Patents Examined by Vit W. Miska
  • Illumination arrangement for a timepiece
    Patent number: 9377761
    Abstract: A timepiece including at least one display hand for conveying information in an analog manner, the timepiece including a dial, the dial having a front side and a rear side, wherein the at least one display hand is positioned on the front side of the dial, and wherein the timepiece comprises an illumination assembly, positioned on the rear side of the dial, for illuminating the dial, wherein the illumination assembly includes a transparent ring into which light can be introduced, around and through which light can pass; at least one concentrated light source for introducing light into the transparent ring; light directing means, located on at least one of the inner and the outer periphery of the transparent ring, for directing light out of the transparent ring and towards the dial, whereby the light directed out of the transparent ring by the light directing means illuminates the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: TIMEX GROUP USA, INC.
    Inventors: Helmut Zachmann, Thomas Oberhofer, Claudia Reiling
  • Displaying notifications on a watchface
    Patent number: 9377762
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for displaying notifications on a watchface. In one or more implementations, a watchface is displayed on a display of a smartwatch. The watchface occupies an entire display area of the display and indicates a current time in a first region of the watchface. In some cases, the watchface uses one or more rotating pointers or rotating dials to indicate the current time. Responsive to receiving a notification, the notification is displayed at a second region of the watchface such that the current time is visible in the first region of the watchface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ricky J. Hoobler, Daniel T. Jacobs, Megan Knight
  • External piece for a timepiece and system of manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 9372474
    Abstract: An external piece for a time piece and a method of manufacturing the same, including a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one of the faces includes a longitudinal curvature and a transverse curvature that are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Comadur S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Tassetti, Gilles Derriey, Patrice Dumont
  • Timepiece mechanism comprising a movable oscillating component with optimised geometry in a magnetic environment
    Patent number: 9372473
    Abstract: A timepiece mechanism including a movable component oscillating about a rest plane passing through a pivot axis. An arbor of the movable component includes a main protruding portion which forms the largest radius of the movable component about this axis. The protruding portion is delimited by two surfaces defining a profile inscribed in a rectangle whose shape proportion is greater than 2 wherein the direction of the length defines a main axis, which occupies a determined angular position with respect to the rest plane in the rest position of the movable component. The mechanism has a preferred direction of magnetization that is substantially orthogonal to the main axis of the arbor in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Davide Sarchi, Nakis Karapatis, Marco Verardo
  • Musical or striking watch provided with an acoustic radiation arrangement
    Patent number: 9360843
    Abstract: The musical or striking watch is provided with an acoustic radiation arrangement. The watch includes a watch case, formed at least of a case middle and a back cover removably fixed to the case middle, and at least one crystal for closing said case. The acoustic radiation arrangement includes a connecting support part fixed in the case back between a back bezel and a back crystal. The back bezel includes several lateral openings. A cavity is defined between the connecting support part and the openings in the back bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Younes Kadmiri, Davide Sarchi, Nakis Polychronis Karapatis
  • Mechanism for selecting and actuating functions of a clockwork movement
    Patent number: 9360842
    Abstract: The present application relates to a mechanism for selecting and actuating n functions of a clock movement, where n is an integer no lower than 1, preferably no lower than 2, more preferably no lower than 3, including a winding mechanism rod ending in a crown, a device for actuating a function, said device being kinematically connected to the crown and arranged such as to move and assume n selection positions and n actuation positions in which the actuation device is kinematically connected to an actuation member of the selected function, and a selecting device arranged such as to move the actuation device into a selection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GFPI SA
    Inventors: Christophe Neboisa, Stephen Forsey
  • Display module for a timepiece including a solar cell
    Patent number: 9354614
    Abstract: A display module for a timepiece, including a dial, on a lower face of which is secured a digital information display device, a solar cell, and a plate. The solar cell is accommodated in the plate such that the solar cell is underneath and at a small distance from the dial. The assembly formed by the dial and the digital information display device is disposed atop the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Fabian Dubois, Jean Laconte, Martin Jufer, Stephane Leoni, Marc Schlappach, Mile Vidovic
  • Synchronization of timepiece resonators
    Patent number: 9354609
    Abstract: Coupling mobile member for synchronising two resonators, each including an interface pin periodically following a plane, closed trajectory, including grooves for holding the pins equidistant from an axis on a structure subjected to a torque about the axis, on which the grooves are coplanar grooves, radial with respect to the axis, for reception of the pins in symmetrical pairs with respect to a main, straight groove passing through the axis, in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and in which slides a main slide-block, which cooperates with a plurality of bars, each hinged on one side to one of the pins, and hinged on the other side to the main slide-block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Jean-Luc Helfer, Jerome Favre
  • Assembly between a dial and a timepiece movement
    Patent number: 9348314
    Abstract: Dial (1) for a timepiece, comprising a disc (2) intended to be positioned substantially parallel to a timepiece, and a skirt (3) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the disc (2) of the dial, characterized in that the skirt (3) comprises at least one elastic element (10) which extends partially over the height of the skirt to retain the dial axially on a timepiece movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ROLEX S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Baptiste Robin
  • Timepiece lever
    Patent number: 9348312
    Abstract: Timepiece lever for the transmission of motion between a transmitter wheel set and a receiver wheel set pivoting about distinct first and second axes of the lever which includes a pivoting plate carrying a transmission means remote from the first axis and of variable angular position relative to the first axis and which includes a control finger-piece or a transmission wheel set, the lever also including a frictional connection between a first friction surface of the transmitter wheel set and a second friction surface of the pivoting plate, the element carrying the first friction surface is elastic and the element carrying the second friction surface is elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Daniel Gruenig
  • Optical component and timepiece
    Patent number: 9348063
    Abstract: An optical component includes a base material and an antireflection film containing silica particles, wherein the silica particles have a first local maximum in the range of 1.5 nm or more and 2.5 nm or less (a first range), a second local maximum in the range of 3.5 nm or more and 4.5 nm or less (a second range), and a third local maximum in the range of 7.5 nm or more and 8.5 nm or less (a third range) in a number-based particle size distribution. It is preferred that the silica particles have a fourth local maximum in the range of 5.5 nm or more and 6.5 nm or less in the number-based particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Daiki Furusato, Katsumi Suzuki
  • Method for making a timepiece component
    Patent number: 9342053
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a timepiece component, such as a balance, an oscillating mass or a wheel, comprises a micro-manufacturing technique, such as the DRIE technique. The method may comprise forming at least one member in or at the periphery of the structure, of a material different from that of the structure. This member is typically metal and is formed by electro-forming using a cavity of the structure as a mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PATEK PHILIPPE SA GENEVE
    Inventors: Frédéric Maier, Stéphane Von Gunten, Sylvain Jeanneret
  • Weatherproof timer enclosure
    Patent number: 9329576
    Abstract: A timer assembly housing is configured to include a number of features, including but not limited to a tortuous sealing lip, adjustable hinge assembly, removable backing plate, removable pin hinge, toggle switch, and a wiring lid. The timer assembly includes a weatherproof housing having a base with a series of sidewalls and a rear wall, the base sidewalls extending forward from the rear wall to an open front, a lid having a series of sidewalls and a front wall, the lid sidewalls extending forward from the front wall, and a timer assembly positioned within the base. The lid is selectively pivotably secured to the base along one of the base sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Philip B. Baldwin, John Klein, Ryan Liebengood
  • Timepiece
    Patent number: 9323225
    Abstract: A timepiece provided with a metal case having a fitting section which is annularly provided in a lower portion of the inner circumferential surface, a metal lid body having a lid main body section which is arranged on a lower end of the case and covers a lower portion of the case and a cylindrical section which is arranged in the fitting section of the case, and a synthetic resin gasket having a gasket main body section which is arranged between the fitting section of the case and the cylindrical section of the lid body and a spacer section which forms a space between a lower end surface of the case and an upper surface of the lid main body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Maruyama
  • LED clock
    Patent number: 9323227
    Abstract: Provided is an LED clock having multiple LEDs to illuminate the clock indirectly. The multiple LEDs do not aim towards the viewers directly. The present invention provides comfort for the viewers' eyes when the viewers look at the LED clock. In addition, the LED clock also can be used as a floor lamp. This new function as a floor lamp enhances the supplementary value of the LED clock effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LIQ MENG CORP.
    Inventors: Yuan-Xing He, Guo-Hao Liang
  • Device for the orientation of a screw-in element of a timepiece
    Patent number: 9317014
    Abstract: An orientable screw-in element including a cap and a device adjusting angular orientation of the cap relative to a watch middle part. The device adjusting angular orientation of the cap includes a first part including a flat friction surface, a second part integral with the cap including a second flat friction surface and a return mechanism configured to rotate the cap integrally with the first part. The cap and first part are axially mobile in relation to each other between a first position in which the first flat friction surface and second flat friction surface are each pressed against each other by the return mechanism such that the cap rotates integrally with the first part, and a second position in which the first flat friction surface and second flat friction surface are not in contact, the cap therefore free to rotate about the rotational axis of the screw-in element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Sebastien Briswalter, Daniel Knuchel
  • Universal reversible watch band device
    Patent number: 9314071
    Abstract: A universal reversible watch band device includes a pair of watch band members having a spring bar positioned along one end and a plurality of buckle receivers positioned along the other end. Each of the spring bars including elongated tubular members having a fixed protrusion at a first end, a retractable protrusion at a second end and a pair of actuators located along a middle portion of the tubular member. The device also includes a buckle having a plurality of surfaces and a central pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Roberto Rivera
  • Metal structure, method of manufacturing metal structure, spring component, chronograph coupling lever for timepiece, and timepiece
    Patent number: 9310772
    Abstract: A metal structure includes, by mass %, Fe: 10% to 30%; S: 0.005% to 0.2%; and the balance consisting of Ni and unavoidable impurities, in which a maximum grain size of the metal structure is 500 nm or less. The metal structure preferably has one or more of a stress relaxation rate of 10% or less, a lattice constant of 3.535 ? to 3.56 ?, a yield stress of 1500 MPa or more, a Young's modulus of 150 GPa or more and a Vickers hardness of Hv 580 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Miei Konishi, Matsuo Kishi, Takashi Niwa
  • Wearable electronic device
    Patent number: 9310780
    Abstract: An analog wearable electronic device that is operationally coupleable to a transmitting device. The transmitting device permits viewing a simulation of a display provided on the wearable electronic device, changing information displayable on the simulated display and transmitting the changed information and/or information from which the changed information is derivable to the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes a receiver for receiving from the transmitting device the changed information and/or the information from which the changed information is derivable. A controller assembly processes the changed information and/or derives the changed information, and an actuation mechanism moves a display indicator based at least in part on the changed information. The changed information is thereafter reflected on the display of the wearable electronic device by the display indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Timex Group USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Essery, Alexander Kniffin
  • Radio-controlled wristwatch
    Patent number: 9310777
    Abstract: Provided is a radio-controlled wristwatch, including: reception means (11) for receiving a radio wave from a satellite to extract time-of-week specifying information and week specifying information; clock means for counting a current date and time; date and time adjustment means for adjusting the current date and time counted by the clock means; week information holding means for holding the week specifying information; week information updating means for updating the week specifying information held in the week information holding means based on the current date and time counted by the clock means; and week information reception limiting means for limiting the reception of the week specifying information performed by the reception means, and controlling the reception means to receive the week specifying information in a predetermined case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD., CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akira Kato