Texas Instruments Corporation

Robert T Noble

Perry A Penz

Burton W Marks

Two levels of liquid crystal material and upper, center and lower transparent members are sandwiched to form a stacked display. Segment electrodes, which are disposed on opposite sides of the center transparent member, are controllable to selectively display information in one of the two levels while the other level is caused to remain transparent. By applying different waveforms to the levels, one level can be energized while the other is held inactive.

Method of operating a stacked display

Two levels of liquid crystal material and upper, center and lower transparent members are sandwiched to form a stacked display. Segment electrodes, which are disposed on opposite sides of the center transparent member, are controllable to selectively display information in one of the two levels while the other level is caused to remain transparent.

Stacked liquid crystal display

A rapid start oscillator latch circuit for avoiding long start up time while maintaining minimum operating power for a crystal oscillator in an electronic watch. The oscillator is operated at a relatively high gain immediately after power is applied and until the oscillator is running, after which the oscillator is caused to operate under the normally preferred conditions. A power up pulse sets a latch and the latch is reset by either a pulse from the prescaler or a manual input. When the latch is set, the oscillator circuit is modified for quick start-up. After the oscillator is running, it activates the prescaler, and after several cycles of clock inputs to the prescaler, an output from the prescaler or a manual input resets the latch and the oscillator is returned to its normal operating condition.

Rapid start oscillator latch

Electronic circuits especially adapted for driving an electro-optic representation of a conventional mechanical analog watch, such circuits providing improved signal multiplexing for activating the display.

Electronic timepiece circuits

Improved timekeeping apparatus, such as a watch or clock with an electro-optic display simulating a conventional mechanical analog timepiece. Electro-optical material, e.g., liquid crystal material, is activated in selected areas to change its appearance to simulate movement of the hands.

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Dallas, TX, United States of America

Robert T Noble