Plural Patents (Class 368/261)
  • Patent number: 11175628
    Abstract: A repeater mechanism includes an hour snail, an hour rack carrying an hour beak and rotatably mounted about an hour axis between a rest position and a read position, an hour spring, which returns the hour rack to its read position, a pulley rotatably mounted about a pulley axis and which forms a spiral-shaped peripheral cam path, a chain able to be wound on the pulley, the chain being hooked on the pulley and on the hour rack, and a return spring coupled to the pulley and via which the pulley pulls the hour rack, via the chain, into its rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Bifrare, Alain Zaugg
  • Patent number: 11073797
    Abstract: A repeater mechanism includes: an hour part, which is mobile between a resting position and a reading position; an hour spring that returns the hour part towards its reading position; a chain that is hooked to the hour part; a barrel that includes a shaft, a drum, a spring, a pulley that is mobile in rotation relative to the shaft and on which the chain is hooked, and also a ratchet that is integral in rotation with the barrel shaft and coupled to the pulley as long as the hour part exerts a traction force on the chain, and uncoupled from the pulley as soon as this traction force is cancelled out; and a pulley spring that is interposed between the ratchet and the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Bifrare, Daniel Matteazzi
  • Patent number: 8873347
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a movement, a main striking mechanism, a secondary strike release mechanism, and a mode selecting mechanism. The main striking mechanism is controlled by a main strike control mechanism, arranged to release strikes, at times programmed by the movement, or on demand, and a sequence of each strike is determined by information gathered by feeler spindles on snails or time references driven by the movement. A coupling mechanism of the secondary strike release mechanism actuates a control rod linkage of an isolating mechanism arranged to isolate various different release mechanisms for different strikes using the main striking mechanism to play strikes. The isolating mechanism includes at least a first isolator which, in a first winding position, takes a stop position preventing the spindles from gathering information from the snails, and, in a second let down position, allows the spindles to pass to come into contact with the snails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Eric Goeller
  • Patent number: 8406817
    Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, an input device carried by the portable housing, a display carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, the input device, and the display. The processor may perform a time alarm function having a time alarm value settable via the input device, and generate an alarm indication upon reaching the time alarm value. The processor also may generate a first time alarm function GUI on the display including a first selectable menu list for the time alarm function, and generate a second time alarm function GUI including a second selectable menu list on the display different from the first selectable menu list when a current time is within a threshold time of the time alarm value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Ltd
    Inventors: Adrian Michael Logan, Rohit Rocky Jain, Steve Kin Ping Chung
  • Patent number: 8289817
    Abstract: A touch lock guarantees reliable alarm activation comprises: a) an upright front display screen; b) a keypad, haying three separated groups of keys: a choice of alarm-time set function keys; a ten numeric key group positioned centrally on the keypad; and a AM-PM/Set function key. The clock can be fully operated by a single finger, using a maximum of six touches, providing assurance of entry of each touch, without the need to hold or grasp the clock, and without the need for a user to reorient himself from a position facing the clock, or to reorient the clock from its operable, optimally viewed orientation. After a user has easily and quickly set an alarm time by utilizing each of the three groups of keys, he then can at any time review his entries with a glance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Eugene R. Bath
  • Patent number: 7742362
    Abstract: A timepiece with an alarm mechanism having: a power source (24) which is locked when the mechanism is at rest and unlocked when the mechanism is in operation; an adjustment system which can be used to program the alarm time; and a trigger system that includes a control member (16) which controls the unlocking of the power source and a cam (10) which is kinematically connected to the movement and performs one revolution every 24 hours. The alarm mechanism also has a first striking train mechanism equipped with at least one hammer (54) arranged to strike at least one gong (56), and a second striking train mechanism equipped with at least one hammer (70) arranged to strike at least one non-resonant object (72), wherein the power source (24) drives one or the other of the striking train mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventors: Yves Corthesy, Jean-Pierre Charpier
  • Patent number: 7271705
    Abstract: A method for providing a progressive alarm function in a mobile terminal is provided. In an alarm setting mode, an initial alarm time input by the user is set as an alarm time of the terminal and a unit time for changing the alarm time is set. After an alarm is output at the set alarm time, it is checked to determine whether a specific key is pressed within a predetermined time. If the specific key is pressed, the alarm time is extended by the unit time. The progressive alarm function allows the user to optionally control alarm setting of the terminal to continually change the alarm time. The alarm time is not fixed but instead the user can continually extend the alarm time by pressing the specific key without the trouble of performing a number of key operations to change the alarm time in the alarm setting menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Chun Chon, Jae-Byoong Han
  • Patent number: 7177235
    Abstract: A multi mode alert timer having a timer display, switches for start stop and reset functions and audible, visible, and tactile alert signal selection and a housing where a user may select a timer alert signal including the individual alert signals or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: F.O.B. Instruments, Ltd
    Inventor: Richard Rund
  • Patent number: 6420959
    Abstract: A multimode electronic device having a plurality of manually actuated buttons for selecting between a plurality of modes and functions wherein at least one of the modes has at least two second level functions. The device can cycle among the modes upon the repeated activation of a first button and can cycle among the functions upon the repeated activation of a second button. The multi-level hierarchy including both modes and functions provides for a more improved user interface with improved functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Lizzi
  • Patent number: 6349074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm system for a desktop clock capable of generating an audio alarm in the form of, for example, a voice message or the sound of running water at a preset wake-up or retiring time. More particularly, the invention relates to an alarm system for a desktop clock provided with an improved wake-up time indicating alarm unit on the main body, in which an hour hand alarm connecting gear wheel and a minute hand alarm connecting gear wheel are separately provided to facilitate the user's manipulation of the time setter on the casing in setting the wake-up and retiring time indication hands to a desired call time, thereby generating an audio alarm that reminds the user in a timely manner of the retiring time and a snooze time period of less than one hour, as well as the wake-up time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Bak Jo Kim
  • Patent number: 6151278
    Abstract: An improved programmable and remote-controlled device for awakening a user through the user's sense of touch is disclosed. The device utilizes a time keeping alarm circuit to accurately track and display time and also to output an alarm signal at a user-defined preset alarm time. The alarm signal is modulated, amplified, encrypted, and transmitted to a receiving unit. The receiving unit is strapped to or otherwise held against the user's body. The receiving unit decodes the received encrypted alarm signal and activates a vibrating mechanism utilized to awaken the user via the vibrating mechanism without relying upon an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: D. Najarian
    Inventor: David Najarian
  • Patent number: 6104674
    Abstract: A timer has as at least two timing intervals, at least one of which is switchable between different preset intervals by the user, between which tasks are to be performed by a user. Upon the expiration of each timing interval, the user is alerted that a task is to be performed. A display panel indicates the number of days remaining in one of the timing cycles and may temporarily be switched to indicate the number of days remaining in the other timing interval. A particular use for the timer of this invention is to remind a user to service a humidifier. Another particular use is to remind a user of chores to be performed to maintain indoor or outdoor plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Michael J. Emoff, Thomas L. Emoff
  • Patent number: 5966346
    Abstract: An alarm clock includes a time indicator, a first alarm for sounding a first alarm at a preset time, a manual rotary bezel provided rotatable relative to the time indicator outside same for setting a time elapsing from the alarm time, and a second alarm for sounding a second alarm when the time set by the rotary bezel has elapsed since the preset time. After the first alarm is sounded at the alarm time, and after the time set by the rotary bezel has elapsed, the second alarm is sounded. The time interval after which the second alarm is sounded is set by a simple operation and two-staged sounding ensures proper awakening of the sleeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 5479379
    Abstract: The alarm clock is formed of time indicating hands (3), alarm hands (4), and an alarm setting device (202, 204, 205, and 207); wherein the alarm setting device is provided with an alarm section (200) which works to stop the movement of alarm hands when the alarm setting device is in the alarm-set condition, and works to move the alarm hands in synchronous motion with the time indicating hands when the alarm setting device is in the non-alarm-set condition. This structure allows the wearer to instantly distinguish the alarm-set condition from the non-alarm-set condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Tsuchiya, Haruhiko Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5365496
    Abstract: A device for time conditioning children. The device comprises an alarm circuit for producing an alarm signal, an alarm timer for timing an alarm interval and activating the alarm circuit, and an alarm pre-set for providing a user with means to adjust the alarm interval. Additionally, the device comprises an offset timer for timing a delay interval and activating the alarm circuit and a delay pre-set for providing a user with means to adjust the alarm interval. An event switch switches between the alarm timer and the off-set timer and is operated by an event switch control. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises animation circuitry having a central processor unit (CPU), a library of children's stories in memory, and a speech circuit for broadcasting a children's story. This embodiment may also comprise a housing designed to resemble a playful children's character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Kathleen R. Tolan-Samilow
  • Patent number: 4681465
    Abstract: An alarm signalling electronic timepiece including an alarm signalling circuit which generates alarm signal at a preset hour, and a sound circuit which generates signalling sound by the alarm signal. This timepiece includes a timer counter which can memorize and subtract preset time and which can supply the alarm signal to the sound circuit after the set time elapses from the start of down count from a a time start circuit which holds the time memorized in said timer counter until the alarm signal from the alarm signalling circuit changes and which starts counting in said timer counter when the alarm signal changes, and external switches which externally switch over to work or cancel said time start circuit, whereby plural and different alarm signalling hours can be set with more simplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rhythm Watch Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Nakamura, Hideki Morishima, Yoshito Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4659233
    Abstract: The present invention provides a timpiece including clock and timer sections which can be operated solely or in association with each other. When the clock and timer sections are combined with each other, the start of the timer section is controlled by an alarm signal from the clock section such that two different alarm functions can be attained. The alarm signal is preferably in the form of an alarm output or alarm pause output. The clock and timer secitons may be connected into a unit or mechanically disconnected from each other. When the clock section can be separated from the timer section, the state of connection therebetween and the life of a battery used can warningly be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Rhythm Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Nakamura, Hideki Morishima
  • Patent number: 4652140
    Abstract: In an analog type timepiece, no electronic display is provided, and a plurality of alarm times are presettable. These preset alarm times can be easily recognized by using a simple hand. A reference signal oscillator, wave shapers, stepping motors, counters, coincidence detector and a buzzer are provided in the timepiece, thereby sequentially quick-shifting the hand mechanism to the predetermined alarm time positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 4589779
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece is disclosed which simplifies operations otherwise needed for executing a variety of functions. The electronic timepiece is characterized in that any desired alarm message may be activated by an extremely simple key operation. In addition, the alarm message timepiece can automatically set time data corresponding to respective alarm messages all at once when a battery is loaded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Hatta, Yutaka Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 4459036
    Abstract: The electronic instrument includes a memory for storing scheduled time and schedule details, a clock circuit producing time signals, a comparator producing a comparison signal in response to comparison and coincidence of the time signals from the clock circuit with the scheduled time, a discriminating memory with a storage of a signal for decision for and against clear of the scheduled time and details in the memory, and a control unit for discriminating, in response to the comparator producing the comparison signal, the storage of signal in the discriminating memory to control over clear and non-clear of the scheduled time and schedule details in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Sado, Juji Kishimoto, Masayuki Sasaki, Mitsuo Cho
  • Patent number: 4427299
    Abstract: An electronic device with an alarm function has a time count circuit for providing time data and a date count circuit for providing date data. The electronic device also produces an alarm sound at an alarm time. When the date data represents a specific day, the electronic device produces a melody different from the alarm sound to tell the specific day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 4421419
    Abstract: In an electronic timepiece, which has a time display section constructed such that optical display elements are selectively driven for time display, the display mode of the time display section can be controlled to provide dynamic displays other than an ordinary time display mode, and in addition to an ordinary time display mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Morio Morishige, Hironao Sone
  • Patent number: 4379641
    Abstract: A multi-alarm watch includes a liquid crystal display means for providing both conventional time displays and an alarm time schedule display indicating simultaneously a plurality of times of day scheduled for an alarm signal. Separated or overlapped displays are used. The displays are driven by AC multiplexed voltage signals with each display having a different duty cycle. A random access memory stores data for the scheduled alarm circuitry and display. For greater visibility the scheduled display shows alarm times for twelve hours at one time and an address decoder converts timekeeping signals into a memory address code for the alarm schedule. A conventional alarm is also provided, and distinctive audible signals identify different functional outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha
    Inventors: Shuji Maezawa, Masami Murata
  • Patent number: 4373821
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece has a display unit capable of displaying different times in two or more regions in the world, an alarm time setting circuit capable of setting alarm times in the respective regions, and a buzzer device for sounding, at alarm times, different alarm sounds associated with the respective regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Morio Morishige
  • Patent number: 4301524
    Abstract: A programmable microcomputer controlled alarm clock has a multi-key input keyboard for setting the time of day, the month and date, and the alarm times of two or more independent alarms. Each alarm may be set to generate an alarm signal at a selected time on each day of two to six consecutive days of a seven-day period, the alarm sequence being automatically repeated each following seven-day period. In the normal operational mode, time of day is displayed until a month-and-date switch, an alarm-period or doze switch, or an alarm-enabling switch is actuated to display the respective date and alarm time. After the particular switch is actuated and the appropriate time information displayed, the clock returns to display time of day within several seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Koepp, Floyd F. Oliver, James V. Barnett
  • Patent number: 4272836
    Abstract: An alarm timepiece is disclosed in which a plurality of alarm times may be set and the set alarm times may be displayed. The timepiece includes a plurality of alarm time memory means, alarm time display means connected to the alarm time memory means and control means for controlling the input signal for the alarm time memory means. The alarm time display means are circumferentially arranged in same manner as the time index of the watch dial, whereby set alarm time may be indicated in the display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Munetaka Tamaru, Minoru Natori, Sizuo Yamaguchi