GB1359373A - Timepieces - Google Patents

Abstract

1359373 Clocks and watches S KRATOMI 8 Dec 1971 [9 Dec 1970 13 Jan 1971] 56955/71 Heading G3T The time of day is indicated by the number of visible images in at least two sets, one set being used to indicate hours and the other to indicate minutes or units of minutes. Fig. 1 shows an arrangement using three image sets and indicating a time of 4.35 by four visible blue boats, three yellow fish, and five red crabs. The sets may be distinguished by image colour only, or by shape or orientation. The images are printed on film and made visible by selectively switching electric bulbs (10), Figs. 13, 14 (not shown) under the control of rotary cam switches (31-33), Figs. 22, 23 (not shown), driven by a synchronous motor. Particularly for a watch, however, the illumination may be by light-emitting diodes (37-39), Figs. 24, 25 (not shown) which are selectively energized only when a display demand button (PB 3 ) is pressed. Selection of the appropriate diodes is performed by cyclically operated stopping switches (40-42), or solid-state equivalents thereof, and diode matrices (44-46). A display using nematic liquid crystals (19), Fig. 15 (not shown) is also described, or the images may be printed on electroluminescent tiles Fig. 11 (not shown). For the clock shown, a setting arrangement is described using a selector switch (SS 1 ), Fig. 22 (not shown) having three positions in which the synchronous motor is disconnected and the hours, tens of minutes, or minutes may be set by a push-button (PB 1 ). The clock may also be a secondary clock.