Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a power source element is provided. The method includes enabling a first vehicle comprising a first power source apparatus comprising a first multiple compartment housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first plurality of power source elements, a controller, and a communication interface. The first vehicle receives a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement of a power source element of a second plurality of power source elements within a second power source apparatus of the second vehicle. The first vehicle is directed to a current location of the second vehicle and the first vehicle is docked to the second vehicle. The power source element of the second vehicle is replaced with a fully charged power source element of the first plurality of power source elements from the first vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a power source element is provided. The method includes enabling a first vehicle comprising a first power source apparatus comprising a first multiple compartment housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first plurality of power source elements, a controller, and a communication interface. The first vehicle receives a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement of a power source element of a second plurality of power source elements within a second power source apparatus of the second vehicle. The first vehicle is directed to a current location of the second vehicle and the first vehicle is docked to the second vehicle. The power source element of the second vehicle is replaced with a fully charged power source element of the first plurality of power source elements from the first vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Abstract: Wearable electronic devices that employ one or more contact sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors and/or biometric sensors) are described. Contact sensors include electromyography sensors and/or capacitive touch sensors. Capacitive touch sensors include single-frequency capacitive touch sensors, recently-proposed swept frequency capacitive touch sensors, and a generalized version of swept frequency capacitive touch sensors referred to as multi-frequency capacitive touch sensors. The contact sensors are integrated into various devices, including generic watchstraps that may be substituted for the existing watchstrap in any wristwatch design, generic watch back-plates that may be substituted for the existing back-plate in any wristwatch design, and wearable electromyography devices that provide gesture-based control in a human-electronics interface.

Abstract: A wristwatch with capacitive touch zones including a case made of a non electrically conductive material, the case including a housing in which a battery is housed and which is closed by an electrically conductive battery cover. The electrically conductive battery cover is mounted on the watch case with interposition of an electrically conductive sealing gasket between the battery cover and the battery.

Abstract: Timepiece assembly (1) comprising a middle part (4) cooperating in abutment with a bottom plate (2) and a screw (6) for securing (5) this bottom plate (2) to this middle part (4), cooperating with an axis (D0) housing (7) of this plate (2), to press a flange (10) onto a first shoulder (8) of this plate (2) in proximity and on a second shoulder (9) of this middle part (4), and this first shoulder (8) is conical or spherical and/or this second shoulder (9) which is conical or spherical, cooperates with this flange (10) on at least two surfaces or points, in an assembled position wherein this plate (2) and this middle part (4) are assembled to each other and in the position wherein this screw (6) is completely screwed into this housing (7).

Abstract: A method of executing an action at a predetermined time by a device is disclosed. The device has a latency time between initiation of the execution of the action and the actual execution of the action. The method includes advancing the initiation of the execution of the action by the latency time. A device in which the method is implemented and a system including the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece including a case, formed by a middle part 5 closed by a back cover and by a crystal 9, said crystal 9 being supported on a bearing surface of the middle part 5, parallel to said back cover, said case forming a housing in which an electronic module 13 is placed; said timepiece further includes a display module fixed to the crystal 9, the electronic module 13 and the display module include an identical number of connection points so that electrical connection means can connect the connection points of the electronic module 13 to the connection points of the display module in pairs.

Abstract: A wrist watch-type silent alarm and exam notification timer device includes a vibrator adapted to create a silent vibrating sensation on the skin of the user/wearer, and control circuitry for repeatedly generating silent alarm signals at user-defined time intervals for a user-defined number of times in a programmable manner. The vibrator is disposed inside the timer housing directly on an area of the bottom panel of the housing, and oriented to generate a silent vibration in that area in a direction perpendicular to the bottom panel. The timer device is useful during exam taking to allow the user to keep track of his progress through the exam. Displays are provided to display a total elapsed time of the exam, a lapsed time of the current exam problem, and the number for the current exam problem. Control keys are provided for the user to program the timer.

Abstract: Timepiece assembly (1) comprising a middle part (4) cooperating in abutment with a bottom plate (2) and a screw (6) for securing (5) said bottom plate (2) to said middle part (4), cooperating with an axis (D0) housing (7) of said plate (2), to press a flange (10) onto a first shoulder (8) of said plate (2) in proximity and on a second shoulder (9) of said middle part (4). Said first shoulder (8) is conical or spherical and/or said second shoulder (9) which is conical or spherical, cooperates with said flange (10) on at least two surfaces or points, in an assembled position wherein said plate (2) and said middle part (4) are assembled to each other and in the position wherein said screw (6) is completely screwed into said housing (7).

Abstract: To provide a timepiece which is easy to produce, a timepiece includes a case forming a ring shape; a back cover fitted to a back side of the case, and a fixing member forming a ring shape running along the circumferential direction of an inner peripheral part of the case, and having a fixing function for fixing the back cover to the case. The case is harder than the fixing member. The fixing member is disposed between the case and the back cover, and is compressed and deformed therebetween, thereby making it possible to fulfill the fixing function.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an attachable timepiece, comprising: an upper chamber forming a housing for timepiece elements, the upper chamber including a front face having a time display; a lower chamber that is detachable from the upper chamber by way of a locking system; and a means for attaching the timepiece to an object.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for securing a back cover on a middle part of a watchcase, characterized in that it includes an intermediate element to which the back cover is connected, the intermediate element being screwed onto the middle part of the watch, an element arranged to allow the back cover to drive the intermediate element in rotation until the latter reaches a locked position on the middle part, the back cover also being pivotable relative to the intermediate element without the latter being unscrewed for alignment with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch.

Abstract: A device for displaying an item, wherein the item being displayed can be selectively changed. The device includes an annular body with an inside circumferential surface having an associated mounting arrangement including a shoulder, a groove and a snap ring. A changeable item for display is generally received in the annular body and held in place between the shoulder and the groove by positioning the snap ring into the groove. In some embodiments, the annular body may be adapted to be carried and used on a strap or band, generally in the manner a wristwatch is carried and used. In other embodiments, the annular body may be free-standing or adapted to be supported by a suitable support. The present invention may further include a cover hingedly attached to the annular body. In some embodiments, the cover may have generally similar characteristics as the annular body, it may interchangeably display other selected items, and/or it may include or display a watch face.

Abstract: A portable watch has a watch case body having front and back sides. A time display portion is disposed at the front side of the case body for displaying time. The back side of the case body has a lid-receiving surface and a concavity that opens at the lid-receiving surface. A back lid is disposed on the lid-receiving surface to close the interior of the watch case body from the back side thereof, and the back lid has marking indicia and a projection that engages with the concavity in the back side of the watch case body to position the back lid in a predetermined position in which the marking indicia align with the 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction of the time display portion. A holding ring is threaded onto the watch case body with the back lid clamped therebetween to removably attach the back lid to the watch case body while maintaining the back lid in the predetermined position.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wristwatch the case back of which is designed as a seat for a stone of the same shape and size and the stone is fitted to the case by a ring, which allows the stone to project a few millimeters so that the stone is in contact with the skin of the wrist.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall clock with a clock face; a clear domed cover over the clock face, wherein the clear domed cover has a flat surface at the center to serve as a branding area. The wall clock preferably has a label covering substantially all of said flat surface. The label itself can be covered by a clear dome, such as an epoxy dome. Typically, the flat surface is circular. Preferably, the flat surface is sunken into the top surface of the clear domed cover that covers the face of the clock.

Abstract: An interchangeable cover assembly, comprising an interchangeable cover, a display unit insertable into the interchangeable cover, and at least one retention assembly configured to apply a pressure against the interchangeable cover to secure the display unit to the interchangeable cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wristwatch the case back of which is designed as a seat for a stone of the same shape and size and the stone is fitted to the case by a ring, which allows the stone to project a few millimeters so that the stone is in contact with the skin of the wrist.

Abstract: A rotatable wrist watch is provided. The rotatable wrist watch includes a watch case, a dial, a crown, an outer periphery, a wrist strap and a spindle. The watch case has an exterior and an interior. The exterior includes two opposing faces and a side portion. A dial is located on each opposing face with a plurality of dials located on at least one of the opposing faces. Each dial indicates a time. A crown is provided for each dial. Each crown is located on the side portion and is movable to adjust the time indicated by the respective dial. The outer periphery is located a distance from and circumscribing the watch case. The wrist strap is coupled to the outer periphery. The spindle extends between the watch case and the outer periphery and is configured to permit the watch case to pivot about an axis between a first position where one of the watch faces is visible and a second position where the other watch face is visible.

Abstract: The watch comprises a case (9) with a fixed part (10) in the shape of a bracket (20) and a mobile part (11) with a middle (21) and a movement (23) mounted onto the fixed part (10) so as to be able to swivel about a swivel axis (32) thanks to pivots (31) in order to realize a tilting motion of the mobile part (11) in two opposite directions. Two actuating mechanisms (44, 45) are mounted into the middle (21) and intended to transform the tilting motions into an action upon two control organs of functions of the movement that may be of the chronograph type. One thus obtains a watch without push-pieces, functioning precisely, having great stability and easy manipulation.

Abstract: A motion producing motion-based notification/alert device to be used in and for attachment to mobile electronic equipment or devices, where the motion producing motion-based notification/alert device, upon receipt of an electronic signal from the mobile electronic equipment or device, reacts to set the mobile electronic equipment or device into various elevations and motions. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device is designed to receive electronic signals from the mobile electronic equipment or device, whereby producing various motions resulting in the owner or user of the mobile electronic equipment or device being notified/alerted that the mobile electronic equipment or device has received an incoming signal or a desired event of the mobile electronic equipment or device has taken place. The motion producing motion-based notification/alert device includes a housing containing a power spring/electric motor which can be used in or attached to the mobile electronic equipment or device.

Abstract: A diver's watch having a frame (22) and a case (10) containing a clockwork movement associated with time displaying means (15, 16). The case includes a middle (11), a base (12) and a rotating bezel (13). The case is hinge mounted on the frame (22), which is configured so as to define a housing wherein the case can be folded down to take up a position preventing its bezel from rotating and wherefrom it can be retrieved to allow its rotation.

Abstract: A timepiece has an annular case band having a front side end part that protrudes radially inwardly toward the inside of a case band and defines a front opening of the case band. A case back is detachably attached to a back side end part of the case band. An annular edge member seats on a front surface of the front side end part and has a tubular part removably inserted into the front opening of the case and, the tubular part having an annular attaching groove that opens to an outer periphery of the tubular part, and a glass is fixed to the edge member. An elastically deformable open-ended snap ring is detachably attached to the attaching groove in an elastically deformed state, and the snap ring abuts a back surface of the front side end part of the case band so that the front side end part is held between the edge member and the snap ring.

Abstract: A timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment. The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological messages and/or printed messages, pictures or photographs. The apparatus has a timepiece which is pivotable relative to a backing. The backing has a removable door on its underside which is removed for placement of the message into the backing. The user can then lift open the timepiece to reveal the message in the hidden compartment.

Abstract: A damping device, more particularly for a watchcase, includes a case (1) the back (7) of which has an extension provided with a groove (13) holding a gasket (14). The device further includes a support (2, 3) the lower segment (2) of which has a compression chamber (18) cooperating with the extension of the back of case (1), this extension being able to move axially, and in air-tight fashion, in this chamber (18). This lower segment (2) of the support is linked to a ring (3) against which case (1) leans in its rest position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for providing a moveable cover for a timepiece. In one embodiment, a timepiece includes a housing with a display face capable of displaying a time. The timepiece can also include a plurality of covers each capable of covering a portion of the display face, wherein each cover is moveable between an open and a closed position, and wherein the display face can be viewed when the covers are in an open position and the display face can be covered when the covers are in a closed position. Furthermore, the timepiece can include a control device capable of manipulating the plurality of covers between the open and closed positions.

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.

Abstract: A timepiece having an external case, a sound source disposed inside the external case, an internal filter that is gas permeable and waterproof and is disposed opposite with a gap to the external case and the sound source, and a communication opening that communicates the space between the external case and the internal filter with the outside. The internal filter is a porous thin film that has a large number of small holes and assures waterproofness preventing water from passing the small holes for at least ten minutes when in contact with water at normal pressure.

Abstract: To obtain a degree of freedom in a design of a circumference part of a timepiece armor assembly, and provide a watch whose degree of freedom in a size of a dial is high. A timepiece armor assembly is formed of an armor case of one-piece structure in which a case bottom wall and a case band part provided with a crown have been monolithically molded and of an armor cover which has a transparent member and an edge member supporting a circumference edge of the former member and has been mounted to the case band part. In the armor assembly, a timepiece movement which has a movement main body and a winding stem attached to this main body so as to be capable of being inserted into or detached from it and connected to the crown, and a dial are built, and a winding stem attachment/detachment mechanism which makes an insertion/detachment of the winding stem into/from the main body possible is provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a watchcase including a middle part (2) defining a housing (4) closed by a crystal and a back cover (6), the back cover (6) having a screw thread portion (14) in a first direction, characterised in that the middle part (2) includes a screw thread portion (16) in a second direction opposite to screw thread direction of the back cover (6), and in that said watchcase further includes an intermediate element (8) having a first screw thread portion (18) cooperating with the screw thread portion (14) of the back cover (6) and a second screw thread portion (20) cooperating with the screw thread portion (16) of the middle part (2).

Abstract: A timepiece has a glass fixed to an annular edge member to permit the glass and edge member to be removed as a unit from a case band. A tubular part of the edge member is removably inserted in a hole in the case band. An annular engaging groove in the case band communicates with an annular attaching groove in the tubular part through plural through-holes in the edge member tubular part. A C-shaped spring member is fitted in the attaching groove in a compressed state and has plural convex parts that extend through respective through-holes into the engaging groove to releasably secure the edge member to the case band.

Abstract: An antenna is positioned relative to one or more other components within a metal or alloy case member/back cover assembly of an electronic timepiece having a radio communication function to facilitate reception of radio waves by the antenna, and/or to reduce negative effects on the signal reception ability of the antenna caused by one or more other components. Thus positioning the antenna improves its reception, while the external appearance of the timepiece can be maintained or enhanced by using metal or alloy for the case member/back cover assembly.

Abstract: A wristwatch is disclosed, which includes a watch body part in which a glass is engaged at an upper center portion of the same, a gemstone ring is engaged at an outer side of the same, an adjusting pin is engaged at one side of the same, and a back cover having a plurality of fixing holes is engaged at a lower side of the same; a body casing in which an engaging groove is formed at an upper center portion of the came so that the watch body part is engaged therein, a casing fixing hole is formed at both sides of a bottom of the engaging groove, an adjusting pin engaging part is formed at a front side of the same, and a chain engaging part is formed at both sides for thereby connecting a watch chain; a fixing screw which is engaged into a fixing hole of the back cover through the casing fixing hole for thereby fixing the watch body part at the engaging groove of the body casing; and a watch chain which is connected at the chain engaging parts of both sides of the body casing.

Abstract: The watch with a metallic case including an electronic module for storing data, which is mounted in an external cavity in the back cover of a case. The module can communicate via broadcast signals with a read and/or write apparatus for said data. The module includes a base on which are mounted an integrated circuit chip having at least two bumps and a coil acting as a transmission and/or reception antenna. The coil is formed by an electrically conductive wire having two ends respectively connected to said bumps of said integrated circuit chip. The coil surrounds a space in which said chip is placed. The dome-shaped base of the electronic module is a metallic element that conducts magnetic flux to insulate the module coil magnetically from the metallic case during data communication between a read/write apparatus and said module. The base of the module can be covered by a protective cover.

Abstract: A watch with a clockwork comprising a ringer whose actuation is controlled from outside the watch by means of a control unit, a dial plate comprising an opening, a shutter (10) movable between a first position covering the opening and a second position leaving the opening free. The control unit (12) is arranged in such a way that it enables the shutter to be moved from the first position to the second position when the ringer is actuated.

Abstract: A timekeeping apparatus having a hidden compartment. The compartment can contain permanent or removable psychological messages and/or printed messages, pictures or photographs. The apparatus has a timepiece which is pivotable relative to a backing. The backing has a removable door on its underside which is removed for placement of the message into the backing. The user can then lift open the timepiece to reveal the message in the hidden compartment.

Abstract: A pocket or wrist watch has a unique back member that is constructed to hold a disc by adhesive means. The disc may impart special importance to the watch. It may be constructed from a gaming chip. The watch movement may be housed in another portion of a gaming chip so that the face and back of the watch are seen as a gaming chip. In another form of the invention, the face of the watch and the disc back may be inscribed with various indicia having special meaning to a recipient.

Abstract: A clock includes a main body having a lower space and provided with a protruding post extended into the lower space, a face plate mounted on the main body and formed with a plurality of holes, a tumbler mounted in the lower space of the main body and rested on the protruding post, a top cover mounted on the main body to form an upper space, and a plurality of rolling balls mounted in the upper space and placed on the face plate. Thus, the clock has a playing function and can produce a figure arrangement variation.

Abstract: A photoelectric generating means (6) is disposed proximally to the surface of the dial (21) on the back cover (3) side, and the dial (21) is made of a magnetic, optically transparent material. The support substrate (62) of the photoelectric generating means (6) is a nonmagnetic material, and the antenna (5) is located proximally to the surface of the support substrate (62) on the back cover (3) side. Because the support substrate (62) is a nonmagnetic material, external RF signals can pass through the dial (21) and photoelectric generating means (6) to the coil (52) of the antenna (5), and signals can thus be received by the antenna (5). Because the antenna (5) can be contained inside the case member (1), the appearance can be improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for mounting a pressure sensor simply and precisely on the back cover (11) of a diver's watch or altimeter watch. The pressure sensor (31) is driven into an intermediate ring (33) forming part of a sensor module (30) which further includes an additional PCB (34), a sensor support (35) and connecting elements (38) between the additional PCB (34) and a main PCB of the watch. To ensure very precise positioning relative to the back cover, the intermediate ring (33) includes feet (35) that engage in holes in the additional PCB and in the sensor support. A sealing gasket (32) is radially compressed between the wall of the orifice (12) of the back cover and a tubular casing (47) of the pressure sensor. The back cover (11) is covered externally by a perforated cover.

Abstract: The bezel (1) is interchangeable via a bayonet device. The shoulder (11) of the middle part (12) is provided with a circular groove (14) and at least two sinks (15) opening out partially into said groove (14). The bezel (1) includes at least two feet (2) positioned to engage in the sinks (15), said feet (2) each including a notch (4) open radially at the emergence of the sinks (15). A locking ring (20) provided with an outer member (21) for rotational manipulation, is positioned in the groove (14), one edge (23) of said ring (20) having a substantially equal thickness to the aperture of the notches (4) and including recesses (24) for the feet (2) to pass and the other edge (25) including a gorge (26) facing a gorge (16) of the middle part (12), the two gorges (16; 26) housing a click spring (30) of the ring (20).

Abstract: A band that may be utilized for a timepiece, such as a watch, is disclosed. The band may have a plurality of joined links, and each link includes a cover member, an extension element, a first springbar, and a second springbar. The extension element defines a first channel and a second channel, the first springbar extends through the first channel to secure the extension element to the cover member, and the second springbar extends through the second channel to join the extension element to an adjacent cover member. In addition, the cover member is configured to join with an adjacent extension element that is separate from the extension element.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a housing, a watch display contained within the housing and visible from the front of the housing, a vibrating mechanism contained within the housing and a vibration interval selection dial rotatably connected to the back of the housing. The vibration interval selection dial is electrically connected to the vibrating mechanism for selecting the time interval of the tactile reminder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a timepiece, such as a watch, having a protective cover with a gem set therein. The protective cover may be crystal, plastic or any other transparent and durable material. The protective cover has an aperture having concentric cuts. The setting is seated in the aperture and secured to the protective cover. The setting is configured to be of a similar size and shape as the aperture so that it may be securely affixed to the protective cover. A gasket may be inserted between the setting and the aperture to create a watertight seal in the watch cover. The timepiece may also have a hinged, hidden compartment on the backside of the watch frame. Engravings may be made in the hidden compartment, and small, thin objects may be stored therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to watches, generally wristwatches, whose cases incorporate electronic modules for storing information that comprise an integrated circuit connected to an antenna consisting of a coil and are able to communicate by radio signals with a reading and/or writing device adapted at least to read the information contained in a memory of the integrated circuit and often also adapted to delete or modify at least some of that information and to add other information. To eliminate the drawbacks of prior art watches in which the module is inside the case (complicated fabrication or new design of the watch, increased volume thereof) or to reduce the importance of those drawbacks (attenuation and/or distortion of the signals sent and received by the coil), in the watch of the invention the electronic module (14) is housed at least for the most part in a cavity (13) in the back (3) of the case (1) open towards the outside.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for data entry into a portable object, in particular a watch, with display screen comprising a control button (1) consisting of an elastic mass (2) wherein is housed a permanent magnet (3) and a positioning analogue magnetic sensor (4) with Hall effect for example, arranged inside the object opposite to and spaced apart from said control button (1), said sensor being adapted to measure the movements of the magnet (3) in at least one direction for data entry. The control button (1) is arranged in a blind housing (7) of a non-magnetic wall (5) of the object structure, to be mechanically uncoupled from the sensor, said wall not in contact with said sensor acting as sealing protection for the sensor.

Abstract: A super-thin hanging clock includes a housing, a transparent cover, and a core that has a first shell, a second shell fitted with the first shell and having a swingable lid to hide the battery and a through hole for the button to pass through, a stator, a PC board with a control circuit, an electrically time-adjusting button, an electronic battery and a transmitting gear system consisting of a rotor, a transmitting gear, a minute gear, a front hour gear and an hour gear, whereby a coil of the stator is powered to rotate the rotor to rotate the transmitting gear provided with a toothed shaft engaging the minute gear provided with a toothed shaft engaging the front hour gear provided with a toothed shaft engaging the hour gear provided with a shaft connected to a shaft of a needle unit, thus making up the super-thin hanging clock.

Abstract: A battery holding structure for an electronic timepiece has a battery frame having an opening for receiving a battery. The battery frame has a plurality of fittings each having a tapered overhang extending toward the opening for holding the battery in the opening.

Abstract: The watch according to the invention includes a movement (2) on which a dial (4) is assembled and which is mounted in a casing ring (12) itself mounted in a case (14) including a crystal (16) secured to a bezel (20), a middle part (24) and a back cover (22). According to the invention, the case (4) includes an inner tubular part (38) at least partially surrounding the casing ring (12) and itself surrounded by the middle part (24) and snap fitting assembling means (64, 76) for connecting the back cover (22) and the bezel (20) via the inner tubular part (38). Moreover, this tubular part is designed to allow the casing ring (12) and the middle part (24) to be angularly positioned with respect to each other. In order to do this, it can have an axial slot (98) open towards the back cover (22), which an external projecting portion (94) of the casing ring and an internal projecting portion (96) of the middle part penetrate.