US3943694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Divers' fluid-tight watch comprising an electric circuit
Assignee: Ebauchesfabrik ETA AG
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Filing: 1974-08-16
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Granted: 1976-03-16
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Expires: 1994-08-16
Abstract
Abstract An arrangement for indicating elapsed time is disclosed that is particularly useful in marine timepieces, divers' wristwatches and the like. The arrangement utilizes a light-emitting member which, upon the lapsing of a predetermined time is energized to give visual indication to the wearer of the elapsed time. A mechanical switching structure is described that is controlled by the movement of the timepiece and which upon closure causes the light emitting member to be energized. An electronic circuit is provided which causes the light emitting member to flash when energized.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Hofer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:16
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04G; G04G19/00; G04C; G04C19/00; G04C19/02; G04G11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A fluid-tight diver's watch comprising a movement, an electric circuit, an electroluminescent diode connected into said circuit, and switching means in said circuit and accessible from outside said watch, wherein said circuit comprises a switch which is controlled by the movement of said watch and which is adjustable so as to cause said illuminating member to be switched on at a predetermined moment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A fluid-tight diver's watch comprising a movement, an electric circuit, an electroluminescent diode connected into said circuit, and switching means in said circuit and accessible from outside said watch, wherein said circuit comprises a switch which is controlled by the movement of said watch and which is adjustable so as to cause said illuminating member to be switched on at a predetermined moment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A watch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said circuit further comprises a preparatory switch controlled by a control member accessible from outside said watch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A watch in accordance with claim 2, wherein said control member is a stem passing through a sidewall of the case of said watch, said preparatory switch being closed when said stem is in its inner position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A watch in accordance with claim 1, wherein said circuit further comprises an astable multivibrator causing the emission of successive flashes of light from said illuminating member when said switch is closed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A watch in accordance with claim 4, wherein said astable multivibrator comprises an n-p-n transistor and a p-n-p transistor connected in cascade and an RC circuit, said illuminating member being connected into the collector circuit of said n-p-n transistor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
103 words
An elapsed time indicating device for a fluid-tight diver's watch having a movement, said indicating device comprising a solid state electroluminescent device visible on the face of said watch, an electric circit for energizing said solid state electroluminescent device, a first switching means accessible from the outside of said watch for energizing said circuit, a second switching means in said circuit actuated by the watch movement and adjustable so as to be actuated after the lapse of a predetermined time and remain actuated for a predetermined time, said electroluminescent device being energized by said circuit during the actuation of said second switching means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
103 words
An elapsed time indicating device for a fluid-tight diver's watch having a movement, said indicating device comprising a solid state electroluminescent device visible on the face of said watch, an electric circit for energizing said solid state electroluminescent device, a first switching means accessible from the outside of said watch for energizing said circuit, a second switching means in said circuit actuated by the watch movement and adjustable so as to be actuated after the lapse of a predetermined time and remain actuated for a predetermined time, said electroluminescent device being energized by said circuit during the actuation of said second switching 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) | 1979-03-16 | 1979-09-15 | 1980-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-16 | 1983-09-15 | 1984-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-16 | 1987-09-15 | 1988-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |