Dial Or Hand Patents (Class 368/228)
  • Patent number: 8264910
    Abstract: A watch able to be used as a cryptographic system to encrypt plaintext to ciphertext or decrypt ciphertext to plaintext includes a watch face and a plurality of concentric rings. Each of the plurality of concentric rings is rotatable with respect to the watch face and includes a number of symbols, the number of symbols corresponding to the number of hours represented on the watch face, at least some of the symbols corresponding to letters of an alphabet, characters in a writing system and/or numbers. At least one of the plurality of concentric rings is rotatable in a direction opposite to a direction of at least one other of the plurality of concentric rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Richard C. Fuisz, Joseph M. Fuisz, Justin Richard Fuisz, Jessica Saint James Fuisz
  • Patent number: 8238200
    Abstract: A timepiece with a multiplication table display is provided. Preferably, the timepiece has a programmable display, such as a liquid crystal display or the like, allowing the display to display the present time to the user, as is conventionally known, as well as providing methods of performing and teaching multiplication. A first multiplier is selected by the user, and the first multiplier is displayed in a central region of the display. A second multiplier is then selected by the user, and the user may use the display of the timepiece to calculate a particular product, or may be graphically shown how the product is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kuwait University
    Inventor: Ali Ashour Al-Jafar
  • Publication number: 20120127837
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Lange Uhren GmbH
    Inventors: Nils BODE, Anthonie de Haas, Tino Bobe
  • Publication number: 20120067271
    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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: Raphaël COURVOISIER, Roman Egli, Paulo Bravo
  • Patent number: 8111033
    Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent a nonrotation state from being brought about even when a drive allowance is changed by variations in a stepping motor or the like. A pulse down counter circuit outputs pulse down control signal for subjecting main drive pulse to control pulse down when time is counted for a predetermined time period. When a detecting signal exceeding a reference threshold voltage detected by a rotation detecting circuit is detected at a first detection section at start of a rotation detecting time period, a control circuit resets the pulse down counter circuit. Thereby, a main drive pulse generating circuit is not subjected to control pulse down by the pulse down counter circuit, and therefore, it is prevented that the main drive pulse is subjected to pulse down unnecessarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Ogasawara, Hiroyuki Masaki, Akira Takakura, Saburo Manaka, Keishi Honmura, Kazumi Sakumoto, Kazuo Kato, Takanori Hasegawa, Kosuke Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110308445
    Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring instrument for measuring and displaying a measurable parameter having at least one surface (10), said surface comprising: (a) a pointer pined (30) to said surface, comprising a set of N (numbers for example) symbols disposed along the main longitudinal axis of the same; said N (numbers for example) is an integer greater than or equals to 0; (b) a pre-shaped member (20); (c) means adapted to constantly rotate said elongated pointer (30) around said pre-shaped member (20) on said surface (10) or said pre-shaped member (20) around said elongated pointer (30); wherein said measurable parameter is defined as said N th (numbers/tenth for example) symbol in which an intersection between said pointer (30) with said pre-shaped member (20) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Shiri Avda
  • Publication number: 20110267929
    Abstract: A clock comprising: a housing; a first face located on the housing; a front end, adjacent to the first face; a second face located on the housing and adjacent to the front end; a first time display located on the first face; a second time display located on the second face; a single control unit located in the housing, and in signal communication with the first time display and second time display; an angle ?, defining the angle between the first face and the second face, and where the angle ? is greater than 0° and less than 180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Chaim Isaac Ishakis
  • Patent number: 8023364
    Abstract: A solar panel determines whether or not a wristwatch is in darkness. When the darkness has continued for a predetermined time period, e.g., for 61-70 minutes, it is determined that the wristwatch is not in use and set in a sleep state. Out of seconds, center and hour hands, at least the seconds hand is rotated to a reference position (00-second position) and stopped, and positions of the center and hour hands are detected. Therefore, power consumption during can be reduced when the wristwatch is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 8009521
    Abstract: A wristwatch that includes a concave lens and concave dial contained within a bezel and housing. The concave shape of the lens causes the upper most surface of the wristwatch to be the bezel, so the upper surface of the lens cannot be scratch if the user places the watch face down on a surface. The concave shape of the dial causes an increase in surface area for time marking indicia on the dial face. This effect combines with the concave angle of the lens to increase the appearance of the indicia and reduce glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kun-Chi Wu
  • Patent number: 7997789
    Abstract: A clock for displaying collectibles and method of displaying collectibles within the clock is disclosed. The clock is a customizable device comprising a core having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a thickness portion connecting the first and the second surfaces. The clock further includes a first structure removably attached to the first surface of the core and a clock movement received in an opening in the core. Also provided is a plurality of recesses, each of the recesses having a depth and configured and dimensioned to receive a collectible. In at least some embodiments, the recesses are provided in the core while in at least some other embodiments, the recesses are provided in the first structure of the clock. The collectibles are additionally secured in position within the clock by way of one or more adaptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Judd C. Smith, Brett Rammel
  • Patent number: 7974156
    Abstract: A movement for a timepiece having a retrograde display member displaying at least one time division, includes a going train, elements for driving the display member including a wheel unit driven by the going train and carrying a first cam sharing the same axis of rotation. The movement also includes a rocker supporting a probe held against the edge of the first cam by deformable elastic elements undergoing a deformation of variable amplitude. This results in the application of a corresponding force on the rocker in proportion to the distance between the probe and the axis of rotation of the first cam. The movement also includes drive members to connect the rocker to a retrograde display member. A force-regulating device is interposed between the elastic elements and the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Sowind S.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Papi, Nicolas Dehon
  • Patent number: 7903503
    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: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: James Brewster Olmes
  • Publication number: 20110026375
    Abstract: When a stepping motor is driven to rotate by a main driving pulse, if an induced signal exceeding a reference threshold voltage is detected only in a third segment, a pulse down operation is performed, and the main driving pulse is not changed when the same is detected in at least a first and the third segments. When it is detected only in a second and the third segments, a rank-up is performed without performing the driving by a correction drive pulse and, when it is not detected in at least the third segment, the rank up operation is performed after the driving by the correction driving pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Saburo Manaka, Akira Takakura, Kenji Ogasawara, Kazumi Sakumoto, Kazuo Kato, Keishi Honmura, Takanori Hasegawa, Kosuke Yamamoto, Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7859951
    Abstract: A movement assembly for controlling at least one display indicator of a first display assembly and at least one display indicator of a second display assembly in a wearable electronic device, wherein the at least one display indicator of the first display assembly is arranged different from the arrangement of the at least one display indicator of the second display assembly, wherein the movement assembly is adapted for individually receiving both the first display assembly and the second display assembly, wherein the display functionality of the wearable electronic device is changeable based on the display assembly operatively coupled to one or more gears in the module and whereby the module can be used to provide differing display functionality based on the display assembly coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Michel G. Plancon
  • Patent number: 7821877
    Abstract: A pointer indication type timepiece, wherein three projecting portions (11) projecting from a shaft part (112) to an outer peripheral side and formed in such a shape that a cylinder is split into two parts along a central axis direction are disposed at a root portion (113) of the shaft part (112) of an hour wheel (110) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft part (112). The projecting portions (11) engage with a circular hole (123) in a dial washer (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Sakamaki, Kazuo Sakamoto, Masanori Katayama
  • Patent number: 7742364
    Abstract: A timepiece display apparatus causes a day hand to move reciprocally by means of center wheel, driven day wheel, cam, lever, and rack. These wheels, cam, lever, and rack can be easily arranged to fit the available space on the main plate of the movement, and the construction of the display apparatus can thus be simplified. Furthermore, locating the cam between the rotary shaft and rack of the lever portion enables arranging a plurality of parts more compactly than if the cam is disposed to a different location, and affords a simple assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Imao Hiraga, Shigeyuki Fujimori, Yoichi Hayashi, Kenichi Okuhara
  • Publication number: 20100118662
    Abstract: A clock kit includes a clock mechanism having a plurality of clock hands and a sticker assembly having a plurality of stickers providing indicia corresponding to a plurality of positions for the plurality of clock hands and positioned between at least one liner sheet and at least one liner sheet. A first adhesive force between a first side of the stickers and the liner sheet is less than a second adhesive force between a second side opposing side of the stickers and the transfer sheet. A third adhesive force between the first side of the stickers and a surface on which the clock kit is to be mounted is greater than the second adhesive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: DCWV ACQUISITION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christina Smith
  • Publication number: 20100074061
    Abstract: A multifunction time display device includes a main body, a first element, a second element, and an indication element. The main body includes a casing, and the casing possesses a transparent portion. The first element moves inside the casing as time goes by. The second element is removably attached to any position of the transparent portion of the casing. The indication element is triggered when the first element moves to overlap the second element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: PEGATRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Ying Lee, Yen-Chiu Hsu, Ailing Lu, Mei-Lin Chan
  • Patent number: 7596057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph watch with a display with a first retrograde hand for indicating the tenths of a second of the chronograph and a second retrograde hand for displaying the hundredths of a second of the chronograph. The hours, minutes and seconds are displayed by corresponding hands at the center of the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: TAG Heuer SA
    Inventors: Stephane Linder, Thomas Houlon, Marc-Andre Glassey
  • Patent number: 7564742
    Abstract: A timepiece having an openable and closable dial plate, includes a stationary segment included in the dial plate, and a movable segment included in the dial plate and reciprocating between an open position and a closed position, the movable segment being positioned at the closed position by abutting with the stationary segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.
    Inventor: Toyonori Muraji
  • Publication number: 20090154301
    Abstract: A pointer indication type timepiece, wherein three projecting portions (11) projecting from a shaft part (112) to an outer peripheral side and formed in such a shape that a cylinder is split into two parts along a central axis direction are disposed at a root portion (113) of the shaft part (112) of an hour wheel (110) at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the shaft part (112). The projecting portions (11) engage with a circular hole (123) in a dial washer (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Sakamaki, Kazuo Sakamoto, Masanori Katayama
  • Publication number: 20090059732
    Abstract: The dial (4) of the watch is fitted with an indicator (10), preferably with a hand (11), which displays the function fulfilled by the control crown (8), respectively in each axial position of said crown, including the highly water resistant position in the case of a screwed in crown. The indicator is controlled by the axial movements of a sleeve (15) secured to the crown (8), via a transmission mechanism (30) including a slide block (35) that is mobile parallel to the axis of rotation (14) of the crown. The hand (11) is secured to a pinion (32) meshed with a rack (34) arranged on the slide block (35). The slide block (35) includes a flexible part (38) between a back part that slides in a groove (36), and a front arm (39) provided with a lateral finger (40) engaged in an annular groove of the sleeve (15). This transmission is compact and facilitates assembly and removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: Christian Bracher, Raphael Courvoisier
  • Patent number: 7499380
    Abstract: Dial (2) designed to equip a watch piece provided with luminous marks (32) lodged under a mother-of-pearl semi-transparent layer (20) inside blind hollows (35) made in the semi-transparent layer (20) and filled with a phosphorescent pigment (32). The luminous marks (32) form an image (61) visible in darkness and essentially invisible in daylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Christophe Gouthier, Philippe Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7496003
    Abstract: The invention relates to an analogue display device for a timepiece. The inventive device consists of display means which are disposed such as to perform jumps in relation to a dial comprising a haphazard series of values to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Franck Müller Watchland S.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Müller
  • Publication number: 20090040879
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device for conveying information in an analog manner, wherein a controller is operable in a first mode and at least a second mode, the dial assembly is operatively coupled to the controller, and is a liquid crystal display assembly, and preferably a cholesteric liquid crystal display, wherein the dial assembly displays informational indicia corresponding to the mode in which the electronic device is operating, and wherein the informational indicia is changeable based on the mode in which the wearable electronic device is operating; and wherein the positioning of the display hand as it rotates in the one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions in the predefined increments conveys the information by referring to particular informational indicia, and wherein the controller operatively controls the positioning of the hand so that the hand can convey the information in the analog manner for each of the at least two modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Louis M. Galie, Wolfgang Burkhardt, Gerhard Stotz
  • Patent number: 7480213
    Abstract: A mechanical timepiece has a plurality of divisional segments divided in a movable manner, a driving source operable to produce a driving rotation for moving the divisional segments, an ornamental portion to be exposed by outward movement of the divisional segments, and a plurality of driving mechanisms operable to move the divisional segments and rotate them about their axes so as to change an exposure state of the ornamental portion by using the driving rotation transmitted from the driving source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.
    Inventor: Toyonori Muraji
  • Patent number: 7408846
    Abstract: The ornamental article is a bangle or ring which can house a watch or item of jewelry. The article has two or more planar portions fixed at a 90° angle and a display area that spans the surface of at least two of the planar portions to form a continuous angled display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Fredi Brodmann
  • Patent number: 7406004
    Abstract: A clock with an insertion part is provided to facilitate presenting various illustrations such as photographs, advertising copy, logos, etc., upon the front surface thereof after purchase by a customer. The insertion part is separately provided apart from the clock and then inserted into and coupled to the main clock frame from the rear after assembly of the clock. In a preferred embodiment, the clock includes the main body frame, an hour plate, a transparent case and a backside case, with the part being inserted into the insertion opening provided in the backside case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hiromori Corporation
    Inventor: Junji Hiromori
  • Publication number: 20080159082
    Abstract: To provide a display device for a timepiece wherein model changes can be easily made with a simple structure in a timepiece with a retro display. In a day display device, an hour wheel, day intermediate wheel, and cam are disposed on the same axis, and a lever and small day indicator are disposed so as to enclose these components, whereby a simple configuration can be achieved. A large space for accommodating the lever can be provided between the substantial center and the peripheral edge of a main plate on which the hour wheel, day intermediate wheel, and cam rotate on the same axis, and various shapes are made possible by freely extending the lever from the substantial middle to the peripheral edge of the main plate. Therefore, it is possible to form first through third gear parts through, and to provide three positions A through C for incorporating the small day indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Imao Hiraga, Kenichi Okuhara
  • Patent number: 7362661
    Abstract: A device for teaching one about telling time is provided. The device includes a clock face with rotatable minute and hour hands. The minute and hour hands are adapted so that a user of the device can rotate them manually to indicate a preselected time. The device is able to detect the positions of the hands around the clock face, and to move the hands to indicate a predetermined time without any manual manipulation of the hands by the user. The device can be programmed with a variety of games that a user of the device can play to learn about telling time. The user can manually set the clock hands to indicate a time requested by the device and, if the time the user sets is incorrect, the device can automatically set the hands to the correct time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: K. & M. International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Yager, Michael K. Grasela
  • Patent number: 7362662
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a display face having a color time field with a first axis representing a first unit of time and a second axis representing a second unit of time, wherein a colored section fills the color time field as time elapses and wherein a current color displayed in the colored section is one color in a set of different colors that correspond to a predetermined measurement of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lang
  • Patent number: 7339856
    Abstract: A novel device for displaying the correct time comprises a clock with interchangeable and attachable panels comprising decorative indicia or figures; a second hand with replaceable indicia or figures, minute hand, and hour hand; and means to drive said timing hands. The interchangeable panel is removably attached to the front face of a clock with a viewing window for viewing the normal travel of the second, minute, and hour hands. The movement of the second hand with the replaceable indicia simulates a sports action as it moves from the 9:00 position to the 3:00 position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin Hardesty
  • Patent number: 7339855
    Abstract: A mechanical timepiece has an ornamental portion and a plurality of movable units operable to expose and hide the ornamental portion. Each of the movable units includes a divisional segment for exposing and hiding the ornamental portion by inward and outward movement, a holding plate configured to hold the divisional segment in a movable manner so as to move the divisional segment in inward and outward directions, and an attachment structure for attaching the divisional segment to the holding plate. The attachment structure is formed integrally with at least one of the holding plate and the divisional segment. The attachment structure includes engagement portions projecting from both sides of the holding plate and a pair of holder members formed on a surface of the divisional segment so as to have an L-shaped cross-section with their tip portions being opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Clock Inc.
    Inventor: Toyonori Muraji
  • Patent number: 7267480
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for decorating the dial of a clock with photos, papers, or other embellishments so as to create a decorative personalized memory for the person's home or office through the creation of a specific customized timepiece incorporating memorabilia from the personal special event. The invention incorporates the use of a blank clock dial with hour numbers printed on it and adhering decorative paper memorabilia to the clock face. The invention also includes the use of a distinctive pair of clock hands to set it apart from the decorative items adhered to the clock face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Innovation Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd M. Hasson
  • Patent number: 7196974
    Abstract: A clock assembly (10) having a removable central clock mechanism (12) with time indicating hands (18, 20, 21) is adapted to be mounted on a flat vertical surface (26) with and separate removable hour disks (14) having numerals (34) connected to hanger elements (36) adapted to be mounted on the vertical surface around the central clock mechanism in correct positions to tell time. Doll clothes (40) are selectively hung on or removed from the hanger elements behind the numerals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Tina Y Yang, James Holmes, Jean M Kuerten, Mark S Wittenberg
  • Patent number: 7170826
    Abstract: There is provided a multifunction timepiece wherein the visibility of pointers can be improved, and increases in the thickness of the timepiece can be reduced. This timepiece includes a dial, an hour hand, a minute hand, a pointer, and a movement. The dial has a dial cover and a time display section on the inner periphery thereof. The hour hand is mounted on the time display section and has an hour hand rotating shaft disposed at a different position from the center position of the time display section. The minute hand is mounted on the time display section and has a minute hand rotating shaft disposed at a different position from the center position of the time display section. The pointer is mounted on the time display section and has a pointer rotating shaft. The dimension A from the pointer rotating shaft to the tip of the pointer is greater than the dimension B from the minute hand rotating shaft to the tip of the minute hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneaki Furukawa, Eiichi Nagasaka, Koji Fukui
  • Patent number: 7154817
    Abstract: The apparatus includes at least one information storing unit, a unit for processing said information, a management and control unit receiving control signals from the processing unit and a supply unit controlled by said management unit and controlling the movement of said two stepping motors above a dial bearing markings Ri representative of said information. The apparatus is characterized in that said processing unit is provided with an algorithm or correspondence table between a marking Ri and angles ?i?i formed respectively by each hand from a measurement reference and in that the shape of said hands is such that when they have the angular orientations ?i ?i, their elongated parts can intersect above said marking Ri, or their tips can be aligned opposite said marking Ri. The apparatus may be a wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Raymond Froidevaux, Gilles Rey-Mermet
  • Patent number: 7154815
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic astronomical watch, in particular of the wristwatch type, said watch (1) being capable of indicating the position of celestial bodies in the heavens, said watch (1) including: a time base (48) for producing a standard frequency signal; means (50) for determining the current time and date from the standard signal means (28, 30) for selecting a celestial body; analogue time display means using two hands (10, 12); means (32) for determining the position of the selected celestial body in the heavens and indicating this position via the display means (10, 12), the watch (1) being wherein it includes a rotating dial (14) on which there is shown the map (16) of the heavens and in that the shape of the hands (10, 12) is such that their intersection or point of conjunction enables any point of the map of the heavens (16) to be designated on the dial (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Raymond Froidevaux
  • Patent number: 7120093
    Abstract: A watch frame comprising a dial face having a circumferential boundary surrounding the dial face. A single series of hours indicia are arranged along and following the circumferential boundary and surrounding an interior region of the dial face. A first and second time movement, each including respective hour and minute handles are arranged in spaced relationship to each other with the hours and minute handles or each movement operating in conjunction with said single series of hours indicia. A first three stem arrangement coupled to and controlling the first time movement and a second three stem arrangement coupled to and controlling the second time movement having a polygonal shape to compliment that of the watch face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Lazaretnik
  • Patent number: 7072246
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device for conveying information in an analog manner at least in part by the use of at least one display hand positioned on the dial side of a dial, and a rotatable ring positioned on the opposite side of the dial, wherein the wearable electronic device uses the coordination of the display hand(s) and the ring to convey information that is stored in the controller of the device and/or provided by sensors and/or an external transmitter. An actuation mechanism, preferably a stepper motor, is used to rotate the display hand and ring in the clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions in predefined increments to convey the information. In the preferred embodiment, the wearable multimode electronic device is a wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Lizzi
  • Patent number: 7050359
    Abstract: A clock with a seemingly gravity-defying time-indicating element adjacent a substantially vertically disposed dial comprises a magnetic guide element positioned behind the dial for movement around the dial as a function of time, and a magnetically responsive time-indicating element such as a metallic-appearing sphere positioned for viewer visibility in front of the dial. The time-indicating element is magnetically coupled to the guide element for movement therewith around the front of the dial in apparent defiance of gravity to indicate the time without becoming decoupled from the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Gideon Dagan
  • Patent number: 7038975
    Abstract: There is provided a type of luminous hand including a part made of moulded transparent material that forms a circular head (28, 35) and a body (28, 34) of a hand. In order to direct a portion of a light beam parallel to the axis (15) of the hand towards the interior of the body, the head includes a plurality of reflectors (40, 41) distributed around the axis and formed by dihedron shaped hollows. This improves the intensity and uniformity of the light in the hand body. Inclined light-diffusing surfaces, covered with a light coloured paint, are arranged on the bottom face of the hand. In a display device with several coaxial hands (11,12) such as that of a watch, the reflectors of the superposed heads (29, 35) of the hands are located at respective distances from the axis which are different from one hand to another, such that they never completely cover each other. The light source preferably includes three light-emitting diodes (23) located under the dial (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Asulab S.A.
    Inventors: Yvan Ferri, Jean-Jacques Born, René Viennet, Joseph Ricchiuto
  • Patent number: 7035171
    Abstract: A timepiece has a portion of its case body capable of being removed from the rest of the case body. The removable portion bears an interchangeable dial plate. The device is configured in such a manner that the dial plate never serves as a stopping abutment when it is inserted in the timepiece. A closure device allows the interchangeable dial to be suitably fastened to the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: David Hurni, Jacques Marchand
  • Patent number: 7023764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clock comprising a clock face with hands and clockwork elements. Said clock face comprises a non-rotationally symmetric surface in the direction of rotation of the hands. The inner ends of the hands are rotatably mounted in a displaceable manner around a pivoting axis which extends in a peripheral manner with respect to the peripheral rotational axis of the hands and in a perpendicular manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hands. A control element is provided, enabling the hands to be pivoted in such a way that they can be displaced at an equal distance from the surface of the clock face as they go round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Gottfried Wolf, Michael Sporrer
  • Patent number: 6999383
    Abstract: A clock with luminous hands has a clock panel with a front clock surface and a rear surface to which a hand-driving assembly and a power inverter are mounted. The hand-driving assembly has a pin protruding through the clock panel and extending from the front clock surface. An hour hand and a minute hand both formed by single-pole CCFLs are mounted around the pin with one end. When the power inverter produces a high voltage conducting to the pin, both the hands are energized to generate light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Chine-Fu Wang, Cheng-Ming Kuo
  • Patent number: 6993680
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to make it possible to secure data retained by a cache memory with high reliability without increasing the size or cost of a storage device. When a host-handling processor and a disk processor have recognized occurrence of a power failure, operation of a storage device is continued for about one minute on DC power that is supplied from a battery module. After a lapse of one minute from the occurrence of the power failure, the host-handling processor interrupts the connection between the storage device and a host. Then, the host-handling processor turns off a SW of a host I/F and the disk processor writes, to an HDD, data that have been written to a cache memory. After completion of this processing, the disk processor turns off a SW of the disk I/F and a SW of the HDD. Then, the disk processor causes the battery module to supply DC power only to the cache memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Fukumori
  • Patent number: 6982931
    Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Patent number: 6975562
    Abstract: A method for indicating that a wearable electronic device is operating in a selected mode, wherein the wearable electronic device comprises at least one hand operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism. The method comprises the steps of (a) moving the hand from a first position to a second position, wherein the movement of the hand is through a predetermined sweep angle; (b) moving the hand from the second position back to the first position through the predetermined sweep angle; and (c) repeating at least step (a) and if necessary, repeating step (b); whereby the hand oscillates between the first position and the second position while the wearable electronic device is operating in the selected mode. A wearable electronic device that comprises the foregoing methodology is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Lizzi
  • Patent number: 6965543
    Abstract: A radio controllable clock includes an analog display having a plurality of clock hands each fastened to a uniquely associated one of a plurality of clock hand shafts that each rotate about a common axis. The clock also includes a plurality of rotary gears each uniquely associated with one of the clock hand shafts, for rotating the clock hand shafts. Each rotary gear has a face perpendicular to the common axis, wherein each of the rotary gears includes a protrusion extending substantially perpendicular from the face. A microcontroller provides a plurality of drive command signals and the rotary gears are driven responsive to the drive command signals. A reset claw is operably positioned to engage at least one of the protrusions to stop the rotation of the clock hand shaft associated with the protrusion in order to position the clock hand associated with the protrusion at a datum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Kienzle Time (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Wai Ki Shum, Wan Sang Chan
  • Patent number: 6947351
    Abstract: The invention concerns a watch equipped with means for determining a location longitude and a device for determining the sun's altitude above the horizon. Said watch comprises a mobile element (16) doing one full rotation in 12 hours and bearing a hour hand (24), and a dial (32). It comprises for this purpose a rotating ring (44) for reading longitude, bearing an index mark (47) and, therefrom, a scale (45) in degrees, extending from 0° to 90° on either side of the index mark and covering the ring (44) over its whole periphery. Moreover, the dial (32) is provided with a circular scale (33) for selecting a time zone, with a median point (35) corresponding to the dial top point and a graduation from 0 to +6 hours or ?6 hours depending on the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The British Masters SA
    Inventors: Eric A. Loth, Pierre-André Finazzi