US3911665A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic timepiece having complementary electro-optical and electro-mechanical displays
Assignee: Zenith Electronics LLC
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Filing: 1974-01-14
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Granted: 1975-10-14
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Expires: 1994-01-14
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure depicts an electronic timepiece having complementary electro-optical and electro-mechanical displays. The electro-mechanical time display displays continuously the hours and minutes of the day, the most used time functions. The electro-optical display is normally off and is activated by user or circuit command to display at least one additional timerelated function having a lower normal use factor than hours or minutes.
Inventors
- 👤 Berkum Petrus A Van
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 01:15
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C17/00; G04C3/00; G04C3/008; G04G; G04G9/00; G04G9/0023; G04G9/08; G04G9/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A compact electronic watch capable of displaying multiple time-related functions at relatively low levels of power consumption, comprising within a housing; a first electrical storage battery having a relatively large physical size and storage capacity connected in series to a second electrical storage battery having a relatively small physical size and storage capacity; pulse-drivable electro-mechanical time display means for displaying the hours and minutes of the day; normally-off electro-optical display means coupled across said first and second batteries in series for displaying at least one additional time-related function having a lower normal use factor than hours and minutes; and control means coupled across said first battery only and including pulse generating means for generating a train of highly regular electrical pulses for supply to said electromechanical display means to drive said electro-mechanical display means in order that hours and minutes, the most-used time functions, are displayed continuously for the convenience of the user, said control means deVeloping a control signal for activating said electro-optical display means which displays the less-used additional time function only on command whereby to conserve stored energy in the battery means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A compact electronic watch capable of displaying multiple time-related functions at relatively low levels of power consumption, comprising within a housing; a first electrical storage battery having a relatively large physical size and storage capacity connected in series to a second electrical storage battery having a relatively small physical size and storage capacity; pulse-drivable electro-mechanical time display means for displaying the hours and minutes of the day; normally-off electro-optical display means coupled across said first and second batteries in series for displaying at least one additional time-related function having a lower normal use factor than hours and minutes; and control means coupled across said first battery only and including pulse generating means for generating a train of highly regular electrical pulses for supply to said electromechanical display means to drive said electro-mechanical display means in order that hours and minutes, the most-used time functions, are displayed continuously for the convenience of the user, said control means deVeloping a control signal for activating said electro-optical display means which displays the less-used additional time function only on command whereby to conserve stored energy in the battery means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
197 words
A compact electronic watch capable of displaying multiple time-related functions at relatively low levels of power consumption, comprising within a housing: a first electrical storage battery having a relatively large physical size and storage capacity connected in series to a second electrical storage battery having a relatively small physical size and storage capacity; pulse-drivable, non-light-emissive time display means for displaying the hours and minutes of the day; normally-off light-emissive display means coupled across said first and second batteries in series for displaying at least one additional time-related function having a lower normal use factor than hours and minutes, said light-emissive display means being disposed such that light emitted thereby illuminates said non-light-emissive display means; and control means coupled across said first battery only for generating electrical signals for supply to said non-light-emissive display means to drive said non-light-emissive display means in order that hours and minutes, the most-used time functions, are displayed continuously for the convenience of the user, said control means developing a control signal for activating said light-emissive display means displaying the less-used additional time function and to illuminate the non-light-emissive display means only on command whereby to conserve stored energy in the battery means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
197 words
A compact electronic watch capable of displaying multiple time-related functions at relatively low levels of power consumption, comprising within a housing: a first electrical storage battery having a relatively large physical size and storage capacity connected in series to a second electrical storage battery having a relatively small physical size and storage capacity; pulse-drivable, non-light-emissive time display means for displaying the hours and minutes of the day; normally-off light-emissive display means coupled across said first and second batteries in series for displaying at least one additional time-related function having a lower normal use factor than hours and minutes, said light-emissive display means being disposed such that light emitted thereby illuminates said non-light-emissive display means; and control means coupled across said first battery only for generating electrical signals for supply to said non-light-emissive display means to drive said non-light-emissive display means in order that hours and minutes, the most-used time functions, are displayed continuously for the convenience of the user, said control means developing a control signal for activating said light-emissive display means displaying the less-used additional time function and to illuminate the non-light-emissive display means only on command whereby to conserve stored energy in the battery means.
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) | 1978-10-13 | 1979-04-14 | 1979-10-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-13 | 1983-04-14 | 1983-10-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-13 | 1987-04-14 | 1987-10-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |