Abstract: A component intended to be in friction contact with another component, the component being coated with an electrically conductive layer in one piece, at least partially covering every surface of the component, the friction occurring on at least one of these surfaces, called the functional surface, the functional surface being surrounded by a plurality of side surfaces, the component having on its functional surface a texture formed of a succession of troughs coated with the electrically conductive layer, the troughs each extending between two side surfaces such that the electrically conductive layer remains in one piece over the component despite the wear caused by friction on the functional surface. The invention also relates to the method for manufacturing the component by the DRIE (deep reactive ion etching) process, wherein surface defects on the sides machined by the DRIE process are used to form the troughs.

Abstract: A control device for a timepiece, the device including a primary crown adapted to be rotated and pulled, having at least two axial positions, and also including a secondary crown arranged coaxially with respect to the primary crown, the primary crown including a crown head and a control rod fixed rigidly to the crown head and adapted to be coupled to or decoupled from a winding rod of a movement of the timepiece in order to control functions of the timepiece, and the secondary crown including a crown body. The control device distinguishes in that the secondary crown is adapted be rotated and pulled, has at least two axial positions, and includes a kinematic link adapted to control at least one additional function of the timepiece, the primary crown and secondary crown being actuatable independently of one another. The invention also includes a timepiece having such a control device.

Abstract: The process comprises the following steps: a) a first element (3) or a plurality of said first elements (3) is/are machined in a first silicon wafer (1) keeping said elements (3) joined together via material bridges (5); b) step a) is repeated with a second silicon wafer (2) in order to machine a second element (4), differing in shape from that of the first element (3), or a plurality of said second elements (4); c) the first and second elements (3, 4) or the first and second wafers (1, 2) are applied, face to face, with the aid of positioning means (6, 7); d) the assembly formed in step c) undergoes oxidation; and e) the parts (10) are separated form the wafers (1, 2). Micromechanical timepiece parts obtained according to the process.

Abstract: Mechanical modular unit (100) with mechanical timepiece functional modules (1) each derived from a sub-assembly (1A) carrying components for a particular timepiece function of transforming a movement between input (3) and output (4) wheel sets. Said sub-assembly (1A) comprises adjustment components which are irreversibly secured after said timepiece function has been adjusted and function checked on the test bench, and said pre-adjusted module (1), derived from the transformation of said sub-assembly (1A) by the irreversible securing of said adjustment components thereof, includes at least one bearing surface (5) and a locating means (6) for the recognition and positioning of said module (1) relative to another element of said mechanical modular unit (100) or relative to a plate, by the abutment of said bearing surface (5) on a complementary bearing surface comprised in said other element or said plate.

Abstract: Mechanical clockwork assembly, comprising a drive mechanism, a mechanical control device comprising a mechanical oscillator and a first transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the mechanical oscillator, an electric generator and a second transmission device for providing a transmission between the drive mechanism and the generator, wherein the generator is spaced apart from the mechanical oscillator. In one embodiment the clockwork assembly comprises a sensor for determining a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an actuator for adapting a timing of the mechanical oscillator, an electronic control device connected to the sensor and the actuator, wherein the control device comprises an entry for a reference signal for controlling the timing of the mechanical oscillator on the basis of the reference signal, and wherein at least the control device is connected to the generator for supplying the control device with electric energy from the generator.

Abstract: An automatic timing control device case which is used for accommodating a timing control rotation shaft and a plurality of switches. A motor is disposed on the case for driving a gear set connected to the timing control rotation shaft to rotate, thereby controlling on or off of the switches through the timing control rotation shaft. The automatic timing control device case includes a body and a gear box. The body has an accommodation space for accommodating the timing control rotation shaft and the plurality of switches. The gear box is integrally formed in the body for accommodating the gear set. The gear box has at least one through-hole communicating the gear box and the accommodation space, such that the gear set is connected to and drives the timing control rotation shaft.

Abstract: Chain wheel assembly unit for weight movement of a clock movement and/or of a striking train of a clock comprises a chain wheel (22), which is arranged on a shaft (1) between two coaxial profiled disks (20, 21), is in rotary connection with a drive gear (7) axially fixed on the shaft (1) via a directional locking mechanism in the direction of drive and is pressed with its two profiled disks (20, 21) against the drive gear (7) by a spring in the axial direction. The chain wheel (22) and the first profiled disk (20) located between it and the drive gear (7) are in connection with one another, rotating in unison, at least in the direction of drive, through a coupling element (14). This profiled disk (20) has at least one axially movable flexible tongue (31 through 34), which engages a support surface ring (9) of the drive gear. The second profiled disk (21) is designed as a mute disk and holds together the parts which are otherwise seated loosely on the shaft (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring winding gearing for the drive assembly of a device with a drive shaft biased by a coil spring and a drive controlling device acting on the drive shaft via at least one intermediate transmission. A first toothed wheel is firmly attached to the drive shaft, a pivotable locking pawl is provided for the first toothed wheel, which locking pawl is held in the disengaged position by a movable support member, and a second toothed wheel is arranged at the support member, which second toothed wheel cooperates with the first toothed wheel and, upon increased rotational speed of the first toothed which second toothed wheel cooperates with the first toothed wheel for releasing the locking pawl. In this manner, racing of the drive shaft in case of a broken axle and the like is prevented, and in order to realize malfunction in due time, the safety mechanism against racing can be checked manually.

Abstract: A viscous fluid timer is constructed with a cylindrical cavity formed by a housing that supports an axially aligned rotor unit having a rotor on a shaft within a first chamber filled with a viscous fluid. The first chamber communicates with a second chamber having a shaft seal through which the rotor shaft projects, the rotor shaft having a torsional connection to a spring means for rotating the rotor unit within the chamber, the first chamber being filled with a highly viscous fluid which impedes the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A watch mechanism incorporating two barrels each containing a spring. The springs contained in each barrel are positively connected in series to each other via a gear mechanism or a common arbor.The considerable energy available makes it possible to maintain the movement of a high frequency spring balance oscillator. The barrel rotates rapidly to drive the first pinion of the train of gears with an angular velocity approximately double relative to the normal angular velocities; the torque is approximately half (600 gr.mm) that of conventional-sized watch mechanism of comparable performance.The barrels may be mounted coaxially or in the same plane and the mechanism can be arranged to be wound manually or automatically.

Abstract: A gear train mechanism for a wristwatch provides a thinner watch, the gear train comprising a frame plate, a dial, a plate interposed between the dial and the frame plate, and a shaft rotatably supporting a center wheel and pinion. The shaft is attached to the frame plate. Rubbing and misalignment of the hands is prevented by aligning their rotating support members for an extended longitudinal distance on the shaft. This is accomplished by the gear train of this invention despite a reduction in the thickness of the watch. Hour and minute hands or hour, minute, and second hands are provided in alternative embodiments.