With Reset Means Patents (Class 368/106)
  • Patent number: 11860583
    Abstract: An “all or nothing” actuating mechanism for a timepiece movement is described, which includes: an actuating lever that is able to move between an inactive position and an active position; a movable control lever for moving the actuating lever between its inactive and active positions; a return member for returning the control lever to its initial position; and a control member capable of pivoting between a first state in which it locks the actuating lever in its inactive position, and a second state, in which it releases the actuating lever to allow it to move to its active position. The control lever is arranged to be able to act on the control member, and move it from its first state to its second state, the actuating mechanism including a jumper tending to return the control member to its first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: MANUFACTURE D'HORLOGERIE AUDEMARS PIGUET SA
    Inventor: Julien Martel
  • Patent number: 11687043
    Abstract: A system (1) for resetting a chronograph is provided with a chronograph counting geartrain (2), which includes a minute counter having a minute wheel set (4), and a seconds counter, which includes a chronograph wheel set (3). The system includes a hammer held blocked by blocking device (11) and displaceable from an inactive position, where the hammer is blocked by the blocking device, and an active position, when the hammer is unblocked, for resetting the chronograph in contact with the various wheel sets (3, 4); a flexible element (10) connected between a reset controller (12) and the hammer for resetting the chronograph, and configured to store energy during a displacement of the controller and before unblocking the hammer blocked by the blocking device to be able, when the hammer is unblocked, to restore this stored energy and drive the hammer to reset the chronograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Rochat
  • Patent number: 11334031
    Abstract: A timepiece movement capable of suppressing generation of malfunction of a hand is provided. The movement includes an indicator hand wheel which is provided so as to be rotatable and to which an indicator hand is mounted; an indicator hand stepping motor rotating and driving the indicator hand wheel in both directions; an hour wheel provided so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis different from a rotation axis of the indicator hand wheel and having a first shaft portion which extends along the first rotation axis and on the outer peripheral surface of which there is provided a contact portion that the indicator hand can abut, with the distance of the contact portion from the first rotation axis varying in accordance with a position in the peripheral direction around the first rotation axis; and an hour hand stepping motor rotating and driving the hour wheel and provided separately from the indicator hand stepping motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Fujiwara, Kenji Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 11256218
    Abstract: A zeroing device (200), including a first zeroing unit (71), which consists of a zeroing lever (12) having a zeroing lever arm (12a) and a zeroing lever latch (12b), wherein the zeroing lever latch (12b) has a first end (13) and a second end (14). The zeroing device is characterized by a second zeroing unit (72) that is arranged at an offset to the first zeroing unit (71) in a Z coordinate direction (Z) and is in operative connection with the first zeroing unit (71). The second zeroing unit (72) may also include a pendulum rod (31), a hinge support (34), and a joint rod (35), wherein the pendulum rod (31) is rotatably attached to a cam (33) and to the joint rod (35) and wherein the joint rod (35) is rotatably attached to the hinge support (34) and rests against an eccentric (36) of the zeroing lever (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Uwe Heinz
  • Patent number: 11226595
    Abstract: A coupling system for a chronograph mechanism is presented. The system can include an input wheel intended to be driven by a drive member; an output wheel intended to drive at least one display member; an intermediate wheel continuously kinematically connected to the input wheel or the output wheel, where the intermediate wheel changes between a coupled state where the input wheel is kinematically connected to the output wheel and an uncoupled state where the kinematic connection is broken. The system also includes a first friction wheel constrained to rotate with the intermediate wheel and a second friction wheel constrained to rotate with either the input wheel and the output wheel; a first safety wheel constrained to rotate with said intermediate wheel that includes a first set of safety teeth; and a second safety wheel constrained to rotate with the second wheel that includes a second set of safety teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: NOGERAH SA
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, Laurent Wiederrecht, Maximilien Di Blasi, Guy Dubois-Ferrière
  • Patent number: 11092931
    Abstract: A mechanical watch movement includes a striking mechanism with a first cannon equipped with a first cannon pinion having at least one snail intended to cooperate with a sensor device of the striking mechanism. The watch also includes a second cannon equipped with a second cannon pinion and carrying the minute hand. The first cannon pinion engages with a going train of the movement and a minute wheel. The minute wheel engages with the first cannon pinion. A motion-work pinion engages with an hour wheel coaxial with the second cannon. The minute wheel is mounted on a lever arranged to pivot about a fixed point. An angular position of the lever may be adjusted by pivoting in such a way as to permit regulation of the position of the minute wheel with respect to the first cannon pinion and to the second cannon pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Rochat
  • Patent number: 10001755
    Abstract: A chronograph having a second wheel with an entraining spring, a pulse-receiving wheel, wherein the entraining spring is constructed to engage with the pulse-receiving wheel, a pulse-transferring wheel, a minute wheel, wherein the minute wheel is in constant engagement with the pulse-transferring wheel, a second shaft, wherein the second wheel is rigidly connected to the second shaft, a multifunction shaft is orientated parallel to the second shaft, wherein the pulse-receiving wheel and the pulse-transferring wheel is rigidly connected to the multifunction shaft, and, a two-part constructed zeroing lever having a zeroing lever arm and a zeroing lever interlock, wherein the zeroing lever arm is supported in a rotatable manner around a pivotal point of a zeroing lever arm and the zeroing lever interlock is supported in a rotatable manner around a pivotal point of zeroing lever interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Uwe Heinz
  • Patent number: 9535405
    Abstract: A chronograph mechanism including an energy accumulator, a regulating system, a chronograph counter train including a minute-counter having a minute wheel set and at least one minute indicator member, and a seconds-counter having a seconds wheel set and a seconds indicator member, a chronograph zero-reset mechanism including a minute zero-reset mechanism. The minute zero-reset mechanism is arranged to cooperate with the minute wheel set, the minute indicator member being permanently integral with the minute wheel set, and the chronograph counter train includes an uncoupling device between the minute-counter and the seconds-counter, arranged to kinematically connect the minute wheel set and the seconds wheel set during the counting and to uncouple the seconds wheel set from the minute wheel set when the chronograph mechanism is reset to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Stefan Rombach, Dominique Lechot, Jean-Philippe Rochat
  • Patent number: 9348319
    Abstract: A chronograph mechanism includes an intermediate chronograph mobile which is provided for transmitting a drive to first and second sweep-hand mobiles. A first and a second return device are configured to return the first sweep-hand mobile to a first predetermined angular position relative to the intermediate chronograph mobile, in the absence of angular immobilization of the first sweep-hand mobile by a first brake, and the second sweep-hand mobile to a second predetermined angular position relative to the intermediate chronograph mobile, in the absence of angular immobilization of the second sweep-hand mobile by a second brake. A control system includes a coordination device arranged to maintain the first and second brakes alternately in two opposite configurations, in each of which one of the first and second brakes is in an inactive state and the other is in an active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventors: Mathieu Genoud, Giulio Papi
  • Patent number: 9274504
    Abstract: A functional timepiece module is integratable in a mechanical modular unit, and the functional module is derived from a sub-assembly carrying components for a particular timepiece function of transferring a movement between input and output wheel sets. The sub-assembly includes adjustment components which are irremovably secured after this timepiece function has been adjusted and function checked on a test bench. This pre-adjusted module, derived from transformation of the sub-assembly by the irreversible securing of the adjustment components thereof, includes at least one bearing surface and a locating mechanism for recognition and positioning of this module relative to another element of the mechanical modular unit or relative to a plate, by abutment of the bearing surface on a complementary bearing surface comprised in this other element or in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Laurent Kaelin, Jean-Bernard Peters
  • Patent number: 9164492
    Abstract: A zero-rest device for a timepiece, including first and second control mechanisms, two zero-reset cams, and two corresponding zero-reset hammers configured to cooperate with the cams. The device also includes two hammer springs exerting a pre-stress force causing a hammer to pivot in the direction of its corresponding cam, a winding and release mechanism and a locking mechanism. The winding and release mechanism is configured to wind the hammer springs during a first phase of an actuation of the first control mechanism and to cooperate, during a second phase of this actuation, with the locking means, such that the locking means passes from a rest position in which the locking means holds the hammers to a release position in which the locking means releases the hammers, which come, in each case under the action of the corresponding hammer spring, into the positions thereof of cooperation with the corresponding cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventors: Thibaut Philippine, Jacques Gabathuler, Johan Montet
  • Publication number: 20140356495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a timing device for cooking, namely grilling, baking, convection, and other methods known to one skill in the art. Specifically, the present invention relates to a timing device that, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides the amount of time food has been cooking and the amount of time since the last time the food was checked. Specifically, the present invention preferably resets a timer when a cooking device, such as a grill or an oven, is opened and/or closed. More specifically, the present invention provides one timer that resets when a cooking device is opened and/or closed and optionally at least one other timer that remains running. The timers can be stopped, started, turned on and off, and reset manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Teuscher
  • Patent number: 8848488
    Abstract: A timepiece mechanism for a secondary display of a first physical quantity, wherein a push-button activates first mechanism for the coupling/uncoupling of the secondary display to or from a movement including a first display, and a pivoting first physical quantity cannon-pinion heart, wherein the first mechanism controls the coupling/uncoupling to or from the movement. A second push-button controls the zero reset of the secondary display, by uncoupling the first coupling/uncoupling mechanism, and returning the heart-piece to the original position thereof. A second coupling/uncoupling control mechanism includes either a pivoting time zone wheel set including a friction wheel, meshing with the movement, and a time zone wheel which, when the wheel set is in the coupling position, drives a second physical quantity cannon-pinion heart and/or a third physical quantity cannon-pinion heart, the friction wheel and time zone wheel being coaxial and cooperating via friction; or an inter-time zone mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Calabrese
  • Patent number: 8545092
    Abstract: A timepiece with a movement that includes: a power source; an element for displaying the current time; a chronograph mechanism including a control mobile (60) including at least one control member for activating the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph. The control mobile (60) further includes a driving member having a toothed sector (84) kinematically connected to the control member. The timepiece further includes a button that can be rotated, the button being rigidly connected by teeth that can be kinematically connected to the toothed sector so that the pivoting of the button activates the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Manufacture la Joux-Perret SA
    Inventors: Richard Habring, Sebastien Chaulmontet
  • Patent number: 8545093
    Abstract: A switch structure has an elastic switch lever portion and a rigid support lever. The elastic switch lever portion has an elastic contact portion and an arm portion provided with a pressing force receiving portion from which the elastic contact portion extends. The rigid support lever is mounted for undergoing movement relative to the pressing force receiving portion. The rigid support lever has a rigid substrate portion and a rigid support wall portion that is connected to the rigid substrate portion and that supports the pressing force receiving portion so as to receive a pressing force from the pressing force receiving portion and to guide displacement of the pressing force receiving portion when a pressing force is applied to the pressing force receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Masayuki Kawata
  • Patent number: 8540417
    Abstract: In a chronograph timepiece of a construction in which chronograph hands are electrically drive-controlled and mechanically zero-restoring-controlled, even when backlash is generated due to zero-restoring, the chronograph hands are normally moved at the time of the next time measurement start. A chronograph timepiece includes a drive control unit starting a time measurement operation in response to a start operation of a start/stop button, electrically hand-movement-driving chronograph hands by driving a chronograph hand movement motor according to the time measured, and resetting the time measurement operation in response to a reset operation of a reset button, and a mechanical structure mechanically zero-restoring and setting the chronograph hands in response to the reset operation, wherein the drive control unit drives the chronograph hand movement motor by a predetermined amount even after the reset operation has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Takanori Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8491181
    Abstract: A chronograph timepiece includes heart cams, a start-stop button, a reset-to-zero button, and a start-stop lever and a reset-to zero instruction lever operated by the start-stop button and the reset-to-zero button, respectively, for undergoing rotation around a common rotation center. A hammer operating lever rotates in a first direction when the start-stop lever rotates and rotates in a second direction when the reset-to-zero instruction lever rotates. When the hammer operating lever rotates in the second direction, a hammer lever causes the heart cams to be reset to zero by bringing hammer portions of the hammer lever into engagement with respective ones of the heart cams. When the hammer operating lever rotates in the first direction, the hammer lever causes the hammer portions to be disengaged from the heart cams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Fujiwara, Tamotsu Ono, Shigeo Suzuki, Masayuki Kawata
  • Patent number: 8434934
    Abstract: Timepiece (1) including a case (11) in which systems (3, 5, 7, 9) are mounted for operating the timepiece, controlled by control members (15, 21, 19) that project from the case, at least one of the control members (15, 19, 21) cooperating with an anti-shock device (33, 35) mounted in the case (11) and including a main component (91, 111), which is moveably mounted relative to the case (11), characterized in that the main component (91, 111) includes a permanent mechanical connection with the part (63, 41) of each system (25, 23) to which the at least one control member is attached, which enables the component to be reversibly uncoupled from the at least one control member (15, 19, 21) when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the at least one control member and in that the mechanical connection is of the sliding type, and includes a jumper spring (95, 115) elastically mounted relative to a pin (96, 116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Publication number: 20130100781
    Abstract: A chronograph mechanism for a clockwork movement is disclosed, which is intended to drive at least one first display member for displaying a time unit of a chronometered time. In accordance with one implementation, the chronograph mechanism includes a first counter associated with the display member and able to be driven from a first mobile of the clockwork movement, as well as a second mobile intended to carry the display member and arranged in such a way as to be able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter. The mechanism also includes a second counter of the same time unit associated with the display member and able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter, the second counter being arranged in such a way that the second mobile is driven thereby, while being able to exhibit a relative movement in relation thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: François-Régis Richard
  • Publication number: 20130003507
    Abstract: A device (100; 200) for resetting to a predetermined position an indicator member (2, 13; 22) indicative of a parameter connected with time, notably a “flyback” device, the indicator member being kinematically linked to a drive mobile (15; 35), the device comprising an energy accumulator (9) and a return element (1; 21) for returning the indicator member indicative of the parameter connected with time to the predetermined position, the return element being powered by energy from the accumulator, the energy being supplied to the energy accumulator by a user via a control member (4) for resetting to the predetermined position, the control member being able to be manipulated by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Billet, Julien Cattaneo, Marco La China, Denis Rudaz
  • Patent number: 8337075
    Abstract: A chronograph includes a chronograph train, means for coupling the train and a device for controlling the coupling means, which includes: a pivotably mounted shuttle, a first angular sector provided with two notches defining first and second stable angular positions, and a second angular sector that includes cut out portions, an elastic member cooperating with the notches to keep the shuttle in one of the stable positions, and a push-piece cooperating with the cut out portions to pivot the shuttle, via a first application of pressure, from the first stable position to the second stable position, and via a second application of pressure, from the second stable position to a third intermediate angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Werner Haenzi, Jean-Luc Helfer, Antonio Merino, Patrick Moller
  • Patent number: 8308345
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Patent number: 8215827
    Abstract: When it is judged that a chronograph second counter and a chronograph minute counter have measured a maximum measurement time, a maximum measurement control unit controls a drive pulse generation circuit so as to drive and stop a motor such that chronograph hand stops at predetermined positions. When, in this state, a restarting operation is performed on a start/stop button, a normal chronograph measurement operation is restarted. At this time, a mechanical structure has been restored to a reset state, so that even at the time of restarting after the measurement of the maximum measurement time, the load at the starting operation is the same as that of the normal operation, thus generating no sense of incongruity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kato, Akira Takakura, Kenji Ogasawara, Saburo Manaka, Kazumi Sakumoto, Hiroshi Shimizu, Tomohiro Ihashi, Keishi Honmura, Takanori Hasegawa, Kosuke Yamamoto, Eriko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8182138
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventor: Hughes Jolidon
  • Patent number: 8113707
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Publication number: 20120020192
    Abstract: Mechanism (100) for the additional secondary display (2) of a first physical quantity, wherein a push-button (4) activates first means for the coupling/uncoupling of said secondary display (2) to or from a movement (6) including a first display (1), and a pivoting first physical quantity cannon-pinion heart (36), wherein said first means control the coupling/uncoupling to or from said movement (6). A second push-button (5) controls the zero reset of said secondary display (2), by uncoupling said first coupling/uncoupling means, and returning said heart-piece (36) to the original position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent CALABRESE
  • Publication number: 20110164476
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: LVMH SWISS MANUFACTURES SA
    Inventor: Hughes Jolidon
  • Publication number: 20110164477
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: LVMH SWISS MANUFACTURES SA
    Inventor: Hughes JOLIDON
  • Patent number: 7959350
    Abstract: The control mechanism of a simple three-cycle chronograph includes a single pusher (A) that acts on a shuttle (1) of a chronograph cam. The mechanism can include a display (17, 18) of the state of the chronograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Laurent Oppliger, Alain Girardbille, Valérien Jaquet
  • Patent number: 7931399
    Abstract: The invention comprises a chronograph watch including a chronograph mechanism. The chronograph mechanism includes a chronograph train (50), and a counter mechanism (64) kinematically connected to the train (50). The counter mechanism (64) further includes first and second wheel sets (78, 82) respectively provided with first and second display members (36, 38), wherein the first wheel set (78) is angularly positioned using positioning members (86) so as to rotate in steps, and the second wheel set (82) is angularly positioned by the first wheel set (78).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Raphaël Courvoisier, Chrystel Gressly
  • Patent number: 7918602
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronographic timepiece and a chronograph mechanism (7) thereof including an elapsed time indicator member (17), a reset control member (21), and a reset device (25) for the indicator member, which includes a hammer (61), mounted in translation between an inactive position, where the hammer (61) is moved away from heart-pieces (55, 57, 59) that are connected to the indicator member (17), and an active position where stop members (54, 56, 58) of the hammer exert a reset force against the heart-pieces. The hammer (61) includes two studs (64, 66) mounted so as to slide in holes (100, 102) such that the movement vectors (L, K) of the studs (64, 66) between the positions are collinear and not aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Patent number: 7905655
    Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Patent number: 7871197
    Abstract: Timepiece device for simultaneously resetting to zero two time counters, particularly for a chronograph mechanism, each of the two time counters pivoting about an arbour secured to a cam (6b, 8b), the simultaneous zero reset device (1) including a lever (4) with two hammers (6, 8), which are applied against the respective cams (6b, 8b) when the two time counters are reset to zero, at least one pin (10, 12) used to guide the lever (4) with two hammers (6, 8) being secured to said lever (4) and moving in a shaped aperture (24, 26) made in a bridge (28), characterized in that a ring (16a, 16b, 16c) is mounted to rotate freely about the pin (10, 12) and is inserted between said pin (10, 12) and the shaped aperture (24, 26) in which said pin moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignees: Omega SA
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Publication number: 20100322038
    Abstract: A timepiece with a movement that includes: a power source; an element for displaying the current time; a chronograph mechanism including a control mobile (60) including at least one control member for activating the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph. The control mobile (60) further includes a driving member having a toothed sector (84) kinematically connected to the control member. The timepiece further includes a button that can be rotated, the button being rigidly connected by teeth that can be kinematically connected to the toothed sector so that the pivoting of the button activates the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicants: MANUFACTURE LA JOUX-PERRET SA
    Inventors: Richard Habring, Sebastien Chaulmontet
  • Patent number: 7780341
    Abstract: A clockwork movement includes at least two control elements which are movable with respect to the frame thereof, are used for interacting with the same external control member in response to the activation thereof and are positioned remotely to each other in the direction of the clockwork movement thickness. The clockwork movement has an intermediate connecting unit which is rotatable about an axis substantially extending in the direction of the clockwork movement thickness, pivotally mounted on the clockwork movement frame element and provided with a reception area which is distant from the axis and exposable to a force produced in response to the control member activation. The intermediate unit also includes at least two contact areas each of which is used for producing a force on the corresponding control element and which are located on both sides of the reception area in the direction of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A., CompliTime S.A.
    Inventors: François Trifoni, Stephen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20100097898
    Abstract: The control mechanism of a simple three-cycle chronograph includes a single pusher (A) that acts on a shuttle (1) of a chronograph cam. The mechanism can include a display (17, 18) of the state of the chronograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Laurent Oppliger, Alain Girardbille, Valerien Jaquet
  • Patent number: 7625116
    Abstract: Timepiece including a two-directional correction mechanism for a device displaying a time related quantity, the display device being actuated by a control lever (14) itself controlled by a cam (10), on which the control lever (14) abuts, the timepiece being characterized in that it includes a correction device (36) activated by a control stem (42) which, in the display device correction phase, via a return lever (24), moves the control lever (14) out of the path of the cam (10) on which said control lever (14) normally abuts in the normal operating phase of the timepiece (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Compagnie des Montres Longines, Francillon SA
    Inventors: Alphonse Bron, Olivier Mahler, Andrés Cabezas Jurin
  • Patent number: 7614782
    Abstract: A chronograph watch, which makes it possible to perform accurate zero-reset of a plurality of elapsed time display sections, and to reduce the number of components thus simplifying the structure, can be provided. Means for Solving the Problem The chronograph watch 1 according to the present invention includes an hour counting wheel 25, a second counting wheel 40, and a minute counting wheel 60 distant from each other in a planar direction, and is provided with a hammer 160 for substantially simultaneously and mechanically zero-resetting the hour counting wheel 25, the second counting wheel 40, and the minute counting wheel 60, the hammer 160 being composed of a hammer body 161 and a minute hammer 170.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Eiichi Hiraya, Kazunari Agesawa
  • Patent number: 7614783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising at least one minutes counter and one hours counter which are designed to be located both on the same side of the plate, first and second resetting members, each having a bearing surface and being able to pivot between a low position, in which each bearing surface cooperates with the periphery of a resetting cam of one of the counters, and a high position, in which each bearing surface is located at a distance from the corresponding cam. The mechanism comprises retaining means for keeping each of the resetting members in its high position, comprising a first retaining member acting directly on a first resetting member and able to be released in response to an action by a user, and a second retaining member acting directly on the second resetting member and able to be released in response to a pivoting of the first resetting member in the direction of its low position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Franck Muller Watchland S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Golay
  • Patent number: 7597471
    Abstract: A chronograph clockwork movement for measuring time includes a control lever actuatable by a first control member for alternatively activating or deactivating a time measurement, clutch elements for driving or not a second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever and selective locking members for locking the second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever. A lever and a hammer for resetting the second timer to zero are also provided. The clockwork movement is arranged in such a way that a user does not feel any difference, while measuring a time, whether the second timer is pre-set or not. The clockwork movement has a structure enabling to activate time measuring by delaying the effective departure of the second timer until an external resetting device controlling the lever is released in the rest position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignees: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A., CompliTime SA
    Inventors: Laurent Perret, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 7553067
    Abstract: A clockwork movement hammer (1) is used for interacting with heart-shaped cams (20, 21) provided with corresponding axes of rotation (29, 30) which are positioned remotely to each other. More precisely, the hearts (20, 21) are connected to a chronograph timer, whereas the hammer belongs to the resetting mechanism of the chronograph timers. The inventive hammer (1) includes at least one first part (5) movably mounted on the clockwork bottom plate (2) and one second part (17) bearing supporting surfaces (13, 19) which can be bring into contact with the hearts (20, 21) . The two parts (5, 17) of the hammer (1) are connected to each other by at least one swivel-type connection (14, 24) for making it possible to adjust the corresponding positions of the supporting surfaces (18, 19) while a resetting process. Due to particular characteristics thereof, the structural design of the hammer (1) is simple and small-sized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignees: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A., CompliTime SA
    Inventors: Laurent Perret, François Trifoni, Stephen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20090161493
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism (7) including an elapsed time indicator member (17), a reset control member (21), a reset device (25) for said indicator member, which includes a hammer (61), mounted in translation between an inactive position, where the hammer (61) is moved away from heart-pieces (55, 57, 59) that are connected to the indicator member (17), and an active position where stop members (54, 56, 58) of said hammer exert a reset force against said heart-pieces. According to the invention, the hammer (61) includes two studs (64, 66) mounted so as to slide in holes (100, 102) such that the movement vectors (L, K) of the studs (64, 66) between said positions are collinear and not aligned. The invention concerns the field of chronographs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: OMEGA S.A.
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Publication number: 20090161492
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising at least one minutes counter and one hours counter which are designed to be located both on the same side of the plate, first and second resetting members, each having a bearing surface and being able to pivot between a low position, in which each bearing surface cooperates with the periphery of a resetting cam of one of the counters, and a high position, in which each bearing surface is located at a distance from the corresponding cam. The mechanism comprises retaining means for keeping each of the resetting members in its high position, comprising a first retaining member acting directly on a first resetting member and able to be released in response to an action by a user, and a second retaining member acting directly on the second resetting member and able to be released in response to a pivoting of the first resetting member in the direction of its low position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre GOLAY
  • Publication number: 20090086583
    Abstract: Timepiece device for simultaneously resetting to zero two time counters, particularly for a chronograph mechanism, each of the two time counters pivoting about an arbour secured to a cam (6b, 8b), the simultaneous zero reset device (1) including a lever (4) with two hammers (6, 8), which are applied against the respective cams (6b, 8b) when the two time counters are reset to zero, at least one pin (10, 12) used to guide the lever (4) with two hammers (6, 8) being secured to said lever (4) and moving in a shaped aperture (24, 26) made in a bridge (28), characterized in that a ring (16a, 16b, 16c) is mounted to rotate freely about the pin (10, 12) and is inserted between said pin (10, 12) and the shaped aperture (24, 26) in which said pin moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: OMEGA SA
    Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
  • Patent number: 7508738
    Abstract: A display device is provided for a watch movement provided with a final gear train intended to drive, at least in a mediated way, means of displaying the time and an energy source driving the final gear train. In one implementation, the display device comprises a display disk for an additional function, and a display gearing of which one moving part carries the display disk. The display device also comprises a second energy source connected mechanically to the display gearing and operating means for the display gearing, designed so as to cause the gearing to be driven by the second energy source when the information for display has to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eterna SA
    Inventors: Willy Meier, Paul Gerber
  • Publication number: 20090034373
    Abstract: This pushbutton device for controlling the start/stop and resetting functions of a chronograph mechanism comprises two control pushbuttons able to slide between two limit positions, elastic return means which constantly tend to keep these pushbuttons in their outward limit positions, and a control rocker which pivots about a pivot. The control rocker is situated between the pushbuttons, the latter being, in their outward limit positions, simultaneously in contact with the control rocker, keeping it in a middle position between the limit positions of its pivoting, which correspond to the movement of the pushbuttons to their respective inward limit positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: MONTRES JOURNE S.A.
    Inventor: Francois-Paul Journe
  • Publication number: 20080310257
    Abstract: A chronograph clockwork movement for measuring time includes a control lever actuatable by a first control member for alternatively activating or deactivating a time measurement, clutch elements for driving or not a second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever and selective locking members for locking the second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever. A lever and a hammer for resetting the second timer to zero are also provided. The clockwork movement is arranged in such a way that a user does not feel any difference, while measuring a time, whether the second timer is pre-set or not. The clockwork movement has a structure enabling to activate time measuring by delaying the effective departure of the second timer until an external resetting device controlling the lever is released in the rest position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicants: VAUCHER MANUFACTURE FLEURIER S.A., COMPLITIME SA
    Inventors: Laurent Perret, Stephen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20080310258
    Abstract: A clockwork movement includes at least two control elements which are movable with respect to the frame thereof, are used for interacting with the same external control member in response to the activation thereof and are positioned remotely to each other in the direction of the clockwork movement thickness. The clockwork movement has an intermediate connecting unit which is rotatable about an axis substantially extending in the direction of the clockwork movement thickness, pivotally mounted on the clockwork movement frame element and provided with a reception area which is distant from the axis and exposable to a force produced in response to the control member activation. The intermediate unit also includes at least two contact areas each of which is used for producing a force on the corresponding control element and which are located on both sides of the reception area in the direction of the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicants: Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier S.A., Complitime SA
    Inventors: Francois Trifoni, Stephen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20080291785
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clockwork movement hammer (1) which is used for interacting with heart-shaped cams (20, 21) provided with corresponding axes of rotation (29, 30) which are positioned remotely to each other. More precisely, said hearts (20, 21) are connected to a chronograph timer, whereas the hammer belongs to the resetting mechanism of the chronograph timers. The inventive hammer (1) comprises at least one first part (5) movably mounted on the clockwork bottom plate (2) and one second part (17) bearing supporting surfaces (18, 19) which can be bring into contact with said hearts (20, 21). The two parts (5, 17) of the hammer (1) are connected to each other by at least one swivel-type connection (14, 24) for making it possible to adjust the corresponding positions of the supporting surfaces (18, 19) while a resetting process. Due to particular characteristics thereof, the structural design of the hammer (1) is simple and small-sized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Laurent Perret, Francois Trifoni, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 7422364
    Abstract: A zero-resetting device for a timepiece, and more particularly for a chronograph, includes a manual control device (2), a second control device (4) that can be actuated by the manual control device (2), one or several zero-resetting cams (6) and one or several hammers (5) that can be actuated by the second control device (4) so as to cooperate with the zero-resetting cam or cams (6) respectively. The second control device (4) is moveable in translation, and the hammer or hammers (5) are pivotable about a respective pivot or pivots (17) that are independent of the second control device (4), and are hinged to the second control device (4) in order to be able to be pivoted about the pivot or pivots (17) by a translational movement of the second control device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Chopard Manufacture S.A.
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Scheufele