Patents by Inventor Alain Zaugg

Alain Zaugg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11835925
    Abstract: A timepiece rotating regulator mechanism for regulating the rotational speed of a mechanism subjected to the action of a motor device through a transmission device, including an oscillator mechanism indirectly connected to the transmission device by a movement transformation device including a connecting-rod-crank-handle system, with a crank-handle rotated about a crank-handle axis by the transmission device, and a connecting-rod angularly moveable on the one hand in relation to the crank-handle, and on the other hand in relation to an inertial mass that this oscillator mechanism includes, to ensure the maintenance of the oscillator mechanism by the energy supplied by the motor device, and to ensure the speed regulation of a train that the transmission device include in relation to the frequency of the oscillator mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Christophe Riedo
  • Publication number: 20230315023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for step-by-step time setting of a sympathetic watch (200) by a sympathetic clock (100), forming together a sympathetic assembly, where a predetermined time-setting step and a reference position of the displays (3; 4; 5) of the watch (200) are determined, and where the clock (100) performs the time setting of the watch (200) by positioning a transmission line in a position corresponding to the time setting, and by actuating, in successive steps, each of the value of the predetermined step, a transmission line capable of imparting to a time-setting mechanism internal to the watch (200) any movement necessary to precisely achieve the display of the current time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel MATTEAZZI, Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230315020
    Abstract: A method for reference time setting of the displays (4; 5) of a sympathetic watch (200) by a sympathetic clock (100) forming a sympathetic assembly (1000) with the watch (200) which includes a coupling mechanism (706) between its display and finishing gear trains, and a hammer (701) movable between a coiled position where it is retained by a pawl, and an active position where it rests on an hour heart cam (702) carried by an hour wheel (708) of said watch (200), to constrain it in rotation to its smallest radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel MATTEAZZI, Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230305496
    Abstract: Method for relative time setting of a sympathetic watch (200) by a sympathetic clock (100) with which the watch (200) forms a sympathetic assembly (1000), the watch (200) including at least one hour display (4) and one minute display (5), a reference position of which will be defined, and the time-setting is executed, only at request by action of a user on a control means (300) included in the clock (100) or the watch (200), or automatically periodically controlled by the clock (100), and, to perform the relative time setting, the clock (100) drives said displays (4; 5) of the watch backwards, in the counter-clockwise direction, with a sufficiently long stroke to ensure that the displays (4; 5) pass through the reference position, before a return in the clockwise direction to the instantaneous time, and method for winding the watch by this relative time setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Jérôme MACÉ, Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230288876
    Abstract: A method for acquiring data on a sympathetic clock (100) for setting the time of a sympathetic watch (200) at request. The sympathetic watch forms with the clock (100) a sympathetic assembly (1000). The watch includes an hour display (4) and a minute display (5), a reference position of which will be defined at a reference time, and the clock (100) performs the time setting of the watch (200), either when the watch (200) is placed on the clock (100), or alternatively at a predetermined time on the clock (100), or at request by action of a user on a control means (300) included in the clock (100) or the watch (200), or upon control of a horological movement (900) included in the clock (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel MATTEAZZI, Alain ZAUGG, Jerome MACE
  • Publication number: 20230288874
    Abstract: A method for reference time setting of the displays of a sympathetic watch by a sympathetic clock forming a sympathetic assembly with the watch. At any time, the reference time setting of the watch is performed by a first phase during which the placement in the reference position is triggered, by a first displacement of an interface between the clock and the watch, the reference time setting of the displays, and the coupling mechanism is uncoupled to allow the rack to drive the display gear train of the watch in the counter-clockwise direction, over as many revolutions as necessary, until the pawl meets the ratchet tooth opening of the hour cam, then the time-setting mechanism controlled by the clock sets the time of the displays of the watch in the clockwise direction to the exact time by recoiling the rack, then the coupling mechanism is recoupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Jérôme MACÉ, Alain ZAUGG, Daniel MATTEAZZI
  • Publication number: 20230280696
    Abstract: A sympathetic timepiece assembly (1000), including a sympathetic watch (200), and a sympathetic clock (100) with a receptacle (150) for receiving the watch, for the power recharging and/or the display adjustment and/or the rate adjustment controlled by the clock (100) or by the watch, through a connection mechanism including at least two distinct transmission lines between the clock and the watch in the transfer position, the watch including a resonator (10), and a display gear train and a finishing gear train, and, or else a stop mechanism (20) arranged to stop the operation of said resonator, or else a coupling mechanism allowing to separate the display from the finishing gear train, or else both such a stop mechanism and such a coupling mechanism, and the watch including at least one hour display (4) and one minute display (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain ZAUGG, Daniel MATTEAZZI, Jérôme MACÉ
  • Publication number: 20230280697
    Abstract: A method for permanent time setting of a sympathetic watch (200) by a sympathetic clock (100) forming a sympathetic assembly (1000) with the watch (200) which includes an hour display (4) and a minute display (5), a reference position of which will be defined, and the time-setting is executed only at request by action of a user on a control means (300) included in the clock (100) or the watch (200), or automatically periodically controlled by the clock (100), and, to perform the time setting, the clock (100) drives the displays (4; 5) of the watch backwards, in the counter-clockwise direction, with a sufficiently long stroke to ensure that the displays (4; 5) pass through the reference position; or the clock controls means of the watch (200) which are disposed so as to ensure the displacement of the displays to the reference position by means of heart-pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230205138
    Abstract: A horological movement including a seconds wheel set, a power source, and a regulator (13) to regulate the motion of the seconds wheel set. The movement includes a control mechanism (20) to take an active state wherein it cooperates with the regulator (13) to immobilise it and with the seconds wheel set for driving it such that it rotates into a predefined position. The control mechanism (20) is adapted to take an inactive state wherein it releases the regulator (13) such that the latter is able to regulate the motion of the seconds wheel set, and the seconds wheel set so as to authorise the displacement thereof. The mechanism (20) includes two motion transmitting modules, each to be connected to a specific actuating member, and each being driving the control mechanism (20) between the inactive state and active state upon operation of the actuating member to which it is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230205144
    Abstract: A sympathique watch (10) including a horological movement including a going train (20), a display train (30) connected to at least one display of a time value, a sympathique hand-setting mechanism and a crown (13) operated hand-setting mechanism. The sympathique hand-setting mechanism includes a coupling device (40) interposed between the going (20) and display (30) trains, the coupling device (40) being configured to adopt an uncoupled state in which it disengages the going train (20) from the display train (30) so as to allow the hands to be set on the display by means of the sympathique hand-setting mechanism, and a coupled state in which it establishes a kinematic link between the gear trains, the link allowing for sliding enabling the hands to be set on the display by means of the crown (13) operated hand-setting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230205140
    Abstract: A sympatique watch (30), including a horological movement to which are connected a watch hour (31) and minute display (32), including a barrel (33), a resonator (34), a time-setting mechanism, a coupling mechanism (38) to separate a display train (35) and a finishing train (36), a stop mechanism (37) of a resonator (34), and a reset mechanism to move each hour (31) and minute display (32) in a predetermined reference position. The watch includes a first and a second actuator (310, 320) cooperating with a first and a second actuator (210, 220) of the clock (20). The first actuator can occupy three successive distinct positions to act on the coupling mechanism (38), the stop mechanism (37) and the reset mechanism. The second actuator can occupy two end positions alternately to act on the time-setting mechanism, only when the first actuator (310) occupies one of its successive distinct positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain ZAUGG
  • Publication number: 20230185240
    Abstract: A natural escapement for horological movement carrying out a succession of operating cycles each including a first and second alternation of a balance that comprises a balance wheel on an arbor of which is adjusted a balance plate. A first escape wheel set having a first toothing is driven by a wheel set of the train of the horological movement, driving in turn a second escape wheel set having a second toothing. The first and second wheel sets form a kinematic chain arranged to cooperate with an anchor to pivot about an anchor-staff, the balance plate carrying a second impulse pallet-stone through which the balance plate receives a direct and tangential driving impulse from the first escape wheel set during the first alternation, and a first impulse pallet-stone through which this balance plate receives a direct and tangential driving impulse from the second escape wheel set during the second alternation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventor: Alain ZAUGG
  • Patent number: 11662693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for actuating a push-button corrector equipping a portable object of small dimensions, said actuating tool comprising a body that extends between a rear end defining an area for grasping the actuating tool and a front end defining an area for actuating the actuating tool, the actuating tool further comprising an actuating rod arranged such that it slides in a coaxial manner inside the body, the actuating rod being capable of moving from back to front and from front to back between a retracted rest position wherein it is retracted in a stable manner inside the body of the actuating tool, and a protruding working position wherein it protrudes outside of the cap, the actuating rod remaining in the protruding working position thereof as long as an axial pushing force is exerted thereon, and returns to the retracted rest position thereof as soon as the axial pushing force is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Riedo, Alain Zaugg
  • Publication number: 20230091990
    Abstract: A system adjusts the angular position of a first toothed wheel set relative to a support on which the first toothed wheel set is mounted such that it can pivot. The adjusting system includes an adjusting member allowing an action to be applied to an angular position of the first toothed wheel set to adjust the angular position of the first toothed wheel set relative to the support. The invention adjusting system can be incorporated into a timepiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain ZAUGG, Daniel MATTEAZZI
  • Patent number: 11586149
    Abstract: A horological display mechanism including a cam arranged to be driven by a time base, at least a first drive device of a first display of a first quantity, the drive device including a drive rack pivoting about an axis A and being arranged to cooperate, directly or indirectly, with a drive wheel of the first display, the drive rack including a first rigid part having a toothed sector and second elastically deformable part, the first rigid part and second elastically deformable part being separated by a slot receiving an eccentric arranged to cooperate with the elastically deformable part and separate the latter from the first rigid part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Fabien Gros, Alain Zaugg, Patrice Golay
  • Patent number: 11550264
    Abstract: A system for adjusting the angular position of a first toothed wheel set relative to a support on which the first toothed wheel set is mounted such that it can pivot. The adjusting system includes an adjusting member allowing an action to be applied to an angular position of the first toothed wheel set so as to adjust the angular position of the first toothed wheel set relative to the support. A timepiece can include such an adjusting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Daniel Matteazzi
  • Patent number: 11543778
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a timepiece display including an input wheel driving a control wheel controlling the position of a first display member, and including a differential mechanism which includes a drive wheel set retained by a jumper and pivotable via the first input wheel, to drive a planetary wheel meshing with the control wheel and pivoting off-centre with respect to a planetary wheel holder friction-mounted on a frame, the differential mechanism multiplying by a particular factor the rotation between one of the inputs and the output of the differential mechanism when the other input is stationary, and the planetary wheel holder includes manipulating device allowing a watch technician to release the friction to change the angular position of the planetary wheel and thus of the control wheel for correct indexing thereof with respect to another display member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Christophe Riedo
  • Patent number: 11537080
    Abstract: A timepiece display mechanism with a resilient hand including a first and second device for driving, about an output axis, a first and a second pipe mounted at the ends of a flexible strip, and including a display index distant from the pipes, these drive devices being arranged to deform the flexible strip, by varying the angular position of one pipe with respect to the other about the output axis, and to vary the radial position of the display index with respect to this axis, this mechanism includes a first differential on the drive train of the first pipe, one input of which is formed by a first cam, and a second differential on the drive train of the second pipe, one input of which is formed by a second cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Bifrare, Alain Zaugg, Patrice Golay, Marc Stranczl
  • Publication number: 20220404771
    Abstract: A natural escapement for a horological movement performing a succession of operating cycles each composed of a first and a second alternation of a balance which includes a balance wheel on an axis of which is adjusted a balance plate, this natural escapement including a first escapement wheel arranged to be driven by a second wheel, this first escapement wheel in turn driving a second escapement wheel, the balance plate carrying a balance pin wherein this balance plate causes the pivoting of an anchor at each of the first and second alternations, a first lever, pivoted about a pivot axis, being connected to a first arm of the anchor via at least one pivot joint, the anchor including a second arm extended by a second lever, these levers being arranged to respectively lock the first and second escapement wheels temporarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Jérôme MACÉ, Alain ZAUGG
  • Patent number: 11467539
    Abstract: Timepiece display mobile component (1) comprising at least one resilient strip (4) returned to a display axis (DA), to cooperate in a friction drive with an arbor (2) of a drive mobile component (3) of a movement (100) or a mechanism, about the axis (DA), this mobile component (1) includes a flange (5) comprising, facing each resilient strip (4), an aperture (6) for the insertion and guidance of a manual or robotic tool to allow the tool to move the resilient strip (4) away from its rest position, and to insert the mobile component (1) on an arbor (2) when the resilient strip (4) is sufficiently far away to allow this mobile component to pass, and to ensure a constant friction value of all the resilient strips (4) on the arbor (2) when they are in frictional cooperation with the arbor (2) and when the tool is no longer in contact with the resilient strips (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Montres Breouet SA
    Inventors: Fabrice Rochat, Alain Zaugg