Electroptical detector for determining the position of the time display mechanism of a timepiece

US4645357A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Junghans Uhren GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Jurgen Allgaier · Lauterbach, DE
• Wolfgang Ganter · Schramberg, DE
• Hans Flaig · Schramberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 1985
• Grant date: Feb 24, 1987
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G04R60/14
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A timepiece receives an externally transmitted radio signal corresponding to an accurate time of day. Disposed within the timepiece is a detecting mechanism for detecting the time of day being displayed by the timepiece. The signals are compared to determine the accuracy of the timepiece. The detection mechanism comprises an optoelectrical system which includes an emitter for directing a beam of radiation toward the sensor. The wheels of the gearworks intersect the beam ahead of the sensor to normally block the beam from the sensor. The wheels include orifices which, when aligned with the beam, permit the beam to reach the sensor, thereby providing an indication of the position of the wheels, and thus of the time being displayed.