Dial Or Hand Patents (Class 368/228)
  • Patent number: 11934154
    Abstract: A timepiece includes three types of decorative plates. A first type of decorative plate includes numbers from 1 to 12 indicative of time in hours and is rotatable around a central axis of the time piece. A second type of decorative plate includes a plurality of second type of plate pieces collectively rotatable relative to the first type of decorative plate and each rotatable around its respective axis. The third type of decorative plate includes a plurality of third type of plate pieces collectively rotatable relative to the central axis of the timepiece and each movable radially with respect to the central axis of the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SEIKO TIME CREATION INC.
    Inventor: Toyonori Muraji
  • Patent number: 11927918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for displaying an information for a timepiece, comprising a mobile (10) intended to be driven in rotation by the movement of the timepiece about a display axis (17), a satellite (20) pivoted on the mobile (10) about a satellite axis (27) parallel to the display axis (17) and remote from a non-zero distance d1 thereof, a display area (80), an indicator (50) secured to the satellite (20) and the position of which relative to the display area (80) provides the information, and a crown (30) centered on the display axis (17) and kinematically connected to the satellite (20). The mechanism is particular in that the indicator (50) is located at a distance d2 from the satellite axis (27), which is greater than or equal to the distance d1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Manufacture D'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet SA
    Inventors: Gilles Rey-Mermet, Sylvain Cornibé
  • Patent number: 11906931
    Abstract: Disclosed is a timepiece component including at least one housing intended to receive at least one precious or non-precious stone and including at least one first end, referred to as the setting end, and a rail. The rail is located on the periphery of the housing, and is arranged to allow the stone or stones to be inserted into the rail at the first end of the housing, such that the stone or stones can slide in the rail along the longitudinal axis of the housing, and to hold the stone or stones once inserted into the rail in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVE
    Inventor: Eric Le Gall
  • Patent number: 11910690
    Abstract: An electronic device may have a display mounted in a housing. The display may be mounted on a front side of the device and the housing may have a housing wall on the rear side of the device. The display may be formed from an array of pixels configured to display an image for a user. Pixel-free border areas that run along the edges of the array of pixels may be provided with an edge illuminator. The edge illuminator may provide illumination to the border areas during operation of the device. The edge illuminator may have crystalline semiconductor light-emitting diode dies, backlit liquid crystal devices or electrophoretic display components, or may have a light guide that is supplied with illumination from a light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew
  • Patent number: 11442409
    Abstract: A retrograde display mechanism including a main plate and a rack pivoting on a first arbor about a first axis centring its toothing, and including a sensing element following a cam pivoting on a second arbor about a second axis, the position of the first pivot axis and/or of the second pivot axis is adjustable with respect to the main plate with an adjustment plate carrying the first arbor and/or respectively the second arbor, and movable with at least one degree of freedom with respect to the main plate whose position with respect to the main plate is adjustable by an adjustment control device or an eccentric screw secured to the main plate and cooperating with a notch in the adjustment plate, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Blancpain SA
    Inventor: Mehdi Denden
  • Patent number: 11320787
    Abstract: A timepiece display mechanism including at least a first retrograde drive device for a first display member displaying a first magnitude, and a second retrograde drive device for a second display member displaying a second magnitude, the first retrograde drive device including a first drive rack to exert on a first wheel set driving the first display member, an opposite force to a resistance force exerted by a first return rack, the second retrograde drive device including a second drive rack to exert on a second wheel set driving the second display member, an opposite force to a resistance force exerted by a second return rack, wherein the pivot axes of the first drive rack and of the first return rack are remote, and/or the pivot axes of the second drive rack and of the second return rack are remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HARRY WINSTON SA
    Inventor: Cedric Reymond
  • Patent number: 11062622
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices that may be used to help young children stay in bed or their room until it is time to get up. The device may be configured as a clock. The clock may be programmable to have a duration of a nap time, or a time when the child is able to get up. A visual countdown timer may be provided with the device (e.g., on the clock face), which may include a graphical representation of the remaining fraction of time before “get up” time. The visual countdown timer may not include number indicia, but rather includes a graphic (e.g., ring extending about the perimeter of the clock face), which gradually diminishes as the predetermined “get up” time is approached. A reward drawer may also be provided, which automatically unlocks at the “get up” time, and provides the child with a prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HAPPY TYKES, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Ostler, Ashley Ostler
  • Patent number: 11048212
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for presenting a watch face. The method includes: obtaining first context information and second context information, where the first context information is used to determine a watch face style of the smartwatch, and the second context information is used to indicate dressing information of a user; determining the watch face style of the smartwatch according to the first context information; and presenting a watch face pattern of the smartwatch according to the watch face style and the second context information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li Qian, Xueyan Huang, Kangmin Huang, Maosheng Huang
  • Patent number: 10534323
    Abstract: A timepiece includes: one or more processors; and a display unit controlled by the one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors perform: a clock hand image obtaining process that obtains a clock hand image; an information obtaining process that obtains prescribed information; a display control process that controls the display unit so as to display on the display unit the clock hand image obtained by the clock hand image obtaining process and the prescribed information obtained by the information obtaining process; a synthesizing process that synthesizes image data of the clock hand image and an image for the prescribed information such that the clock hand image does not overlap with a display region for the prescribed information on the display unit; and a process of causing the display unit to display the clock hand image and the prescribed information in accordance with the synthesized image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 10331079
    Abstract: A display hand intended to equip a timepiece, including a body and a pipe, providing an arbor hole arranged for fitting the display hand onto a drive arbor. The body is made of a composite material, the pipe includes, over all or part of the outer periphery, a surface for connection to the hand body to ensure the adhesion of the composite material to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Olivier Mertenat
  • Patent number: 10229019
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a multi-storage-device array (e.g., a SSD tray, a SSD sled or a SSD rack) having multiple drives (e.g., solid-state drives). The multi-storage-device array can have an enclosure around the drives, a processor and a network interface, and implement a power failure management circuit. The power failure management circuit can include an electric probe that detects a power failure. Upon detecting the power failure, the power failure management circuit sends an interrupt signal to a drive controller to flush data in volatile-memory (e.g., write cache, firmware cache, look-up table cache, or other random access memory) into non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The power failure management circuit can include a system-level holdup energy storage that retains power after power failure to support flushing of the data from the volatile memory during the power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Markus Petersen
  • Patent number: 10018486
    Abstract: Improved instrument encasing systems may solve a variety of problems associated with existing systems. In one aspect, an improved instrument encasing system may include a suspension bracket and back plate that enable tool-less mounting and/or disassembly and/or security in mobile installations. Optionally, the system suspension bracket also may provide a template for easy alignment and selection of a mounting position and/or installation thereto. In some embodiments, the back plate may be temporarily reduced in diameter to enable quick and easy access to instruments mounted on an inner housing, or for access to the dial face for personalization. In another aspect, an inner housing of the instrument encasing system may provide one or more spring blades that receive instrument mounting sub-assemblies that provide for easy mounting and replacement of instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Phoenix lntl Marketing, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Baird, Barrie H. Bowen
  • Patent number: 9936057
    Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first watch module and a second watch module. The first watch module may include a first body, a watch movement, a first window, and a watch hand. The second watch module may include a second body extended from the first body, a circuit board, a second window, and a second display. The first body and the second body may form a bending, and are communicated to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byoungdoo Kim, Hyunseok Oh, Myounghoon Kwak
  • Patent number: 9710343
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a multi-storage-device array (e.g., a SSD tray, a SSD sled or a SSD rack) having multiple drives (e.g., solid-state drives). The multi-storage-device array can have an enclosure around the drives, a processor and a network interface, and implement a power failure management circuit. The power failure management circuit can include an electric probe that detects a power failure. Upon detecting the power failure, the power failure management circuit sends an interrupt signal to a drive controller to flush data in volatile-memory (e.g., write cache, firmware cache, look-up table cache, or other random access memory) into non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). The power failure management circuit can include a system-level holdup energy storage that retains power after power failure to support flushing of the data from the volatile memory during the power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Markus Petersen
  • Patent number: 9483025
    Abstract: Method for forming an assembly of elementary timepiece components, each available in different colored variants, wherein at least some of said different elementary components are the same color as each other, characterized in that a random selection of each said elementary component is made until said complete assembly is obtained, so that at least two elementary components are of different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA MANUFACTURING HORLOGÉRE SUISSE
    Inventor: Stefan Stark
  • Patent number: 9459781
    Abstract: Context-specific user interfaces for use with a portable multifunction device are disclosed. The methods described herein for context-specific user interfaces provide indications of time and, optionally, a variety of additional information. Further disclosed are non-transitory computer-readable storage media, systems, and devices configured to perform the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Wilson, Gary Ian Butcher, Kevin Will Chen, Imran Chaudhri, Alan C. Dye, Aurelio Guzman, Jonathan P. Ive, Chanaka G. Karunamuni, Kenneth Kocienda, Kevin Lynch, Pedro Mari, Alessandro Sabatelli, Brian Schmitt, Eric Lance Wilson, Lawrence Y. Yang
  • Patent number: 9318907
    Abstract: An assembled wearable electronic device including a first body and a second body is provided. The first body has a primary system and a first assembling portion. The primary system is for providing the independent operation of the first body and producing a related first data. The second body has a secondary system and a second assembling portion. The secondary system is for providing the independent operation of the second body and producing a related second data. The first body and the second body are adapted to be assembled to each other by the first assembling portion and the second assembling portion, and the first assembling portion and the second assembling portion are adapted to rotate relatively such that the first assembling portion is positioned or released by the second assembling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Pei-Pin Huang, Chang-Hua Wei, Ting-Wei Wu, Pei-Jen Lin
  • Patent number: 9173275
    Abstract: Provided is an alarm clock integrated with a lamp and a method for controlling an operation of a lamp by the same, and the alarm clock integrated with the lamp further includes a luminance sensor (181) and a sensor connection unit (182), the microcomputer (120) outputs a sensor operation control signal to a sensor connection unit (182) at a lamp operation time set by a lamp operation time setting unit (111), compares a current luminance value input from a luminance sensor (110) and an initial operation luminance value of a lamp (140) stored therein after a luminance sensor (181) is operated, and outputs a pulse control signal to the lamp current adjustment unit (150) so as to change an output of the lamp (140) so that a luminance value of the lamp (140) is changed to a set luminance value when the initial operation luminance value is smaller than the current luminance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jae-Chun Go, In Seok Ko, Hyun Seok Ko
  • Publication number: 20150138936
    Abstract: Timepiece displaying the current time and including at least first and second display devices for a time-related quantity, the first and second display devices each being driven by a drive mechanism including a drive wheel (2; 2a), which is itself driven by the movement of the timepiece (3), at least the drive wheel (2; 2a) of one of the drive mechanisms carrying a finger (4; 4a) via which the wheel drives the corresponding display device, the timepiece (3) being characterized in that the finger (4; 4a) is friction fitted onto the drive wheel (2; 2a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Olivier Mahler, Alphonse Bron
  • Publication number: 20150117165
    Abstract: Methodologies and constructions of displaying elapsed time on a wristworn device, which include among other things, having at least two display hands one of which that will rotate faster or stop so that they become coincident with each other, then rotate together and then reassume their normal and accurate positions. Such is particularly important with respect to one of the hands that is preferably a seconds hand that might otherwise be displaying seconds of the time of day (“TOD”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gerhard Stotz, Louis M. Galie
  • Patent number: 8995238
    Abstract: A device (100) for displaying time information with the aid of an indicator member (1), including a cam (2) the profile of which includes a flank (23); a lever (4) driving the indicator member (1); a follower (3) controlling the lever (4), pressed against the cam (2) by first spring means (6), adapted, during movement of the flank (23) in a first direction of movement of the cam (2), to control movement of the lever (4) intended to drive movement of the indicator member (1), characterized in that the follower (3) controlling the lever (4) is adapted to be moved relative to the lever (4) against the return action of second spring means (5) by an action force (F) exerted by the flank (23) of the cam (2) on the follower (3) during movement of the flank (23) in a second direction of movement of the cam (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventor: Blaise Fracheboud
  • Patent number: 8988974
    Abstract: A display apparatus characterized by having a scale mark display section which is provided in a predetermined display area; a pointer which moves on the scale mark display section and indicates a scale mark in the scale mark display section; a stepping motor which drives the pointer; a stopper section which is positioned in an end section of the scale mark display section and which restricts movement range of the pointer; and a movable supporting section which movably supports the stopper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Takenawa
  • Publication number: 20150078144
    Abstract: An integrated smart watch is provided, which includes a case, a dial plate, a hand, a watch glass and a movement, herein the case is provided with a smart watch circuit board; the watch glass is a transparent display screen, which is electrically connected with a screen connecting end of the smart watch circuit board and has a first state and a second state; in the first state, the watch glass is transparent; and in the second state, the watch glass displays screen content output by the smart watch circuit board. The integrated smart watch and the traditional watch are similar to each other in shape and structure, but the integrated smart watch has the functions of the traditional watch and the smart watch by operatively integrating the traditional watch with the smart watch, which increases the variety of watches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Suzhou Lonshine Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Renxiao Gong
  • Patent number: 8982677
    Abstract: A change of state indicator (2) device for a timepiece display mechanism (30) by jumps of a given magnitude for the display of a transition between two stable display states of this given magnitude movable close to the display zone of this magnitude facing a supplementary display (3) driven discontinuously by a drive element (7) against elastic return means (19). A driving pinion (9) controls a star wheel (10) in a discontinuous manner to control each jump against a beak (14) of a first arm (15) of a lever (13) controlling a pivoting movement and a return to position of this indicator (2) each time this beak (14) passes between two successive tooth spaces (12) of this star wheel (10) by means of a tooth (11) between these spaces (12). The lever (13) includes a second support arm (16) for supporting the indicator (2) or controlling its displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Blancpain SA
    Inventors: Sebastien Graf, Vincent Beccia
  • Patent number: 8976630
    Abstract: A dial assembly held within a timepiece case together with a movement for which the hour hand and minute hand are supported to be able to rotate is provided. The movement supports at least one miniature hand to be able to rotate at a position different from the hour hand and minute hand. The dial assembly comprising includes a first dial that is light transmissive, a second dial arranged on the back surface side of the first dial, and at last one spacer forming a ring shape arranged between the first dial and the second dial. The miniature hand rotates within a space enclosed by the first dial, the second dial, and the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Oshio
  • Publication number: 20150029829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a watch, comprising: a frame (1); a movement (2) mounted in said frame; a top crystal (3); an analog display system including a dial (4) combined with hands (5); and at least one digital display for displaying complementary information. The digital display includes a top functional element (6) extending under a peripheral strip (3a) of the crystal (3) so as to simulate at least part of a bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Spadini
  • Patent number: 8908477
    Abstract: A method is provided to authenticate a watch. The watch includes at least one processing and control circuit provided with a time base, hands to indicate a time, the hands being driven by a motorized device controlled by the processing and control circuit, and a device to store identification data. The method includes enabling at least one activation member of the watch, which is connected to the processing and control circuit, to change into watch authentication mode. The method includes operating an indicator device of the watch, which includes the hands, after enabling the activation member so that at least one of the hands is driven by the motorized device to be moved in succession into time indicating positions on a time-indicating dial to indicate successive digits or numbers of an identification code of at least one of a brand and a serial number of the watch to be authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Jean-Bernard Peters, Francois Klopfenstein, Emmanuel Fleury
  • Patent number: 8879367
    Abstract: The current disclosure describes and teaches a timepiece combination that may preferably be used by a pair of persons to show unity, affection, and togetherness. In one embodiment, the timepiece combination may include two watches having similar or complimentary background pattern and overall design, while one watch displays only the hourly time of the present time, the other watch displays only the minute time of the present time. Only by combining the display of the watches may the users be shown the precise present time. The timepiece combination may take the conventional clock hand format or a digital display. Overall, the design of the timepiece combination emphasizes and reflects the bond and unity between the users, allowing a showing of friendship, love, and/or affection through the watches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Breckman
  • Patent number: 8879368
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a horologe, such as a watch or clock, in which a removable and interchangeable face can be inserted and removed from the horologe and replaced with another face without disconnecting components of the horologe or interfering with the horologe measuring time. In one embodiment, the horologe comprises a horological movement; a housing having a rim and a mount plate, a removable face for insertion into a faceplate compartment, and an inner transparent cover. A portion of the rim may be extendable away from the housing to reveal an opening to receive a removable face. In one embodiment, the horologe may comprise an extendable drawer, which is adapted for insertion into and selectably extendable from the faceplate compartment. In one embodiment, the horologe may comprise an outer bezel, which has open and closed positions for revealing and covering the opening of the faceplate compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: James J. Jacobi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8848491
    Abstract: An analog electronic timepiece includes a plurality of hands; a dial plate having scales for time display; a driving unit that drives the hands so that the hands are driven independently of each other; and a control unit that transmits a drive signal to the driving unit and moves the hands to allow the hands to point to positions set for the respective hands. The control unit (i) allows each hand to point to one of positions of one o'clock to nine o'clock and twelve o'clock among the scales to indicate that a digit in a predetermined place represented by each hand is one of “1” to “9” and “0”; and (ii) expresses a numerical value by a combination of digits corresponding to the respective positions pointed by the respective hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Miyake
  • Patent number: 8830797
    Abstract: This timepiece comprises an indicator dial (40), a days-of-the-month mechanism (1) comprising a days-of-the-month mobile (10) and a stepper drive member (13) for driving the days-of-the-month mobile (10), a months mobile (30) coaxial with the days-of-the-month mobile placed beneath said dial (40) and connected to the days-of-the-month mobile (10) by stepper drive means (12, 20) formed so that the months mobile (30) turns through an angle of 30° each month. The dial (40) has twelve windows (41) that are angularly equidistant and the months mobile (30) supports a distinctive zone (32) of which the trajectory passes through said windows (41) and of which the maximum angular extent is 30° and the minimum angular extent corresponds to that of said windows (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Dominique Dubugnon, Adrien Farron, Christian Fleury
  • Patent number: 8750079
    Abstract: Timepiece display device (100) comprising a first display member (1) cooperating with first drive means (10) via a first transmission means (11), and a second display member (2), cooperating with a second drive means (20) via a second transmission means (21). First contactless coupling means (12) are carried by said first display member (1) or by said first transmission means (11), second contactless coupling means (22) are carried by said second display member (2), or by said second transmission means (21), said first coupling means (12) cooperate with said second coupling means (22) in a complementary, contactless, attraction coupling in order, when said coupling means are located in immediate proximity to each other, to unite the motion of said first display member (1) and said second display member (2). Said first coupling means (12) and said second coupling means (22) are magnetic or electrostatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Pascal Lagorgette
  • Patent number: 8717853
    Abstract: Multi-sector mechanism (1) for displaying a physical quantity on a timepiece (100), on several partial displays (2), each representing the change in said physical quantity over a given partial range (3), the total range of variation in said quantity being covered by the set of said partial ranges (3), each partial display (2) including an indicator (4) that moves relative to a scale (5) representing the partial range (3) specific thereto. Each partial display (2) includes a continuous mechanism (11) for moving the moving indicator (4) thereof opposite a scale representing said total range, and includes eclipsing means arranged for only allowing said moving indicator (4) to be seen opposite said scale (5) representing the partial range (3) specific thereto, and for reducing or obscuring visibility of said moving indicator (4) opposite the scales representing any other partial ranges, and said continuous mechanisms (11) of said partial displays (2) are all synchronous with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Raphael Courvoisier, Roman Egli, Paulo Bravo
  • Patent number: 8717855
    Abstract: A dial plate structure includes first and second dial plates and a rotary indicator. The first dial plate has a first opening or a first cutout. The second dial plate is arranged under the first dial plate and has a plurality of function display portions exposed through the opening or the cutout. The rotary indicator is arranged between the first and second dial plates and has a function indicator to selectively indicate one of the function display portions by rotation. The rotary indicator is partially exposed through the opening or the cutout. The rotary indicator has, on the surface thereof, a plurality of index markers respectively corresponding to the function display portions. The first dial plate has a second opening or a second cutout to expose one of the index markers when the function indicator indicates one of the function display portions corresponding to the indicated function display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Sato, Shunya Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 8711660
    Abstract: A timepiece, particularly wristwatch, having a dial on which are arranged at least two circular scales having centers which are offset relative to one another. A first hand can sweep over the first scale and a second hand can sweep over the second scale, each hand being rotatable around a hand axis centric to the associated scale, and wherein the scales partially overlap. There is formed in the dial in the area surrounded by the first circular scale an aperture through which an area of the timepiece located behind the plane of the dial is visible. The circle segment of the second scale extending across the aperture is arranged on a separate scale carrier which is pivotable around a pivot axis coaxial to the hand axis of the second hand between a display position covering the aperture into a non-display position not covering the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Lange Uhren GmbH
    Inventors: Nils Bode, Anthonie de Haas, Tino Bobe
  • Publication number: 20140098648
    Abstract: The current disclosure describes and teaches a timepiece combination that may preferably be used by a pair of persons to show unity, affection, and togetherness. In one embodiment, the timepiece combination may include two watches having similar or complimentary background pattern and overall design, while one watch displays only the hourly time of the present time, the other watch displays only the minute time of the present time. Only by combining the display of the watches may the users be shown the precise present time. The timepiece combination may take the conventional clock hand format or a digital display. Overall, the design of the timepiece combination emphasizes and reflects the bond and unity between the users, allowing a showing of friendship, love, and/or affection through the watches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Breckman
  • Patent number: 8611192
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clock having a body with a first clock face and a second clock face. The clock includes a start time assembly at least partially positioned within the body and corresponding with the first clock face, an end time assembly at least partially positioned within the body and corresponding with the second clock face, and an elapsed time assembly in mechanical communication with both the start time assembly and the end time assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Balter, Yuen Po Man
  • Publication number: 20130315043
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a horologe, such as a watch or clock, in which a removable and interchangeable face can be inserted and removed from the horologe and replaced with another face without disconnecting components of the horologe or interfering with the horologe measuring time. In one embodiment, the horologe comprises a horological movement; a housing having a rim and a mount plate, a removable face for insertion into a faceplate compartment, and an inner transparent cover. A portion of the rim may be extendable away from the housing to reveal an opening to receive a removable face. In one embodiment, the horologe may comprise an extendable drawer, which is adapted for insertion into and selectably extendable from the faceplate compartment. In one embodiment, the horologe may comprise an outer bezel, which has open and closed positions for revealing and covering the opening of the faceplate compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: James J. Jacobi, JR.
  • Patent number: 8520474
    Abstract: The protective case includes a back cover (2) and a cover (3), which are provided to fit together. The case further includes a flange (6), inserted in the back cover and held laterally by the edge (4), and an elastically deformable stake (7), which is for immobilizing a plate-shaped part pierced with an aperture (11). The stake is mounted on the top surface of the flange and it is inserted into the aperture of the plate-shaped part. The bottom surface of the cover (3) further carries a projecting portion (8) that presses against the stake when the case is closed, so as to increase the external diameter of the stake and jam it in the aperture of the plate-shaped part. Elastic means (9) are also provided for returning the flange (6) in the direction of the cover (3) so as to hold the stake (7) jammed in the aperture in the plate-shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Cadau, Pascal Bourret
  • Publication number: 20130182541
    Abstract: A system is provided for communicating to health care workers the turning, positioning and schedule requirements of dependent patients with pressure ulcers, or at risk for the development of pressure ulcers. The system includes a display indicating a clock face divided into sections each with a respective window location for displaying graphics of a display element illustrating a required lying position for the patient. Each of the display elements comprises a disk mounted on the substrate for rotation about a center axis thereof at right angles to the substrate with the graphics arranged thereon at angularly spaced positions around the axis so as to rotate a selected one of the graphics to the window to be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SAFE MOVES INJURY PREVENTION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventor: Safe Moves Injury Prevention Solutions Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130148483
    Abstract: Timepiece display device (100) comprising a first display member (1) cooperating with first drive means (10) via a first transmission means (11), and a second display member (2), cooperating with a second drive means (20) via a second transmission means (21). First contactless coupling means (12) are carried by said first display member (1) or by said first transmission means (11), second contactless coupling means (22) are carried by said second display member (2), or by said second transmission means (21), said first coupling means (12) cooperate with said second coupling means (22) in a complementary, contactless, attraction coupling in order, when said coupling means are located in immediate proximity to each other, to unite the motion of said first display member (1) and said second display member (2). Said first coupling means (12) and said second coupling means (22) are magnetic or electrostatic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
  • Patent number: 8400883
    Abstract: A timepiece includes twelve first light sources spaced in a ring around a 360 degree range on a clock body. The first light sources are controlled to illuminate successively one at a time in a clockwise direction to indicate the hour. The timepiece may include either a minute hand connected with a clock mechanism, or 60 minute strips disposed in radiating directions and evenly spaced around a 360 degree range on the clock body. A plurality of second light sources are distributed along the minute hand or the minute strips. The minute hand is controlled to rotate 360 degrees clockwise. The minute strips are controlled to illuminate alternately in a clockwise direction to indicate the minute. The amount or the position of the illuminated second light sources indicates the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
  • Publication number: 20130051193
    Abstract: A wristwatch is provided with hand(s) and a disk-shaped indicating member disposed between a first dial and a second dial. The disk-shaped indicating member is structured such that a part of the disk-shaped indicating member is exposed from an opening portion of the first dial and that the disk-shaped indicating member indicates, at a region corresponding to the opening portion, one of a plurality of function display portions SPL, STP and RUN provided on the second dial. The hand(s) and the disk-shaped indicating member rotate about a common driving shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi SATO
  • Publication number: 20130051192
    Abstract: A dial assembly held within a timepiece case together with a movement for which the hour hand and minute hand are supported to be able to rotate is provided. The movement supports at least one miniature hand to be able to rotate at a position different from the hour hand and minute hand. The dial assembly comprising includes a first dial that is light transmissive, a second dial arranged on the back surface side of the first dial, and at last one spacer forming a ring shape arranged between the first dial and the second dial. The miniature hand rotates within a space enclosed by the first dial, the second dial, and the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi OSHIO
  • Publication number: 20130039156
    Abstract: A timepiece includes twelve first light sources spaced in a ring around a 360 degree range on a clock body. The first light sources are controlled to illuminate successively one at a time in a clockwise direction to indicate the hour. The timepiece may include either a minute hand connected with a clock mechanism, or 60 minute strips disposed in radiating directions and evenly spaced around a 360 degree range on the clock body. A plurality of second light sources are distributed along the minute hand or the minute strips. The minute hand is controlled to rotate 360 degrees clockwise. The minute strips are controlled to illuminate alternately in a clockwise direction to indicate the minute. The amount or the position of the illuminated second light sources indicates the second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Yen Lin
  • Publication number: 20130028057
    Abstract: In a trick-action type clock, a part of an hour plate rotates along a plane parallel to a clock support plate. The trick-action type clock includes a first hour plate portion which is fixed to the clock support plate and has a circular shape, and a second hour plate portion which is rotated by a driving motor. The first hour plate portion includes an indicator needle shaft insertion portion which is provided at a position remote from a center of the first hour plate portion so as to insert an indicator needle shaft 101 therethrough. The second hour plate portion includes a circular notched hole which has a rotation center coincides with the center of the first hour plate portion with a circular shape and has the same shape as that of the first hour plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Kenju NAGATAKE, Koji Murasugi
  • Patent number: 8355296
    Abstract: An apparatus for relating time to activity is disclosed. The apparatus discloses an analog clock and a display board having one or more activities where a chosen activity begins at a time indicated by an hour indicator and a minute indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Poly A. Endrasik
  • Patent number: 8339902
    Abstract: A clockwork mechanism includes: a supporting member; a movable member including an engagement hole and movably supported by the supporting member; a drive pin engaging the engagement hole, including a flange portion for preventing the drive pin from disengaging from the engagement hole, and revolving to move the movable member; a biasing member provided in the movable member to partially overlap the engagement hole; and an abutment member abutting the movable member to restrict the movement of the movable member. The flange portion overlaps or does not overlap the biasing member depending on a revolving position of the drive pin. When the movable member abuts the abutment member, the drive pin pushes the biasing member and the movable member is biased toward the abutment member by the biasing member. When the flange portion does not overlap the biasing member, the drive pin moves the movable member to push the biasing member, allowing the drive pin to disengage from the engagement hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.
    Inventor: Toyonori Muraji
  • Patent number: 8339903
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a dual illumination watch face having a tritium gas tube coupled with a dial, minute hand or hour hand of the watch face, and phosphorescent material disposed with at least one of the dial, minute hand and hour hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
  • Publication number: 20120314545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying image data on a display device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes updating at least a portion of the display device based on image update data identifying pixels that changed from the preceding image to the following image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Sampsell