Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for sports and other physical training. In some embodiments, the devices and methods are adapted for use in relation to aquatic environments or pursuits. In some forms, the invention relates to timing devices and associated methods. In other forms, invention relates to a communication device and a wearable item incorporating the communication device.

Abstract: A timepiece includes two hands (14, 16) advancing in superposition to display a first item of information regarding the current time. On demand, by operating a control (17), one of the two hands moves relative to the first to display a second item of information regarding the current time, the two hands returning to a superposed position when the control is released.

Abstract: The column wheel (40) for a 3 stroke mechanism has a hub (46) arranged at the centre of a superstructure exhibiting rotational symmetry of order n, the superstructure including n radial arms (48) and n columns (44) parallel to the axis of rotation of the column wheel, the columns being regularly distributed along the circumference of the column wheel and separated from each other by n empty spaces forming as many openings between the columns. The column wheel is characterized in that the width of the columns (44) is larger than the openings between the columns, and in that the width of the arms (48) is less than half the width of the columns (44).

Abstract: A timepiece includes a first oscillator oscillating at a first frequency and connected by a first gear train to an energy source to display the time. The timepiece also includes a chronograph system including a second gear train connected to the first gear train via a coupling device for selectively measuring a time. The chronograph system further includes a second oscillator, which is connected to the second gear train and oscillates at a second frequency. Moreover, the second gear train is connected to the first gear train by an elastic coupling, in order to synchronize the rate of the two oscillators using the same energy source when the coupling device is in a coupled position.

Abstract: A timepiece mechanism for a secondary display of a first physical quantity, wherein a push-button activates first mechanism for the coupling/uncoupling of the secondary display to or from a movement including a first display, and a pivoting first physical quantity cannon-pinion heart, wherein the first mechanism controls the coupling/uncoupling to or from the movement. A second push-button controls the zero reset of the secondary display, by uncoupling the first coupling/uncoupling mechanism, and returning the heart-piece to the original position thereof. A second coupling/uncoupling control mechanism includes either a pivoting time zone wheel set including a friction wheel, meshing with the movement, and a time zone wheel which, when the wheel set is in the coupling position, drives a second physical quantity cannon-pinion heart and/or a third physical quantity cannon-pinion heart, the friction wheel and time zone wheel being coaxial and cooperating via friction; or an inter-time zone mechanism.

Abstract: A timepiece with a movement that includes: a power source; an element for displaying the current time; a chronograph mechanism including a control mobile (60) including at least one control member for activating the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph. The control mobile (60) further includes a driving member having a toothed sector (84) kinematically connected to the control member. The timepiece further includes a button that can be rotated, the button being rigidly connected by teeth that can be kinematically connected to the toothed sector so that the pivoting of the button activates the start, stop and reset functions of the chronograph.

Abstract: The column-wheel (1) for a chronograph includes: a ratchet (2) provided with a plurality of teeth (3) the shape of which defines the direction of rotation of the column-wheel; a superstructure coaxial to the wheel and having n>=3 order rotational symmetry, the peripheral part of the superstructure forming n columns (10) parallel to the wheel axis and arranged substantially along the periphery of the ratchet (2), each column including an outer part, the cross-section of which is substantially shaped like a truncated triangle with a base substantially parallel to the circumference of the wheel and a front side (12), called the leading edge, and a back side (13), called the trailing edge, extending from the base towards the interior of the wheel. The column-wheel is characterized in that said cross-section is asymmetrical, a first angle ? between the leading edge (12) and the base (14) being smaller than a second angle ? between the base and the trailing edge (13).

Abstract: A special hand for abrupt acceleration. The hand is mounted to pivot around a staff so as to be able to indicate an item of information. The hand is made from an at least partially amorphous metal alloy.

Abstract: A chronograph mechanism for a clockwork movement is disclosed, which is intended to drive at least one first display member for displaying a time unit of a chronometered time. In accordance with one implementation, the chronograph mechanism includes a first counter associated with the display member and able to be driven from a first mobile of the clockwork movement, as well as a second mobile intended to carry the display member and arranged in such a way as to be able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter. The mechanism also includes a second counter of the same time unit associated with the display member and able to be driven in synchronism with the first counter, the second counter being arranged in such a way that the second mobile is driven thereby, while being able to exhibit a relative movement in relation thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns a programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel (30) for a timepiece, including a wheel (31) that is mobile about an axis of rotation (33). It is wherein it includes a mobile heart-piece (40) which pivots relative to said wheel (31), between indexing positions (34) of said wheel (31) with which said heart-piece (40) is arranged to cooperate via an indexing finger (41) included therein and towards which said heart-piece is returned radially by resilient return means (43), and which includes at least one support surface (45) arranged for cooperating with a timepiece mechanism. The invention also concerns a timepiece mechanism incorporating at least one memory wheel of this type (30), wherein, in proximity to each wheel (30), it includes support means arranged for cooperating with said support surface (45) of said memory wheel (30) in a disconnectable manner.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a striking member and a struck member that is driven when struck by the striking member, at least one of the striking member and the struck member being made from a metallic glass alloy.

Abstract: A chronograph includes a chronograph train, means for coupling the train and a device for controlling the coupling means, which includes: a pivotably mounted shuttle, a first angular sector provided with two notches defining first and second stable angular positions, and a second angular sector that includes cut out portions, an elastic member cooperating with the notches to keep the shuttle in one of the stable positions, and a push-piece cooperating with the cut out portions to pivot the shuttle, via a first application of pressure, from the first stable position to the second stable position, and via a second application of pressure, from the second stable position to a third intermediate angular position.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a chronograph whose hands are driven by a first gear train (4), which in turn drives a first resonator (5) and a watch whose hands are driven by a second gear train (8) independent of the first gear train, wherein the second gear train in turn drives a second resonator (9). The first (4) and second (8) gear trains are driven from a single energy source (10).

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: Mechanical watch movement comprising a mechanical chronograph with a regulator organ for regulating the running of the chronograph, characterized in that the regulator organ of the chronograph is placed in an imaginary circle (A) coaxial to the movement and having a radius (r1) smaller than 50% of the maximum outer radius of the movement.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a chronograph control device including a first, pivotably mounted lever, which is activated by a first push-button and whose movement in the direction of the first push-button is limited by a first stop member, and a second, pivotably mounted lever, which is activated by a second push-button and whose movement is limited in the direction of the second push-button by a second stop member. A spring is mounted on the second lever. The first lever is associated with an arm, provided with a beak. The beak cooperates with the spring such that, when one or other of the two levers is activated by one of the push-buttons, the beak and the spring move relative to each other in such a way that the beak is subjected to the return force of the spring.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: A chronograph watch fitted with a going train including: a permanent seconds wheel set secured to a permanent seconds display member, a chronograph seconds wheel set cooperating with a coupling in order to be secured to a chronograph seconds display member, and a third wheel set including a first third wheel fixedly mounted in rotation, meshed either with the permanent seconds wheel set, or with the chronograph seconds wheel set, a second third wheel mounted to move freely, meshed with the permanent seconds wheel set and with the chronograph seconds wheel set.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: The control mechanism of a simple three-cycle chronograph includes a single pusher (A) that acts on a shuttle (1) of a chronograph cam. The mechanism can include a display (17, 18) of the state of the chronograph.

Abstract: A clockwork movement includes a control member actuatable by a control lever in response to a user's action and having the form of a column wheel. The control member is rotatably mounted on the clockwork movement frame around an axis X, perpendicular thereto, for controlling first and second mechanisms exhibiting at least one movement function such as chronograph or alarm function. The control member includes rotationally fixable first, second and third parts which are mounted on a shaft at first, second and third levels, respectively, in a direction of the axis X for interacting with the control lever and for controlling the mechanisms. The shaft which is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame is arranged in at least two bearings, which are positioned remotely to each other for ensuring the shaft good stability, whereas the second and third parts are located on the both parts of the frame.

Abstract: The invention comprises a chronograph watch including a chronograph mechanism. The chronograph mechanism includes a chronograph train (50), and a counter mechanism (64) kinematically connected to the train (50). The counter mechanism (64) further includes first and second wheel sets (78, 82) respectively provided with first and second display members (36, 38), wherein the first wheel set (78) is angularly positioned using positioning members (86) so as to rotate in steps, and the second wheel set (82) is angularly positioned by the first wheel set (78).

Abstract: The invention relates to a chronographic timepiece and a chronograph mechanism (7) thereof including an elapsed time indicator member (17), a reset control member (21), and a reset device (25) for the indicator member, which includes a hammer (61), mounted in translation between an inactive position, where the hammer (61) is moved away from heart-pieces (55, 57, 59) that are connected to the indicator member (17), and an active position where stop members (54, 56, 58) of the hammer exert a reset force against the heart-pieces. The hammer (61) includes two studs (64, 66) mounted so as to slide in holes (100, 102) such that the movement vectors (L, K) of the studs (64, 66) between the positions are collinear and not aligned.

Abstract: A device comprises a basic clock movement MB whose time indicators are driven by a first barrel connected to a first wheelwork and a first regulator organ, and an autonomous chronograph module MCA whose indicators are driven by a second barrel independent from the first, connected to a second wheelwork and a second regulator organ. The chronograph module is exclusively composed of mechanical elements. The frequency of oscillation supplied by its regulator is equal N times the frequency of oscillation supplied by the regulator of the base movement, with the coefficient N being definable according to a specific application of the chronograph, so that any chronograph module thus previously defined can work with the same base movement. The chronograph regulator remains constantly engaged with the corresponding wheelwork. The chronograph module allows a time interval to be read with a minimum precision of a hundredth of second.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical or electromechanical dive watch including hour (4) and minute (6) hands, a pressure sensor (42), a depth indicator hand (14) and a depth variation indicator hand (22), the depth indicator hand (14) providing a diver with an indication of the instantaneous value of the depth at which he is situated when diving, the depth variation indicator hand (22) being at that moment locked at zero, the depth indicator hand (14) being locked in turn when the diver reaches a required decompression stop and the depth variation indicator hand (22) being released to indicate to the diver any variations in his depth relative to the decompression stop depth, the depth variation indicator hand (22) then being returned to zero and locked while the depth indicator hand (14) is released and again indicates the exact dive depth when the diver resumes his ascent towards the surface.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a striking member and a struck member that is driven when struck by the striking member, at least one of the striking member and the struck member being made from a metallic glass alloy.

Abstract: The timepiece includes a chronograph whose hands are driven by a first gear train (4), which in turn drives a first resonator (5) and a watch whose hands are driven by a second gear train (8) independent of the first gear train, wherein the second gear train in turn drives a second resonator (9). The first (4) and second (8) gear trains are driven from a single energy source (10).

Abstract: The depth measuring device for a diving watch with a chronograph mechanism, includes a plunger moved by external pressure through a rolling membrane against the action of a return element. The plunger acts on cams belonging to a circular slide mounted in a casing ring. The movement of the slide is transmitted by a gear train to a depth needle and to a dead needle. A pressure sensing device has a sliding plunger mounted inside the winding button. This plunger acts on a control device for automatically starting and stopping the chronograph mechanism. A locking device is used to lock and release the control device and displays a diving flag in the released position. The gear chain displays a safety flag at a predetermined depth. A resetting device allows the various mechanisms and devices to be reset to zero.

Abstract: Clutch device for timepiece, comprising first and second coaxial rotary mobile parts (1, 2) able to take up a relative axial coupled position in which a rotation of the first mobile part (1) gives rise to a rotation of the second mobile part (2), and a relative axial uncoupled position in which a rotation of the first mobile part (1) does not give rise to a rotation of the second mobile part (2), characterised in that is also comprises a friction element of viscoelastic material (30) intercalated between the mobile parts (1, 2) in order to transmit the rotation of the first mobile part (1) in the coupled position to the second mobile part (2).

Abstract: Timepiece including a two-directional correction mechanism for a device displaying a time related quantity, the display device being actuated by a control lever (14) itself controlled by a cam (10), on which the control lever (14) abuts, the timepiece being characterized in that it includes a correction device (36) activated by a control stem (42) which, in the display device correction phase, via a return lever (24), moves the control lever (14) out of the path of the cam (10) on which said control lever (14) normally abuts in the normal operating phase of the timepiece (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a chronograph mechanism comprising at least one minutes counter and one hours counter which are designed to be located both on the same side of the plate, first and second resetting members, each having a bearing surface and being able to pivot between a low position, in which each bearing surface cooperates with the periphery of a resetting cam of one of the counters, and a high position, in which each bearing surface is located at a distance from the corresponding cam. The mechanism comprises retaining means for keeping each of the resetting members in its high position, comprising a first retaining member acting directly on a first resetting member and able to be released in response to an action by a user, and a second retaining member acting directly on the second resetting member and able to be released in response to a pivoting of the first resetting member in the direction of its low position.

Abstract: A chronograph clockwork movement for measuring time includes a control lever actuatable by a first control member for alternatively activating or deactivating a time measurement, clutch elements for driving or not a second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever and selective locking members for locking the second timer in response to an action produced on the control lever. A lever and a hammer for resetting the second timer to zero are also provided. The clockwork movement is arranged in such a way that a user does not feel any difference, while measuring a time, whether the second timer is pre-set or not. The clockwork movement has a structure enabling to activate time measuring by delaying the effective departure of the second timer until an external resetting device controlling the lever is released in the rest position thereof.

Abstract: A clockwork movement hammer (1) is used for interacting with heart-shaped cams (20, 21) provided with corresponding axes of rotation (29, 30) which are positioned remotely to each other. More precisely, the hearts (20, 21) are connected to a chronograph timer, whereas the hammer belongs to the resetting mechanism of the chronograph timers. The inventive hammer (1) includes at least one first part (5) movably mounted on the clockwork bottom plate (2) and one second part (17) bearing supporting surfaces (13, 19) which can be bring into contact with the hearts (20, 21) . The two parts (5, 17) of the hammer (1) are connected to each other by at least one swivel-type connection (14, 24) for making it possible to adjust the corresponding positions of the supporting surfaces (18, 19) while a resetting process. Due to particular characteristics thereof, the structural design of the hammer (1) is simple and small-sized.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a chronograph control device including a first, pivotably mounted lever, which is activated by a first push-button and whose movement in the direction of the first push-button is limited by a first stop member, and a second, pivotably mounted lever, which is activated by a second push-button and whose movement is limited in the direction of the second push-button by a second stop member. A spring is mounted on the second lever. The first lever is associated with an arm, provided with a beak. Said beak cooperates with the spring such that, when one or other of the two levers is activated by one of the push-buttons, the beak and the spring move relative to each other in such a way that the beak is subjected to the return force of the spring.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a toothed wheel for a gear system of a clock movement, comprising a plate provided with a toothing on its periphery, said toothing comprising a plurality of teeth, each of which has a dedendum extending from said plate and in the continuation of which an addendum is formed. Each of the teeth of the wheel is designed in such a way that its dedendum has a width smaller than that of its addendum and, preferably, a length equal to or greater than that of the addendum. It is moreover provided that the addendum has a tip located on a radius (R) of the plate and from which there extend, on both sides of the radius, a first portion, which is substantially rectilinear, to a distance from said radius which is greater than half the width of the dedendum, then a second portion, which is concave, joining the first portion to the dedendum.

Abstract: A display device is provided for a watch movement provided with a final gear train intended to drive, at least in a mediated way, means of displaying the time and an energy source driving the final gear train. In one implementation, the display device comprises a display disk for an additional function, and a display gearing of which one moving part carries the display disk. The display device also comprises a second energy source connected mechanically to the display gearing and operating means for the display gearing, designed so as to cause the gearing to be driven by the second energy source when the information for display has to be changed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph watch including a chronograph mechanism including: a chronograph train (50), and a counter mechanism (64) kinematically connected to the train (50), and including first and second wheel sets (78, 82) respectively provided with first and second display members (36, 38), the first wheel set (78) being angularly positioned using positioning means (86) so as to rotate in steps, characterized in that the second wheel set (82) is angularly positioned by the first wheel set (78).

Abstract: A clockwork movement includes a control member actuatable by a control lever in response to a user's action and having the form of a column wheel. The control member is rotatably mounted on the clockwork movement frame around an axis X, perpendicular thereto, for controlling first and second mechanisms exhibiting at least one movement function such as chronograph or alarm function. The control member includes rotationally fixable first, second and third parts which are mounted on a shaft at first, second and third levels, respectively, in a direction of the axis X for interacting with the control lever and for controlling the mechanisms. The shaft which is pivotally mounted with respect to the frame is arranged in at least two bearings, which are positioned remotely to each other for ensuring the shaft good stability, whereas the second and third parts are located on the both parts of the frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph watch movement, comprising a chronograph mechanism, including: a chronograph gear-train comprising first (40) and second (38) wheels completing a revolution in sixty seconds and a revolution in a fraction of an hour respectively and arranged in the center of the movement, a control device (48) for starting and stopping the rotation of the chronograph gear-train, and a reset device (50). In said movement, the chronograph mechanism further comprises switching means designed such that, upon activation, they connect the second wheel (38) of the chronograph gear-train to a finishing mobile, so that the display means borne by the second wheel display the current time unit equivalent to that of the measured time.

Abstract: A mechanism having at least a function of measuring an arbitrary elapsed time is provided, which disables the function from being reset after the function is started, and enables the function to be reset after the function is stopped. The function is continuously held in an electrical ON state after being started, except when being normally stopped. This provides a time measurement device and method in which an electrical operating state and a mechanical operating state can coincide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chronograph-type watch provided with a movement (29) comprising: current time display means, measured time display means, a time base designed to regulate said display means, a control device (34, 40) for starting and stopping the measured time display means, a reset device for resetting the measured time display means when time measurement is over. The watch is provided with a case (10) for housing the movement (29) and comprising at least one slide (24) for controlling the control and reset devices. Said watch further comprises a locking device (32, 52) designed to co-operate with the control device (34, 40) to enable or disable it, and an actuating member (28, 44) designed to de accessible outside the case (10), for controlling device locking device (32, 52).

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece component comprising a watch movement provided with a main barrel acting as power source for a timekeeping device of the watch movement and an auxiliary barrel designed to supply mechanical power to an additional device, and mechanical control means capable of being manually actuated to trigger said additional device, characterised in that said control means are arranged to simultaneously trigger the additional device and wind the auxiliary barrel.

Abstract: The coupling wheel (17) is brought into friction with an intermediate second wheel (19), or, conversely, to moved away therefrom by a fork (16) formed in the large arm (22) of an L-shaped coupling spring (20), articulated at the joining portion of the two arms (22, 24) on an adjustment plate (30), the small arm (24) of said coupling spring (20) having its end stressed by the end of a control lever (10). Means for guiding (32a, 32b) and positioning by a cam screw (38) allow the distance between the small arm (24) of the coupling spring (20) and the end of the control lever (10) to be modified, which thus allows manufacturing tolerances to be compensated for.

Abstract: There is disclosed a chronograph mechanism capable of operating either in the conventional direct direction, or in the opposite direction to perform a countdown. The seconds counter (80) has a control finger (85) for incrementing and decrementing the minutes counter (11). In order to prevent the control finger acting at the start of a revolution of the seconds counter during a countdown, it is mounted so as to pivot on a disc (91) of the counter. Two pins (95, 96), which can be indexed and are fixed onto the disc, abut against the respective flanks of the control finger to drive it only at the end of a revolution, respectively in one direction or the other. A spring (97) keeps the finger from meshing with the transmission wheel (84) when the countdown time interval is being pre-selected.

Abstract: The coupling wheel (17) is brought into friction with an intermediate second wheel (19), or, conversely, to moved away therefrom by a fork (16) formed in the large arm (22) of an L-shaped coupling spring (20), articulated at the joining portion of the two arms (22, 24) on an adjustment plate (30), the small arm (24) of said coupling spring (20) having its end stressed by the end of a control lever (10). Means for guiding (32a, 32b) and positioning by a cam screw (38) allow the distance between the small arm (24) of the coupling spring (20) and the end of the control lever (10) to be modified, which thus allows manufacturing tolerances to be compensated for.

Abstract: To provide a mechanical chronograph timepiece in which an adjustment of a hammer position can be easily performed.

Abstract: A security seal for a freight car, freight container or other enclosure. The seal has an electronic timepiece which displays the time and date and is preset at an established reference time. A cut-resistant strap is secured at one end to the seal and has a latch at the other end. When the latch is passed through a lock and is engaged in a receiver in the seal, the strap is locked in place and the power to the timepiece is interrupted providing an indication of the time and date on which the lock was sealed. Other information may be applied to the seal at the time of sealing such as the identification of the individual responsible for the sealing.

Abstract: A host computer is used to enter into a measuring apparatus to be leased, a contracted term of lease and the date when the lease starts, and/or a contracted number of times the measuring apparatus can be used, and the warning time when a warning message should be given. After the warning time, the warning message is displayed. When the contracted term of lease expires or when the measuring apparatus has been used the contracted number of times, a message notifying the user of the expiration of the lease is displayed and/or the functions of the measuring apparatus are disabled.