Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hairspring for a timepiece hairspring-balance oscillator, which can be produced, in particular, from a low-density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz, and to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring. According to the invention, this hairspring comprises at least one leaf (2) the cross section of which has a thickness and a height and its characterizing feature is that the leaf (2) comprises a plurality of apertures (3) extending in the heightwise direction of the leaf and alternating with bridges (5). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring.

Abstract: A method for adjusting oscillation frequency of a spring balance assembly. A removal and/or an addition and/or a displacement of material is/are conducted on a component of the assembly under effect of a pulse of a transformation mechanism to conduct a micromachining and/or microfusion operation on the material of the component or of an addition material to vaporize and/or displace and/or weld the material. The pulse is controlled by a controller configured to generate, sequence, interrupt any pulse and to control movements of a beam of the transformation mechanism, wherein the controller is connected to or automatically controlled by a measuring or comparing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocompensated mechanical resonator including a strip whose core, which is of polygonal section, includes single crystal silicon. According to the invention, one or a number of faces of the core has a coating for making the resonator less sensitive to temperature variations. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resonator (11) with a balance (13) and balance spring (15) including a balance (13) mounted on a staff (17), a balance spring (15) integral with a collet (14) and mounted on said staff. According to the invention, the collet (14) includes an integral protruding portion or bump (16) forming a pin arranged for cooperating with an escape system. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balance spring (1, 1?) including a first hairspring (3, 3?) the curve of which extends in a first plane, a second hairspring (5, 5?) the curve of which extends in a second plane parallel to the first plane, an attachment member (4, 4?) securing one end of the curve of the first hairspring (3, 3?) to one end of the curve of the second hairspring (5, 5?) so as to form a dual balance spring (1, 1?) in series. According to the invention, the curve of the first hairspring (3, 3?) and the curve of the second hairspring (5, 5?) each include a continuously variable pitch and are symmetrical relative to a straight line (A) parallel to the first and second planes and passing through the median plane of projection of the attachment member (4, 4?) and in that each curve respects the relations. Px(0)=0 and Py(1)=2Py(0) in order to reduce displacements of the centre of mass thereof during contraction and expansion. The invention concerns the field of sprung balance resonators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance spring intended to equip a balance of a mechanical timepiece, formed by a spiral bar resulting from machining a fused quartz plate, which has a positive thermal coefficient of rigidity, the bar constituting a core at least locally covered by at least one outer layer having a different structure to modify the thermal coefficient of rigidity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicon-based Breguet overcoil balance spring (1, 31) that includes a hairspring (3, 33) made integral coaxially with a collet (5, 35), a terminal curve (7, 37) and an elevation device (9, 39) between the outer coil (15, 45) of the hairspring and the terminal curve. According to the invention, the balance spring has two single parts secured to each other to increase the development precision of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical oscillator, in particular for watchmaking, comprising a spiral spring (1) having a number N of turns, a central end (2), an eccentric end (3) and a rotary collet (4), connected to the central end (2), comprising an orifice intended to receive an arbor for rotation about an axis (A), and a balance (7), the axis of rotation of which coincides with the rotation arbor (A), the eccentric end (3) being intended to be integral with a stationary element of the “balance-cock” type, said spiral spring (1) being made up of a single-crystal silicon (Si) core (1a) and at least one peripheral coating (1b) based on a material having a thermoelastic coefficient different from that of silicon, the single-crystal silicon (Si) being oriented along the crystallographic axis {1,1,1} to optimize the temperature coefficient of the mechanical oscillator as a whole.

Abstract: Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator, comprising n blades, where n?2, which are fastened via at least one of their respective homologous ends and wound in spirals with an angular offset capable of neutralizing the lateral forces liable to be exerted on its central arbor when one of the ends of each blade is moved angularly around said central arbor relative to its other end.

Abstract: Controller for a clockwork mechanism, having the following components: a balance wheel; a piezoelectric helical spring (20); an electronic circuit for coordinating the stiffness of the piezoelectric helical spring (20); characterized in that the electronic circuit has a plurality of capacitors which can be switched individually (222, 224, 226, 228).

Abstract: A timepiece includes: a movement (10) that has a balance wheel/spring assembly (12) having a system for adjusting the operative length of the spring, which is rotatable; a control member (14) that is accessible, by the user, outside the timepiece; a transmission wheel (22) that is rotatably mounted, on the periphery of the movement (10), onto a frame, the movement (10) being placed inside the transmission wheel, the transmission wheel (22) being kinematically connected or connectable to the control member (14) and moreover being kinematically connected to the adjustment system; and a display part (30) that is kinematically connected to the transmission wheel (22) and drives a display member, intended for displaying the adjustment value that is applied to the operative length of the spring. The display part (30) is formed of movable parts that are mounted onto a first separate module, assembled to the frame.

Abstract: This flat balance spring for a horological balance comprises a wound strip shaped to ensure an approximately concentric development of the balance spring and almost zero force on the pivots and on the fixing point, during a rotation of less than 360° of its inner end relative to its outer end in both directions from its rest position. The stiffness of its strip decreases gradually and through more than 360° from each of its two ends, the lowest stiffness being situated in the median part of the strip.

Abstract: The device for protecting a timepiece balance spring (1) from stray magnetic fields includes at least one disc (2) with high magnetic permeability, arranged in a parallel plane to the plane of the balance spring, wherein the disc (2) and the balance spring are mounted coaxially with each other.

Abstract: A balance spring comprising a flat spiral coil and a non-elastic inner attachment part formed by laser beam cutting. The spring has an outer attachment plate in the plane of the coil formed with a channel which receives and protects the outer winding of the coil. The outer attachment plate has a curved attachment edge which allows the location of the oscillator dead point to be varied without affecting spring frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: Balance spring boot (1) to be driven onto an index (10) for adjusting a balance spring (20) pivoting relative to an axis (D) and including two pins (2, 3), parallel to each other in one direction (D1) and arranged for limiting the radial beat of a balance spring (20) inserted between said pins, and including a means of resting on said index (10) arranged, when said balance spring boot (1) is assembled on said index (10), for adjusting said direction (D1) parallel to said pivot axis (D). Said spring boot (1) includes in a parallel direction to said direction (D1) a sight hole (4) clear so as to allow visualisation by an operator or instrument of said pins (2, 3) and the portion of a balance spring (20) inserted between them at a distance from and/or in contact with one and/or the other of said pins (2, 3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.

Abstract: A spiral spring (10) for the movement of a watch, includes a plurality of coplanar leaves (10a, 10b) wound into one another. Furthermore, the inner ends of each leaf are rigidly connected to a single collet (12). The leaves (10a, 10b) and the collar (12) are produced as a single part.

Abstract: The driving and transmitting element (10, 50) is in the form of a ring (20) having an outer face (32) from which a stud (40) extends radially. Application to a roller table (60, 70) of a lever escapement (80) for a timepiece (90) including such a driving and transmitting element (10, 50) for rotating the anchor (84) and for transmitting an impulse from the anchor (84) to the roller table (60, 70).

Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece balance (1), with inertia adjustment including a hub (2) pivoting about a balance staff (3) and a felloe (5), connected to said hub (2) by a joining surface (6). It is wherein said felloe (5) is made in a single piece with said joining surface (6) and said hub (2) in a micro-machinable material, or silicon, or quartz, or a compound thereof, or an alloy derived from MEMS technology, or an alloy obtained by the “LIGA” method, and in that it includes at least a first resilient arm (40) including coupling means (41) arranged for cooperating, in various coupling positions, with complementary coupling means (42) comprised in said felloe (5) to form, in the coupling position, a closed loop, the inertia of which relative to said balance staff (3) is variable according to said coupling positions. The invention also concerns a sprung balance or a timepiece incorporating a balance of this type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hairspring for a timepiece hairspring-balance oscillator, which can be produced, in particular, from a low-density material such as silicon, diamond or quartz, and to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring. According to the invention, this hairspring comprises at least one leaf (2) the cross section of which has a thickness and a height and its characterizing feature is that the leaf (2) comprises a plurality of apertures (3) extending in the heightwise direction of the leaf and alternating with bridges (5). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a hairspring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balance spring (1, 1?) including a first hairspring (3, 3?) the curve of which extends in a first plane, a second hairspring (5, 5?) the curve of which extends in a second plane parallel to the first plane, an attachment member (4, 4?) securing one end of the curve of the first hairspring (3, 3?) to one end of the curve of the second hairspring (5, 5?) so as to form a dual balance spring (1, 1?) in series. According to the invention, the curve of the first hairspring (3, 3?) and the curve of the second hairspring (5, 5?) each include a continuously variable pitch and are symmetrical relative to a straight line (A) parallel to the first and second planes and passing through the median plane of projection of the attachment member (4, 4?) and in that each curve respects the relations. Px(0)=0 and Py(1)=2Py(0) in order to reduce displacements of the centre of mass thereof during contraction and expansion. The invention concerns the field of sprung balance resonators.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a balance spring assembly in silicon including a hairspring made in a wafer of given crystalline orientation, in a plane. The volume of the assembly is broken down into sub-components, inscribed in parallelepiped prisms, in secant pairs, at the junction areas, perpendicular to each other, each made in a wafer selected for the thickness or crystalline orientation thereof. A terminal curve is made in an orthogonal plane to that of the hairspring joining it directly to a point in space, the projection of which into the plane is located external to the hairspring. The sub-components are assembled at the junction areas by assembling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical oscillating system for watches, especially wrist watches, having a balance spring and an oscillating body.

Abstract: [Task] A constant-modulus alloy, which has a low saturation magnetic flux density to provide weakly magnetic properties, a high Young's modulus, a low temperature coefficient of Young's modulus, and high hardness, is provided. A hairspring, a mechanical driving apparatus and a watch and clock, in which the alloy is used, are provided. [Means for Solution] The alloy consists essentially of, by atomic weight ratio, 20 to 40% Co and 7 to 22% Ni, with the total of Co and Ni being 42.0 to 49.5%, 5 to 13% Cr and 1 to 6% Mo, with the total of Cr and Mo being 13.5 to 16.0%, and with the balance being essentially Fe (with the proviso that Fe is present in an amount of 37% or more) and inevitable impurities. The alloy is heated to a temperature of 1100 degrees C. or higher and lower than the melting point, followed by cooling. The alloy is subsequently subjected to repeated wiredrawing and intermediate annealing at 800 to 950 degrees C., thereby forming a wire at a working ratio of 90% or more.

Abstract: The collet, which can be made in a single piece and at the same time as the balance-spring, is formed by a plate (1) which includes an aperture (3) for attachment to a balance staff (5) and has an asymmetrical contour (9) which follows at a substantially constant distance d the contour of the first coil (11) of the inner terminal curve. The plate can further include recesses (13) for repositioning the centre of gravity g on the balance staff (5).

Abstract: An oscillator system (30) of a mechanical timepiece, comprising: at least one balance wheel (35) that is free to rotate about an axis; and at least one hairspring (31) connecting the at least one balance wheel (35) to a fixed point or to another balance wheel (36), the hairspring (31) including: a first coil (32) connected to the at least one balance wheel (35); and a second coil (33) connected to the fixed point or to the another balance wheel (36); and a transition section (34) connecting the first coil (32) to the second coil (33), wherein an approximately linear restoring torque for the at least one balance wheel (35) is primarily provided by elastic deformation of the transition section (34) and the coils (32, 33), in order to generate an oscillatory motion for the at least one balance wheel (35).

Abstract: Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator, comprising n blades, where n?2, which are fastened via at least one of their respective homologous ends and wound in spirals with an angular offset capable of neutralizing the lateral forces liable to be exerted on its central arbor when one of the ends of each blade is moved angularly around said central arbor relative to its other end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Breguet overcoil balance spring (1) that includes a hairspring (3) mounted in a single part, made of micro-machinable material, and coaxially with a collet (5). According to the invention, the balance spring has a terminal curve (7) made of micro-machinable material and an elevation device (9) made of micro-machinable material between the outer coil (15) of the hairspring and the terminal curve to improve the concentric development of the balance spring. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the balance spring. The invention concerns the field of timepiece making.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a regulating organ, in particular a regulating organ adapted to be integrated into a mechanical watch. The regulating organ comprises a first balance and a first spiral. Moreover, the regulating organ comprises at least one second balance fastened on the axle of said first balance. The present invention also concerns a movement of a mechanical watch or a watch piece comprising such a regulating organ.

Abstract: This flat balance spring for a horological balance comprises a wound strip shaped to ensure an approximately concentric development of the balance spring and almost zero force on the pivots and on the fixing point, during a rotation of less than 360° of its inner end relative to its outer end in both directions from its rest position. The stiffness of its strip decreases gradually and through more than 360° from each of its two ends, the lowest stiffness being situated in the median part of said strip.

Abstract: A micro-mechanical part made of insulating material, such as a silicon balance spring (1) for a timepiece movement, tends to adhere to a neighboring part when it is in movement, such as the balance cock (9). This drawback is removed by carrying out, over all or part of the surface, a thin deposition of a layer of conductive material, such as a metal, which is preferably non-oxidizing and non-magnetic, such as gold, platinum, rhodium or silicon.

Abstract: A balance spring-collet assembly for a timepiece movement comprises a collet (1) and a balance spring (3) attached at its inner end to the collet (1). The collet (1) is capable of being mounted onto a shaft (2). The external periphery of the collet (1) defines abutments (10a, 10b, 10c) against which the inner turn of the balance spring (3) may come to rest during a shock before the elastic limit of the inner turn is exceeded. The abutments (10a, 10b, 10c) are situated at respective distances (Ra, Rb, Rc) from the center (O) of the shaft (2) that increase in the direction (D) of the balance spring (3) from the inside to the outside starting at the point (8) of junction between the balance spring (3) and the collet (1).

Abstract: The balance spring is made from a photostructurable glass plate by UV irradiation, thermal treatment and etching, said glass having a Young's modulus thermal coefficient CTE0. The value CTE0 of selected zones of the balance spring are altered to a value CTEi by UV irradiation through one or several masks, possibly completed by a thermal treatment.

Abstract: The application discloses a method of making a balance spring (100) from continuous fibers or ceramic by winding them around a cylindrical former (90), interspaced with a releasing agent (110). Also disclosed is a method of making a balance spring, preferably of a ceramic material (60), by applying it to a rotating former (70) mandrel or plate and subsequently heat treating. Balance wheels (30) having a moment of inertia which decreases with a rise in temperature due to a special arrangement of components (8, 9, 10) having different coefficients of thermal expansion are also disclosed. A mechanical oscillator system comprising a non-magnetic ceramic or continuous fiber balance spring (50) and a non-magnetic balance wheel (30) formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 6×10?6K?1 and having a plurality of non-magnetic poising or timing appendages (5) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical watch oscillators comprising an assembly consisting of a spiral and a temperature compensated balance. The spiral is embodied in a quartz substrate whose section is selected in such a way that the drifts of the spiral and of the balance associated therewith are thermally compensated. The substrate section can be embodied in the form of a section of single or double rotation.

Abstract: Mechanical oscillator for a timepiece comprising a balance (10) and a hairspring (12). The balance (10) and the hairspring (12) are produced from the same material. This material is non-magnetic and has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A balance wheel having a thermally adjustable moment of inertia is described. In one aspect, the balance wheel includes radially movable compensation portions formed of shape memory material exhibiting a two-way memory effect. The radius of gyration of the balance wheel is therefore adjustable with temperature to compensate for thermoelastic effects in a balance spring attached to the balance wheel. In another aspect, a thermally stable balance wheel includes dynamically adjusting appendages whose expansion or contraction with temperature relative to the balance wheel cause change in its moment of inertia. The invention can compensate for both ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ thermoelastic spring behaviour.

Abstract: Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator, comprising n blades, where n?2, which are fastened via at least one of their respective homologous ends and wound in spirals with an angular offset capable of neutralizing the lateral forces liable to be exerted on its central arbor when one of the ends of each blade is moved angularly around said central arbor relative to its other end.

Abstract: A regulatorless oscillating system for a watch includes a spiral balance spring having an inner fastening point attached to a collet which can be connected to a balance staff, an outer fastening point connected to a balance spring stud, and an end region adjacent to the stud. The end region is held so that it can be adjustably positioned in a plane which is perpendicular to the balance staff, thereby decentralizing the balance spring in order to compensate for isochronism errors.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator system comprising a balance wheel and a spiral or helicoidal balance spring for use in horological mechanisms or other precision instruments. The balance spring is made of a non-magnetic composite, polymer, carbon or ceramic material, preferably a composite material of carbon fibres in a polymer, carbon or ceramic matrix, and the balance wheel is made from a non-magnetic ceramic. The values of the thermal expansion coefficients for the balance spring and balance wheel are similar, very small and stable over a wide temperature range. The expansion coefficients in the axial sense of the spring and of the balance wheel are of opposite sign and they compensate one another. The density of these materials is smaller than that of the currently used metals. Through this combination of materials it is possible to obtain significant advantages and a higher level of accuracy and stability compared with metal oscillator systems.

Abstract: The balance-spring is structured by photolithography and etching in a strip pre-cut from a quartz monocrystal such that the height h of the coils form, with the crystallographic axis z, an angle ? for adapting the thermal behaviour of the balance-spring to that of the balance, thereby reducing the variation of rate due to temperature variations.

Abstract: A regulatorless oscillating system for a watch includes a spiral balance spring having an inner fastening point attached to a collet which can be connected to a balance staff, an outer fastening point connected to a balance spring stud, and an end region adjacent to the stud. The end region is held so that it can be adjustably positioned in a plane which is perpendicular to the balance staff, thereby decentralizing the balance spring in order to compensate for isochronism errors.

Abstract: A speed control mechanism has a balance with hairspring mounted to undergo oscillation movement and a regulator structure for adjusting a position of the balance with hairspring. The regulator structure is formed of a nonmagnetic material to prevent reduction of an oscillation angle of the balance with hairspring during oscillation movement thereof.

Abstract: A regulating device including a balance (1) and a plane hairspring (2) for a time piece movement, the plane hairspring (2) including a stiffened portion (8) in its outer turn (7) that is arranged to cause the deformations of the turns to be substantially concentric. The spacing (d) between a terminal portion of the outer turn (7) and the last-but-one turn (9) of the hairspring (2) is large enough for said last-but-one turn (9) to remain free radially during expansions of the hairspring (2) up to amplitudes corresponding substantially to the maximum angle of rotation of the balance (1) in the movement.

Abstract: The balance-spring (1) includes a plurality of coils (3) of which the end (6, 8) of the outer curve (2) is rigidified by deformation in order to define accurately the setting point (7) of said balance-spring, said deformation being able to be achieved by bending the end (6) of the outer curve (2) through 90° in a plane perpendicular to the height of the balance-spring (1) or by folding down through 180° a portion of the end (8) of the outer curve (2) against the inner or outer face of said end (2).

Abstract: An oscillating system for a mechanical timepiece includes an annular balance wheel arranged in a fixed manner coaxially in relation to a rotatably mounted balance staff. A helical spring encloses the balance staff and has its inner end fastened on the balance staff and its outer end fastened on a fastening device. The fastening device has a helical-spring connector with an inner clamping jaw and an outer clamping jaw, the inner clamping jaw being radially inside of the outer clamping jaw in relation to the axis of rotation of the balance staff. The outer end of the helical spring may be clamped firmly between a clamping surface of the inner clamping jaw and a clamping surface of the outer clamping jaw.

Abstract: The balance-spring is formed by a first assembly, comprising the coils (3) and the outer curve (2), made in a first material such as Elinvar having an elastic torque that is insensitive or almost insensitive to elongation, temperature and magnetic field variations, and by a second assembly secured to the first assembly, comprising in particular the inner curve (4) made of a second material essentially selected for its mechanical properties and for the shapeability of said inner curve (4) along the most favourable contour for concentric expansion of the balance-spring, such as a Grossmann curve (14), said second assembly also being able to comprise a collet (5).

Abstract: The collet is formed by a metal band (10) whose inner contour (11) delimits the recesses (11a, 11b, 11c) for driving the collet onto a balance staff (2) and whose outer contour (12) includes a function point (4) between the collet and the balance spring (9) located at the end of an arm (14) at a distance R from the centre 0 of the staff (2) greater than that of any other point (6, 8, 13, 15, 17) of the outer contour (12). It is characterised in that the inner contour (11) includes a discrete number of points of contact (1, 3, 5, 7) with the staff (2) distributed along identical or different angular apertures ? and in that width “I” of the band (10) varies such that the compression forces of the contact points (1, 3, 5, 7) on the staff (2) do not substantially alter the distance R after driving in, leading to a friction torque allowing angular orientation of the collet on the staff (2) and not introducing any unbalance.