US3855784A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated time piece
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-07-30
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Granted: 1974-12-24
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Expires: 1993-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A wrist watch has a bulb which periodically illuminates the watch face. A solid state oscillator circuit periodically energizes the bulb at a rate which imposes an acceptable current drain on the battery. Two mercury switches are connected in series between the battery and oscillator circuit. They are oriented in the watch so that they energize the bulb only when the watch is held in a viewing position in front of the wearer.
Inventors
- 👤 D Foellner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:03
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C3/00; G04C3/001; G04C3/002; G04B; G04B19/00; G04B19/30; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/802
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
In a time piece including a movement, a face, a case and a crystal therefor, a bulb for illuminating said face, a battery for energizing said bulb, and an improved position responsive switch means comprising: first and second gravity actuated switches connected in series, and said first and second gravity actuated switches being positioned orthogonal to one another so that both switches are closed only when said time piece is substantially vertically oriented in a reading position, said position responsive switch means being located within said watch casing and connected between said battery said bulb to selectively energize said bulb when said time piece is substantially vertically oriented in said reading position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
In a time piece including a movement, a face, a case and a crystal therefor, a bulb for illuminating said face, a battery for energizing said bulb, and an improved position responsive switch means comprising: first and second gravity actuated switches connected in series, and said first and second gravity actuated switches being positioned orthogonal to one another so that both switches are closed only when said time piece is substantially vertically oriented in a reading position, said position responsive switch means being located within said watch casing and connected between said battery said bulb to selectively energize said bulb when said time piece is substantially vertically oriented in said reading position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The time piece recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second gravity actuated switches include a capsule containing mercury which bridges two switch contacts when said capsule is oriented so that the mercury is in the contact containing end of the capsule.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The watch recited in claim 1 wherein said bulb is mounted under and in the center of said crystal, thin conductive leads being deposited on said crystal from said bulb to edge of said crystal at which point they can be connected to the electrical circuitry including said battery and said switch means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a time piece including a movement, a face, a case and a crystal therefor, a bulb for illuminating said face, a battery for energizing said bulb, and the improvement comprising: a solid state oscillator means located between said battery and said bulb to periodically energize said bulb at a current conserving rate when said solid state oscillator is energized by said battery, a switch means connected between said battery and said bulb to selectively energize said solid state oscillator, and a plurality of luminescent numerals located on said face of said time piece to integrate intermittent energization of said bulb when said solid state oscillator is energized by said battery.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a time piece including a movement, a face, a case and a crystal therefor, a bulb for illuminating said face, a battery for energizing said bulb, and the improvement comprising: a solid state oscillator means located between said battery and said bulb to periodically energize said bulb at a current conserving rate when said solid state oscillator is energized by said battery, a switch means connected between said battery and said bulb to selectively energize said solid state oscillator, and a plurality of luminescent numerals located on said face of said time piece to integrate intermittent energization of said bulb when said solid state oscillator is energized by said battery.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-06-24 | 1978-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-23 | 1982-06-24 | 1982-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-23 | 1986-06-24 | 1986-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |