Patents Examined by Jason Collins
  • Quick corrector for a time related magnitude indicator for a timepiece
    Patent number: 8834017
    Abstract: A corrector (1) for a function indicator (20) for a movement (100) including: a first control mechanism (30) for a first function, in a let down (31) or wound (32) position, a second control mechanism (40) for a second function, in a let down position (41) or release control position (42) followed by a return to the preceding position, and a display indicator (20) for a third function. First mobile part (50) driven by the first control mechanism (30) occupies a letting down (51)/winding (52) position, when the mechanism occupies the let down (31)/wound (32) position. Second mobile part (60) actuating the indicator (20) is driven by the second control mechanism (40) changing into the control position (42) when the first mobile part (50) is in a winding position (52) and cooperates with this latter in the letting down position (51), under the action of return mechanism (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Adrien Farron, Christian Rüfenacht
  • Calendar mechanism
    Patent number: 8830798
    Abstract: Gear wheel for a clock mechanism, including a toothed gear provided with a homogeneous integral peripheral tooth system with at most 16 teeth in a first meshing level; a first meshing sector that is rotationally fixed with the toothed gear and meshes in a second meshing level, wherein the first meshing level is superposed on a first tooth of the toothed gear; a second meshing sector that is rotationally fixed with the toothed gear and meshes in a third meshing level, wherein the second meshing level is superposed on a second tooth of the toothed gear; a third meshing sector that is rotationally fixed with the toothed gear and meshes in a fourth meshing level, wherein the third meshing level is superposed on a third tooth of the toothed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Glashütter Uhrenbetrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schmidt
  • Touch screen watch
    Patent number: 8824245
    Abstract: A wristwatch includes a case and a corresponding crystal, and an integrated circuit sized to be received with the case. The wristwatch has a first, second, third, and fourth capacitive touch sensor adapted to be located beneath the crystal and within the case when the wristwatch is assembled. The capacitive touch sensors are in electrical communication with the integrated circuit to control operation of the wristwatch. The capacitive touch sensors are located adjacent to the periphery of the crystal and are spaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Advance Watch Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wai Cheong Lau, Chun Wai Tse
  • Individual reminding device
    Patent number: 8811126
    Abstract: The present model relates to an individual reminding device, comprising: an electrical timer providing a current time and at least one predetermined time; at least a directional reminding unit electrically connected with the electrical time providing a prompt toward a direction at the at least one predetermined time; and a display demonstrating the current time and the at least one predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Rayleigh Ping-Ying Chiang, Shih-Chung Kang, Chia-Hsuan Chiang, Zai-Ting Yeh
  • Date system for a timepiece
    Patent number: 8811124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece (1) including a timepiece movement (5) comprising a time measuring system (11) for displaying the time, and a date system (13) connected to said time measuring system for displaying the date. According to the invention, the date system (13) includes a display of the continuously moving type and a correction device (12) which can correct said date display at any time, by a predetermined step (A, B), while maintaining the relationship of said continuous movement relative to that of said time during the correction operation. The invention concerns the field of date displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Raphael Courvoisier
  • Watch display using light sources with a translucent cover
    Patent number: 8780675
    Abstract: A display assembly includes a display selectively displaying human-readable indicia on a face thereof and a cover disposed over the display. The cover has a homogeneous surface over the entire face of the display. The display assembly is controllable between an inactive state and an active state. In the inactive state, the face of the display is not viewable through the cover, and in the active state, the indicia are viewable through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Stefan Andren, Brad N. Clarkson
  • Anti-trip balance-spring for a timepiece escapement
    Patent number: 8764281
    Abstract: The anti-trip balance-spring for a timepiece escapement which has no stop member is intended to oscillate between two extreme positions, passing through a position of equilibrium. It includes a plurality of coils and further includes means for locking at least two consecutive coils when the amplitude of rotation from the position of equilibrium to at least one of the end positions, reaches a determined angle ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventor: Alain Zaugg
  • Timed vibrating system for reminders and habit programming
    Patent number: 8724433
    Abstract: A timed vibrating system for habit programming featuring a microprocessor, a vibrator, and a battery. A switch allows a user to control whether or not the vibration of the vibrator is audible. A cap on the housing allows a user to control the frequency with which the vibrator vibrates. Each vibration, or alert, reminds the user to clear his thoughts and rid his mind of worry so that he can maintain a positive outlook on his disease. The system can be worn on the user's body, for example around his neck on in his pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jim Buc
  • Sequential control device for a striking mechanism
    Patent number: 8711659
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical device (100) for the sequential control of at least two levers for a timepiece mechanism, controlling a first lever (1) and a second (2) lever cooperating with a contact surface (10) in accordance with a sequence wherein each changes from a first torque consumption level (11; 21) to a second, higher level (12; 22) during an increasing phase (14; 24) in which it stores torque, then from said second level (12; 22) to said first level (11; 21) during a decreasing phase (15; 25) in which it transmits energy. The device is wherein it includes delaying means (4) creating, during the decreasing phase (15) of said first lever (1), a stabilizing stage at a third, intermediate level (13) between said first (11) and second (12) levels. The invention also concerns a timepiece incorporating a device (100) of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Simon Lauper, Jean-François Pesenti
  • Damping member, shock damping structure in electronic device, and electronic device using the shock damping structure
    Patent number: 8708552
    Abstract: A damping member includes a body provided between a device case and a module encased within the case and damping an external shock applied on the case. The body includes a holding member having upper and side surfaces and disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the case and an outer peripheral surface of the module, a first shock absorbing member covering a predetermined part of the upper and side surfaces of the holding member, deformed elastically when the shock is applied on the case, and elastically absorbing the shock, and a second shock absorbing member covering the other part of the holding member, getting the shock earlier than the first shock absorbing member when the shock is applied on the case, each changing its volume in accordance with the shock, and absorbing and escaping the shock. A damping structure used for an electronic device uses the damping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masato Ueno
  • System and method for displaying time
    Patent number: 8687467
    Abstract: A visual display and device and method for producing the display may indicate the time or other data in a bold, elegant, intuitive, and stylistic manner that is easily legible despite obscured vision, viewing distances, or the user's inattentiveness. A minimalistic display may include a shape such as a geometric shape that presents the time by connecting the distal ends of the hour and minute indicators with a possibly time-varying curve. This curve aids in the interpretation of the time. Another embodiment of the invention displays, using a polar coordinate system, two physical parameters on single similar display in an aesthetically-pleasing, elegant, and intuitive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: John R. Comeau
  • Isochronism corrector for clockwork escapement and escapement provided with such a corrector
    Patent number: 8672536
    Abstract: A mechanical oscillator isochronism corrector comprising a frame (12), a flexible blade (14) integral with the frame to act on a mechanical oscillator at a contact portion (14a) presented by the blade, and a first element for adjusting the pre-stress of the flexible blade including a pre-stress finger (22) acting on the flexible blade, the first adjustment element being integral with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: CSEM Central Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA—Recherche et Development
    Inventors: Simon Henein, Philippe Schwab
  • Backlash-compensating mechanism for a timepiece movement
    Patent number: 8675453
    Abstract: A backlash-compensating mechanism includes a cam, an actuating member bearing against the cam and a wheel coaxial to the cam and intended to be driven by a gear train of the movement. The cam and the wheel are connected to each other such that one revolution of the wheel includes a sequence of a first phase in which the wheel drives the cam whilst the co-operation between the cam and the actuating member cocks the latter, a second phase in which the actuating member uncocks and causes the cam to effect an instantaneous jump, and a third phase in which the cam is immobilized and the wheel continues to advance until it catches up with the cam to once again drive it during the first phase of the following revolution. This mechanism includes a resilient element acting between the cam and the wheel and applying a return torque to the wheel during the third phase to compensate the backlash in the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Breitling AG
    Inventors: Jacques Gabathuler, Serge Nicollin
  • Regulating organ comprising at least two balances
    Patent number: 8668378
    Abstract: A regulating organ adapted to be integrated into a mechanical watch, comprising a first balance and a first spiral fastened to an axle, and-at least one second balance, wherein the second balance is fastened on the axle of said first balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme de la Manufacture d'Horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventor: Gilles Pellet
  • Timepiece with wireless communication function
    Patent number: 8665675
    Abstract: A timepiece with a wireless function comprises a movement that displays time; a conductive case that holds the movement; a crystal that is disposed on a face side of the case and covers a face side of the movement; a conductive plate that is disposed between the movement and the crystal and reflects radio waves; and an antenna that has a substantially annular, conductive antenna electrode and is disposed along an outside edge of the conductive plate between the conductive plate and the crystal as seen in a lateral view. The antenna electrode is configured to receive the radio waves reflected by the conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Teruhiko Fujisawa
  • Talking watch device
    Patent number: 8634278
    Abstract: A talking watch device for helping a user learn time comprising a base having a clock face; a quartz oscillator assembly; a digital counter operatively connected to the quartz oscillator assembly and to a microprocessor, the digital counter keeps track of a time, day, month, and year component; a memory medium for storing a plurality of audio messages; a speaker component operatively connected to a digital to analog converter; and a dial operatively connected to the microprocessor, the dial can move between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the dial whereupon the microprocessor generates output commands to the speaker to play a time component message and/or a day component message and/or a month component message and/or a year component message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Trinh A. H. Nguyen
  • Case closed by a glass with an invisible joint or one that can be decorated and manufacturing methods
    Patent number: 8596860
    Abstract: The case includes a middle part (3) and a back cover (5) delimiting a compartment (7) closed by a glass (10), made of a transparent material resistant to temperatures above 500° C., said glass being bonded or welded at joint zones (15) at least partially covering the shoulder (4) of the middle part (3). It is characterized in that the inner face (11) of the glass (10) includes an enamel deposition (20) formed on the zones of the joints (15) with the shoulder (4) of the middle part (3), either in a hollow (14), or on the surface of said inner face (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Montres Rado S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Verdon, Stewes Bourban, Gilles Derriey
  • Fluid indicating wristwatch
    Patent number: 8593911
    Abstract: A Wristwatch having a housing (1); a movement (8, 9, 10) lodged in the housing; a watch glass (6) above the housing; a fluid pump (5) driven by the movement for pumping a fluid. And, at least one channel (60) through the glass (6), arranged so that the fluid circulated by the pump (5) reaches the channel, in order to sequentially color various portions of the glass for displaying time indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Preciflex SA
    Inventors: Philippe-Emmanuel Grize, Yves Berthier, Maurizio Minello
  • Striking mechanism with a gong noise insulator arrangement for a watch
    Patent number: 8582398
    Abstract: The striking mechanism (1) of a watch includes at least one gong (3, 4, 5) fixed at one end to a gong-carrier (2) integral with a bottom plate, at least one hammer mounted on the plate for striking the gong, and a gong noise insulator arrangement (6, 7). At least one insulator part (6) of the insulator arrangement is configured to be moved in rotation by drive means (9, 11, 12) so that one U-shaped portion (16) of the insulator part comes into contact with the gong in an idle mode or is at a distance from the gong in striking mode. A rotatably mounted, opposite insulator counterpart (7) with a rod (17) is provided so that the insulator part (6) and the opposite counterpart form a clamp for imprisoning the gong in an idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventor: Eric Goeller
  • Timer for reserving occupancy of a communal item and method of use
    Patent number: 8565044
    Abstract: A timer for reserving occupancy of a communal item has a communal item available indicator which is positionable to (1) a retracted position when the communal item is in use, and (2) to an extended position when the communal item is available for use. The timer also includes a service request indicator which indicates when as service is required. The timer can also include a reset control which can only be activated by a person other than the user of the communal item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Erin C. Spiker, Molly K. Ritchey