Abstract: A flow control system, such as a thruster, includes an annular rotor within an annular housing. The annular rotor rotates about a central axis relative to the annular housing. The flow control system includes rotor blades with respective bases that are coupled to the annular rotor, and with respective tips directed toward the central axis. The flow control system includes a first actuator that rotates the annular rotor about the central axis relative to the annular housing, thus also rotating the rotor blades about the central axis relative to the annular housing. The flow control system includes a second actuator that rotates the rotor blades relative to the annular rotor. Actuation of the second actuator rotates a rotor blade about a rotor blade axis that extends from a base of the rotor blade toward the central axis.

Abstract: Flow control system systems and techniques are described. A flow control system, such as a thruster, includes an annular rotor within an annular housing. The annular rotor rotates about a central axis relative to the annular housing. The flow control system includes rotor blades with respective bases that are coupled to the annular rotor, and with respective tips directed toward the central axis. The flow control system includes a first actuator that rotates the annular rotor about the central axis relative to the annular housing, thus also rotating the rotor blades about the central axis relative to the annular housing. The flow control system includes a second actuator that rotates the rotor blades relative to the annular rotor. Actuation of the second actuator rotates a rotor blade about a rotor blade axis that extends from a base of the rotor blade toward the central axis.

Abstract: A radiocommunications terminal includes a send circuit and a receive circuit connected to a send/receive antenna of the terminal and respectively defining, when in operation, a send mode and a receive mode. The terminal also includes a circuit in a common part of the connection of the send and receive circuits to the antenna for matching the send and receive circuits to the antenna. A device for controlling and monitoring the power of signals sent/received by the terminal decenters the impedance matching of the antenna of the terminal only when the device is in send mode. Applications include reducing the energy impinging on the user of a mobile radio communications terminal.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for securing a back cover on a middle part of a watchcase, characterized in that it includes an intermediate element to which the back cover is connected, the intermediate element being screwed onto the middle part of the watch, an element arranged to allow the back cover to drive the intermediate element in rotation until the latter reaches a locked position on the middle part, the back cover also being pivotable relative to the intermediate element without the latter being unscrewed for alignment with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for securing a back cover on a middle part of a watchcase, characterized in that it includes an intermediate element to which the back cover is connected, said intermediate element being screwed onto the middle part of the watch, means being provided to allow the back cover to drive the intermediate element in rotation until the latter reaches a locked position on the middle part, the back cover also being able to be pivoted relative to the intermediate element without the latter being unscrewed for alignment with the 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch.

Abstract: The wristband with a clasp (1) includes electrical connection means (2) for connection to at least one electric or electronic component (23). These electrical connection means include an electric connector (2) arranged in one part of the clasp connected to one end of a wristband strand. The connector is of the universal serial bus type so as to be able to be connected, when the clasp is in the open position, to a connector of complementary shape of an electric apparatus, such as a computer station for carrying out energy and/or data transmission with the electric or electronic component. The connector is protected by a fastening piece (6) and bellows (5) when the clasp is in the closed position.

Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least two stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge comprises sections separated by connecting members, with each of the connecting members being sufficiently flexible to accommodate for the needed spacing constraints on each section.

Abstract: The wristband with a clasp (1) includes electrical connection means (2) for connection to at least one electric or electronic component (23). These electrical connection means include an electric connector (2) arranged in one part of the clasp connected to one end of a wristband strand. The connector is of the universal serial bus type so as to be able to be connected, when the clasp is in the open position, to a connector of complementary shape of an electric apparatus, such as a computer station for carrying out energy and/or data transmission with the electric or electronic component. The connector is protected by a fastening piece (6) and bellows (5) when the clasp is in the closed position.

Abstract: A one-piece molded plastic bridge for use in a timepiece module that itself comprises a frame assembly, at least two stepping motors each comprising at least a stator and rotor, and a plurality of gears assemblies, is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the bridge comprises sections separated by connecting members, with each of the connecting members being sufficiently flexible to accommodate for the needed spacing constraints on each section.

Abstract: The invention relates to watches, generally wristwatches, whose cases incorporate electronic modules for storing information that comprise an integrated circuit connected to an antenna consisting of a coil and are able to communicate by radio signals with a reading and/or writing device adapted at least to read the information contained in a memory of the integrated circuit and often also adapted to delete or modify at least some of that information and to add other information. To eliminate the drawbacks of prior art watches in which the module is inside the case (complicated fabrication or new design of the watch, increased volume thereof) or to reduce the importance of those drawbacks (attenuation and/or distortion of the signals sent and received by the coil), in the watch of the invention the electronic module (14) is housed at least for the most part in a cavity (13) in the back (3) of the case (1) open towards the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to watches, generally wristwatches, whose cases incorporate electronic modules for storing information that comprise an integrated circuit connected to an antenna consisting of a coil and are able to communicate by radio signals with a reading and/or writing device adapted at least to read the information contained in a memory of the integrated circuit and often also adapted to delete or modify at least some of that information and to add other information. To eliminate the drawbacks of prior art watches in which the module is inside the case (complicated fabrication or new design of the watch, increased volume thereof) or to reduce the importance of those drawbacks (attenuation and/or distortion of the signals sent and received by the coil), in the watch of the invention the electronic module (14) is housed at least for the most part in a cavity (13) in the back (3) of the case (1) open towards the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic timepiece allowing the display of at least one first time related data item (H1) conventionally based on the Hour-Minute-Second system, and at least one second time related data item (H2) based on a decimal system in which the time is divided at least into thousandths of a day. For this purpose the timepiece according to the present invention includes generating means (14) which, from auxiliary control pulses (IL) originating from the time base (2), allow second control pulses (I2) to be supplied allowing said second time related data item (H2) to be formed and displayed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for securing a back cover (6) to a middle part (28) of a watchcase (26), the back cover (6) having a screw thread (8) on its outer periphery, the device being characterized in that it includes an intermediate element (1) including a resilient blocking element (4) and a metal element (2) concentric to the resilient blocking element (4), this intermediate assembly being forcibly driven into the lower part of the middle part (28) of the watch (26), and the back cover (6) being screwed onto the metal element (2) so that, when the back cover (6) is completely screwed onto the metal element (2), the metal element (2) can be pivoted by sliding on the resilient blocking element (4) to a stop point from which the resilient blocking element (4) can in turn pivot by sliding on the middle part (28) of the watch (26), allowing the alignment of the back cover (6) to be adjusted with respect to the vertical 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch (26).

Abstract: A telephone includes a body carrying an earpiece at one end and a flap at the other end integrating a microphone or reflecting sound towards a microphone. The flap can be foldable between a position to receive the sound of the voice and a folded position to reduce the overall size of the telephone when it is not in use or is on standby. The battery inserts in a cavity of a base of the flap so that when fitted it is integrated into the flap. Its use reduces the overall thickness of the telephone and makes it easier to handle.

Abstract: The electronic watch movement components (11, 12) of the watch are mounted on a flexible printed circuit film (10), which is then incorporated in the wristband (1) by overmoulding of an insulating elastomeric material. External elements in the form of cases (2-4) are mounted in a sealed manner on the wristband to protect said components and to cover at least a display unit (20) and an electric power source (15). Decorative elements (5) similar to the cases are distributed along the wristband to imitate links. Such a wristwatch may be manufactured at a low cost.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for securing a back cover (6) to a middle part (28) of a watchcase (26), the back cover (6) having a screw thread (8) on its outer periphery, the device being characterized in that it includes an intermediate element (1) including a resilient blocking element (4) and a metal element (2) concentric to the resilient blocking element (4), this intermediate assembly being forcibly driven into the lower part of the middle part (28) of the watch (26), and the back cover (6) being screwed onto the metal element (2) so that, when the back cover (6) is completely screwed onto the metal element (2), the metal element (2) can be pivoted by sliding on the resilient blocking element (4) to a stop point from which the resilient blocking element (4) can in turn pivot by sliding on the middle part (28) of the watch (26), allowing the alignment of the back cover (6) to be adjusted with respect to the vertical 12 o'clock-6 o'clock axis of the watch (26).

Abstract: This watch can guide its wearer towards a place specified by the wearer and comprises time display means (2, 3, 11), selection means (9), data processing means (8) and means for determining the direction of the said place, formed by an antenna (5) and a GPS receiver (6) for determining the geographical coordinates of the location where the said watch is situated. According to the invention this watch further comprises an electronic tourist guide comprising a re-programmable memory unit (14) arranged to receive a database relative to local tourist information, the said selection means (9) being so arranged that the wearer can select the said place in the said database, and that the said means for determining the direction can determine the said direction of the said place and can then indicate this direction by way of the said display means (2, 3, 11).

Abstract: A radiocommunications terminal includes a send circuit and a receive circuit connected to a send/receive antenna of the terminal and respectively defining, when in operation, a send mode and a receive mode. The terminal also includes a circuit in a common part of the connection of the send and receive circuits to the antenna for matching the send and receive circuits to the antenna. A device for controlling and monitoring the power of signals sent/received by the terminal decenters the impedance matching of the antenna of the terminal only when the device is in send mode. Applications include reducing the energy impinging on the user of a mobile radiocommunications terminal.

Abstract: The assembly according to the invention comprises a hard plastic watch case (2), having on its middle part one or more sealed push buttons (5) made in an inexpensive manner. Each push button (5) comprises a hard plastic stem (10), for example the same material as the case, and an elastomer flexible head (12) which is over molded onto an external surface (15) of the case. The case and the push buttons may be manufactured by injecting two materials in a single mold. The invention applies to electronic watches and to mechanical watches.