Patents by Inventor Cédric Nicolas

Cédric Nicolas 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: 11312047
    Abstract: A method for making a bracelet provided with an electronic component insert, the method includes fabricating a basic, flexible support for an insert in the form of a band, making conductive paths on the flexible support or in the flexible support, disposing on the flexible support various electronic components connected to the conductive paths, and coating the electronic components disposed on the flexible support with a transparent or opaque protective layer to finish the insert of the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Nicolas Francois, Claire Rannoux, Cedric Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20220113681
    Abstract: A device for illuminating luminescent watch displays containing luminophore material, including a case arranged to receive at least one receptacle for receiving at least one watch, the device including a illuminating device arranged to light up the displays of each said watch. The illuminating device include a control device and a time base, and at least one light source capable of exciting said luminophore material for a pre-determined charge time, or corresponding to a wearing duration chosen by the user via a control device included in the device, and watch self-winding device, including at least one such illumination device, and universal device for winding and setting the hands of a watch, including such a watch self-winding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jérôme FAVRE, Cedric NICOLAS
  • Publication number: 20220115170
    Abstract: A magnetic microactuator (100) including a coil (6; 61; 62) controlling the axial movement of a sliding block (30) including at least one permanent magnet (2) joined or aligned with a ferromagnetic or magnetised rear arbor (42) and guiding the field lines of the magnetic field of revolution in the axial direction (D) through the coil (6; 61; 62) wherein circulates the sliding block (30), up to a rear end (43) of said rear arbor (42) that tends to cooperate by magnetic attraction with at least one first ferromagnetic restoration element (8), located in the vicinity of a rear face (25) of the structure (20) of the microactuator (100), in order to bring said sliding block (30) back into a rear end-of-travel position when no coil (6; 61; 62) is powered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Matthias IMBODEN, Cédric NICOLAS, Nicolas LIVAT
  • Publication number: 20220050418
    Abstract: A timepiece mechanism including a magnetic gear formed of a first wheel and a second wheel, the first wheel being provided with first alternating magnetic poles forming a magnetic toothing and the second wheel being provided with a toothing made of ferromagnetic material which has a magnetic coupling with the magnetic toothing, such that, when one of the first or second wheels is driven in rotation, this wheel rolls, via the magnetic coupling, over a geometric circle centred on the other wheel and linked to this other wheel. The magnetic gear further includes a ferromagnetic element arranged relative to the first wheel so as to offset at least most of a magnetic disturbance torque to which the first wheel is subjected, resulting from the magnetic coupling, this magnetic disturbance torque having a periodic variation in intensity according to the angular position of the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques BORN, Jean-Pierre MIGNOT, Matthias IMBODEN, Cédric NICOLAS
  • Patent number: 11154146
    Abstract: A display stand (1) for a watch, the display stand including an open or closed support loop (2), and configured to support a wristwatch when the strap is closed around the loop (2). The loop includes at least one electrical switch that can be actuated in one or other of two states, and wherein the state of the switch is determined according to the presence or absence of the watch around the loop (2), making it possible to manage the presence of the watch on the display stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Alexandre Lamontagne, Jonathan Bregnard, Cedric Nicolas
  • Patent number: 11144013
    Abstract: A presentation case is arranged for receiving an electromechanical watch provided with a stepping motor for driving the watch hands. The presentation case includes a box with a support for receiving the watch, a system for detecting the position of the hands, and a device for resetting the watch connected to the hand position detection system. The resetting device resets the watch based on information received from the hand position detection system and a time reference when the watch is placed on the receiving support. The resetting device includes a driver for the stepping motor of the electromechanical watch, which is arranged inside the presentation case facing the stepping motor, when the watch is placed on the receiving support, and causes a rotation of the stepping motor by inductive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Harry Winston SA
    Inventors: Johnny Buehler, Jean-Jacques Born, Cedric Nicolas
  • Patent number: 11107335
    Abstract: An anti-theft system that can be applied in a commercial environment such as a watch store. The products on display in-store are secured by an electronic tag (4) attached to the product. The tag is provided with a chip (16) which emits a first signal which can only be received within a defined perimeter around the chip. An electronic transmitting device (5) is located within this perimeter, which sends the data transmitted within the first signal in the form of a second signal which further contains a value relative to the distance between the tag and the transmitting device. The second signal is managed by one or more computers, preferably of the portable type (6), which are equipped with a digital application configured to analyse the second signal to check for the presence of the tags (4) within a defined security zone (10) around the transmitting device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Alexandre Lamontagne, Jonathan Bregnard, Cédric Nicolas
  • Patent number: 11058191
    Abstract: A bracelet including two strands provided with a fastening system which includes at least one longitudinal groove on one of the two strands and at least one longitudinal protuberance on the other strand. The material and the shape of the groove and of the protuberance are configured such that these two elements interlock under pressure exerted by the bracelet user, over two overlapping portions of the bracelet strands. The connection between the strands can easily be separated, preferably by peeling the upper strand away from the lower strand. The bracelet is continuously adjustable in length, without requiring heavy or complex elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Martin, Cedric Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20210181687
    Abstract: A watch self-winding device with rotary motion, including a base carrying a motor driving in rotation a support carrying a watch and includes an upper watch holder with a surface in direct contact with a watch, this support includes a microphone for listening to a watch and an embedded electronic circuit processing the signal from the microphone, the device includes, in order to supply power to the embedded electronic circuit, a first coil fixed to the base and powered by a power source carried or relayed by the base, and a second coil embedded in the support, coaxial to the first coil and arranged to transmit power to the embedded electronic circuit, which is arranged to exchange information with a static electronic circuit in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jérôme FAVRE, Cedric NICOLAS, Jean-Jacques BORN
  • Patent number: 11019889
    Abstract: A device for attaching an end of a bracelet to an object, including a support plate, a control member, two pins slidably mounted on the same axis, called the sliding axis, wherein the control member is mounted to move in translation on an arbor, called the translation arbor, which is substantially perpendicular to the support plate, and wherein the control member is offset with respect to the sliding axis of the pins and connected to the latter by connecting elements able to transform the translational movement of the control member into a sliding movement of the pins when the control member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric Nicolas, Dominique Lechot, Nicolas Francois
  • Patent number: 11006704
    Abstract: A bracelet or strap for a watch case includes a first arm, inside which is housed a first printed circuit board portion, and a second arm, the first printed circuit board portion carrying at least one electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function, and a rigid electrical energy source and a microcontroller for powering and controlling the electronic component arranged to perform a corresponding electronic function, an actuating element, such as a push-button for inputting a control signal into the microcontroller being arranged above the rigid electrical energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventors: Cedric Nicolas, Dimitri Fostinis
  • Publication number: 20210080908
    Abstract: A display mechanism of a watch including at least one indicator member and a drive member assembly. The indicator member is mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation and is configured to indicate a time. The indicator member also has a second axis of rotation extending along the indicator member and a rotary element mounted to rotate about the second axis of rotation. The drive assembly includes a first drive member and a second drive member such that the first drive member drives the rotary element when it is moving about the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric NICOLAS, Simon SPRINGER, Ahmad ODEH, Michel WILLEMIN
  • Publication number: 20210065527
    Abstract: An anti-theft system that can be applied in a commercial environment such as a watch store. The products on display in-store are secured by an electronic tag (4) attached to the product. The tag is provided with a chip (16) which emits a first signal which can only be received within a defined perimeter around the chip. An electronic transmitting device (5) is located within this perimeter, which sends the data transmitted within the first signal in the form of a second signal which further contains a value relative to the distance between the tag and the transmitting device. The second signal is managed by one or more computers, preferably of the portable type (6), which are equipped with a digital application configured to analyse the second signal to check for the presence of the tags (4) within a defined security zone (10) around the transmitting device (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Alexandre LAMONTAGNE, Jonathan Bregnard, Cédric Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20210065526
    Abstract: A transponder for securing a product displayed in a shop. The transponder includes two blocks each including a contact surface, the contact surfaces being positioned face to face, the blocks being connected to each other by an adjustable connection, that allows to manually adjust the moving closer together or farther apart of the blocks with respect to one another, thus allowing the transponder to be attached to a suitable element of the product, by gripping the element between the contact surfaces of the blocks, one of the blocks including wireless detection and transmission equipment, which allows the remote management of the presence of the transponder on the suitable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexandre LAMONTAGNE, Jonathan Bregnard, Cedric Nicolas, Cedric Kaltenrieder, Paulo Bravo
  • Publication number: 20210059436
    Abstract: A display stand (1) for a watch, the display stand including an open or closed support loop (2), and configured to support a wristwatch when the strap is closed around the loop (2). The loop includes at least one electrical switch that can be actuated in one or other of two states, and wherein the state of the switch is determined according to the presence or absence of the watch around the loop (2), making it possible to manage the presence of the watch on the display stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Alexandre LAMONTAGNE, Jonathan BREGNARD, Cedric NICOLAS
  • Publication number: 20210052196
    Abstract: A method of detecting gaits of an individual with a sensor worn by the individual. The sensor includes an accelerometer and a processing unit. The method includes obtaining an signal representing one or more sensor acceleration values; sampling the signal to obtain a sampled signal; segmenting the sampled signal into windows to obtain a segmented acceleration signal; extracting a feature set from the segmented acceleration signal; determining a probability value, for a respective window, n, where n is a positive integer greater than zero, the probability value giving an estimated probability value of gait occurrence for the individual during the respective window; modifying the estimated probability value by using a histogram of previously detected gait durations to obtain a modified probability value; and determining, based on the modified probability value, and by using a determination threshold whether or not the respective window represents gait occurrence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric NICOLAS, Abolfazl SOLTANI, Hooman DEJNABADI, Martin SAVARY, Kamiar AMINIAN
  • Publication number: 20210011432
    Abstract: A universal device is for preparation of a watch with a gain/loss correction crown and an oscillating resonator. The device includes winding and a gain/loss corrector with a robotic manipulator for manoeuvring the crown. It also includes an adjustment device with a gain/loss correction device including a gain/loss-corrector oscillator generating an oscillation to subject the watch to an oscillation at a correction frequency NC and/or to a modulated movement. The gain/loss correction device includes a gain/loss controller that controls the oscillation of the gain/loss-corrector oscillator, interfaced with a device to measure the gain/loss of the watch. The gain/loss correction device also includes an automatic winder with a watch-holder stand subjected to the oscillations or movements generated by the gain/loss-corrector oscillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Jérôme FAVRE, Jean-Jacques BORN, Cédric NICOLAS, Baptiste HINAUX
  • Publication number: 20210001175
    Abstract: A portable instrument provided with a device for controlling or managing a sports or well-being activity of a person wearing the portable instrument. The control device includes at least a motion sensor and a pressure sensor connected to a calculation unit, and a GNSS receiver module connected to the calculation unit. The calculation unit of the control device is arranged to activate the GNSS receiver module for a time of activation defined subsequent to variations in movement detected by the motion sensor differing from known movement data or walking profiles in order to determine at least one reference speed of the person, and to deactivate the GNSS receiver module after the activation time for a deactivation time greater than the activation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric NICOLAS, Kamiar AMINIAN, Joaquin CABEZA DE PABLO, Martin SAVARY, Abolfazl SOLTANI, Hooman DEJNABADI
  • Patent number: 10869527
    Abstract: Watch band comprising lower and upper half band portions connected at a fold portion to surround a watch lug at the fold portion, each comprising a drilled hole for the passage of a double rivet comprising lower and upper bodies, either inserted one inside the other or each inserted into a common tube, the band including, at each double rivet, a snap means for ensuring a reversible axial stop for the lower body with respect to the upper body, comprising either a holding plate aligning lower and upper grooves of the lower and upper bodies, or two lower and upper clip lips of the common tube each clip fitted onto a complementary lower or upper lip of the lower or upper body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Pierry Vuille, Cedric Nicolas, Yvan Ferri
  • Patent number: 10691073
    Abstract: A removable bracelet for horology or jewellery, with a bracelet portion arranged to confine a watch or jewellery bar, including, at the end thereof a chamber arranged for housing the bar, the chamber including a lateral opening on a first side of the bracelet portion for the insertion or removal of the bar, the bracelet portion including a pusher controlling a tongue movable in a longitudinal direction against a spring, the pusher is movable in a transverse direction and includes a first profile arranged to cooperate with a second profile of the tongue to transform the transverse motion of the pusher into a longitudinal motion of the tongue, the bracelet includes a closure arranged on the first side for retaining the pusher in the depth of the bracelet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Cedric Nicolas, Nicolas Francois