Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
i7~3
This invention relates to a proyrammable timing appara--
tus which can be used to indicate appointmen-ts in a perceptible
manner, for example, acoustically, vi.suall.y, or both.
U.K. Patent Specification No. 1,438,685 relates to a
data storage and retrieval memory device and to a sheet of ma-t-
erial adapted for use with said device, said sheet being made
of non-conductive material and having conductive paths defininy
gaps -to define storage positions which can be coded by conduc-
tive marking material. The embodiments of the present invention
show how a predetermined time output signal, whi.eh can be used
for operating an alarm circuit, can be derivecl from a markiny
on a support such as an insertable sheet or a pad provided with
conduetive paths. They also show modifiea-tions and improvemen-ts
over the invention disclosed in U.K. Patent Speeification No.
1,438,685. According to one of these modifications, a predeter-
mined time is reeorded in a data storage position to produce
eoded siynals whieh are compared with timing signals to provide
an alarm signal output. Aeeording to another modification, pre-
determined times are entered into a memory by reading markings
on a support and the memory is read by sequen-tial timing signals
to derive outputs at the predetermined reeorded times.
Aeeording to the broadest aspeet of the invention, a
programmable timing apparatus eomprises a support thereon for
reeeiving markings at loeations eorresponding with predetermin-
ed times in a given period; an eleetrieally eonduetive bus bar
and a plurality of eleetrieally eonduetive paths; each marking
either making or interrupting an eleetrical conneetion between
one of said eleetrieally eonduetive paths and said bus bar,
said locations heing designated by characters which indicate
the respeetive hours and predetermined intervals in minutes of
9~3~
of the given period; timing means for deriving sequential tim-
ing signals at prede-termined intervals duriny said period and
means for automatically and sequentially responding to corres-
pondence between a respective one of said timing signals and
the predetermined time represented by the respective one of said
markings to provide a respective time related output signal.
~mbodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 generally illustra-tes a programmable timepiece
or signal clock accordiny -to the invention;
Fig. 2 shows an appointments calendar sheet for use
with the timepiece or clock shown in Fig. l;
Fig. 3 illustrates diagrammatically how the appointments
calendar sheet is inserted;
Fiys. 4a to 4k show respective arrangements of conduc-
tive paths, bus-bars, markings between the paths and the bus-
bars and external connections for the paths on different
supports;
Fig. 5 illustrates the timing means and alarm circuit
according to one embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a pulse diagram for explaining the embodiment
of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 illustrates a further embodiment suitable for a
twenty four hour time period;
Fig. 8 illustrates a logic stage;
Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the logic stage;
Fig~ 10 shows a fur'cher embodiment in which appointments
on the days of a week can be indicated in respective time per-
iods of 24 hours;
Fig. 11 shows another embodiment;
--3--
~7~3
Fig. 12 shows a form Gf const]ruction for seconds pro-
gramming over a period of one week;
Figs. 13a to 13c schematically illustrate an embodiment
including a support designa-ting area in which a predetermined
time is written in numerals;
Fig. 14 schematlcally illustrates a modification of the
embodiment shown in Figs. 13a to 13c, which modification includ-
es a preferred alarm circuit;
Fig. 15, which appears on the same sheet as E'igs. 13b
and 13c, is a pulse diagram for explaining the operation of
the alarm circuit; and
Fig. 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment which
employs a memory for recording predetermined times from a
reader.
As shown in the general illustration in Fig. 1 a pro-
grammable timepiece or signal clock comprises a casing 1 having
a support surface 2 for an appointments calender sheet 10 (see
Fig. 2). A clamping slot 3 can be released by depressing a key
4 so that an appointments calendar sheet can be inserted into
this slot and laid down on the support surface 2. In order to
ensure eorrect positioning of the appointments calender sheet
10, holding pins are provided on the support surface 2. A
clock 6 installed in the casing 1 controls the electrical part
of the signal clock in a manner which will be described herein-
below. By means of a push-button switch 7 a signal,
t ~ 57~36,3
~hich is produced on che occurrence of appointmen-cs
recorded on the appoincments calendar, can be cancelled
in a manner llkewlse to be described hereinbelo~J.
As sho~n in Figure 2, electIlcally conductive path~
11 are p~ided on an appointments calendar sheet 10, an~
are electrically accessible from outside. These paths
represent a determined time graduation, for exa~ple a ~ime
period of 12 hours divlded into periods o~ a auarter-hour
each; in order to show these time divisions optically,
n~merals 13 are recorded on the appointments calendar sheet.
In addition, a bus-bar 12 is provided on the appoint~ents
calendar sheet 10, while for the purpose of ma~Xing a
determ1ned moment of time an electric~lly conductive
marking 17 is recorded, whlch produces a short-circuit
bet~een a pathl 11 and the bus-bar 12. In an area 1~! notes
can be entered against the respective times to g1Ye infoxm-
ation regardin~- the nature of the appointment mar~ed. The
base material fo~ an appointm~nts calendar sheet is usually
insulating material, for e~ample paper, on which ths con-
-ductive path9 11 and also the conductive bus 12 are provided.
Figure 3 shows diagrammatically that an appointments
c~lendar sheet 10, curved in the direction of the arrow
shown, can be inserted into the slot 3 and then laid down
on the support surface 2.
Figures 4a to 4d show various forms of path~ andbus-
bars and also of the marXings producing the signals.
.. . . . . ..
'
_ . . , ., . ,.,, _,_,, . ,_ . .__ _ _,_ . . _._ _, ,,, __, _ _ . , .__ _,_ _ _ , _ _ _ ,,,. , ,,, ,, ,, . , .~ . .. , ,.
, . ,. , ,, ,, , _
1~57~
According to Figure 4a, the paths for the time gradua-
tion are in the form of parallel linear elements lla, while the
bus-bar 12a runs vertically past their end faces. The ex-ternal
connection of the paths lla is made by means of fixed contacts
15a, which are situated inside the slot 3 in accordance with
Figure 1 and are firrnly pressed on to the paths. From these con-
tacts 15a leads 16a extend to the electrical part of the appoint-
ments calendar; this electrical part will be described later on.
The paths lla and the bus-bar 12a can be selectively bridged by
markings 17a, which can be made by hand, so that an electrical
short-circuit is made between the paths and the bus-bar.
According to Figure 4b, contacts 15b can be directly
pressed against an appointments calendar sheet 10 which has no
paths or bus-bar; a bus-bar 12b likewise runs past their end
faces. The bus-bar and the contacts 15b are then incorporated
in the signal clock. Leads 16b run out direct from these con-
tacts 15b. Here again selective electrical bridging between
contacts 15b and the bus-bar 12b can be effected by markings 17b
which are electrically conductive and can be made by hand.
In the embodirnent shown in Figure 4c, paths llc together
with a bus-bar 12c form a comb-like structure, while contacts
15c, from which leads 16c run out, are disposed on the paths
llc. In this embodiment the marking necessary for producing a
signal is in the form of holes which are punched in the paths
llc or accomplished by partly erasing the paths.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4d, paths lld and a
bus-bar 12d, likewise in the form of a comb, are formed
~L(35~9~3
directly on a suppor-t surface, while leads 16d are fastened
to the paths lld. In this arrangement a signal can be given
in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in Figure 4a,
but directly on the support surface 2.
Figures 4e-4h illustrate an embodiment which may be
used with a wristwatch. The face of a watch 300 includes a
transparent cover 301 circumferentially surrounded by a trans-
parent rotatable bezel 302. The inner edge of bezel 302 has
teeth 303 which are engaged by a spring arm 304. The pitch
of the tee th corresponds with a predetermined timing inter-
val, for example, 15 minute intervals in either a twelve or
twenty four hour period depending on the display of the watch.
The bezel includes a slot 305 which is wide enough to receive
the point of a pencil or some other device for making a mark-
ing with conductive material. The marking is made on a rim
306 of the watch casing, which rim has a surface enabling a
pencil mark to be made and subsequently erased. At least
one other slot 307 is provided in the bezel 302 which is wide
enough to receive a small eraser for removing a marking made
on the rim 306. A circuit bus-bar 308 and series of conduc-
tive paths 309 are provided at radial intervals on the annular
surface of the rim 306, the paths being spaced from the bus-
bar to define a gap which can be connected by conductive mark-
ing material.
In use, the bezel 302 is rotated until slot 305 is locat-
ed at a predetermined time, for example 9.45 a.m. where a mark-
ing is made on the surface of the rim 306 closing the gap between
a respective conductive path and the bus-bar 308. When the
watch indicates 9.45 a.m. an alarm is given. The marking is
~57~i3
removed by rotating the bezel 302 until one of the slo-ts 307 is
coincident with the marking to enable the use of an eraser.
As an alternative to making a marking on the surface
of the rim 306 with a pencil, use can be made of a pressure
sensitive layer which optically records a marking and which can
be cleared by releasing the marking pressure. Such a device is
generally known, per se, and includes a transparent sheet
covering a semi-transparent adhesive sheet, such as waxed paper,
which overlies a black backing layer. When pressure ls applied
by a pointed instrument, such as the point of a pencil, the
semi-transparent sheet adheres to the backing layer making the
marking visible. The marking is erased by separating the semi-
transparent layer from the backing sheet by moving a separating
strip between them. Such a device is described in greater
detail in the following embodiment.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4i-4k, a calendar
card 310 is of multi-layered construction as shown in Fig. 4j.
TheSe layers include a transparent sheet 311, a semi-transparent
sheet 312, an adhesive coating or layer 313, a black base 314,
a conductive base 315 (such as a sheet of soft copper), a
conductive adhesive layer or coating 316, an insulating sheet
317 with a plurality of holes 317', a layer 318 including
conductive paths and a base 319. A pair of separator strips 320
are provided between sheet 312 and the adhesive layer 313 and
between the layer 318 including conductive paths and the
insulating sheet 317. The separator strips extend across a
column of holes 317' shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4i.
Card 310 is marked in predetermined time intervals
(12.00, 12.15, 12.30...... 11.30, 11.45 as shown), a hole 317'
57~3
corresponding with each of these markings. When a marking is
made with a pointed ins-trument above one of the holes 317',
the marking is made visible by adhesion between the adhesive
layer 313 and sheet 312 and a corresponding connection is made
between a respective conductive path 318 and the conductive
base 315 by contact with the conductive adhesive 316. The con-
ductive base 315 form a bus-bar connected to a pad 321 and the
conductive paths 318 are connected to respective pads 322 shown
along the edge of the card 310 in Figure 4g. A series of
spring arms 323 contact pads 322 when the card 310 is inserted
in the programmable signal clock. Contacts 323 are sequentially
connected, as previously described, and as schematically re-
presented by a moving contact 324. The visible markings caus-
ed by adhesion between layer 313 and sheet 312 and the contacts
made between the conductive base 315, conductive adhesive layer
316 and conductive paths 318 are removed by sliding the separa-
tors 320 which releases the respective adhesive contacts. Figure
4k shows the disconnected state between layers 315, 318.
As an alternative, the layers 315-319 shown in Figure
4k may be used with areplaceable plain sheet, including a column
of marked times and marking locations as shown on card 310, to-
gether with spaces for diary entries. In this case, layers
315-319 are provided beneath a support pad for the replaceable
sheet, the sheet being secured in the correct position by a
clamping device and guides as in the embodiment described with
reference to Figure 2.
In a fur~her alternative (not illustrated), the conduc-
tive sheet 315 and conductive adhesive layer 316 are replaced
by a sheet containing a series of bistable switching elements,
~7~
such as diaphragms which can be urge!d lnto one of each of two
stable positions. Either the diaphragms are conductive or
are positioned over a ccnductive layer which is uryed into
resilient contact with the conductive paths 318 to make the
required contact. Separa-tors 320 may be used to return the
diaphragms to a starting position.
Figure 5 shows details of a form of construction of a
pulse generator 20 for producing a signal in pulse form, which
corresponds to a given time graduation, and also of an output
circuit for operating an indicator element.
The pulse generator contains a rotary switch 21, which
acts as pulse distributor and which has contacts 22 disposed
on a circle and also a rotating contact arm 23, coupled to the
shaft of the hours hand of a eloek (not shown), eoming sueees-
sively into eleetrieal eontaet with the eontacts.
The contacts 22 are electrically conneeted to the paths
11 on an appointments ealendar sheet 10 by way of the lead 16
and eontaet 15 e~plained in connection with Figures 4a to 4d.
The number of contacts 22 corresponds to the time graduation
provided on the appointments ealendar sheet 10. If the time
graduation on the appointments calendar sheet 10 as shown in
Figure 2 is equal to a period of twelve hours, for example from
6 a.m. to 6 p.m., each hour being divided into quarter-hours,
four contacts 22 will be provided on the rotary switeh 21 for
eaeh hour, that is to say the rotary switch will have a total
of 48 contacts. The contact arm 23 will make one eomplete
revolution in twelve hours, so that it will pass over one eon-
tact 22 every quarter-hour.
--10--
~,
~0~79~;3
In addition, the pulse yenerator 20 contains a change-
over switch 24 (= pulse transmitter) which acts as pulse trans-
mitter and has two switch contacts 25 and 26 and also a switch
arm 27 adapted to be switched over between these switch contacts.
The switch arm 27 is connected to a voltage source U, while
the switch contact 25 is connected to the contact arm 23 of
the rotary switch 21.
In addition, the switch arm 27 of the change-over
switch 24 is operatively connected to a cam disc 28 which is
provided with four cams 29 spaced equally apart on its circum-
ference. This cam disc 28 is coupled to the shaft of the
minutes hand of the clock (not shown) and performs one com-
plete revolution every hcur. Every time a cam 29 comes into
engagement with the switch arm 27 of the change-over switch
24, the latter is connected to the switch contact 25. When
a cam 29 runs off the switch arm 27, the latter is switched
over to the switch contact 26.
If the rotation of the contact arm 23 of the rotary
switch 21 is now synchronised with the rotation of the cam
disc 28 in such a manner that the switch arm 27 is connected
to the switch contact 25 when the contact arm 23 has run on
to a contact 22, the paths 11 on the appointments calendar
sheet 10 receive a signal from the voltage source U. This
signal is in pulse form, since it begins with the previously
mentioned electrical connection through the change-over switch
24 and the rotary switch 21 and ends on the interruption of
this connection.
79~3
At the poin~ at which a conductive mar]~ing 17
on the appointment calendar sheet is situated bet~7een a
path 11 and the bus-bar ]2, this signal can be trans-
mitted via the bus~bar 12 and passe~. to the input of
the output circuit 30.
This output circuit 30 contains a flip-flop 31
and aiso an amplifier 33 which is connected to the output
of t~is flip-flop and which operates an~`indicator
qlement 33. This indicator element is pre~erably in the
form of a sound generatorO
When the flip-flop 31 (for example C~IOS co~po-
nent ~013) in the output circuit 30 is operate~ at its
S-input by a signal in pulse form from the bus-bar 12,
it produces at 'ts output a signal which operates the
sound transmitter 33 by way of the amplifier 32. ~1hen
~a cam 29 of the cam disc 28 has run off the switch arm 27
of the change-over switch 24, the switch arm 27 switches
over to the switch contact 26. Thus a signal rrom the
voltage source U is applied to this switch contact 26
This signal is transmitted through an R-input to the
flip~flop 31, so that the latter is reset, that is to
say the signal operating the sound transm;tter 33 also
disappears.
In order to obtain defined indication times the
running of the contact arm 23 of the rotary switch 71
is synchronised to that of the cam disc 28 in such a
manner that the switch arm ~7 of the change-over switch
~0
12
is switched over to the s~ c'n contact 25 precisely ~rhen
the contact arm 2~ is situated in the middle OL h
contact 27. This time sequence can be seen from the
tirne cycle diagrams in Figure 6 in which t signifies
the time~ ~ccording to the top diagram in Figure 6, the
contact arm 23 runs on to a contac-t 2~ at the mo.~ent t
and runs off it at the moment t2. ~ccording to the ~otto~
diagram in Figure 6, the switch arm Z7 of the change-over
switch 24 is switched over to the switch contact 25 in
- lO the middle between the tir,le points tl and t2, that is
to say at the moment tl'. ~t each moment oE time t2' a
cam 24 has run off the switch arm 27, so that the latter
is switched over from the switch contact 25 to the
switch contact 26. Electrical pulses I20 having a duration
f t2' - tl' are thus transmitted to the switch contact 22.
- By suitable shaping of the cams 29 of the cam
disc 28 the duration of the pulses I20 can be fixed, so
that the sound transmitter 33 also transmits an acoustic
signal for a predetermined period of time. Ihis predeter-
mined period of time may ~or exa~ple be within the range
fro~ six to twelve minutes.
In order to enable the sound transmitter 33 also
to be switched off ~anually, the reset input R (connec-ted
to the switch contact 26) of the flip-flop 31 can be
connected by way of a s~Jitch 7 to a ~oltage source V~
so tha~ the flip-flop can be reset in order to interrupt
the acoustic signals even before a cam 29 runs off the
- 13
., . . -- .. _ ~ _ ~ . . ~. _ . _, .. . , .... ... _. _ .. , . , .. . .. , .. . _ _.. , . ... , _ .... . , .... _ . _ _. .. _
_ . . .. .... . . _. _ __
357~
switch arm 27. The swit~h 7 here corresponds to the
push-button switch 7 in Fi~ure 1.
Instead o a flip-flop 31 in the output circuit
30 according to Figure 5, a switchiny transistor, ~hich
switches on the sound generator 33 ~Ihen operated by a
signal in pulse form from the bus-bar 12, may for
example also he provided.
With an appointments calendar sheet 10 of ~he ~ind
illustrated in Figure 2, an appointment indication can
be effected within a -time period of t~elve hours, for
example from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the aid oE a circuit
of the kind shown in Figure 5. If with an appointments
calenda~ sheet of this kind the indication of appointments
is to be extended to a time period of 24 ilours, additional
action must ~e taken in order to make ît possible to
switch over from one period of twelve hours to another
period of twelve hours.
The embodiment illustrated in ~igure 7 is suita~le
for taking this action.
In this embodiment the appointments calendar
sheet 10 carries two additionalPath9 111 and 112, each
of which applies to a twelve hour period, It will be
assumed that thePathS 111 is a daytiMe paths,for example
for the period from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.~ and the pathsll2
is a nighttime path~ for example for the period from
6 p,~. to 6 a.m. In this arran~ement the path 111 is in
particular fi,ced to the bus-bar 12, while a path 112
- 14
can be conductively connected to the bus-bar by a rnarking
170. Both path9 can also be connected to the bus-~ar
by their corresponding marlcings.
These paths 111 and 112 are connected to s~ritch
contacts 51 and 52 of a change-over switch 50. ~his
change-over switch is in addition provided with a switch
arm 53, which can be switched over between the switch
contacts 51 and 52. ~ ca~ disc 40 is operatively
connected to this switch arm 53 and carries on its
periphery cams ~1 which are separated from one another
by gaps 42. This cam disc 40 ma~es one complete revolution
within a week. The ca~ disc 40 is adapted to be operated
stepwise by a Maltese cross drive (Geneva movement). The
cam disc carries inscriptions and displa-is through a
window 6a in Figure 1 the days and nights of a week. The
width oE the cams 41 and of the gap~42 is so selected
that a cam 41 and a gap 42 correspond in each case to ,
a twelve hour period. On the switch arm 53 of the day/
night change-over switch 50 is provided'a projection 54
- 20 which engages the cam 41 on the rotation of the cam
disc 40, whereby the switch arm 53 is switched over to
the switch contact 52. When a cam 41 runs off the pro-
jection 54, the latter passes into a gap 42, so that the
switch arm 53 is switched over to the contact 51.
~ hen in the manner illustrated the switch arm 53
lies against the stJitch contact 52 for the twelve hour
night period and when the corresponding pa-th 112 on the
.. ..
i7~
appointments calendar sheet 10 is conductively connected
to the bus-bar 12 by the mar~ing 170, an output pulse
is transmitted to an output terminal 61 of the switch
arm 53 ~henever a ~ime yraduation path~ll is connected
by a marking 17 to the bus-bar 12~ Furthermo e, the
output pulse is then also applied to a terminal 60 o~
the bus-bar 12 independently of the day/night change-
over switch 50.
The situation is similar when the s~itch ar~ 53
oE the da~/niyht change-over s~litch is switched over
to the switch contact 51 for a twelve hour day period,
since an output pulce then passes from thepaths 111 to
the terminal 61. The output pulses are transmitt~d
through leads 51', 52' to the s~itch con'acts 51 an~ 52.
In order now to make it possible to distinguish
between the respective two output pulses at the terminal 60
and 61 for the respective twelve hour period, a logical
stage (not shown in Figure 5) is inserted upst~eam
of the flip-flop 31 in the output circuit 30.
Arrangements for a logical stage of this kind ~re shcwn
in Figures ~ and 9.
In the arrangement sho~n in Figure 8 the lo~ical
stage contains two AND gates 70 and 73, each of which
has two inputs 71, 72 and 74, 75 repectively. The outputs
of these two AND gates 73 and 73 are connected in
parallel to a terminal 76. One input of each of the t~o
AND gates 70 and 73, namely the input 72 and the input 75,
7~
are conjointly connected to the output ~erminal 60 oE
the bus_bar 12 in the arrangement shown in Figure 8. The
other two inputs of the I~ND gates 70 and 73, namely the
inpu~s 71 and 74, are conjointly connected to the out-
put terminal 61 of the s~itch arr~ 53 of the day~night
change-over switch in the arrangement shown in Figure 8.
In order to indicate in Figure 9 that t'ne switch ar~ 53
switches over between the s~itch contacts 51 and 52, the
corresponding reference numerals of these switch contacts
are added in brac~ets at the inputs 71 and 79 of the
AND gates 70 and 73.
If the marking 170 ~or the twelve hour night
period is now absent rrom the appointments calendar
sheet 10 according to Figure 7 an~ if the switch arm 53
lies against the switch contact 51 for the twelve hour
-day period, the inputs 71 and 72 of the ~ND gate 70
will receive a pulse when the pulse generator 20
according to Figure.7 operates a time graduation mar~ 11
which is operatively connected by a ~arking 17 to the
bus-bar 12.
The AND gate 70 then switches through, so that
this pulse is also applied to the output terminal 76.
The acoustic indication of the appointment note is then
given in the manner described with reference to Figure 5.
The situation is Similar trhen the switch arm 53
of the day/night change-over switch has switched over
.
. - 17 - . .
, . ._,, , .. , _,, , ., _,, , , ,. _ . .. ~ _ , , ... .,, ~ ~ _ . ~ .. ~ . . .. .. _ , . , _ _ _.. _ , , _ . , . ,.
, _ _ _ . _ . . . . . _, , _ __
to tne switch contact 53 for the twelve hour night period
and when the marking 170 for the night period is present.
The inputs 74 and 75 of the AND gate 73 then receive a
pulse, which is transmitted through this gate to the out-
put terminal 76.
Instead of the AND gates 70 and 73, a D-flip-flop
known per se may alternatively be used in another embodi-
ment of the invention. An arrangement of a flip-flop of
this kind is shown diagrammatically in Figure 9. A D-flip-
flop 80 of this kind has a data input D, a timing inpu-t
CL, a setting input S, a resetting input R, and outputs
Q and Q. The logical value fed in at the data input D is
transmitted to the output Q during a timing pulse at the
timing input CL. Setting and resetting are effected in-
dependently of the timing by signals at the inputs S
and R.
In the logical stage for processing the output
pulses at the terminals 60 and 61 of the arrangement
shown in Figure 7, two such D-flip-flops are provided.
In Figure 9 only the coupling for the switch position
in which the switch arm 53 lies against the switch contact
51 within the twelve hour daytime period is shown. The
situation is similar for the coupling of the other D-flip-
flop (not shown) for the twelve hour night period.
An extension of the arrangement shown in Figure 7,
-18-
3,
in ~Jhich appointments can ~e indicated acoustically in
two t~elve-hour periods for each day of a week is
illustrated in Figure 10~ In thiCi embodiment paths 11~,
each of which represents a t~elve-hour period for a
day of the week, are provided on an appointrnents
calendar sheet 10 additionally to the time pa-ths 11.
These path3 113 are to be selectively connected to the
bus-bar 12 by markings 171. For the operation of these
paths a contact wheel 90 is provided, which on its
periphery carries contacts 91 and a contact arm 92
running over these contacts. The contact arm 92 makes
one complete revolution within a wee~. For each t~o
twelve-hour period.~of a day of the week two contacts
91 are here provided, and are coupled by leads 16 and
contacts 15 to the path3 113. ~he contact wheel 90 ~hus
has a total of fourteen contacts for one ~lee1{. In this
arrangement a determined appointment is notified by
means of the pulse generator 2C, as in the embodiment
shown in ~igure 8, ~hile the corresponding pulses can
be ta~en off from a terminal 101 connected to the contact
arm 92 and from an output terminal 100 of the bus-bar 12.
In addition to the embodiments descr bed above,
it is in general possible within the scope of the in~ention
for time marking pulses to be produced for any desired
period of time, for example for years, months, ~eeksJ
days, hours, minutes, and seconds, by means of contact
wheels of the kind described, in which case path3 ~ould
. , . , , . , . _ , . . .. .
-- 19 --
, _, , , . _, . . . . ., ~ .. ~ .. , . . .. ._ . ... .. .. .. ..
7~s~ .
have to be provided on appoin~ents calendar shcets for
the respective corresponding periods of ti~e.
Furthermore, the pulse gener~tor may consi~st
entirely of integrated circuits (IC).
~ igure ll illustrates a variant of this Isind
The pulse generator consists of a frequency divicler 100
and the pulse distributor of a ring counter 102.
The frequency divider 100 divi~es one-minute
pulses into fifteen-rninute ti~ing pulses, which operat~
the ring counter 102. The ring counter, for example
CMOS component 4017, has 48 stages in the form of known
bistable flip-flops. For each timing pulse at the input I
the H-level is raised ~y one stage. This gives the
follo~ing function diagram:
OUTPVTS
(6.00) (6.15) (6,30) 17.30)(]7.45
.
1st timing pulse at 6.00 hours H ~ L L J
2nd timing pulse at 6.15 hours ~ H L ~ L
3rd timing pulse at 6~30 hours L L H L L
......
47th timing pulse at 17,30 hours ~ ~ L H
48th timing pulse at 17.45 hours L L L ~ H
The H-level is passed to the inputsof flip-flops
104 and 106 by ~ay of the corresponding markings
and the bus-bar. The flip-flop serves the functions
previously de~scribed, By means of a switch S2 at the R input
96;3
the rin~ counter 102 can b~ ~eroised, ~hile by rneans o~
a s~itch Sl it can be acvanced manually. Figure 12 shows
a variant for seconds proyramrning over a period of one
week. Six ring counters 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and 122 are
connected in series. I'he functions of the ring counters are:
Seconds units 112
SeCondS tens 114
Minutes units 116
Minu~s tens 118
Hours 120
Days 122
The first ring counter 112 is ~ decimal rirlg
counter having ten outputs ( for example C~IOS 4017 type),
whose ~unctionis to count ten seconds (seconds uni~). At
the input E2 a one-second timing pulse train is fed in. It
will be assu~ed that all the ring counters have been
reset to ~ero and have logical positive operation. ~or
each timing pulse at the input E2 the H-level is advanced
by one step. After the eleventh second the output O of
the ring counter 112 has reached the H-le~el again and
the output U2 (carry out) has supplied a timing pulse to
the second ring counter 114. Thus the seconds tens 114
have been advanced by one step, that is to say the output 1
is in the H state, The ring counters are effective only
for a tirning trans~ition froln L to H. The hours counter
has 24 steps and the days counter 7 steps. All the ring
counters count continuously the corre~sponding tirning
pulses weel~ by wee~. By rneans of the s~iitch Sl the
., . . , .. ., .. . , ., _ , . . . . .. . . . .
7~
counters can be reset by way of the R-input, or each ring
counter can be reset individually by means of separate switches.
Similarly, the counters can be advanced manually by means of
S-inputs (not shown~ or by the timing pulses. As previously
described, all the outputs are connected to the conductive
paths either directly or by way of an active element serving
as driver. As shown in Figure 12, the output M of the days
counter 122 is connected by way of a transistor 144 to the
paths 126. The markings bridge -the paths 126 and the bus-
bar 128. Six markings make the program: Monday 13.00 hours,
09 minutes, 58 seconds. By using TTL ring counters, only
when all the counters come into this state will an H-level
occur at the output 130. The bus-bar can be graduated in
accordance with the number of counters, as indicated in
Figure 12 by the references 132a to 132f. Each bus-bar
is alternatively connected to the corresponding input a-f
of an AND gate 134 or 140. A solution of this kind provides
the advantage that a multiplicity of signal time points
(on bars 132a-f, 138a-f, etc.) can be programmed on a sheet
and the respective paths can be connected via the respective
counters to the same pulse generator.~ 130, 136, and 142
are outputs, 148 is the sheet. A respective light emitting
diode 146 (LED), which is connected to each output of each
ring counter, is used as an optical indicator of the state
of the ring counter or the time. Each ring counter may
alternatively be a demultiplexer, at the input of which a
BCD time signal input (not shown) is fed in.
~,
~igs. 13 and 14 illus-trate embodiments includlng mean3
for analog and digital programming.
In the embodiments ~hown in Figs. 13a-13c, predetermined
times are recor~ed either by making conduc-tive marking3 149, or
by writing numerals 150 with conductive marking material in
prearranged positions, on an insulating support. The markings
149 are made in gaps 151 between conductive paths 152a-152
and corresponding bus bars 153, 154 on the surface of the
support. Each conductive path 152a-152~ passes below the bus
bar 15~ and the ~urface of -the insulating support as ~hown by
-the broken lines 155.
~ Bus bars 153, 154 are connected to a day/night selector
156 which selec-ts either bus bar 153 or bu~ bar 154 in accordance
wi-th a day and nigh-t period re~pectively. Each of the conductive
paths 152a-152x correspondswi-th prede-termined times, for example,
separated by intervals of 15 minutes, in accordance with the
day or night period selected. In the example shown, the gaps
adjacent bus bar 153 correspond wi-th the time~ from 6.00 a.m. -
17.45 p.m. during the day and the gaps adjacent bus bar 154
correspond with the times 18.00 p.m. - 5.45 a.m. the next day.
Referring to the numerals 150 which are written with
conductive material in pr~arranged positions, each of these
positions is defined by the outline of a bu~ bar 157a-157d.
Fig. 13b represents one of these positions. Each of -the bus
bars 157a-157d is connected to a common lead 158.
Referring to Fig. 13b, a series o~ conductive ~aths 159a-
159f are connected to bus bar 157a and extend inwardly of the
region defined by the bus bar 157a. Path 159f is connected to
a path 159g which extends to the centre of the region-defined
30 by the bus bar 157a. ~lternativelY, pa-th 159g can be separate
.. ... , ., . _ _ _ . , . _ _ , . ,,, . , _ _ _ , . .. . . . . .. . . . . . .
~57~;3
from path 159f but connected to bus bar 157a. Fur-ther
conductive path3 160a-160g are spaced from and ]ie adjacent
the respective paths 159a-159g. Each path 160a-160g is
connected to a re~pective lead 161a~ lg. Each o-~ the leads
161a-161g corresponds with an element 162a-162g o-f a digital
display cell, such as an IED or liquid crystal cell, as illustrat-
ed in Fig. 13c. A series of these cells is provided in a display
163 of a digital timing device 164. When~ a numeral is written
in the position shown in Fig. 13b, contacts are made between
certain pairs of the paths 159, 160 for providing an outpu-t
on line 161a-161g correspond with a 7-segment coded output
from the digital display cell shown in Fig. 13c. For example,
if the numeral 2 is written in the position shown in Fig. 13b,
a connection i9 made between the paths designa-ted by the
characters a, b, g, e and d which will be seen to correspond
with the number 2 if one traces the outline of the same charac-
ters on the elements of the display cell shown in Figure 13c.
The timing unit 164 includes an oscillator 165, a
divider 166, setting logic 167, minute and hour divider~ 168
and 169 and a driver 171 connected to the di~play 16~. As
this timing unit is generally known in the art, no detailed
description will be given. However, according to this
embodiment, dividers 168 and 169 provide respective binary-coded
output ~ignals9 corresponding with the numbers shown on the
display 163, on multi-wire line~ 172a-172d respectively. The
~ignal on line 172a-172d respectively represent the minute
units, the minute tens, the hour units and the hour tens. ~ines
172a-172d are connected to a binary/decimal decoder 174.
Decoder 174 provides outputs on lines 175a-175x, connected to
re~pective paths 152a-152~, a~ the time intervals marked on the
insulating support; in this example 6.00 a.m. - 17.45 p.m. and
13.00 p.m. - 5.45 a.m., at 15 minute intervals. When one of
- - 2~ -
~7~
these timing signals corresponds with a predetermined time shown
by a marking 149 across a gap 151, an output signal passes along
the respective bus-bars 153 or 154 to the selec'cor 156. The
selector 156 passes this output to an OR-gate 179 if the output
corresponds with the correct day or night period which has been
selected. The selector may comprise, for example, logical gates
of flip-flops which change state automatically in response to
suitable signals on lines 177, 178 derived from the decoder 174.
When the decoder 174 includes complimentary metal oxide
semi-conductor logic (CMOS), it is necessary to provide trans-
mission ga-tes or three state devices (TREE) 173 due to the logi-
cal output levels available with CMOS circuits.
The binary coded signals on lines 172a-172d are also pro-
vided as parallel outputs on multi-wire lines 181a-181d to res-
pective binary/7-segment signal decoders 181a-]81d. The output of
each decoder 181a-181d corresponds with a signal derived from
each of the display elements 162 of the respective display cell
(exemplified by Figure 13c) in display 163. The decoder outputs
are supplied to respective comparators 184a-184d, each of which
may include, for example, a plurality of exclusive OR or NOR (EX-
OR or EX-NOR) gates, each gate having one input connected -to a re-
spective decoder output and one input connected to a respective
line 161a-161g for the corresponding position as shown in Fig. 13b.
Comparators 184a-184d are respectively supplied with 7-
segment coded signals from lines 161a-161g for each of the posi-
tions defined by the bus-bars 157a-157d. When a numeral in one of
the display cells of display 163 corresponds with respective num-
eral 150, the respective comparator 184 provides an output to an
AND-gate 185. Thus, at a predetermined time designed by the num-
eral 150 (23.56 in the example), each comparator 184a-184d pro-
duces an output causing coincidence at the inpu-ts to AND-gate 185.
AND-gate 185 is connected to the OR-gate 179 which produces an
-25-
i,3
output when there is no input from the selector 156 but there is
an output from AND-gate 185. The output of OR-gate 179 is prvvid-
ed as a signal which is used, for example, -to actuate an alarm
circui-t (not shown) whic'n provides an audible, or visible alarm
or both during the periods between the times designated by marks
149 on the insula-ting support. A preferred alarm circuit is des-
cribed with reference to Figure 14.
In the embodiment shown by Figure 14 the time signal is
decoded directly from the display. ~'he embodiment incllldes a tim-
ing unit (not shown) having a driver 190 connected to a display
191. Display 191 includes a series of display cells which indicate
the tens and units of the hours and minutes respectively and which
are connected to multi-wire lines 192, 193 to provide correspond-
ing 7-segment coded signals. When the display 191 is of the LCD
type, which is AC driven, the AC component must be separated from
the 7-segment coded signals, for example, by using EX-OR gates
(not shown). An a.m./p.m. display cell 198 is connected to a two-
wire line 212. Predetermined times are entered by writing numerals
with conductive marking material in each of a series of poSitiOnS
194a-194d. Each of these positions is provided with conductive
paths and bus-bars as exemplified by Figure 13b to supply 7-seg-
ment coded signals on lines 195a-195d to a comparator unit 196.
Comparatox unit 196 is similar in operation to that of the com-
parators 184 and AND-gate 185 of Figure 13. Lines 192, 193 from
the display 191 are also connected to the comparator unit 196
which produces an output signal when the numerals in the display
191 correspond with the numerals in the positions 194a-194d. The
output signals on line 197 is used to operate an alarm circuit
(not shown).
This embodiment is adapted for a twelve hour system by
providing an a.m./p.m. display cell l9R and by coding with mark-
ings at selec-tor gaps l99a and l99p. If the selector 199 is mark-
-26-
~57~,3
ed in the a.m. mode, the comparator unit 196 produces ~n output
sign~l on coincidence of a pr~determined a.m. -time indic~ted
by the display cell 198 and written in the po~itions 194.
An output si~nal is similarly produced in the p.m. mode.
~ ines 213 and lines 192 are connected to a 7-segment/
decimal decoder 201. ~ines 193 are connected to ano-ther 7-segment/
decimal decoder 202. Decoder 202 provides a decimally coded
outpu-t according to a predetermined subdivision o~ the hour~
for e~ample, it has four outputs ~or the minute~ corresponding
to 00, 15, 30 and 45 of the display 191. Decoder 201 produce~
outputs corresponding wi-th each hour, ~or example, 1-12, shown
on the display 191 for a.m./p.m. respecJivel~.
A matrix 203 includes a series of conduc-tive paths 204a
204d connected to respective outputs of decoder 202. Each o-~
these paths is orthogonal to groups o~ conductive paths 205a-205L
which correspond to the su~divisions o~ twelve hours. The paths
204, 205 are provided on an insula-ting support and are thereby
insulated ~rom each other. However, the paths de-~ine a serie~
o~ gaps 206 which may be joined by a conductive mark 207 to
provide a signal at the input of a respective OR-gate 208a~208~.
~ach OR-gate 208 is connected to one input of a respective ~ND-
gate 209a-209~. The other input of each ~ND-ga-te 209 is
oonnected to a re~pective output of decoder 201.
The insulating support of the matrix 203 includes a series
of characters 210, 211 representing the hours from 1-12 and the
minutes 00, 15, ~0 and 45 respectively. Thus, the mark 207
represents the time 12.15. The support also includes conductive
paths 212, 213 leading to a.m./p.m. selector gaps 214. In
the drawing, a mark 215 connects the a.m. gap to designate 9 for
example, 12. 15 a.m. ~ th respec-t to mark 207.
A~-gates 209 are connected to corresponding inputs o~
an OR-gate 216 having an output co~nected to line 218.
~5~
In operation, when ~ mark 207 is made on the m~-trix 203
to represent a predetermined -time, and this -time is indicated
on display 191, an output is produced on OR-gate 2]6. Thi~
output is supplied on line 218 to an alarm circuit de~cribed
below.
If one of the gaps 206 is acciden-tally touched at the
correct time, this may cause an output at O~-gate 216. In
order to avoid it the inpu-ts of OR-gates 208 may be connected to
respective resistors 219 to reduce -the sensitivity of the matrix
to touch.
The alarm circuit referred to above comprises ~or ex~mple,
a plur~lity of delay or D flip-flops 21~, 220, 224, 225 and 226.
Flip-flop 219 is connected to flip-flop 220 ~or operating an
acou~tic indicator including gate 221, amplifier 222 and loud-
speaker 223. Flip-flop 224 is connected to flip-flop 220 for
operating a visual indicator 225 i~ required. Flip-flops 219,
220 and 224 are reset by means comprising flip-flops 225, 226,
an OR-gate 227,an A~D-gate 228, a manually operated switch 229
and an OR-gate 230.
Flip-flop 219 i~ ~ocked at 1 second intervals from the timing
unit which drives display 191. When a data input is applied on
line 218, the next clock pulse transfars the data to the output
line 231 thereby setting flip-~lop 219. This arrangement i~ used
to avoid spurious indication if the display 191 is of the ~CD
type requiring ~-C operation. The operation of the alarm circuit
will be understood from the following description ta~en in
conjunction wi,h timing diagram o~ Fig 15.
Referring to Fig. 15:
(a) represents a five minu~e timing interval on display
191.
tb) represents the output of OR-gate 216 on line 218.
- 28 -
i3
(c) represents -the input to flip-flop 225.
(d) represents the output of flip-flop 220.
(e) represen-ts the output of fl,ip-~lop 226.
The first pulse (b) at 00 mimltes sets flip-flop 219
after a short delay caused by the clock pulse. The output on
line 231 sets flip-flop 220 producing a high o-u-tput at (d). The
output at (d) is supplied as one input -to an AND-gate 221, the
other inputs including a 1 second clock pulse and a lkHz slgnal
respectively. This arrangement produces coincidence at 5 second
intervals when an output is present on line (d) to cause a
varying sound signal from -the loudspeaker 22~. The high output
(d) also sets flip-flop 224 causing the indicator 225 to be li-t.
OR-gate 230 receives alternate input signal,s at 5 minu-te
int0rvals ~rom the timing unit including displa,y 191. These
signals may be derived from the minu-te unit indication each time
a zero or five appears in the display. This produces the pulse
output (c) shown in Fig. 15. At time 05 minutes, flip-flop 225
changes state producing an input to OR-gate 227 which resets
flip-flops 219, 220. This terminates the first pulse (d) shown
in Fig. 15 thereby terminating the sound signal from loudspeaker
22~. The visual indicator 225 remains on until i-t iB reset
manually by switch 229.
Switch 229 is operated by a biased push button to produce
a short pulse causing an output frcm flip-flop 226 as
represented by (e) in Fig, 15. This pulse resets flip-flop 224
extinguishin~ the indicator 265. If the sound indicator has
not been ~topped, pulse (e) supplied to OR-gate 227 will reset
~lip-flops 219, 220 thereby terminating the sound indication.
Thus, as soon as a user is aware cf an indication of a preset
time, switch 229 is close~ to stop the indication. After closing
t - 29
switch 229, flip-flop 225 sta~s in a se-t sta-te unless the-re is
an output from OR-gate 2309 thereby providing a coincident input
to AND~gate 228 to reset flip--flop 226. ~lip-flop 225 transfer3
a data input (d) to its outpu-t, therleby reset-ting, when clGcked
by a zero or five minute signal input ~c).
Fig. 16 shows an embodiment which includes a memory 240
for storing data relating to predetermined times entered on a
card 241. Characters are printed in the card 241 to represent
minute intervals 00, 15, 30, 45 along the upper edge and hour
1o intervals 1-12 along one side. A co_umn of` control markings 260
are preprinted with conductive in~, agai~st the respective hour
characters. Columns of boxes 261 are preprinted ~nth non-
conductive ink, under the respective minute characters. ~hese
boxes represent a coordinate system wherein a marking i~ made in
the required bo~, in the correct column and row, to represent a
prede-termined time. The memory 240, which is a so-called "active
memory", includes a plurality of bistable cells 262 arranged in a
corresponding coordinate system. Various markings242 shown on
card 241 represent these predetermined times. These markings
may be made with conductive material when, for example, they are
se~sed by spaced brushes, or they may just be opa~ue when
boxes 261 are printed with ink for example, green ink which
can~ot be sensed by a photosensitive device having a low optical
response to green light. In the embodiment shown5 a series
f spaced brushes 243,positioned to correspond with the respective
column of hour control markings and the minute markings, are
mounted on a support which is moveableover the card 241.
Alternatively, means may be provided for moving the card 241
beneath such a support.
3o A pair of stationary contacts 244 are actuated when the
contacts ~43 are moved in the direction of arrow 245. This
causes an input to an OR-gate 246 which operates a trigger or
- 30 -
. . ~ .. .. . , . _A _,, . ,, ... , .,,, . _ ,,, .. ~_, _ _ , ,-- --, .. _ ,., _ _ . , . _ .. _ .. . ~ __ . _, _
_ _ _ . _ . _
~ S7~ ~ 3
one-shot circuit 247 whicn changes the s-t;ate of a -f:Lip--flop 248.
The output of~lip-~lop 248 causes selectors 249 and 252 to be
swi-tched into a "~rite" mode, ~Jhereby the da-ta on card 241 is
written into~emory 240. ~he con-trol markings repreisenting the
hours 12, 1 ------- 11 are sensed by brushes 250, which brushes
are mounted on the same support as b~ushes 243. The sensed
out~ut is applied to a serial/parallel converter 251, which
includes a divide-by-12 counter providing 12 decoded ou-tput~
(on a 12 hour system) which are supplied to 2 selector 252 to
address the sens0d da-ta to the contact bis-table cell 262 in
memory 240. Thus, where the brushes 24~, 250 are passed over the
card 241, data corresponding iJith the markings 24~ is stored ir
the corresponding memory cells 262. To avoid errors, a contact
bounce eliminator 263 is connec-ted to each of the brushes 24~ to
ensure that the outputs supplied to selector 240 correspond only
with the markings 242. When photosensitive devices replace
brushes 243, the boxes 26~ represent amplifier~ and triggers
pulse genera-tors.
When the contacts 24~, 250 have been passed over card 24i,
a set of contacts 253 are actuated causing flip-~lop 248 to change
selectors 249, 252 into a "reading" mode. Selector 249 then
receives an input from a decoder 254, which is cormected to a
timing unit. Decoder 254 provide~ 00, 15, 30 and 45 minute timlng
signals on lines 255. These signals correspond with -the minute
on a display o-~ the timing unit. Similarly, decoder 256 is
connected to the timing unit to provide a series of 1-12 hour
timing signals on a multi-wire line 257 connected -to selector 252.
Decoders 254, 256 may be 7-segment or binary/declmal decoders
depending on the timing unit which is used.
'0 In th~ "reading mode"7 selecto-~ 249, 252 enter a re~ding
si~nal into memor~ 240 at 15 minute intervals. When there is
coincide-nce be-t~reen one o~ these reading signals ~nd d~t~ stored
~,
7~3
in the corresponding bistable cell O-L' memo~J 240~'~,1h2-(. cellproduces
an output signal on line 258 9 IrhUS 9 a serial output is
supplied -to line 258 corre3ponding ~.rith the programmed timss
marked on card 241 to opera-te an alarm circui-t such as that
described ririth reference to Fig. 1.4.
It ~ill be appreciated, ~Then comparing t'Qe embodimsnts
o-f Figs. 13 and 14 wi+,h the embodiment of Fig. 169 tha-t t,he
former emplo~ on-line or real time reading oE the programmed
information whereas the latter emplo~s off-line readinrg.
.~
_~z- ~.
_ _ _ . . . .. . . . . . .. . . .
, _ , . ., . ~ . _ ~ , , _,,, _ , _. ,, . , , , ,, _,,, ,_ ,, ,_ _
