Original Synchronar Patent.

[ledwatch]

Since this forum seems to be rapidly becoming the Synchronar appreciation society ;0), for those that want it I have scanned and uploaded the original 1974 patent document for your pleasure, theres some great stuff here including some wonderful original drawings that frame really well to display on the wall. Also all the circuit diagrams and some highly tech information on how the first Synchronar worked.

http://www.cc.tv.btinternet.co.uk/ledwatch/synchronarpatent.zip

Format is tiff and 1.6mB download....Have fun!!

[dot matrix]

Thank you, this is absolutely incredible stuff.

[Dig-it-all]

I'm curious about the claim on the homepage that the Hamilton Pulsar is not the first Solid State watch in the World.

What documented and authenticated evidence is there that the Synchronar was first.

That is quite a bold statement.

[fronzelneekburm]

If I remember right, then Roger had a first prototype already in the late 60s...

Probably depends if you see it as either who had made the first watch or who had sold them first... :)

[dot matrix]

All I know is what I put on the homepage: "The SYNCHRONAR is the very first LED watch. There were a number of fully working SYNCHRONARs in use prior to PULSAR's staged prototype demo in May of 1970." This is based on information that I learned in a conversation with Roger Riehl. By "staged demo," I don't think the Pulsar was even working yet. Like all demos, there were things happening behind the scenes in order to make it look good.

Back to Roger's patent - I was reading through it and came across the following near the end, after the diagrams, schematics, and details of the Synchronar:

While the forms and apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic timepiece comprising means for generating electrical pulses at a constant predetermined frequency, means for supplying power to said generating means, means for counting said pulses and for producing a plurality of electrical time outputs corresponding to at least hours and minutes, digital readout means for producing a visual display of selected said outputs from said counting means, and control means for selecting between repetitive twelve hour and twenty-four hour counts from the same said counting means for display on the same readout means.

It sounds to me like Roger Riehl has a patent on every quartz digital watch ever made!

[fronzelneekburm]

Probably right - he should pull EVERY digital watch maker to court...





(The other companies probably had tricks not to break patents. A lawyer will know what I mean...)

[your_man_in_Hamburg]

I'm not so sure.

The patent is dated 1974, several years after several other quartz watches, digital and non-digital hit the market.

BTW, I don't find it fair to compare Rogers prototypes with the trade-show ripe products of Pulsar. When did Roger manage to deliver watches to the general public? 1973? When did Pulsar have working prototypes behind their doors?

Don't get me wrong. Rogers prototypes may very well be the very first digital wrist watches, but the comparison with the "release" of the first Pulsar just doesn't make sense to me.

Yours

Johannes

[dot matrix]

The patent is dated 1974, several years after several other quartz watches, digital and non-digital hit the market.

According to page one, the patent was filed (ie, it was submitted to the patent office) on 3 May, 1971. Here in the states, it can take a looooong time for a patent to be approved. Looks like this one took three years.

I'm curious about the claim on the homepage that the Hamilton Pulsar is not the first Solid State watch in the World.

Here's more, this time from watchismo.com:

Originally conceived in 1960! (Before Pulsar, Omega, or Hamilton LEDs
The inventor Roger Riehl had to wait for the technology to catch up with his futuristic vision of a digital solar watch.
Keep in mind, digital watches weren't even invented yet. But Mr. Riehl conceived and ultimately created this visionary solar LED watch.

CMOS finally created integrated circuits in 1967 allowing Mr. Riehl to build the first true working Synchronar in 1968. ...Well before Hamilton/Pulsar did!

[The Time Computer]

I was contacted by a collector and asked to comment on this subject. I have researched this subject thoroughly for years. I always like to talk facts and base any information I give strictly on facts that I can personally document. Although many people around the world have made claims to inventing the first ?Digital Wrist-Watch? or the first ?Solid State Wrist-Watch? fortunately this is well documented. In all due respect, Mr. Riehl may very well have been working on his wrist-watch but he had no knowledge of what others were working on at the same time, this is why one must timely document it with the U.S. Patent Office so they can make legal claim to an invention. There is much controversy on this issue but documentation is the true measure of fact when it comes to inventing! After all, we all know Al Gore claims to have invented the internet but there just isn't any proof.

John M. Bergey, who I know personally and have discussed this very issue with will be the first to tell you that it took a team of many people from different companies to develop the "First Digital LED Wrist-Watch". They all should be proud to be part of a watch that changed the way the world tells time.

This is not intended to upset anyone?s feelings and if anyone can supply me with factual documentation such as a Patent number to research at the US patent Office then I will be the first to acknowledge it and revise my records. My research excludes the Jump-Hour wrist-watch that is technically the first wrist-watch displaying the time using numbers on a dial, disc or drum, I emphasized on digits displayed in a row by means of light, my documented research is the following:

The first ?Digital Wrist-Watch? was invented by John M. Bergey and Kenneth W. Derr, filed on June 25, 1968. This one will surprise most everyone. This invention is the first wristwatch that the time was displayed using digits of light, the seven segment display looks just like the LED displays we know today but the light was supplied using fiber-optics. This digital watch is so unique you just have to see it yourself! Patent#3,566,602

The first ?Solid State Wrist-Watch? was invented by Richard S. Walton, filed on October 16, 1968. This is the earliest documented proof of a device that used solid state technology to regulate time. There is no mention of a particular method of displaying the time, just a method to regulate it. Patent #3,560,998

The first ?LED Digital Wrist-Watch? was invented by Richard S. Walton, filed on April 22, 1969. This is the first wrist-watch displaying the time using Light Emitting Diodes, the time was supplied by solid state circuitry. This by all means is the first watch to combine both digital and solid state technology in the same timepiece. This is the very invention that led to the development of the Hamilton prototype that eventually became the Pulsar LED wrist-watch. Patent #3,576,099

The first ?LCD Digital Wrist-Watch? was invented by Richard S. Walton, filed on May 13, 1969. This is the first wrist-watch displaying the time using a Liquid \Crystal Display, the time was supplied by solid state circuitry. Patent#3,613,351

The first "Side View" and the "First Solar Charged Electric" solid state digital timepiece was invented by Roger W. Riehl, filed on May 3, 1971. Along with some great improvements to earlier inventions this is the first claim to a digital watch that the display is on the side of the watchcase so as to view the time on the side of the timepiece instead of the top surface. Ironically, Bergey's earlier invention #3,566,602 does not make claim to this but is certainly the first concept of the sideview display. Bergey didn't make legal claim to that aspect of his invention so the invention belongs to Mr. Riehl. This also is the first watch to use a solar cell to charge a battery that supplies the power to the electric digital watch, the first wrist-watch solely powered by solar energy without a battery came many years later! Patent #3,823,551

I urge all who are interested to do the research themselves by going to the U. S. Patent Office website at http://www.uspto.gov/ and search these patent. There is much more than what I have supplied here so have fun!

Webmaster of www.oldpulsars.com website
Email: 1208@oldpulsars.com

Hi 'Time Computer', I have copies of all the patents you mention. perhaps you will agree with me firstly that Mr Bergey was never an inventor. A clever businessman yes, but an inventor, no.

My next point is that just because a patent is registered in no way means that an invention has taken place.

The patent you first mention, #3,566,602 was never produced and so your mention of it is irrelevent, even if it was produced it is only essentialy the same as an amida digitrend jump hour with holes which light shines through.

By 'digital' we must surely mean 'solid state' and so Mr Bergeys invention, whilst amusing, was no better than any jump hour and therefore must be disregarded.

The next patent that you mention is #3,576,099 and once again this was never produced and by any right minded person thought processes therefore never existed.

#3,613,351 ditto.

So your first three patents quoted seem to be irrelevent, the first being a mechanical watch and the latter two never produced, and therefore never existed.

Your point that patent ##3,576,099 was the original Pulsar patent is also completely flawed, this sideview patent was never produced.

I think we can see a pattern here to all of these claims!

The actual first Hamilton was patented number #3,672,155 (which strangely you make no mention of) this was filed may 6th 1970, and this is the original Hamilton prototype, of which there is now only one known to still remain.

This timepeice meets all of the criteria, it is fully Solid State and it actually WAS produced, this is essential to the argument, which must begin , for the Hamilton camp, here.

We must now realise that this prototype was designed and built by Garland Corp in Texas, working as contractors for Hamilton, the first Hamilton built Solid State watch was the P1 model with the early 25 IC circuitry shown on ledwatch's website.

So if we say that May 6th 1970 was the first Solid State watch from Hamilton perhaps we can now ask Mr Rhiel when he built and displayed his first ever Solid State watch, (when he patented it being an irrelevence). Perhaps we can finally sort out this argument once and for all, but somehow I doubt it!!!!

[The Time Computer]

Well hello Mr. Digitiser!

Certainly I would ?NOT? agree with your comment about Mr. Bergey! While you folks are logged on the Patent website I suggest you enter John Bergey in the dadabase and decide for yourself if he was an inventor, you will be truely amazed!

Why does it take so long to get a patent after it is filed? Because every aspect of the invention is researched to make sure there are no infringements on existing patents. THIS is why you see ?References Cited? with previous inventor names and dates! If I understand this forum correctly, it?s here for folks to learn what the facts are, not one?s opinions.

I suggest you pick up a dictionary, any dictionary, in any language and I am positive you will find the definition of ?Digital? as being ?showing the time, etc by a row of digits rather than by numbers on a dial, etc. (a digital watch)?

The definition of "Wristwatch": "a small watch that is attached to a bracelet or strap and is worn around the wrist."

The definition of "Invent": "to produce (as something useful) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment."

I will close with a quote from Joe Friday???Nothing but the facts mam!?

[This post has been edited by the site administrator]

[fronzelneekburm]

Who the hell is John Bergey, never heard of him. I?m just too lazy to look this patent stuff up, I find it pretty boring.

And by the way: All these Patents are quite worthless!

You know why? All these people patented digital watches, to be the only one who can produce them or at least own the rights.

But it didn?t help any of these as every company just produced and produces digital watches, I doubt any of the mentioned folks ever saw a penny for the watch industries using their tech. Maybe Pulsar was a little bit better, as they won against Uranus on the courtyard in the 70s. Dunno about which watch or patent that was...

[Michael Lauterbach]

Hello,

Just a quick note. Dennis is right! Many years ago, I told Guy Ball (when he launched these pages about the Synchronar and Roger Riehl) exactly what Dennis tells you know.
You already might know that I'm not friends with Dennis anymore.
So I guess my words count when I say Dennis is right.

Michael Lauterbach
Germany
BTW: LED watch collectors who don't know who I am might want to ask some of those well known LED-watch guys. No need to post nasty replies- I usually don't take part in internet discussion boards and therefore will not reply.

[fronzelneekburm]

So, I dare to ask - hey all well known LED-watch guys (*smile*), who??s this Michael Lauterbach? And whos Dennis? There?s so many folks here posting - did I miss this Dennis? post???

:)

[dot matrix]

I don't want to see people get into an argument based on different understandings of terms. Obviously, the term "Digital Watch" can either refer to 1) any watch that uses digits (such as a 100% mechanical movement that rotates a wheel with digits on it instead of rotating hands) or 2) it can refer to a 100% solid state electronic device that uses LEDs or LCDs or some other similar electronic means to display digits.

Similarly, "invented" can either mean "conceived of the idea" or it can mean "conceived and executed the idea." I think if we just all stay clear what we are talking about, we'll be a lot better off.

[dot matrix]

The first "Side View" and the "First Solar Charged Electric" solid state digital timepiece was invented by Roger W. Riehl, filed on May 3, 1971. This is the first claim to a digital watch that the display is on the side of the watchcase so as to view the time on the side of the timepiece instead of the top surface.

Those aren't the only firsts. In the background section of that same patent, Mr. Riehl points out some of the design flaws with other, earlier electronic timepieces, quoting specific patent numbers. Two of those flaws were:

1 - That the time display would still count and increase as the user was attempting to set the time, making it a difficult task.
2 - The LED display would always remain lit, consuming prohibitive amounts of power.

He addresses and fixes both of these design flaws in his invention. The time will stop while you are setting the watch, and you need to activate the LED display in order to read the time.

[Dig-it-all]

Similarly, "invented" can either mean "conceived of the idea" or it can mean "conceived and executed the idea." I think if we just all stay clear what we are talking about, we'll be a lot better off.

The English Oxford Dictionary States:-

INVENT - Create by thought, make or design (a thing previously not known); Construct (a false or fictional story).

I have just imagined a thin plate of glass that can be used as a TV screen so you can hang it anywhere, even use it as a window when not in use.

THERE! - am I an Inventor............ I don't think so, because I have not made one. Or submitted a Patent application showing how I would do it.
But if someone does do it in future - I'm going to tell everyone I invented it. Even though I have no facts to back it up.

Actually that was quite as good idea considering I just thought it up on the spot as an example.

Michael Lauterbach is a well known and knowledgeable man and was in on the early days of this whole scene - he is known to all the early collectors and shared a lot of useful knowledge with them that he uncovered.

The Time Computer guy made all his points based on fact - no supposition whatsoever.

[Dig-it-all]

those flaws were:

1 - That the time display would still count and increase as the user was attempting to set the time, making it a difficult task.
2 - The LED display would always remain lit, consuming prohibitive amounts of power.

He addresses and fixes both of these design flaws in his invention. The time will stop while you are setting the watch, and you need to activate the LED display in order to read the time.

Point 2: Did the prototypes by Hamilton built in 1970 have a continuous display :wink:

[ledwatch]

Obviously, the term "Digital Watch" can either refer to 1) any watch that uses digits (such as a 100% mechanical movement that rotates a wheel with digits on it instead of rotating hands) or 2) it can refer to a 100% solid state electronic device that uses LEDs or LCDs or some other similar electronic means to display digits.

Similarly, "invented" can either mean "conceived of the idea" or it can mean "conceived and executed the idea." I think if we just all stay clear what we are talking about, we'll be a lot better off.

Thanks Dot M, you've cleared that up then.....As clear as mud........ ;0) lol

[ledwatch]

First Ever Digital Watch

Folks, in an attempt to lighten up somewhat, I now have un-denyable proof that the first ever digital watch was invented by a swiss guy called Ernest Krahenbuhl in 1898.

Here is my proof:



Good old Ernest, we owe him a big vote of thanks....

[fronzelneekburm]

I never cared for mechanical watches, but I think I?ll let this count...

The first digital watch was invented in 1898!!!


Wooot!

[Dig-it-all]

I have known about these for years.

I think we are really talking "Solid State"

Would you call a "Tuning Fork" Solid State - I wouldn't. You could even argue that a resonating Crystal is actually physically moving!