Patents Examined by Edwin A. León
  • Conductive cap for watch crown
    Patent number: 11796961
    Abstract: An electronic device, such as a watch, has a crown assembly having a shaft and a user-rotatable crown. The user-rotatable crown may include a conductive cap that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the shaft and functions as an electrode. The conductive cap may be coupled to the shaft using solder or another conductive attachment mechanism. The shaft may electrically couple the conductive cap to a processing unit of the electronic device. One or more additional electrodes may be positioned on the exterior surface of the electronic device. The conductive cap is operable to be contacted by a finger of a user of the electronic device while another electrode is positioned against skin of the user. The processing unit of the electronic device is operable to determine a biological parameter, such as an electrocardiogram, of the user based on voltages at the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Sameer Pandya, Steven C. Roach
  • External control mechanism for a timepiece
    Patent number: 11796963
    Abstract: An external watch control device (100) including a crown (1) carrying a first barrel (2) screwed onto a tube (4), coaxially guiding a second barrel (3) includes a driver (7), the first barrel (2) and the second barrel (3) including opposing unidirectional toothing (8; 9), the tube (4) containing a spring (11) tending to move the first barrel (2) away from the driver (7), the unidirectional toothing (8; 9) are at maximum distance when the crown (1) is completely screwed onto the tube (4), and in meshing position when the crown (1) is completely unscrewed, the cooperation between the unidirectional toothing (8; 9) allowing the rotation of the first barrel (3) in a first single direction of rotation of the crown (1), and preventing it in the opposite direction against the spring (11) in the manner of a pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MECO SA
    Inventors: Valon Hoti, Rémy Thiry, Samuel Geiser
  • Escapement mechanism of a timepiece
    Patent number: 11796962
    Abstract: An escapement mechanism of a timepiece, including: a first escapement wheel, a second escapement wheel called an impulse pinion and a drive pinion; the impulse pinion, the drive pinion and the first escapement wheel being mounted on the same axis; an intermediate wheel meshing with the drive pinion; a balance plate carrying a plate peg and a direct impulse pallet stone arranged to cooperate with the first escapement wheel; pallets including a pallet entry cooperating with the plate peg, an impulse pallet stone arranged to cooperate with the impulse pinion, and first and second support pallet stones arranged to cooperate with the first escapement wheel. The first escapement wheel, the drive pinion and the impulse pinion are mounted in this order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGÈRE SUISSE
    Inventor: Ivan Villar
  • Modular electronic building systems and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 11791589
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first connector including a first housing portion having top and bottom surfaces and a second connector including a second housing portion having top and bottom surfaces. The second housing portion has a form factor substantially corresponding to a form factor of the first housing portion. A circuit board having top and bottom surfaces is permanently coupled to the first housing portion and to the second housing portion such that a first portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the first housing portion and a second portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the second housing portion. A contact assembly is coupled to the first housing portion and electrically and directly engages a portion of the bottom surface of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Sphero, Inc.
    Inventors: Aya Bdeir, Geoffrey Lipman, Jordi Borras, Antonio Hernandez, Paul Rothman
  • Case, timepiece and fastening member
    Patent number: 11789409
    Abstract: An example case includes a case main body having a first insertion hole; a first exterior case having a second insertion hole coaxially corresponding to the first insertion hole and arranged on an upper part of the case main body; and a fastening member having a fixing portion to be fixed in the first insertion hole and a fitting portion to be fitted into the second insertion hole, the fitting portion being fitted into the second insertion hole while deforming a portion of the fitting portion to be fitted into the second insertion hole, wherein the fixing portion of the fastening member fixed in the first insertion hole includes a press fitting portion press-fitted into the first insertion hole, and wherein the press fitting portion of the fastening member includes a biting portion which bites into an inner circumferential surface of the first insertion hole of the case main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryosuke Hata
  • Watch case equipped with an exterior element
    Patent number: 11782390
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a watch case formed by a middle closed by a back and a crystal, the middle being equipped with horns defining a space for receiving a bracelet strand, the timepiece including a sole arranged to rest against the back, the sole, the bracelet strand and the space between the horns having shaped elements arranged to cooperate by interlocking when the middle, the sole and the strand are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Silvano Bonadei
  • Device for coupling two horological oscillators
    Patent number: 11782388
    Abstract: Horological device (100) comprising two oscillators (1a,b) with rotating and spiral (12a,b) balance wheels (11a,b), coupled for their synchronization. The oscillators (1a,b) are identical and their axles (22a,b) are parallel. The spirals (12a,b) are connected to a shared stud (13) by a link in the same direction but in the opposite direction, the stud being fixed to the rest of the horological movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Vianney Halter
  • Electrical switch
    Patent number: 11776768
    Abstract: An electrical switch including a neutral contact adjustment system adapted for adjusting a position of a neutral contact opening surface relative to at least one phase contact opening surface such that the neutral contact adjustment system has a first operating state which is adapted to provide a simultaneous break operation in which a movable neutral contact disconnects simultaneously with at least one movable phase contact during an opening event, and a second operating state which is adapted to provide a late-break operation in which the movable neutral contact disconnects later than the at least one movable phase contact during the opening event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Fredrik Strand
  • Timepiece indexing element
    Patent number: 11774911
    Abstract: A timepiece indexing element cooperating coaxially with a component including an indexing relief element defining indexing positions, including a first bearing surface cooperating in abutment with the component, elastic return device exerting a radial thrust on this component to press it onto this first bearing surface, and indexing device cooperating with the indexing relief element, these elastic return devices include at least a first elastic arm including a first indexing surface comprised in this indexing device and arranged to exert a radial thrust force on the component and, at least a second elastic arm arranged to exert a radial thrust force on the first elastic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Julien Saglini
  • Device for fastening a back on a middle for a timepiece
    Patent number: 11774912
    Abstract: A device is for fastening a back on a middle of a watch. The back has a shoulder forming a cover arranged to cover entirely partly with the middle and a body arranged to rest in the middle. The device includes at least one pin integral with the middle, a seal mounted between the back and the middle. The back includes, near its periphery, at least one groove, the pin being arranged to slide in the groove between a first position, called the insertion position in which the back is free, and a second position called locking position in which the back is locked and positioned angularly relative to the middle. The groove includes at least one bump to form a hard point and increase the torque when the pin passes through the bump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Joël Allimann, Benjamin Chartrel
  • Device for controlling a horological movement with tactile feedback and timepiece, in particular a watch, comprising such a device
    Patent number: 11774908
    Abstract: A control device (10) for a horological movement, including a first part including a sliding guide tube (11) intended to be fixed relative to the horological movement, and a second movable part (12) slidably guided by the guide tube in an axial direction, relative to the first part, between an active position wherein it is able to be integral, by means of an adjustment rod (120), with a component of the horological movement, and an inactive position wherein the adjustment rod is intended to release the component of the horological movement. The second part includes a head (140) covering a reversible elastic casing module (130) fixed to the adjustment rod and arranged so as to occupy a rest state when the second part occupies the active and inactive positions and being urged by the guide tube when the second part moves between these positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: MECO SA
    Inventors: Julien Bonenfant, Rémy Thiry, Samuel Geiser
  • Resonant member for a striking mechanism of a watch or of a music box
    Patent number: 11774910
    Abstract: A resonant member for a striking mechanism of a watch or of a music box includes at least one resonant part, such as one or more gongs, arranged to vibrate and resonate once activated, and an attachment part. The resonant part and/or the attachment part is made from an alloy of palladium or platinum with more than 51% of palladium or platinum in the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Blancpain SA
    Inventors: Laurane Chevallier, Julien Peter
  • Thermistor element and electromagnetic wave sensor
    Patent number: 11769613
    Abstract: A thermistor element includes: a thermistor film; a first electrode provided in contact with one surface of the thermistor film; and a pair of second electrodes provided in contact with an other surface of the thermistor film, wherein the thermistor film is provided to cover a periphery of the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susumu Aoki, Shinji Hara, Naoki Ohta, Maiko Shirokawa, Eiji Komura
  • Watch comprising a watch case provided with two dials
    Patent number: 11768467
    Abstract: The invention concerns a watch 1 comprising a watch case 2, the watch case 2 containing a watch movement 6 and two dials 8a, 8b. The watch 1 further includes a casing ring 3 arranged inside the watch case 2, the watch movement 6 being mounted in the casing ring 3 so as to be suspended in a cantilever arrangement inside the watch case 2, said casing ring 3 supporting the two dials 8a, 8b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Jaquet Droz SA
    Inventors: David Hurni, Philippe Willemin
  • Touch sensor unit
    Patent number: 11769640
    Abstract: A touch sensor unit, that is installed on one of an opening provided in a vehicle and an opening and closing body configured to open and close the opening, includes: a touch sensor having a long sensor body; and a bracket configured to hold the touch sensor in a longitudinal direction of the sensor body and fixed to one of the opening and the opening and closing body. One of the touch sensor and the bracket includes an inserting portion including a locking piece, the other of the touch sensor and the bracket includes a holding portion including a locking portion locked to the locking piece and configured to accommodate the inserting portion, and one of the inserting portion and the holding portion is made of an elastomer having an elastic modulus lower than that of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Osaki, Tomohiro Ikai
  • Striking mechanism, watch and regulator
    Patent number: 11768468
    Abstract: A regulator for a striking mechanism of a mechanical watch including a base, which can be assembled in a fixed manner with regard to the housing and which rotatably mounts a rotary wheel. At least two mass elements are arranged on the rotary wheel and by way of a rotation of the rotary wheel are deflectable radially outwards counter to a spring force on account of the centrifugal force, in order to regulate the rotation speed of the rotary wheel. At least three bearing elements are attached to the base, the bearing elements engaging peripherally on the rotary wheel, in order to mount this relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: BUCHERER AG
    Inventors: Samir Merdanovic, Markus Kaiser
  • Dial and method for manufacturing a watch dial
    Patent number: 11768470
    Abstract: A dial for a watch includes a semi-transparent photovoltaic layer having a lower face. The dial also includes an ink-based decorative layer printed on the lower face of the photovoltaic layer. The decorative layer includes a pattern including one or more time markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Matthias Imboden, Alain Jornod
  • Pole component and circuit breaker comprising same
    Patent number: 11764020
    Abstract: A pole component (and circuit breakers including such a pole components) may be provided that include an upper terminal; a lower terminal disposed a predetermined distance away from the upper terminal; a breaker part assembly including a fixed electrode, which is electrically connected to the upper terminal, a movable electrode, which is selectively connected to the fixed electrode, and a current conducting portion which is fixed to the movable electrode and electrically connected to the lower terminal; an outer housing having an open lower surface and accommodating the upper terminal, lower terminal and breaker part assembly; and an inner housing which is detachably disposed between the outer housing and breaker part assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: LS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Han Joo Lee, Hong Ik Yang, Kil Young Ahn
  • Crown-push-button for a timepiece
    Patent number: 11762335
    Abstract: A crown-push-button (3) provided with a spring (10) disposed within a cage (11) integral in rotation with the movement of the head (4) of the crown-push-button (3), the spring (10) being arranged within the cage (11) so as to be rotated with the cage. The base (13c) of the spring cage is provided with cells (18) cooperating with protuberances (17) formed in a washer (14) disposed on the seat (6a) of the tube (6) of the crown-push-button, the rotation of the crown-push-button being then accompanied by a click as the protuberances (17) pass in the cells (18), which allows the user to ensure that the desired functions have been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: MECO SA
    Inventors: Hervé Avril, Daniel Danguzov
  • Hand washing timer
    Patent number: 11762339
    Abstract: A hands-free visual timer enables a person to wash his or hands for the duration of time recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Upon activation, the timer displays an annular ring of thirty triangles and a first icon. After five seconds have passed, a second icon is displayed indicating the user should apply soap. After twenty-five seconds, a third icon is displayed indicating the user should rinse. After thirty seconds, the screen goes blank and all the triangles have disappeared. The central display of triangles is illuminated by a liquid crystal display. The icons are illuminated by light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Time Timer, LLC
    Inventors: David M. Rogers, Heather Rogers, Tricia L Wright