Patents by Inventor Pierpasquale Tortora

Pierpasquale Tortora 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).

  • Publication number: 20180314210
    Abstract: A display hand for a portable object including an indication by the display hand, inside which is housed a rechargeable electrical energy source. The display hand includes at least one solar cell, the electrical energy source being connected to the display hand to be recharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale TORTORA
  • Publication number: 20180103730
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic strap for a timepiece, comprising: a printed circuit board an insert disposed on the printed circuit board, comprising a guide element provided to be placed between and fixed to a pair of horns of a watch case (BM), the guide element comprising a lightwave guide comprising: an input disposed on an interface between the guide element and the printed circuit board a first output disposed so as to be opposite a first zone of the watch case (BM) between the two horns when the guide element is placed between and fixed to the pair of horns a first portion connecting the input to the first output a lightwave emitter installed on the printed circuit board, at the level of the input of the wave guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Dimitri FOSTINIS, Cedric Nicolas, Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Publication number: 20180052426
    Abstract: A wristwatch including a watch case, a bezel mounted to rotate on the watch case, and a dial including at least one luminous index. The luminous index is illuminated through the dial by at least one light source disposed underneath the dial and powered by an electrical energy source. An activation component for activating the light source is housed inside the rotating dial and cooperates with a detection element housed inside the watch case. The activation component, in a determined position of the rotating bezel, detects presence of the activation component by the detection element. The detection element then emits an electrical signal addressed to a microprocessor circuit housed inside the watch case. The microprocessor circuit emits in response to reception of the electrical signal emitted by the detection element an electrical signal that activates lighting of the light source for a determined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Omega S.A.
    Inventors: Yvan FERRI, Rocco CATANESE, Pierpasquale TORTORA, Gregory KISSLING
  • Patent number: 9588493
    Abstract: A set of luminous display hands is for a portable object including a frame housing an electrical energy supply source that includes a first and a second terminal. The set includes at least first and second luminous display hands made of an electrically non-conductive material. A drive arbor of the second display hand is arranged concentrically inside a drive arbor of the first display hand. Each of the first and second display hands carries a first, respectively a second light source which emits light. The first and second light sources each include a first and a second pole. Depending on whether the light sources are mounted in parallel or in series, the first pole or the second pole of the second light source is connected to the first pole of the first light source by contact between the first and second hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 9547280
    Abstract: A device for detecting and synchronizing a position of at least one first wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electronic analog wristwatch, includes this first wheel extending in a plane. The detection and synchronization device includes at least one light source emitting a light beam and at least one light detection system. A first light-reflecting element projects from one of an upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism. The light source and the light detection system are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first light-reflecting element in the direction of the light detection system. The detection and synchronization device is housed within a case of the wristwatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Pierpasquale Tortora, Nicolas Cedric, Pascal Lagorgette
  • Patent number: 9501038
    Abstract: Luminous display hand for a portable object, the portable object including a frame which houses an electrical energy supply source, the hand including a light guide in which is arranged a hole for the passage of a drive arbor, and a housing for accommodating a light source which injects light into the light guide, the light source including first and second poles, the first pole of the light source being connected to the energy supply source via the drive arbor of the hand and the second pole of the light source being connected to the energy supply source via the frame of the portable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 9465364
    Abstract: A device for illuminating at least one display indicator incorporated in a case underneath an aperture of a horological or scientific apparatus, the device including a phosphorescent light source inside the case, a mechanism collecting external light energy from an ambient medium of the case towards the phosphorescent light source, and at least one light component formed, either by the source, or by a light relay connected to the source by a transmission mechanism, and the light component is configured, to illuminate the indicator, either on the opposite side to the aperture relative to the indicator, or at a periphery of the aperture, and a controller is configured to move a cover insertable between the light component and the indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Michel Willemin, Jean-Claude Martin, Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 9453939
    Abstract: Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Simon Springer
  • Publication number: 20160131797
    Abstract: Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierpasquale TORTORA, Simon SPRINGER
  • Patent number: 9297644
    Abstract: Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Simon Springer
  • Patent number: 9292003
    Abstract: Set of luminous display hands for a portable object which houses an electrical energy supply source, the set of luminous display hands including first and second superposed luminous display hands each provided with a hole for the passage of a drive arbour, the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand being arranged concentrically inside the drive arbour of the first hand with insertion of an insulating layer between the two drive arbours, the first and second luminous display hands respectively carrying a first and a second light source, the first pole of the first light source being electrically connected to a first terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the first luminous display hand, the second pole of the first light source being connected to the first pole of the second light source via a contact piece, and the second pole of the second light source being connected to the second terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Cédric Faure, Simon Springer
  • Publication number: 20150346688
    Abstract: Set of luminous display hands for a portable object including a frame housing an electrical energy supply source including a first and a second terminal, the set of luminous display hands including at least a first and a second luminous display hand made of an electrically non-conductive material and in which a hole is arranged for the passage of a drive arbor, the drive arbor of the second luminous display hand being arranged concentrically inside the drive arbor of the first luminous display hand, each of the first and second luminous display hands carrying a first, respectively a second light source which emits light, the first and second light sources each including a first and a second pole, wherein, depending on whether the light sources are mounted in parallel or in series, the first pole or the second pole of the second light source is connected to the first pole of the first light source by contact between the first and second luminous hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale TORTORA
  • Publication number: 20150346690
    Abstract: Luminous display hand for a portable object, the portable object including a frame which houses an electrical energy supply source, the hand including a light guide in which is arranged a hole for the passage of a drive arbor, and a housing for accommodating a light source which injects light into the light guide, the light source including first and second poles, the first pole of the light source being connected to the energy supply source via the drive arbor of the hand and the second pole of the light source being connected to the energy supply source via the frame of the portable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Publication number: 20150346691
    Abstract: Set of luminous display hands for a portable object which houses an electrical energy supply source, the set of luminous display hands including first and second superposed luminous display hands each provided with a hole for the passage of a drive arbour, the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand being arranged concentrically inside the drive arbour of the first hand with insertion of an insulating layer between the two drive arbours, the first and second luminous display hands respectively carrying a first and a second light source, the first pole of the first light source being electrically connected to a first terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the first luminous display hand, the second pole of the first light source being connected to the first pole of the second light source via a contact piece, and the second pole of the second light source being connected to the second terminal of the power supply source via the drive arbour of the second luminous display hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Pierpasquale Tortora, Cédric Faure, Simon Springer
  • Publication number: 20150241848
    Abstract: A device for illuminating at least one display indicator incorporated in a case underneath an aperture of a horological or scientific apparatus, the device including a phosphorescent light source inside the case, a mechanism collecting external light energy from an ambient medium of the case towards the phosphorescent light source, and at least one light component formed, either by the source, or by a light relay connected to the source by a transmission mechanism, and the light component is configured, to illuminate the indicator, either on the opposite side to the aperture relative to the indicator, or at a periphery of the aperture, and a controller is configured to move a cover insertable between the light component and the indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel Willemin, Jean-Claude Martin, Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Publication number: 20150116730
    Abstract: Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Pierpasquale TORTORA, Simon SPRINGER
  • Publication number: 20150109890
    Abstract: A device for detecting and synchronising a position of at least one first wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electronic analogue wristwatch, includes this first wheel extending in a plane. The detection and synchronisation device includes at least one light source emitting a light beam and at least one light detection system. A first light-reflecting element projects from one of an upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism. The light source and the light detection system are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first light-reflecting element in the direction of the light detection system. The detection and synchronisation device is housed within a case of the wristwatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Devlopment Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques BORN, Pierpasquale TORTORA, Cedric NICOLAS, Pascal LAGORGETTE
  • Patent number: 9010996
    Abstract: Device for detecting and synchronising the position of at least one first wheel (16) of a timepiece mechanism (1) for an electronic analogue watch, wherein this first wheel (16) extends in one plane, the detection and synchronisation device (30) comprises at least one light source (32) emitting a light beam (34) and at least one light detection system (36), and this detection and synchronisation device is characterised in that a first light-reflecting element (40) projects from one of the upper or lower surfaces of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), wherein the light source (32) and the light detection system (36) are arranged so that in a determined position of the first wheel (16) of the timepiece mechanism (1), the light beam (34) emitted by the light source (32) is reflected by the first reflective element (40) in the direction of the light detection system (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Born, Pierpasquale Tortora, Cedric Nicolas, Pascal Lagorgette
  • Patent number: 8942069
    Abstract: Portable object such as a timepiece including a dial (4) covered by a watch glass (2), the portable object (1) enclosing an electronic control circuit (16) for at least one time function or non-time related function, the portable object further comprising at least one light source (12) and an associated light sensor (10), which are arranged on the dial (4), the light source (12) emitting, through the glass (2), a light beam, which is at least partially reflected towards the light sensor (10), when it is intercepted by the user's finger (D) placed on the glass (2) of the portable object, the light sensor (10) supplying the electronic control circuit (16) with an electric signal for activating the corresponding function when it detects the light produced by the light source (12) and reflected by the user's finger (D), the portable object being characterized in that the light source (12) emits collimated light while forming, on the glass (2), a spot of defined dimensions which defines the place on the glass (2)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 8517589
    Abstract: Lighting system for a data display device (12, 20), wherein said lighting system includes a light guide (1; 22) including an area (2; 26) into which the light produced by at least one light source (4) is injected, said injection area (2; 26) is extended by an area (8; 24) for extracting the light propagating inside the guide (1; 22) to light the display device (12; 20), said extraction area (12, 20) is provided with light extractors (10), the light guide (1; 22) takes the form of a loop closed on itself at the light injection area (2; 26) to allow the light originating from the light source (4) and which was not extracted from the light guide (1; 22) in the extraction area (8; 24) to continue to travel inside the light guide (1; 22) and to return to the starting point thereof at the light injection area (2; 26), the data display device (12; 20) is arranged inside the loop, and the lighting system is characterized in that the light is extracted from the light guide (1; 22) in a perpendicular direction to a pla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora