Balance Wheel Type Patents (Class 368/127)
  • Patent number: 7950846
    Abstract: The resonator (1) for a timepiece results from coupling a first, low frequency resonator (2) with a second, higher frequency resonator (3). The first resonator (2) has a first balance (4) associated with a first balance spring (5). The second resonator (3) has a second balance (6) associated with a second balance spring (7). A third balance spring is arranged between the first (4) and second (6) balances to couple said first (2) and second (3) resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Thierry Hessler, Kaspar Trumpy, Jean-Luc Helfer, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 7946755
    Abstract: A watch movement, includes a frame (10, 11, 20, 22, 24), defined by a first and a second parallel plane surface and defining reference planes (A, B), the second plane (B) being located alongside the movement for placing adjacent to the wrist of the wearer, at least one balance wheel (30), pivoting in bearings fixed in the frame, at least one escape mechanism (26, 28) providing support for the balance wheel, an energy source (12), clockwork finishing movements (14), connecting the energy source to the escape mechanism and motion work (42).The balance wheel turns about an axis (YY), inclined in relation to the reference planes and intersecting the same, the point of intersection (PA) of the axis (Y) with the first plane (A) being closer to the center of the movement than the point of intersection (PB) of the axis (Y) with the second plane (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: CompliTime SA
    Inventors: Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 7946757
    Abstract: The invention concerns a base module comprising a barrel device, a display device, and a power reserve indicator, all the components of the module being placed vertically relative to the flanks of the case, and the adjusting member being arranged visibly and directly accessible on the flank of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BNB Concept SA
    Inventors: Mathias Buttet, Enrico Barbasini, Michel Navas
  • Publication number: 20110116347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a resonator (11) with a balance (13) and balance spring (15) including a balance (13) mounted on a staff (17), a balance spring (15) integral with a collet (14) and mounted on said staff. According to the invention, the collet (14) includes an integral protruding portion or bump (16) forming a pin arranged for cooperating with an escape system. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: NIVAROX-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Philomène Berger, Emmanuel Graf, Daniel Mallet, Frédéric Vaucher, Pierre Cusin
  • Publication number: 20110096636
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a regulating organ, in particular a regulating organ adapted to be integrated into a mechanical watch. The regulating organ comprises a first balance and a first spiral. Moreover, the regulating organ comprises at least one second balance fastened on the axle of said first balance. The present invention also concerns a movement of a mechanical watch or a watch piece comprising such a regulating organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Gilles Pellet
  • Publication number: 20110096635
    Abstract: The tourbillon mechanism is characterized in that it includes a toothed wheel (127; 227) and at least two toothed elements (125A, 125B; 225A, 225B, 225C) pivoting in the carriage (103), the toothed wheel, which meshes with the escape pinion (111 B), being freely mounted in the carriage in a coaxial position, and said at least two toothed elements (125A, 125B; 225A, 225B, 225C) being regularly spaced around said toothed wheel (127; 227) with which said toothed elements mesh, said at least two toothed elements each being designed to mesh with the fixed toothing (119; 219), so as to connect the escape pinion to the fixed toothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent CALABRESE
  • Patent number: 7927008
    Abstract: This escapement comprises a balance wheel fastened to an impulse element (7a), an escape wheel (1), a detent swing-arm (2) having a stop element (2a) and a disengagement element (2b), a disengagement finger (11d), constrained to rotate with the balance wheel, to come into engagement with the disengagement element (2b) of the detent swing-arm (2) once per oscillation period of the balance wheel. The disengagement finger (11d) is fastened to an inertial member (11) mounted to move freely between two extreme positions in one of which the trajectory of the disengagement finger (11d) passes through the disengagement element (2b) of the swing-arm (2) and in the other of which this trajectory does not pass through this disengagement element (11b), the passage of the inertial member (11) from one position to the other resulting from the inertia force caused by the variations of speed of the balance wheel in each alternation of oscillation of the balance wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Fabiano Colpo, Benoit Boulenguiez
  • Patent number: 7891862
    Abstract: The electromechanical escapement device is associated with an electronic circuit having a quartz oscillator and calculation means suitable for calculating the difference between the period of the quartz oscillator and the period of a mechanical oscillator and releasing an escape wheel, normally controlled by said mechanical oscillator, when the difference between said periods is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Isa France S.A.
    Inventors: Xuan Mai Tu, Michel Schwab
  • Publication number: 20110038233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a timepiece movement allowing the arrangement of the various displays to be varied. The movement according to the invention comprises a first module provided both with a first frame and with at least one first wheel assembly mounted rotatably on the first frame, a second module provided both with a second frame and with at least one second wheel assembly mounted rotatably on the second frame, which first and second wheel assemblies are connected kinematically together, positioning means, and, connected to the first and second frames, means for fixing the modules to each other. The positioning means are positioned concentrically with the axis of rotation of either the first or second wheel assembly and are arranged so as to allow relative positioning of the two modules in a plurality of angular positions with reference to the axis of rotation of the wheel assembly with which the positioning means are concentric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: CT TIME S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Martinez, Franck-Charles-Cyril Orny, Johnny Frederic Girardin
  • Publication number: 20110026373
    Abstract: The mechanism avoids the rate variations due to the effect of gravitation on a regulating organ of a timepiece whose regulating organ includes a sprung balance and an escape wheel mounted onto a platform. The platform includes a counterweight and is mounted so as to freely rotate about at least a first axis relative to a plate of the movement so that this platform will rotate about the first axis under the effect of terrestrial gravitation. This mechanism includes a wheelwork with a driving kinematical chain linking the escape wheel to a barrel system of the timepiece, and a corrective kinematical chain compensating the movements and speed of the platform relative to the plate, so that these movements of the platform will not perturb the chronometry of the timepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CARTIER CREATION STUDIO SA
    Inventors: Carole KASAPI, Patrick PICHOT
  • Publication number: 20110019505
    Abstract: Horological movement comprising an energy accumulator (4), wheel units (1, 2, 3) fitted with time indicator members (1, 2, 3), kinematic connection means creating the multiplication or demultiplication ratios between the different wheel units (1, 2, 3), and a regulator member (5, 6). The energy accumulator (4), the wheel units (1, 2, 3) and the regulator member (5, 6) are arranged coaxially. Each wheel unit (1, 2, 3) possesses a shape similar to a cup, each cup (1, 2, 3) having a different diameter to allow it to fit partially one inside the other. The horological movement also comprises a differential (8) arranged coaxially with the energy accumulator (4) to provide the kinematic connection between the energy accumulator (4) and one of the cups (1, 2, 3) through a main arbour (7) and a main pipe (15) which is fitted coaxially around the main arbour (7), said pipe (15) being designed to support both the other cup or cups (1, 2, 3) and said kinematic connection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Arny Kapshitzer
  • Publication number: 20110019506
    Abstract: An escapement mechanism adapted for transmitting mechanical energy pulses from a driving source to an oscillating regulator of a timepiece via a blade spring (12) operating in a buckling manner about a curvature point, wherein the blade spring (12) can build up the energy from the driving source between two pulses and transmit the same to the oscillating regulator upon each pulse via first (18) and second (26) levers. In order to optimize the adjustment of the tension of the blade spring (12), the latter is mounted on a frame (50) capable of symmetric deformation relative to a first axis (AA) extending through the rotation axes of the regulator, the levers (18, 26) and through the curvature point, and relative to a second axis (BB) perpendicular to the first one and extending through the ends of the blade spring (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SOWIND S.A.
    Inventor: Nicolas Dehon
  • Patent number: 7857501
    Abstract: A tourbillon is provided that includes a platform rotatable about a platform axis. In one implementation, the platform carries an escapement including an escape-wheel and pallets, wherein the escape-wheel is rotatable about an escape-wheel staff, the pallets are rotatable about a pallet-staff, and the escape-wheel staff and the pallet-staff are disposed so as to be essentially parallel to the platform axis. The platform also carries a balance-wheel rotatable about a balance-staff, wherein the balance-staff is arranged at an angle of inclination ? with respect to the platform axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Willy Salathé
  • Patent number: 7815364
    Abstract: The mechanism avoids the rate variations due to the effect of gravitation on a regulating organ of a timepiece whose regulating organ includes a sprung balance and an escape wheel mounted onto a platform. The platform includes an unbalance and is mounted so as to freely rotate about at least a first axis relative to a plate of the movement so that this platform will rotate about the first axis under the effect of terrestrial gravitation. This mechanism includes a wheelwork with a driving kinematical chain linking the escape wheel to a barrel system of the timepiece, and a corrective kinematical chain compensating the movements and speed of the platform relative to the plate, so that these movements of the platform will not perturb the chronometry of the timepiece, this wheelwork including one or several epicycloidal gear trains, each of which contains wheels with straight toothing exclusively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Cartier Creation Studio SA
    Inventors: Carole Kasapi, Patrick Pichot
  • Patent number: 7815363
    Abstract: A timepiece movement having at least two regulating members with their escapement and elements for alternately stopping and releasing the operation of the regulating members, such that a single regulating member is thus driven at any one time by means of the energy source of the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: BNB Concept SA
    Inventors: Mathias Buttet, Enrico Barbasini, Michel Navas
  • Publication number: 20100246338
    Abstract: The timepiece movement includes a barrel, an escapement that has an escape wheel and pinion (27, 25), a balance (19) and a gear train for transmitting energy stored in the barrel to the escape wheel. This gear train has an intermediary wheel (23), kinematically connected to the barrel by a first part of the gear train, and kinematically connected to the escape wheel (27) by a second part of the gear train, the second part of the gear train, and the escapement and balance are mounted in a rotating carriage (16) kinematically connected to the movement and arranged for rotating coaxially about the intermediary wheel (23) at a different speed from the speed of the intermediary wheel. The timepiece movement is characterized in that it imposes a speed of one revolution per minute on the carriage (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: BLANCPAIN S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Calabrese, Edmond Capt, Sébastien Graf, Marco Rochat
  • Publication number: 20100238769
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece movement including a tourbillon that has a rotating carriage bearing a sprung balance and an escapement, wherein said carriage includes a top pivot and a bottom pivot, respectively carried by a top bridge and a bottom bridge of the carriage, and said carriage pivots between a bottom plate of said timepiece movement and a bridge of said movement, characterized in that it further includes a stop member, arranged for limiting the axial shake of the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Alain ZAUGG, Dominique LECHOT
  • Patent number: 7794137
    Abstract: A tourbillon is disclosed which presents a carriage comprising an upper bridge 1, a lower bridge 2 and an escapement bridge 3 supporting a balance spring 4, an escapement wheel 5 and a pallet assembly 6, the lower bridge 2 presenting a circular periphery designed to fit into a groove on the outer edge of three pivoting rollers positioned between a plate and bridges of a corresponding timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Franck Müller Watchland S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Golay, Pierre-Michel Golay
  • Publication number: 20100214881
    Abstract: This escapement comprises a balance wheel (3), an escape wheel (1), a detent rocker (4) having an arresting element (4a) and an elastic clearance element (4c), means for inserting the arresting element into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1), and a clearance pin (7) rotating integrally with the balance wheel (3) in order to engage with the elastic clearance element (4c) of the rocker (4) once per period of oscillation of the balance wheel. The means for inserting the arresting element (4a) into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1) comprise a sliding surface (4b) integral with the detent rocker (4) and arranged so as to move into the path of the teeth of the escape wheel (1) when the arresting element (4a) leaves it, this sliding surface being shaped so as to return the arresting element (4a) to the locking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A
    Inventors: Alexandre Chiuvé, Fabiano Colpo
  • Publication number: 20100214880
    Abstract: The micro-mechanical part, for example a horological movement part, includes a silicon core (1) all or part of the surface (3) of which is coated with a thick amorphous material (2). This material is preferably silicon dioxide and has a thickness which is five times greater than the thickness of native silicon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: René Rappo, Marc Lippuner, Lionel Paratte, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 7744271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tourbillon mechanism comprising at least one platform, a balance arranged on the face of the platform(s), an escapement mechanism being arranged on the other face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Watch-U Licence AG
    Inventors: Rob E. A. Jansen, Louis Lagler
  • Publication number: 20100157743
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an isochronous balance-wheel-and-spring assembly for a horological movement in which one spring out of a series of springs is paired with a balance wheel. The spring has characteristics that vary by comparison with other springs of the series, and the spring is designed to be mounted on the staff of the balance-wheel via a collet. One collet out of a set of collets of different sizes is selected on the basis of the spring's characteristics. The collets of different sizes have connection points for attachment of the spring that are located (after assembly) at different distances from the center of the balance staff, the choice of the collet of the most appropriate size facilitating the adjustment of the balance-wheel-and-spring assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MANUFACTURE ROGER DUBUIS SA
    Inventor: Sergio SILVA
  • Publication number: 20100149926
    Abstract: This escapement comprises a balance wheel fastened to an impulse element (7a), an escape wheel (1), a detent swing-arm (2) having a stop element (2a) and a disengagement element (2b), a disengagement finger (11d), constrained to rotate with the balance wheel, to come into engagement with the disengagement element (2b) of the detent swing-arm (2) once per oscillation period of the balance wheel. The disengagement finger (11d) is fastened to an inertial member (11) mounted to move freely between two extreme positions in one of which the trajectory of the disengagement finger (11d) passes through the disengagement element (2b) of the swing-arm (2) and in the other of which this trajectory does not pass through this disengagement element (11b), the passage of the inertial member (11) from one position to the other resulting from the inertia force caused by the variations of speed of the balance wheel in each alternation of oscillation of the balance wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A.
    Inventors: Fabiano Colpo, Benoît Boulenguiez
  • Publication number: 20100135127
    Abstract: A timepiece movement comprising a coupling mechanism including first and second coupling wheel sets, whereby the rotation of the first coupling wheel set causes the second coupling wheel set to rotate, whereby the coupling mechanism is a centrifugal coupling mechanism including an inertial click secured to the hub of the first coupling wheel set, and meshing with stop members secured to the second coupling wheel set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Cédric Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20100128573
    Abstract: Mechanical clockwork assembly, comprising a drive mechanism, a mechanical control device comprising a mechanical oscillator and a first transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the mechanical oscillator, an electric generator and a second transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the generator, wherein the generator is spaced apart from the mechanical oscillator. In one embodiment the clockwork assembly comprises a sensor for determining a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an actuator for adapting a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an electronic control device connected to the sensor and the actuator, wherein the control device comprises an entry for a reference signal for controlling the timing of the mechanical oscillator on the basis of the reference signal, and wherein at least the control device is connected to the generator for supplying the control device with electric energy from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Bernardus Johannes Meijer, Petrus Matheus Josephus Knapen
  • Patent number: 7708454
    Abstract: The mobile element includes a central rigid zone (2) provided with arms (6) extending radially from the central zone (2) towards a peripheral zone including teeth (8). The arms (6) are flexible to allow a small tangential and/or radial movement of the teeth (8) in order to absorb shocks. The invention is characterized in that the arms (6) are curved and bend gradually towards an orientation tangential to the rotation of the mobile element, in that the thickness of the arms gradually decreases, and finally, in that the ends of the arms form the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventors: Philippe Marmy, Benjamin Krähenbühl, Thierry Conus
  • Publication number: 20100103782
    Abstract: The timepiece movement (1) includes a karussel (4) whose platform carries an escape wheel that cooperates with a balance (7). The platform is driven from the time display mechanism associated with a time-setting mechanism (32). The escape wheel is driven directly from the gear train. In addition to compensating for differences in rate due to gravity, the karussel of the invention proposes a new, complementary role: that of time indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Jan Pittet
  • Publication number: 20100097899
    Abstract: A watch movement, includes a frame (10, 11, 20, 22, 24), defined by a first and a second parallel plane surface and defining reference planes (A, B), the second plane (B) being located alongside the movement for placing adjacent to the wrist of the wearer, at least one balance wheel (30), pivoting in bearings fixed in the frame, at least one escape mechanism (26, 28) providing support for the balance wheel, an energy source (12), clockwork finishing movements (14), connecting the energy source to the escape mechanism and motion work (42).The balance wheel turns about an axis (YY), inclined in relation to the reference planes and intersecting the same, the point of intersection (PA) of the axis (Y) with the first plane (A) being closer to the centre of the movement than the point of intersection (PB) of the axis (Y) with the second plane (B).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: COMPLITIME SA
    Inventors: Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20100091617
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece gear train including at least one pair of circular toothed elements (25, 31) with parallel axes, the elements being provided with respectively toothings that are meshed with each other so that one (25) of the elements drives the other. In order to improve transmission conditions within the gear without reducing the toothing module, the corresponding toothings of each of the two elements are multiple, each of them being formed of N coaxial, toothed rings (28a, 28b; 30a, 30b) angularly shifted relative to each other by a fraction of a pitch of the toothing. In the simplest version, each of the toothings is double (N=2), the two rings being angularly shifted by a half-pitch. The invention prevents gearing in areas located relatively far from the line connecting the centres of the toothed elements, thus reducing torque and velocity variations during the lead of a tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicants: MONTRES BREGUET S.A., BLANCPAIN S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Goeller, Vincent Calabrese
  • Patent number: 7686503
    Abstract: An escapement for a mechanical watch comprising: an escapement wheel (10) kinematically connected to a power source, a roller (14) mounted on a balance (16) including, on two different levels, a pin (23) and an impulse pallet (24) co-operating with said wheel (10); a limiting member (26) performing a periodic movement during which it co-operates with the pin (23) to limit the travel of said roller (14); a control member (30) provided with a rest lift (32) performing, from a stable position wherein said wheel (10) is pressed on the rest lift (23), a periodic movement during which the wheel is released and provides an impulse to the impulse pallet (24). The periods of the limiting member (26) and of the control member (30) correspond, respectively, to an alternation and an oscillation of the balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Rochat, Elio Mariotto
  • Patent number: 7677793
    Abstract: In order to counter the effects of the Earth's gravitational force on the operation of a watch movement, the timepiece includes an escapement mechanism designed to drive a finish gear-train of a watch movement which defines a reference plane, and a balance co-operating with the escapement mechanism. Particularly, the balance is mounted in a frame (28, 60), said frame pivoting about a first axis (AA, CC) relative to the reference plane, and the orientation of the frame (28, 60) relative to the first axis (AA, CC) depends on the orientation of the Earth's gravitational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Les Artisans Horlogers Sarl
    Inventors: Patrick Lete, Laurent Besse
  • Publication number: 20100046329
    Abstract: A movement for a timepiece, that includes: a housing (10, 12); an energy source; a gear driven by the energy source (14); a frame (26) for a tourbillon (18) rotatingly mounted on the housing (10, 12) about a first axis (AA) and driven by the gear (14); a balance (32) mounted so as to oscillate in bearings on the frame (26); and an escapement (16, 34) including a fixed wheel (16) and a control member (34) interacting with the balance (32), the fixed wheel (16) sustaining the balance (32). In this movement, the bearings are arranged so that the balance (32) oscillates about a second axis (BB) inclined relative to the first axis (AA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: COMPLITIME SA
    Inventors: Robert Greubel, Stephen Forsey
  • Patent number: 7641381
    Abstract: A mechanical oscillator system comprising a balance wheel and a spiral or helicoidal balance spring for use in horological mechanisms or other precision instruments. The balance spring is made of a non-magnetic composite, polymer, carbon or ceramic material, preferably a composite material of carbon fibres in a polymer, carbon or ceramic matrix, and the balance wheel is made from a non-magnetic ceramic. The values of the thermal expansion coefficients for the balance spring and balance wheel are similar, very small and stable over a wide temperature range. The expansion coefficients in the axial sense of the spring and of the balance wheel are of opposite sign and they compensate one another. The density of these materials is smaller than that of the currently used metals. Through this combination of materials it is possible to obtain significant advantages and a higher level of accuracy and stability compared with metal oscillator systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gideon Levingston
  • Publication number: 20090274012
    Abstract: The mechanism avoids the rate variations due to the effect of gravitation on a regulating organ of a timepiece whose regulating organ includes a sprung balance and an escape wheel mounted onto a platform. The platform includes an unbalance and is mounted so as to freely rotate about at least a first axis relative to a plate of the movement so that this platform will rotate about the first axis under the effect of terrestrial gravitation. This mechanism includes a wheelwork with a driving kinematical chain linking the escape wheel to a barrel system of the timepiece, and a corrective kinematical chain compensating the movements and speed of the platform relative to the plate, so that these movements of the platform will not perturb the chronometry of the timepiece, this wheelwork including one or several epicycloidal gear trains, each of which contains wheels with straight toothing exclusively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: CARTIER CREATION STUDIO SA
    Inventors: Carole KASAPI, Patrick PICHOT
  • Patent number: 7607822
    Abstract: The escapement includes first (1) and second (2) escape wheels each driven by independent gear trains and barrels. The system includes a brake lever (8) cooperating with an impulse pin (7) of the roller (4) and with the escape wheels via locking pallet stones (12, 13). The roller carries pallet stones (10, 11) for receiving impulses from the escape wheels. When the wheels are locked, the brake lever occupies a centred position relative to said wheels. Means (16, 30, 31) for re-engaging the locking pallet stones in the toothing of the wheels are provided to ensure proper operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Andrés Cabezas Jurin, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 7604395
    Abstract: The escapement includes two distinct escape wheel sets (1, 2), a roller (3) including a first impulse pallet stone (5) cooperating with the first wheel set (1) and a third impulse pallet stone (12) cooperating with the second wheel set (2). An anchor piece (6) articulated on a pivot (7) cooperates with an impulse pin (4) via a fork (8) fitted to the anchor piece. This anchor piece carries second (9) and fourth (13) impulse pallet stones respectively cooperating with the first (1) and second (2) wheel sets. The same anchor piece carries first (10) and second (11) locking pallet stones cooperating with the second wheel set (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Andrés Cabezas Jurin, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 7568831
    Abstract: A timepiece movement movement comprises a casing having a mechanical energy source, a work train driven by the energy source, a fixed wheel mounted on the casing, and a tourbillion comprising a cage which bears a balance wheel, an escape mobile provided with a pinion engaging with the fixed wheel, and a cage wheel rotationally joined to the cage and provided on its periphery with a toothing engaging with the work train. The casing of this movement is constituted, in its part occupied by the tourbillion, by a transparent material. In addition, the cage wheel comprises a transparent-material platelet, which extends radially beyond the other constituents of the tourbillion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Tiffany & Co. Watch Center AG
    Inventors: Robert Alain Greubel, Stephen Edward Methuen Forsey
  • Publication number: 20090185456
    Abstract: The electromechanical escapement device is associated with an electronic circuit having a quartz oscillator and calculation means suitable for calculating the difference between the period of the quartz oscillator and the period of a mechanical oscillator and releasing an escape wheel, normally controlled by said mechanical oscillator, when the difference between said periods is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Xuan Mai Tu, Michel Schwab
  • Publication number: 20090168610
    Abstract: The horological movement comprises a regulating device having an oscillation frequency f and an escapement (11, 12) for maintaining the oscillations of the regulating device. The escapement comprises an escape wheel (11) having N teeth. The frequency f is at least equal to about 5 Hz, and the ratio between the number N of teeth and the frequency f is substantially equal to 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Christophe GIGANDET, Francisco Dias, Armin Behrend
  • Patent number: 7540654
    Abstract: The tangential impulse escapement includes a lever device (1) including a lever (3) driving a roller (65) and a ring (7) surrounding an escapement wheel set (8), said ring being fitted with pallet-stones (9, 10, 11, 12) for cooperating with the teeth (13, 14, 15, 16) of said wheel set, in order, alternately, to lock the latter then import an impulse to said roller. The escapement wheel set includes at least first (17) and second (18) coaxial secured wheels. The pallet pallet-stones (9, 11, 12) of the ring cooperate with the teeth (13, 15, 16) of the first wheel (17) with the exception of one (10), which is arranged for cooperating with the teeth of the second wheel (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Andrés Cabezas Jurin, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 7527424
    Abstract: The anti-trip device for a timepiece escapement essentially includes a sprung balance (1), this device preventing the angular extension of said balance beyond a normal angle of rotation. The device is characterized in that the arbour (2) fitted to the balance (1) is provided with a pinion (3) meshing with means (4) preventing said balance from rotating beyond said normal angle of rotation, whatever the direction of said rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Dominique Lechot, Alain Zaugg, Thierry Conus, Andrés Cabezas Jurin
  • Patent number: 7527423
    Abstract: In order to improve the isochronisms of the mechanical movement of a watch, the regulating members comprise at least two tourbillions mounted on a common rotating support driven by one or several barrel springs, such that the tourbillions make an orbital movement around the axis of rotation of the support. The tourbillions are connected by respective going trains to a differential gear, one of whose elements is immobilised by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Jean-François Ruchonnet, Alain Zaugg
  • Patent number: 7494268
    Abstract: The escapement includes a large roller 4 carrying an impulse pallet stone 5 surmounted by a first finger-piece 14 and a small roller 23 in which a notch 22 is made. A blocking member carries, on the one hand, a device 80 for locking the escape wheel 2, and on the other hand, a second finger-piece 11 arranged for cooperating with the first finger-piece 14, the blocking member also including a follower 20 ending in a beak 21 which acts on the small roller and particularly with notch 22 which is made therein. The first and second finger-pieces 14 and 11 are respectively rigidly secured to the table roller and the blocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Montres Brequet SA
    Inventors: Thierry Conus, Andrés Cabezas Jurin
  • Publication number: 20080298179
    Abstract: The invention concerns an escapement (1) for a timepiece comprising an anchor (2) articulated on a stem (3) and co-operating with an escapement mobile (4) articulated on an axis (5), said mobile comprising a plurality of teeth (8; 15, 16) uniformly spaced around said mobile, said anchor including an entry pallet (6) and an exit pallet (7) arranged to receive alternately an impulse from one of the teeth borne by the mobile and for acting as rest plane for said tooth. The invention is characterized in that the escapement mobile (4) comprises first and second integral and coaxial wheels (13, 14) including each the same number of teeth (15, 16), in that the entry and exit pallets (6, 7) co-operate respectively with the first and second wheels (13, 14) and in that the peripheral radius (R1) of the first wheel (13) is greater than the peripheral radius (R2) of the second wheel (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MONTRES BREGUET SA
    Inventors: Thierry Conus, Andres Cabezas Jurin, Kaspar Truempy
  • Patent number: 7458717
    Abstract: An escapement for a timepiece movement includes a toothed escape wheel, a balance and a detent respectively pivoted on rotation axes. The detent supports a pallet lock that interacts with the first tooth of the escape wheel along a certain length of penetration in order to block it in an idle phase during which the balance executes a free arc of oscillation. An impulse pallet rotationally driven by the balance interacts with a second tooth when the detent is pivoted in order to release the escape wheel, this wheel turning by a forward pitch before being blocked again by the pallet lock by interaction with the second tooth. The escapement also includes a limiting plate, which is coaxial and rotationally secured to the balance, has a periphery including a substantially circular main portion and a cutout positioned facing the pallet lock in the release phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Baumberger, Jean-François Mojon
  • Patent number: 7445375
    Abstract: Watch including a movement that incorporates a tourbillon mechanism having a single cage (13, 18, 22) holding the balance (15), this cage (13, 18, 22) rotating about an axis (X—X) forming an angle with the plane of the watch movement. The axis of rotation of the balance (15) forms an angle essentially perpendicular with the axis of rotation (X—X) of the cage (13, 18, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Richemont International SA
    Inventor: Carole Francoise Danielle Kasapi
  • Publication number: 20080259737
    Abstract: The escapement includes first (1) and second (2) escape wheels each driven by independent gear trains and barrels. The system includes a brake lever (8) cooperating with an impulse pin (7) of the roller (4) and with the escape wheels via locking pallet stones (12, 13). The roller carries pallet stones (10, 11) for receiving impulses from the escape wheels. When the wheels are locked, the brake lever occupies a centred position relative to said wheels. Means (16, 30, 31) for re-engaging the locking pallet stones in the toothing of the wheels are provided to ensure proper operation of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: Andres Cabezas Jurin, Thierry Conus
  • Publication number: 20080239883
    Abstract: A timepiece having a mainspring, an output wheel that is rotated by torque output from the mainspring, a lever that pivots synchronously to the output wheel, and a pressure member that pushes the lever. The pressure member pushes the lever so that the output torque of the output wheel increases as the mainspring unwinds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiichi NAGASAKA
  • Publication number: 20080219103
    Abstract: An escapement for a timepiece movement includes a toothed escape wheel, a balance and a detent respectively pivoted on rotation axes. The detent supports a pallet lock that interacts with the first tooth of the escape wheel along a certain length of penetration in order to block it in an idle phase during which the balance executes a free arc of oscillation. An impulse pallet rotationally driven by the balance interacts with a second tooth when the detent is pivoted in order to release the escape wheel, this wheel turning by a forward pitch before being blocked again by the pallet lock by interaction with the second tooth. The escapement also includes a limiting plate, which is coaxial and rotationally secured to the balance, has a periphery including a substantially circular main portion and a cutout positioned facing the pallet lock in the release phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Baumberger, Jean-Francois Mojon
  • Publication number: 20080198701
    Abstract: In order to counter the effects of the Earth's gravitational force on the operation of a watch movement, the timepiece includes an escapement mechanism designed to drive a finish gear-train of a watch movement which defines a reference plane, and a balance co-operating with the escapement mechanism. Particularly, the balance is mounted in a frame (28, 60), said frame pivoting about a first axis (AA, CC) relative to the reference plane, and the orientation of the frame (28, 60) relative to the first axis (AA, CC) depends on the orientation of the Earth's gravitational force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick Lete, Laurent Besse