US3545195A - Electrical and mechanical alarm clocks with pulse-controlled position lamp - Google Patents

Electrical and mechanical alarm clocks with pulse-controlled position lamp Download PDF

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Publication number
US3545195A
US3545195A US721562A US3545195DA US3545195A US 3545195 A US3545195 A US 3545195A US 721562 A US721562 A US 721562A US 3545195D A US3545195D A US 3545195DA US 3545195 A US3545195 A US 3545195A
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United States
Prior art keywords
alarm
lamp
electrical
arrangement
position lamp
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Expired - Lifetime
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US721562A
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English (en)
Inventor
Joseph Krischker
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BLESSING WERKE KG
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BLESSING WERKE KG
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C21/00—Producing acoustic time signals by electrical means
    • G04C21/16—Producing acoustic time signals by electrical means producing the signals at adjustable fixed times
    • G04C21/20—Producing acoustic time signals by electrical means producing the signals at adjustable fixed times by closing a contact to ring an electromechanical alarm
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C19/00—Producing optical time signals at prefixed times by electric means
    • G04C19/02—Producing optical time signals at prefixed times by electric means by electric lamps
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04C—ELECTROMECHANICAL CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04C21/00—Producing acoustic time signals by electrical means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electronic, electrical and mechanical alarm clocks, and in particular to those with electrical time mechanisms and mechanical alarm mechanisms, with electrical time and alarm mechanisms. and with mechanical time mechanisms and electrical alarm mechanisms, especially adapted for travel and small type of alarm.
  • the illumination of the dial face with the side effect of a light which makes perceptible the confines of a space is of special significance in alarms.
  • the actual use of such illumination resides in the possibility of marking the location of the alarm so that the latter may be readily found.
  • such illumination makes possible, where required, the stopping of the alarm signals in the dark.
  • the danger of dropping the alarm clock while trying to stop the alarm in the dark is avoided, and damage to the clock mechanism resulting therefrom is prevented.
  • the small capacity of a correspondingly small battery Patented Dec. 8, 1970 ice is here insuflicient for operating a supplementary energy consuming device in the form of an illuminating lamp.
  • the present invention is derived With the object to utilize the relatively small energy capacity available because of space considerations in small electrical alarm clocks, to the extent that the energy requirements for the timing mechanism as well as the alarm mechanism are covered.
  • the present invention makes possible the operation of a supplementary illuminating arrangement or more precisely a lighting arrangement.
  • the light arrangement is not intended to be only a medium for denoting precisely the location of the object to be located, but it is also intended as a medium which offers particular perception characteristics.
  • the solution to the object of the present invention resides in properly distributing the load within the frame of the energy which is available for consumption.
  • the energy users driving mechanism, alarm mechanism, lighting
  • the energy users are not energized simultaneously, but are instead used alternately in sequence.
  • This is basically achieved through pulse control of the energy consumers through the use of the intervals between pulses for the purpose of alternately switching the energy users or consumers from one to the other.
  • sufficient energy is made available for the purpose of operating the preferable miniature incandescent lamp provided in conjunction with the present invention.
  • the arrangement provides that the incandescent lamp flashes during the intervals between individual alarm pulses produced by an electromagnetic acoustical type of mechanism. This flashing of the incandescent lamp takes place during the period that the alarm is in operation.
  • the flashing of the incandescent lamp follows the pulse frequency of the alarm section in rhythmatic correspondence.
  • An alarm clock in which the acoustical system is electromagnetically operated.
  • the alarm system consists of a solenoid or electromagnet which operates an armature or hammer against a dish-shaped bell. Connected in series with the coil of the solenoid or electromagnet, is an incandescent lamp.
  • a switching arrangement is connected in parallel with the lamp. The switching arrangement is actuated by the electromagnetic alarm system so that it progressively forms a short-circuit across the lamp or an open circuit. When the switching arrangement across the lamp is closed, the lamp is short-circuited and will not night. When, on the other hand, the switching arrangement is open, a voltage drop appears across the lamp and the latter lights.
  • the arrangement is such that the lamp is short-circuited when the solenoid is energized, and is allowed to light when the solenoid is not energized to the extent that it operates the associated armature.
  • FIG. 1 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the components and their interconnections of one embodiment in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an electrical schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention in which a transistor is included in the switching arrangement of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic and functional diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention including a manually operated selector switch for carrying out the novel functions of the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows the front view of an alarm clock when mounted within a case, as used for traveling purposes, and shows a possible location for the flashing incandescent lamp, in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. is a side view of the clock shown in FIG. 4.
  • the position lamp is situated at a unique location of the dial face.
  • the lamp is connected either across a contact i in FIG. 1, or across the collector and emitter of a transistor in FIG. 2.
  • the electromagnetic acoustical mechanism lies connected in the emitter circuit of the transistor in the conventional manner, and is connected in series with the incandescent lamp.
  • the transistor When the transistor is turned on or in the conducting state, the acoustical mechanism is energized.
  • the transistor is turned off or in the non-conducting state, the position lamp has current applied to it. This results from the considerably larger voltage drop appearing across the latter due to the relatively low resistance of the acoustical mechanism.
  • a further surprising light effect results when a second ringing or alarm frequency follows a first one after, for example, ten seconds. This occurs through means of a suddenly charged capacitor C1 connected in conjunction with a capacitor C, having 100 f. (long interval) and a subsequent slow discharge. This switching of capacitor C1 results from a release spring associated with a conventional alarm time control.
  • the spring pressure of this spring is exerted upon a spring contact arrangement KS2 having contacts 1, 2 and 3 as shown for example, in FIG. 3.
  • a second alarm frequency is achieved following the first one.
  • This second alarm frequency is to be five to six times lower. Additional alarm frequencies may be realized through the application of additional capacitors. With reduced pulse frequency, the eye distinguishes this light effect as a short pulse-type periodic flash.
  • FIG. 3 shows a manual switch S1 for the purpose of being selectively set to one switching state alarm operative and to the other switching stage alarm stop.
  • two alarm frequencies are audible as provided in the exemplary embodiment.
  • the alarm section is controlled.
  • this arrangement functions as a psychological-physiological attraction. It is generally known that particular properties or characteristics of the mind inhibit perception of external influences to a predetermined level of insensitivity, particularly while sleeping. The situation of sleeping through an alarm is well known.
  • the acoustical signals are supplemented with regard to the perception characteristics.
  • two distinguishable arousing means in effect and appearance form are oifered to the psyche not at the same time, but in sequence.
  • the perception capacity is made better use of.
  • the present invention is of advantage also for mechani cal and electrical clocks which have only a mechanical alarm mechanism which is manually wound.
  • the rhythmatic kinematic pulses from the signal mechanisms in clocks are preferably generated during the intervals between pulses for the purpose of switching contacts and/ or transistor control in the conventional manner through the mechanical, magnetic or electrical actuation of individual components of the acoustical section of the clock mechanism.
  • the position lamp is connected in parallel with the contact which as already mentionedcloses and opens the circuit of the acoustical mechanism.
  • This switch can consist of a single contact, a transistor or another electrical or electronic component adapted for this purpose. A group of electronic components may also be used for the purpose of this switch.
  • FIG. 1 shows a single contact as the example of the simplest form of a switching arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
  • the position lamp PL is connected in parallel with the contact i.
  • the resistance values of the position lamp and the electromagnet M are chosen so that when the position lamp PL lights, the armature of the electromagnet is not attracted or actuated.
  • the position lamp PL is of high ohmic value in relation to the electromagnet M.
  • the electromagnet M serves, in this manner, as a resistor which causes the current through the lamp to drop below a predetermined desired value.
  • the operating life of the position lamp is considerably increased.
  • the advantage of the circuit arrangement resides in the condition that no additional circuit elements or electronic components whatsoever are required in conjunction with the position lamp. This implies that the position lamp can be installed in every clock with electrical alarm system. The circuit arrangement can also be installed subsequently in mechanisms which are serially produced or in series production.
  • FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a circuit arrangement for an electrical alarm system in which the pulsing contact in FIG. 1 is replaced through a transistor.
  • the system corresponds to a conventional D.C. bell with Wagner hammer.
  • the electromagnet M actuates the armature or hammer of the bell dish and the contact.
  • the transistor T When the contact 1' is closed, by not being attracted to the electromagnet M, the transistor T is in the conducting state and the electromagnet M attracts the armature. At the same time, that the armature is attracted the contact i interrupts the base current path of the transistor T, the hammer or armature drops off and strikes the bell. The contact i then closes, and the process begins anew.
  • the position lamp When the transistor is in the conducting state, the position lamp is short-circuited.
  • the position lamp PL When, on the other hand, the transistor is turned off or cut off, the position lamp PL has current applied to it by way of the electromagnet M, and as a result the lamp lights. The lamp current, however, is not sufiicient to energize the magnet M.
  • Capacitor C thus reduces the striking frequency to the desired value.
  • FIG. 3 the invention is shown in conjunction with an arrangement having an electrically motor wound alarm clock.
  • the functional aspects may be derived from the circuit arrangement in conjunction with the preceding description.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show a complete travel case with an alarm arrangement in accordance with the circuit embodiment of FIG. 3.
  • the position lamp and other external features as, for example, the manual switch S1 are visible.
  • a miniature incandescent lamp As mentioned above, it is preferably advantageous to use a miniature incandescent lamp.
  • the selection is to be such that its power requirements are matched in relation to the energy needs for the transistor being used and the acoustical mechanism.
  • the position lamp can be situated at any position on the dial face. Since, however, the lamp is not to be primarily an illuminating lamp, it can be mounted also at another location as, for example, at the upper exterior portion of the housing of the alarm clock from which it may project.
  • the position lamp may be provided for this purpose with a collimating lens or diaphragm or lamp shield.
  • the position lamp may be mounted within the alarm clock mechanism, somewhat behind the dial face. However, the lamp is exposed to the exterior through a small window, so that the light beam is limited to a predetermined angle.
  • the position lamp By locating the position lamp in the field of the dial face, it can project by a small amount from the dial face and periodically illuminate the numerals, pointers and other symbols which are fluorescent in the conventional alarm clocks, by providing light energy to them.
  • An alarm clock comprising, in combination, timing means for registering the passage of time; electromagnetic alarm means emitting acoustical sounds at periodic intervals when said timing means registers a predetermined instant of time; a source of energy connected to said electromagnetic alarm means for operating the same; lamp means connected in series with said electromagnetic alarm means and said source of energy; and switching means connected in parallel with said lamp means and actuated by said electromagnetic alarm means, whereby said switching means forms a short-circuit across said lamp means and inhibits the lighting of said lamp means when said electromagnetic alarm means is operated and said switching means opens said short-circuit across said lamp means during said periodic intervals between said acoustical sounds emitted by said electromagnetic alarm means.
  • the alarm clock as defined in claim 3 including first and second capacitor means for connecting to said electromagnetic alarm means; and selector switching means connected to said capacitor means for connecting said first and second capacitor means selectively to said electromagnetic alarm means for varying the durations of said periodic intervals in the operation of said electromagnetic alarm means.
  • the alarm clock as defined in claim 5 including means on said selector switching means for turning off the alarm of said alarm clock.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
US721562A 1967-04-29 1968-04-11 Electrical and mechanical alarm clocks with pulse-controlled position lamp Expired - Lifetime US3545195A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DEK62185A DE1300071B (de) 1967-04-29 1967-04-29 Elektrische und mechanische Weckeruhren mit impulsgesteuerter Positionslampe

Publications (1)

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US3545195A true US3545195A (en) 1970-12-08

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US721562A Expired - Lifetime US3545195A (en) 1967-04-29 1968-04-11 Electrical and mechanical alarm clocks with pulse-controlled position lamp

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US (1) US3545195A (de)
AT (1) AT286881B (de)
DE (1) DE1300071B (de)
FR (1) FR1557381A (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3756009A (en) * 1971-04-09 1973-09-04 Italora Spa Alarm clock case made of two sections of which one is the means for stopping the alarm bell
US3834153A (en) * 1971-10-19 1974-09-10 Seiko Instr & Electronics Electronic timepiece with a multi-timer
US4016562A (en) * 1974-06-07 1977-04-05 Diehl Switch-off device for electrically operated clock alarm and control therefor
JPS52142879U (de) * 1977-04-14 1977-10-29
US5008865A (en) * 1988-07-20 1991-04-16 Blaine P. Shaffer Light source with gradually changing intensity
US5016229A (en) * 1990-06-25 1991-05-14 Gibbens Jr Harry C Electronically operated clock for hearing impaired persons
US5666331A (en) * 1994-09-20 1997-09-09 Rhk Technology, Inc. Alarm clock

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH208213A (fr) * 1939-01-24 1940-01-15 Castella Maurice Dispositif comprenant un réveil et une ampoule électrique adaptés sur un socle.
USRE23261E (en) * 1950-08-22 Clock with visible and audible alarm means
FR1360333A (fr) * 1963-03-28 1964-05-08 Réveille-mation à feu clignotant
US3407402A (en) * 1965-06-03 1968-10-22 Gen Time Corp Clock alarm mechanism having impulsed striker apparatus

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE179561C (de) * 1905-09-23 1906-12-07
DE569873C (de) * 1931-01-30 1933-02-09 Zeiss Carl Fa Einrichtung zur Beleuchtung von Zifferblaettern an Uhren
DE627246C (de) * 1931-04-22 1936-03-16 Siemens & Halske Akt Ges Beleuchtungseinrichtung fuer Uhrzeiger
DE608351C (de) * 1931-11-26 1935-01-21 Nathan Rubenzik Weckuhr
CH336763A (fr) * 1957-02-13 1959-02-28 Henri Sandoz & Fils Pièce d'horlogerie comprenant au moins une source de lumière électrique
FR1283307A (fr) * 1960-12-22 1962-02-02 Jaz Sa Dispositif de commande temporisée d'un réveil électrique
DE1894284U (de) * 1963-03-26 1964-06-04 Eduard Wilhelm Schreiber Signaluhr.

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE23261E (en) * 1950-08-22 Clock with visible and audible alarm means
CH208213A (fr) * 1939-01-24 1940-01-15 Castella Maurice Dispositif comprenant un réveil et une ampoule électrique adaptés sur un socle.
FR1360333A (fr) * 1963-03-28 1964-05-08 Réveille-mation à feu clignotant
US3407402A (en) * 1965-06-03 1968-10-22 Gen Time Corp Clock alarm mechanism having impulsed striker apparatus

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3756009A (en) * 1971-04-09 1973-09-04 Italora Spa Alarm clock case made of two sections of which one is the means for stopping the alarm bell
US3834153A (en) * 1971-10-19 1974-09-10 Seiko Instr & Electronics Electronic timepiece with a multi-timer
US4016562A (en) * 1974-06-07 1977-04-05 Diehl Switch-off device for electrically operated clock alarm and control therefor
JPS52142879U (de) * 1977-04-14 1977-10-29
US5008865A (en) * 1988-07-20 1991-04-16 Blaine P. Shaffer Light source with gradually changing intensity
US5016229A (en) * 1990-06-25 1991-05-14 Gibbens Jr Harry C Electronically operated clock for hearing impaired persons
US5666331A (en) * 1994-09-20 1997-09-09 Rhk Technology, Inc. Alarm clock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR1557381A (de) 1969-02-14
DE1300071B (de) 1969-07-24
AT286881B (de) 1970-12-28

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