guiding runs of the tape generally parallel to the top and bottom walls, the tape being folded reentrantly about the idler rollers into ''''C'''' configuration, each of the loops of tape having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the dRums in series from lowest to highest order.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, a forwardly facing guide member having tracks arranged side by side thereon for displaying tapes, each of the tapes having a driving drum arranged behind the guide member and having a periphery which is substantially less than the length of the tape, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the adjacent driving drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order, means in front of the guide member for defining a window for viewing of a horizontal line of numerals, the tapes and guide member being translucent, and a light source behind the window for illuminating the numerals on the tapes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, a forwardly facing guide member having tracks arranged side by side thereon for displaying tapes, each of the tapes having a driving drum arranged behind the guide member and having a periphery which is substantially less than the length of the tape, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the adjacent driving drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order, means in front of the guide member for defining a window for viewing of a horizontal line of numerals, the tapes and guide member being translucent, and a light source behind the window for illuminating the numerals on the tapes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders carrying cycles of numerals thereon, the tapes being formed of translucent plastic, a vertical guide member having tracks on the front surface thereof for display of the tapes, means defining a horizontal window for viewing of a single line of numerals on the tapes, the guide member having rounded surfaces along its upper and lower edges for substantially horizontal tape entry and exit, idler rollers spaced rearwardly from the upper and lower edges and about which the loop of tape is trained in reentrant ''''C'''' configuration, each of the tapes having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the driving drums for driving of the drums in series from lowest to highest order, said guide member being formed of translucent plastic material and having a light source mounted behind it for illumination of the numerals in the window.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders carrying cycles of numerals thereon, the tapes being formed of translucent plastic, a vertical guide member having tracks on the front surface thereof for display of the tapes, means defining a horizontal window for viewing of a single line of numerals on the tapes, the guide member having rounded surfaces along its upper and lower edges for substantially horizontal tape entry and exit, idler rollers spaced rearwardly from the upper and lower edges and about which the loop of tape is trained in reentrant ''''C'''' configuration, each of the tapes having a driving drum nested in the reentrant portion thereof, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the driving drums for driving of the drums in series from lowest to highest order, said guide member being formed of translucent plastic material and having a light source mounted behind it for illumination of the numerals in the window.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
190 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of translucent tape arranged side by side in respective orders each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, a vertical guide member having a face and having upper and lower edges, each of the tapes having a driving drum arranged behind the guide member and with idler members for maintaining the tape reasonably taut and in driving engagement with the drum, the drum having sprockets and the tapes having sprocket holes, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order, the face of the guide member being formed into recessed parallel tracks defined by upraised ridges for guiding the respective loops of tape side by side, the tapes and guide member being formed of translucent material, means including source of light behind the guide member for transmissibly illuminating the numerals on the tapes, and a mask having apertures in horizontal alignment for viewing a line of the numerals displayed by the tapes separated by bridging portions for masking of the sprocket holes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
190 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of translucent tape arranged side by side in respective orders each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, a vertical guide member having a face and having upper and lower edges, each of the tapes having a driving drum arranged behind the guide member and with idler members for maintaining the tape reasonably taut and in driving engagement with the drum, the drum having sprockets and the tapes having sprocket holes, means including geneva mechanisms interposed between the ends of the drums for driving the drums in series from lowest to highest order, the face of the guide member being formed into recessed parallel tracks defined by upraised ridges for guiding the respective loops of tape side by side, the tapes and guide member being formed of translucent material, means including source of light behind the guide member for transmissibly illuminating the numerals on the tapes, and a mask having apertures in horizontal alignment for viewing a line of the numerals displayed by the tapes separated by bridging portions for masking of the sprocket holes.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls and a front panel, a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means for guiding a vertical run of tape behind the front panel, aligned apertures in the front panel for viewing a horizontal row of numerals on the tape, each loop of tape having a drum for driving the same, the drums being arranged in alignment spaced rearwardly from the front panel, means including geneva mechanisms for coupling the drums for driving of the same from lowest to highest order, the drum of lowest order having a setting gear thereon, a setting wheel meshing with the setting gear, said setting wheel being dimensioned to span the distance from the associated drum to and through an aperture in the front panel for settIng of the drum to a desired reference position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
165 words
In a digitally indicating clock or the like, the combination comprising an enclosure of rectangular configuration having top and bottom walls and a front panel, a plurality of loops of tape arranged side by side in respective orders and each carrying a cycle of numerals thereon, means for guiding a vertical run of tape behind the front panel, aligned apertures in the front panel for viewing a horizontal row of numerals on the tape, each loop of tape having a drum for driving the same, the drums being arranged in alignment spaced rearwardly from the front panel, means including geneva mechanisms for coupling the drums for driving of the same from lowest to highest order, the drum of lowest order having a setting gear thereon, a setting wheel meshing with the setting gear, said setting wheel being dimensioned to span the distance from the associated drum to and through an aperture in the front panel for settIng of the drum to a desired reference position.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
139 words
In a digitally indicating clock, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side-by-side for indication of hours, tens-of-minutes and minutes, the front panel means defining apertures for display of a horizontal row of numerals reading directly in terms of time, a row of drums spaced rearwardly from the front panel for driving the respective tapes, geneva mechanisms interposed between adjacent drums for coupling the same, a seconds drum arranged forwardly of the row of drums in the direction of the front panel for direct viewing through an aperture formed in the front panel, a synchronous motor and drive train coupled to the seconds drum, and geneva mechanism having an input element connected to the seconds drum and an output element connected to the minutes drum for driving of all of the drums in series relation.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
139 words
In a digitally indicating clock, the combination comprising a plurality of endless loops of tape arranged side-by-side for indication of hours, tens-of-minutes and minutes, the front panel means defining apertures for display of a horizontal row of numerals reading directly in terms of time, a row of drums spaced rearwardly from the front panel for driving the respective tapes, geneva mechanisms interposed between adjacent drums for coupling the same, a seconds drum arranged forwardly of the row of drums in the direction of the front panel for direct viewing through an aperture formed in the front panel, a synchronous motor and drive train coupled to the seconds drum, and geneva mechanism having an input element connected to the seconds drum and an output element connected to the minutes drum for driving of all of the drums in series relation.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-09 | 1975-02-08 | 1975-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-09 | 1979-02-08 | 1979-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-09 | 1983-02-08 | 1983-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |