Balance Wheel Type Patents (Class 368/127)
  • Patent number: 11934149
    Abstract: A device for a timepiece, comprising a support, an inertial regulating member mounted so as to rotate relative to the support by an elastic suspension connecting said regulating member to the support. The regulating member comprises a number n of rigid portions interconnected in pairs by n elastic coupling links. The elastic suspension comprises n elastic suspension links respectively connecting each rigid portion to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventors: Guy Semon, Thomas Mercier, Florian Danard, Wout Johannes Benjamin Ypma, Maarten Pieter Lustig
  • Patent number: 11906929
    Abstract: A detent escapement includes an escape wheel with teeth regularly spaced along a perimeter and a balance having an impulse pallet and receiving driving impulses via the teeth, the balance performing an alternation during which it receives a driving impulse and an alternation without a driving impulse, the detent escapement also including a hook pivotally mounted on the balance and held bearing by an elastic member against an abutment, the detent escapement including a pivotable detent which includes a first arm which collaborates with the escape wheel to block the latter before the start of the driving impulse, as well as a second arm to allow the escape wheel to disengage from its engagement with the first arm at the start of the driving impulse, and which limits the pivoting of this detent to only part of the oscillation of the balance, the detent being configured to again block the escape wheel after the latter has finished providing the driving impulse to the impulse pallet of the balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Jérôme Macé, Benoît Légeret
  • Patent number: 11841685
    Abstract: A horological display mechanism (10) with elastic hand (1), including means for driving barrels (2; 4) coaxial at the ends of a flexible blade (3), including a differential mechanism with an input frame (180) including an input toothing (182), free to rotate and carrying an intermediate wheel (103) and a satellite (101) meshing with each other, this satellite (101) including an eccentric finger (1010) traveling the track (105) of a fixed cam (104), and returned against it by the elasticity of the elastic hand (1), the input frame (180) including a shaft (185) carrying, coaxially, a first cannon-pinion (1020) including the first barrel (2) and a second cannon-pinion (1040) including the second barrel (4), the toothing (1049) of one of which meshes with the toothing (1039) of the intermediate wheel (103), and the toothing (1029) of the other one of which meshes with the toothing (1019) of the satellite (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Stranczl
  • Patent number: 11822290
    Abstract: A horological Tourbillon comprising A) a cage CC rotating around an axis (ZC), divided in two half-cages (1a,b) by a medial plane (RC) perpendicular to the rotation axis (ZC); a double tourbillon (TD) with two regulation systems each made of an oscillator (OSa,b), a lever and it's escapement mobile (MEa,b), installed in their respective half-cage (1a, 1b); the two regulation systems being made of identical elements but organized in an opposite configuration and installed in each half-cage (1a, 1b) symmetrically relatively to the medial plan (RC) so that, in the medial plane, the rotation direction of the two escapement mobiles (MEa,b) are identical; each regulation system has a compensating wheel (RFa,b) that meshes with its escapement mobile (MEa,b); B) a differential (D) made of: two outputs S (a,b) each meshing into a compensating wheel (RFa,b), thus creating a position compensation; one input pinion (ED) linked to the horological mechanism (MH); C) one linkage (EC) between the horological mechanism (MH) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: Vianney Halter
  • Patent number: 11796962
    Abstract: An escapement mechanism of a timepiece, including: a first escapement wheel, a second escapement wheel called an impulse pinion and a drive pinion; the impulse pinion, the drive pinion and the first escapement wheel being mounted on the same axis; an intermediate wheel meshing with the drive pinion; a balance plate carrying a plate peg and a direct impulse pallet stone arranged to cooperate with the first escapement wheel; pallets including a pallet entry cooperating with the plate peg, an impulse pallet stone arranged to cooperate with the impulse pinion, and first and second support pallet stones arranged to cooperate with the first escapement wheel. The first escapement wheel, the drive pinion and the impulse pinion are mounted in this order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGÈRE SUISSE
    Inventor: Ivan Villar
  • Patent number: 11789407
    Abstract: A device (10) for guiding a pivoting mass in rotary pivoting, in particular for a horological movement comprising, arranged in series substantially in the same plane, a first support (2), a first pair of uncrossed strips (5, 6), a second support (3), a pair of crossed strips (7, 8), and a third support (4), the pair of uncrossed strips including, a first (5) and a second (6) flexible strip connecting the first support (2) to the second support (3) without crossing each other, the pair of crossed strips including a third (7) and a fourth (8) flexible strip connecting the second support (3) to the third support (4), the third (7) and fourth (8) flexible strips crossing each other between the second (3) and the third (4) support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Mohammad Hussein Kahrobaiyan, Gianni Di Domenico
  • Patent number: 11687041
    Abstract: A mechanical oscillator, formed of a mechanical resonator and a device for maintaining oscillation, and an auxiliary oscillator forming a reference time base including a synchronisation device arranged to slave the medium frequency of the mechanical oscillator on that of the auxiliary oscillator. The synchronisation device includes an electromagnetic braking device which is formed of a coil and at least one permanent magnet and arranged such that an induced voltage is generated between the terminals of the coil in each alternation of the oscillation of the mechanical resonator. The synchronisation device is arranged to be able to reduce momentarily the impedance between the terminals of the coil during distinct time intervals, any two successive time intervals exhibiting between the respective starts thereof a time distance substantially equal to a positive whole number multiplied by half of a set-point period for the mechanical oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Lionel Tombez
  • Patent number: 11675313
    Abstract: A timepiece mechanism includes a first energy source with a regulating member, a second independent energy source, a control member driven by the second energy source, and a blocking device controlled by the first energy source to block the second energy source and release it to allow the control member to be displaced by jumps powered by the second energy source. The blocking device includes first and second mobile parts kinematically interconnected, the first mobile part including a drive device, the second mobile part including a stopping device; a rotating drive member connected to the first energy source and cooperating with the drive device to displace the mobile parts, alternately in opposite directions; and a rotating blocking member connected to the second energy source and cooperating with the stopping device to be blocked by the second mobile part and released at the determined times by second mobile part movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVE
    Inventors: James Hide, Stéphane Oes, Frédéric Maier
  • Patent number: 11599065
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a mechanical oscillator, formed of a mechanical resonator, and a device for regulating the frequency of the mechanical oscillator. This regulation device includes an auxiliary oscillator, an electromechanical device for stopping the mechanical resonator, a sensor arranged to detect the passage of the mechanical resonator via the neutral position thereof, and a measuring device arranged to measure a time drift of the mechanical oscillator. The regulation device is arranged to stop, during a given alternation, the natural oscillation movement of the mechanical resonator selectively either momentarily during a first half-alternation occurring before the passage of the mechanical resonator via the neutral position thereof when the time drift measured corresponds to at least a certain gain, or prematurely during a second half-alternation occurring after the passage of the mechanical resonator via the neutral position thereof when the time drift measured corresponds to at least a certain loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Lionel Tombez
  • Patent number: 11586148
    Abstract: A limiting device for a watch, including an oscillator, and capable of blocking this oscillator carried by the carriage of a tourbillon or karussel, with two intermediate drive wheels integral with arbors pivoted in a plate and rotating in opposite directions to one another, one whereof is driven in rotation by an engaging rod engaging with a control member external to the tourbillon or karussel, each of the intermediate wheels carries at least one resilient element, is arranged so as to bear against a mobile component of the oscillator in order to stop same upon passage of the control member from a rest position to an active position wherein each resilient element bears against this mobile component of the oscillator, or against the carriage, and so as to remain remote from the carriage and from any mobile component of the oscillator when the control member is in the rest position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Timothee Jeanrenaud, Jean-Claude Monachon
  • Patent number: 11573532
    Abstract: A device for guiding a pivoting mass about an axis. A first support is fixed and a second support forms or supports the pivoting mass. The device is includes a first and second flexible leaf oriented in the same direction when the device is at rest, and an intermediate leaf having a rigidity notably greater than the flexible leaves and connecting the first flexible leaf to the second, the device including a first fixed link formed by the first support and a first end of the first leaf, a second fixed link formed by a second end of the first leaf and by a first end of the intermediate leaf, a third fixed link formed by a second end of the intermediate leaf and by a first end of the second leaf and a fourth fixed link formed by at least one second end of the second leaf, wherein the first and/or the fourth link is arranged substantially between the second and the third link in the direction when the device is at rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Helfer, Pascal Winkler
  • Patent number: 11573530
    Abstract: An adjustment member for a watch including a fixed structure extending substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction, the adjustment member including a regulating member with a balance arranged to pivot about a balance axis, this balance is pivoted by magnetic pivots in a carriage, arranged to pivot about a carriage axis, and comprised in a device for annulling variations in rate in the vertical positions, formed by a tourbillon or a carrousel, comprised in the adjustment member, and the carriage carrying magnets defining the balance axis which is perpendicular or oblique to the carriage axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Polychronis Nakis Karapatis
  • Patent number: 11543775
    Abstract: A drive member and a mechanism for a timepiece including such a drive member includes at least two monolithic units stacked and connected in series, each of these units including a hub and a rim which are connected by at least one elastic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVE
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Le Bris
  • Patent number: 11493884
    Abstract: A horological movement including a tourbillon or karussel frame carried by an arm subjected to the torque of a first energy source, and a second energy source driving a frame pitch mobile driving the frame, and, for periodically controlling a retrograde movement of the arm, a release mobile connected to the second energy source and cooperating at a pallet-stone with an interrupted cam that a cam mobile kinematically connected to this arm includes, to allow advancing the arm in a direct direction as long as the pallet-stone is resting on the cam, and to control a rapid retrograde return of this arm during a drop of the pallet-stone between two of its successive support surfaces on the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Harry Winston SA
    Inventors: Johnny Buehler, Emmanuel Bouchet
  • Patent number: 11460811
    Abstract: A timepiece mechanism comprising a regulator, an energy distributing member a pallet fork controlled by the regulator to alternate in locking and releasing the energy distributing member, and a decoupling member elastically connected to the pallet fork and to the regulator. The decoupling member is arranged so as to oscillate between two stop elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventors: Guy Semon, Thomas Mercier, Thuy-Anh N'Guyen, Maarten Pieter Lustig
  • Patent number: 11422506
    Abstract: The resonator for a timepiece includes a support structure permitting mounting the resonator in a timepiece, a first and a second balance arranged to oscillate in the same plane, at least one first and second elastic element respectively connecting the first and second balances to the support structure, the configuration of the elastic elements determining two parallel elastic pivoting axes for the two balances, and the elastic elements forming a resilient element angularly returning each of the balances towards an inoperative position. The resonator further includes a strap coupling the first and the second balance. The points joining the strap to the first and the second balance respectively are located in the same plane parallel to the plane of oscillation of the balances. When the balances are in their inoperative position, these joining points are symmetrical with respect to a center of symmetry midway between the geometrical pivoting axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ASSOCIATION SUISSE POUR LA RECHERCHE HORLOGERE (ASRH)
    Inventors: Dara Bayat, Yves Pétremand, Ivar Kjelberg
  • Patent number: 11397408
    Abstract: A horological detent escapement for a horological movement arranged to transmit a torque from said horological movement to an oscillating regulating organ of said horological movement, the regulating organ comprising a first mobile body and the escapement comprising a second mobile body and an escapement wheel. Said escapement wheel being arranged so as to transmit, during a half-phase of each oscillation of the regulating organ, a torque to said regulating organ via a direct impulse. The second mobile body comprises an indirect impulse means arranged so as to be in contact with the escapement wheel during normal operation and be out of contact during the other half-phase of each oscillation of the regulating organ when the escapement wheel does not transmit torque to the regulating organ, so as to transmit torque to said regulating organ via an indirect impulse, following an inadvertent movement or inadvertent stoppage of the horological movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventors: Ilan Vardi, Simon Henein, Olivier Mathez
  • Patent number: 11360432
    Abstract: A timepiece movement with a regulating member which is a tourbillon or carousel, also known as a karussel, and including a drive mechanism, with a pivoting arm subjected to the restoring torque of a first energy source and carrying a mechanism comprising a wheel, a second energy source that subjects to a restoring torque a third wheel set on which the wheel rolls, under the action of the first energy source, the structure carries stop means cooperating with complementary stop means of the third wheel set to hold the latter in position, which are uncouple-able under the action of uncoupling control means of the arm at the end of the forward angular travel of the arm to allow the third wheel set to pivot in a single direction under the action of the second energy source, causing a backward rotation of the arm to the start of its angular travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Harry Winston SA
    Inventors: Johnny Buehler, Emmanuel Bouchet
  • Patent number: 11314206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clockwork with pointers or with a pointer module driven by a mechanical driving gear, wherein the clockwork is a hybrid clockwork that in addition to the mechanical driving gear, also at least includes an additional driving gear with a motor and an electric or electronic controller that is internal and which is equipped to be able to drive and/or adjust the pointers or the pointer module in parallel or in series with the mechanical driving gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Benoît Mintiens
  • Patent number: 11048210
    Abstract: A watch movement includes a frame having a first bearing and a second bearing, and a tourbillon including two cages, of which one cage is known as the external cage. The external cage is mounted in a pivoting manner on the frame between the first bearing and the second bearing. The movement also includes two watch jewels supporting two pivots of the external cage. Additionally, the movement includes two translational elements capable of displacement in relation to the bearings in the axis of rotation of the external cage in the assembled position of the external cage on the frame, so as to cause a displacement of the watch jewels or a displacement of the pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Christophe Riedo
  • Patent number: 10928779
    Abstract: An isochronous pivot for a resonator including two flexible strips joining attachment points of a first and a second element, defining two strip directions, and a pivot axis, at the intersection of their projections or at their intersection, each strip having a free length between its attachment points, and an axial distance between the pivot axis and the attachment point thereof farthest from the axis, the attachment point ratio X=D/L being greater than one for each strip, the strip directions defining with the axis a first apex angle whose value in degrees includes between f1(X)=108+67/(10X?6), and f2(X)=113+67/(10X?6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Gianni Di Domenico, Dominique Lechot, Jerome Favre, Baptiste Hinaux, Jean-Jacques Born, Jean-Luc Helfer, Pascal Winkler
  • Patent number: 10816934
    Abstract: A timepiece movement is provided, including a first regulating member and a first escapement associated therewith; a first train connecting the first escapement to a first energy source; a second regulating member and a second escapement associated therewith; a second train connecting the second escapement to a second energy source; a display of a current time; at least one differential gear including a first input wheel meshing with the first train and a second input wheel meshing with the second train, the at least one differential gear driving the display, where the second regulating member consumes less energy than the first regulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Bazin, Paulo Bravo
  • Patent number: 10761482
    Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece component (1) comprising at least one portion (3) machined by chip removal. Said portion (3) is made of a non-magnetic copper alloy in order to limit its sensitivity to magnetic fields, said copper alloy containing between 10 wt % and 20 wt % of Ni, between 6 wt % and 12 wt % of Sn, X wt % of additional elements, wherein X is comprised between 0 and 5, and the remainder is Cu. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Charbon, Vincent Fays, Marco Verardo
  • Patent number: 10730203
    Abstract: A method of making a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) article by combining a preceramic polymer with one or more sized nanopowders and optional surfactants and/or solvents to form a mixture suitable for 3D printing, depositing the mixture on a mandrel, curing it to form a green body, and pyrolyzing the green body such that the nanocrystalline surface of the CMC article has sufficiently the same surface roughness and figure accuracy of the mandrel to enable the CMC article to be used without further polishing. The mixture can be a paste or slurry that is self supporting and exhibit pseudoplastic rheology. The preceramic polymer is preferably a precursor to SiC, and the nanopowders preferably comprise SiC. The article can be densified by using polymer infiltration pyrolysis, with or without nanoparticles. The curing and pyrolysis of the article can be performed with microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Goodman Technologies LLC
    Inventor: William A. Goodman
  • Patent number: 10713978
    Abstract: A computing device includes memory configured for storing executable instructions, a processor configured for executing the instructions, a foldable display layer configured for displaying information in response to the execution of the instructions, and a bend limit layer coupled to the foldable display layer and arranged substantially parallel to a display surface of the foldable display layer. The bend limit layer is configured to increase its stiffness non-linearly when a radius of a bend of the bend limit layer is less than a threshold radius of curvature of the foldable display layer, the threshold radius of curvature being greater than 1 mm and less than 20 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: William Riis Hamburgen, Yi Tao, Bruce Schena, James Cooper, John Stuart Fitch, Jeffrey Hayashida, Avi Hecht, Lawrence Lam, Andreas Nowatzyk, Jonathan Nivet, Kelvin Kwong, Kiarash Vakhshouri
  • Patent number: 10534319
    Abstract: An escapement for a timepiece includes an escape wheel that rotates about a shaft center and a pallet that oscillates. The escape wheel includes fifteen teeth. The pallet includes an entry pallet jewel and an exit pallet jewel that switch the rotation and stop of the escape wheel and receive torque from the escape wheel by contacting the teeth. The escape wheel and a balance (an impulse pin) apply and receive torque only via the pallet. The pallet includes a third pallet jewel (a torque applying and receiving member) that receives torque from a convex portion of the escape wheel in addition to the entry pallet jewel and the exit pallet jewel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tadahiro Fukuda, Shinpei Fukaya
  • Patent number: 10528005
    Abstract: A mechanism for a timepiece, comprising a an oscillating regulator mechanism, a rotary energy distribution toothed wheel, a blocking mechanism controlled by the regulator mechanism to alternatively hold and release the energy distribution wheel, and a monostable elastic member linked to the regulator mechanism and bearing on the teeth of the energy distribution wheel. The teeth of the energy distribution wheel are adapted to elastically deform the monostable elastic member by cam effect during rotation of the wheel, and the monostable elastic member is adapted to elastically return to its rest position, thus releasing mechanical energy to the regulator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: LVMH SWISS MANUFACTURES SA
    Inventors: Guy Semon, Wout Johannes Benjamin Ypma, Nima Tolou
  • Patent number: 10520890
    Abstract: A timepiece regulator comprising an inertial regulating member which is mounted on a support by an elastic suspension so as to be able to oscillate in translation, along a main direction of translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: LVMH SWISS MANUFACTURES SA
    Inventors: Guy Semon, Wout Johannes Benjamin Yoma, Sybren Lennard Weeke, Nima Tolou
  • Patent number: 10514659
    Abstract: A timepiece movement is provided, including a first regulating member and a first escapement connected by a first train to a first energy source, where the first train, the first escapement, the first regulating member, and the first energy source together define a first assembly; a second regulating member and a second escapement connected by a second train to a second energy source, where the second train, the second escapement, the second regulating member, and the second energy source together define a second assembly; at least one differential gear configured to ensure a kinematic connection between the first and the second assemblies; a display of the current time; and a mechanism for stopping and allowing operation of one of the regulating members, where the differential gear carries the display to display the current time regardless of which of the regulating members is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Bazin, Paulo Bravo
  • Patent number: 10481557
    Abstract: A tourbillon (1) with a rotation cage which is rotatably arranged about a tourbillon axis is provided. The rotation cage mounts a balance wheel (3) and an escapement with an escape wheel (8) and a lever. The tourbillon is characterised in that the rotation cage comprises a bearing wheel (22) which is mounted by bearing elements (13) which engage peripherally on a running surface (11) of the bearing wheel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Bucherer AG
    Inventor: Joachim Mutrux
  • Patent number: 10386791
    Abstract: A mechanical movement timepiece assembly with a mechanical oscillator is formed by a resonator of the balance-hairspring type, and a device for regulating the oscillation frequency thereof using an auxiliary oscillator equipped with a quartz resonator. The regulating device includes a sensor, suitable for detecting the passage of the resonator via the neutral position thereof, a measuring device suitable for measuring, on the basis of position signals supplied by the sensor, a time drift of the mechanical oscillator relative to the auxiliary oscillator, and a device for applying to the resonator mechanical braking pulses when a certain time drift is observed. For this purpose, the resonator has a braking surface which extends over at least a certain sector having a certain length along the oscillation axis and against which a braking member may press in order to momentarily brake the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Lionel Tombez, Alexandre Haemmerli
  • Patent number: 10222754
    Abstract: The timepiece movement comprises a pivoting element, a bearing for a pivot of this pivoting element and an anti-shock device associated with this bearing and including a resilient member arranged to exert a restoring force on at least one endstone. The anti-shock device further includes a magnetic system comprising two magnets having opposite polarities and a highly magnetically permeable element arranged between these two magnets and secured to one of them, the two magnets being respectively fixed to a support of the anti-shock device and to the resilient member and arranged to produce between them, in association with the highly magnetically permeable element, an overall force of magnetic attraction on a first section of a possible distance of displacement for the endstone in the event of a shock and an overall force of magnetic repulsion on a second section of this distance of displacement corresponding to greater distances of separation than those of the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Deirdre Lenoir, Davide Sarchi, Benoit Legeret
  • Patent number: 10061269
    Abstract: A balance wheel-spring system including a balance wheel that oscillates about a balance wheel shaft and a spring, one inner spiral of which is fixed to the balance wheel shaft or to a collet mounted integrally with the shaft and one outer spiral of which is fixed to a stud integral with a bridge. The balance wheel includes a hub, a rim, an arm connecting the hub to the rim, a front face which includes a countersink and a rear face, the arm including a housing receiving and retaining a flyweight, and the spring being mounted opposite the front face of the balance wheel. The flyweight is mounted on the arm on the rear face of the balance wheel, the distance between the bottom of the countersink of the front face of the balance wheel and the spring is a predetermined interval between 0.05 mm and 1.50 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Graf, Marc Stranczl
  • Patent number: 9996054
    Abstract: A timepiece with a tourbillon unit, including a base plate, cage placed rotatably on the base plate and being connected to a fourth pinion, a balance placed on the cage, and an escape wheel that is placed on the cage and that is in work connection with the balance, a balance stop device being capable to be brought into engagement with the balance, wherein it further includes a zero-setting device for the angular orientation of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Glashuetter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Joern Heise
  • Patent number: 9958833
    Abstract: Timepiece movement or watch including one isochronous oscillator mechanism, including only a first sprung balance oscillator including a first balance spring attached to a fixed structure at a first stud and to a first mobile component pivoting about a first axis, and a second sprung balance oscillator including a second balance spring fixed to a second mobile component, coupled to each other by mechanical connection via this second elastic return means attached to the first mobile component, this second balance spring being attached, to a felloe or an arm of the first mobile component at a second stud, and to this second mobile component which pivots about a second axis, and the maintenance of the oscillations is effected on only one of first mobile component or second mobile component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Davide Sarchi, Sebastian Alagon Carrillo, Alain Zaugg
  • Patent number: 9897972
    Abstract: A clockwork movement with a tourbillon unit, including a base plate, a mobile cage mounted rotatably on the base plate and connected to a second pinion, a balance mounted on the mobile cage and an escape wheel mounted on the mobile cage and being in operative connection with the balance, a balance wheel stop mechanism being capable to be brought into engagement with the balance, wherein it further includes a setting mechanism controlled by an external actuating device for any angular orientation of the mobile cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Joern Heise
  • Patent number: 9804568
    Abstract: A microsystem for setting the rate of a timepiece oscillator, including a wheel/inertia block including an off-center unbalance and a toothing and arranged to pivot with respect to a base plate of the microsystem, which includes an actuator driving a first active click arranged to drive the toothing, and includes a device for stopping the toothing in position, wherein the actuator is a thermomechanical actuator arranged to convert a flow of light energy into a displacement of a distal end of the thermomechanical actuator, which carries a first active click or directly controls a movement of a first active click, and the microsystem is capable of incorporation in a watch including a crystal transparent to predetermined wavelengths ranges and allowing the passage of a light ray to regulate the microsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Lionel Paratte
  • Patent number: 9804567
    Abstract: A constant force escapement mechanism between an oscillator and a gear train driven by a barrel, includes a stop member cooperating with the oscillator and with toothing of a flexible, one-piece escape wheel including a pinion that meshes with an input wheel of the gear train and is connected to the toothing by flexible arms configured to store energy from the gear train and to restore energy according to a position of a detent lever, which includes a first arm cooperating with the toothing, and a second arm cooperating with the input wheel to stop or release the input wheel. The lever tilts, at each passage of a tooth of the toothing, about a pivot bearing, and the escapement mechanism is configured to be incorporated in a movement or in a watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Stranczl
  • Patent number: 9645550
    Abstract: A timepiece part, includes a frame having a power source, a housing including a first pivotal movement system and a second pivotal movement system; an escapement set up on a mounting, a first kinematic linkage including a first wheel borne by a first half-shaft from the first pivotal movement system and a second wheel borne by a first half-shaft from the second pivotal movement system, and a second kinematic linkage including a first wheel borne by the second half-shaft from the first pivotal movement system and a second wheel borne by the first or second half-shaft of the second pivotal movement system. One of the wheels borne by the second pivotal movement system is kinematically linked to the power source, and the other wheel borne by the pivotal movement system is stationary relative to the frame. Both wheels borne by the first system are kinematically linked to a differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LVMH SWISS MANUFACTURES SA
    Inventor: Yves Corthesy
  • Patent number: 9599961
    Abstract: A tourbillon mechanism for a timepiece movement includes a balance mechanism, an escapement mechanism and a carriage mounted in a structure of the timepiece movement in rotation about a tourbillon axis. The balance mechanism includes a spring and a balance wheel mounted in the carriage to pivot about the tourbillon axis. The escapement mechanism includes an escape wheel with teeth and a pallet-lever including pallet-stones configured to engage the teeth, the pallet-lever being mounted in the carriage and coupled in rotation to the carriage by a pivot device. The escape wheel encircles the tourbillon axis and is attached to or integral with the structure of the timepiece movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Stranczl
  • Patent number: 9594349
    Abstract: A pallet lever including a head arranged to cooperate with an escape wheel and a fork arranged to cooperate with a balance. The angular position of the fork is variable relative to the head. A flexible strip provides the only permanent, mechanical connection between the head and the fork. An escape mechanism includes a plate, an escape wheel and a balance, cooperating with the pallet lever. The flexible strip is mounted pre-stressed buckled between the head and the fork, the pallet lever forming a bi-stable system including at least two stable states and two metastable states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Jean-Luc Helfer
  • Patent number: 9588492
    Abstract: A clockwork movement includes a mechanical energy source, a first regulating part and a first escapement, which are connected by a first gear-train to the energy source, and a second regulating part and a second escapement, which are connected by a second gear-train to the energy source. The first gear-train, the first escapement (4) and the first regulating part (2) define a first assembly. The second gear-train, the second escapement and the second regulating part (10) define a second assembly. At least one differential gear is arranged to provide a kinematic connection between the first assembly and the energy source and between the second assembly and the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GFPI SA
    Inventors: Dylan Roth, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 9568887
    Abstract: To provide an operation stabilizing mechanism, a movement, and a mechanical timepiece allowing a reduction in size while achieving an enhancement in rate precision. An operation stabilizing mechanism includes: an outer carriage and an inner carriage provided so as to be mutually rotatable; a constant-force spring provided between the outer carriage and the inner carriage and configured to impart a rotational force to the inner carriage such that the inner carriage rotates with respect to the outer carriage; a stop wheel provided on the outer carriage; and a stopper configured to perform engaging and releasing operations on the stop wheel upon the rotation of the inner carriage, wherein the rotational axis of the outer carriage and the rotation axis of the inner carriage cross each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Takuma Kawauchiya, Masahiro Nakajima, Takashi Niwa, Masayuki Koda
  • Patent number: 9310771
    Abstract: A pallet lever mechanism for an escapement mechanism including a structure carrying a balance and an escape wheel, the pallet lever including pallet stones cooperating with the escape wheel, and a flexible, multistable element, and the pallet lever cooperates with the balance with horns of a first portion of the pallet lever connected by one such flexible element to the structure or to a second portion of the pallet lever carrying the pallet stones connected by one such flexible element to the fixed structure or to the first portion. One flexible element includes a prestressed beam buckled in an S or Z shape, the pallet lever mechanism including a pivot forcing the beam to have a node at the middle thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NIVAROX-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Thierry Hessler
  • Patent number: 9304493
    Abstract: A timepiece escapement mechanism, including a balance having no roller and an escape wheel, between which impulses are transmitted by a flexible, single-piece mechanism, connected by at least one flexible strip to a fixed structure or to the wheel. Oscillation is maintained by a balance spring ending in a balance spring stud which is mobile during operation, and which is guided by a flexible guide member with flexible strips, and whose center of rotation is coaxial to the balance, the balance spring stud receiving a pin which is mobile in a cam path of the wheel. During the oscillations, the balance spring stud is moved relative to its locking position under action of force exerted by the balance spring, and the pin maintains and regulates the oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Thierry Hessler, Andres Cabezas Jurin, Davide Sarchi
  • Patent number: 9285773
    Abstract: A balance staff including a main shoulder of a balance, a first radial lateral bearing surface for this balance, a roller sleeve shoulder, and a balance spring collet shoulder. The roller shoulder is adjacent to a first radial shoulder, the collet shoulder is adjacent to a second lateral surface, which defines, with the first radial shoulder, a collar including the balance shoulder which is adjacent to a first lateral bearing surface for the bearing of a balance, the first lateral bearing surface facing the same side as the first radial shoulder, the balance shoulder is separated from this collet shoulder by a seat forming the largest diameter of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGÈRE SUISSE
    Inventor: Olivier Mertenat
  • Patent number: 9268308
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising a frame, at least one driving gear (2), and at least one tourbillon mechanism including: a first cage (4) which can rotate about a first axis (A) and on which a balance (6) and an escapement gear are pivotably mounted, said escapement gear being formed by an escape wheel and an escape pinion; a second cage (8) rotatably movable about a second axis (B) and supporting the first cage (4); and a third cage (10) rotatably movable about a third axis (C), said third cage (10) supporting the first and second cages (4, 8) and kinematically driving same. Two of the first, second and third axes (A, B, C) are perpendicular to one another, with the remaining first, second or third axis (A, B, C) forming an angle other than 0° and 90° with one of the other two axes (A, B, C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: COMPLITIME SA
    Inventors: Stephen Forsey, Lena Dupan
  • Patent number: 9244434
    Abstract: An inseparable single-piece timepiece component includes a position adjustable mechanism including a rigid structure carrying, with at least one resilient strip, a position adjustable component including a tooth arranged to cooperate with a toothed comb included in an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is incorporated in this inseparable single-piece component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Thierry Hessler, Jean-Luc Helfer
  • Patent number: 9217992
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the active length of a timepiece balance spring whose outer end is fixed to a balance spring stud secured to a bar. This mechanism includes two pins for clamping or touching the outer coil of the balance spring during the operation of this balance spring. These two pins are in a single piece with this bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Stranczl, Thierry Hessler, Jean-Luc Helfer
  • Patent number: 9207641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotating oscillator for a timepiece comprising a support element designed to allow the oscillator to be assembled on a timepiece, a balance, a plurality of flexible blades connecting the support element to the balance and able to exert a return torque on the balance, and a felloe mounted secured to the balance. The plurality of flexible blades comprises at least two flexible blades, including a first blade positioned in a first plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator, and a second blade positioned in a second plane perpendicular to the plane of the oscillator and intersecting the first plane. The geometric oscillation axis of the oscillator is defined by the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, said geometric oscillation axis crossing the first and second blades at ?th of their respective lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE SA—RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Simon Henein, Ivar Kjelberg