For Setting Patents (Class 368/185)
  • Patent number: 11874633
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the operating frequency of an electronic watch via a computer application installed in a portable electronic device, the adjustment method including the following steps, performed by the computer application: generating a pulsed reference signal in the portable electronic device, converting the pulsed reference signal into a modulated optical signal consisting of light pulses, transmitting the modulated optical signal to the electronic watch via the light source or via a modulation of the light emitted by the screen of the portable electronic device, and the following steps, performed by the electronic watch: reconstituting the pulsed reference signal from the modulated optical signal received by the optical sensor, correcting an inhibition value stored in the memory of an adjustment circuit of the electronic watch as a function of the pulsed reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventor: Francois Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 11774911
    Abstract: A timepiece indexing element cooperating coaxially with a component including an indexing relief element defining indexing positions, including a first bearing surface cooperating in abutment with the component, elastic return device exerting a radial thrust on this component to press it onto this first bearing surface, and indexing device cooperating with the indexing relief element, these elastic return devices include at least a first elastic arm including a first indexing surface comprised in this indexing device and arranged to exert a radial thrust force on the component and, at least a second elastic arm arranged to exert a radial thrust force on the first elastic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Julien Saglini
  • Patent number: 11740715
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher Werner, Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11579567
    Abstract: A dial includes a ring in the form of an annular plate, a central disc mounted in a concentric and essentially coplanar manner with respect to the ring, the diameter of the central disc being less than the internal diameter of the ring so as to form an annular area between the two, and a transparent part which covers the annular area. Further, the transparent part is fixed to the central disc and to the ring to secure these elements to each other. The dial can be used in a timepiece with a universal time display and makes it possible to mount a twenty-four hour disc underneath the dial, and to view the markings on the twenty-four disc through the transparent part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Gregory Kissling, Antonio Ventura
  • Patent number: 11556190
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher Werner, Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11513613
    Abstract: An input mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Collin R. Petty, Adam T. Clavelle
  • Patent number: 11327445
    Abstract: A rotation detecting apparatus includes a rotating member, detectors regarding a rotating direction of the rotating member, and a predetermined unit. Each detector detects whether a predetermined standard direction is included in detecting ranges different for each rotating member and outputs a result. The predetermined unit combines the detection result output from each detector and extracts an angle range. The predetermined unit specifies the rotating direction of the rotating member based on changes in the angle ranges extracted a plurality of times occurring in the plurality of times. The detecting range corresponding to each of the plurality of detectors is determined to be able to identify relative positions before and after a change from the angle range extracted by the predetermined unit to the angle range that is clockwise or counterclockwise apart a predetermined number or less to the angle range extracted, the predetermined number being two or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kato, Mototaka Minakuchi, Chiharu Shiratori
  • Patent number: 11287778
    Abstract: A method of setting/calibrating a feature or function in a setting/calibrating mode of an electronic device including at least one actuatable selector, wherein the setting/calibrating of the feature or function requires an actuation of the at least one selector, wherein the electronic device includes at least one indicator hand coupled to an actuation mechanism that rotates the at least one indicator hand in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, wherein the method includes the steps of using the at least one indicator hand to indicate the actuatable selector for actuation; setting/calibrating the feature or function; and exiting the setting/calibration mode. An electronic device, that carries out the foregoing method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Timex Group USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Felix Poguntke
  • Patent number: 11221697
    Abstract: A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Christopher Werner, Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 11033984
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to laser-based processes for forming features on the surface of a part. The feature may include a geometric element, a color element, and/or a surface finish element. In some cases, the laser-formed features are formed as a pattern of textured features that produce an aesthetic and/or tactile effect on the surface of the part. In some cases, the texture features may be sufficiently small that they may not be discerned by the unaided human eye. Also, in some cases, a multiple laser-based processes are combined to form a single feature or a finished part having a specific aesthetic and/or tactile effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Peter N. Russell-Clarke, Michael S. Nashner, Houtan R. Farahani
  • Patent number: 11022941
    Abstract: A timepiece case, including a seat which guides inside it a push-piece for supplying energy, including a control member which can be operated with pressure against resilient return device and which is integral with driving device, the push-piece or the case including a flat cam track, the case or the push-piece including a pivot about which an arm carrying a pin following the profile of this track pivots, which track includes elbows directed towards the pivot and defining stable positions of the pin and ramps arranged so that any pressure applied on the control member when it is in the rest position causes the pin to come out of its stable position and to travel, under the action of the resilient return device, towards another stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Harry Winston SA
    Inventors: Jean Baebler, Johnny Buehler
  • Patent number: 10955937
    Abstract: An input mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a rotational manipulation mechanism, such as a cap or shaft. The input mechanism also includes a sensor having first capacitive elements coupled to the manipulation mechanism, second capacitive elements, and a dielectric positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. Movement of the manipulation mechanism alters the positions of the first and second capacitive elements with respect to each other and is determinable based on capacitance changes resulting therefrom. In some implementations, the second capacitive elements may be part of an inner ring or partial ring nested at least partially within an outer ring or partial ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Tyler S. Bushnell, Collin R. Petty, Adam T. Clavelle
  • Patent number: 10281880
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic timepiece with two analog type hands. The timepiece includes an hour hand and a minute hand, the hour hand and the minute hand being arranged to operate independently of each other. The hour hand and the minute hand are arranged to operate in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode, which is arranged to be actuated by the timepiece detecting an event. In the second operating mode, the hour hand and the minute hand are arranged to operate in a different manner from their mode of operation in the first operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Vittorio Zanesco, Pascal Lagorgette
  • Patent number: 10018963
    Abstract: A control system for a rotating element of a timepiece including a control element for actuating the rotating element and a transmission device between the control element and the rotating element. In the control system a gearing device includes a hybrid gearing device including a first element, which is movable around a first rotation axis and including a drive runner made from elastomeric material, and a second element, which is movable around a second rotation axis and including a rolling tooth system. The drive runner cooperates with the rolling tooth system by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AG
    Inventors: Philipp Tschumi, Sebastien Briswalter
  • Patent number: 10019097
    Abstract: An input mechanism, such as a crown, detects amounts of applied force. In various examples, an assembly including an input mechanism has an enclosure; a stem coupled to the enclosure such that the stem is rotatable, translatable, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure; a sensor, coupled between the stem and the housing, to which force is transferred when the stem moves with respect to the housing; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor. The processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Erik G. de Jong, Fletcher R. Rothkopf
  • Patent number: 9973182
    Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for generating clock signals. For example, certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a clock generation circuit. The clock generation circuit may include a first transistor connected in cascode with a second transistor, wherein an input clock node of the circuit is coupled to gates of the first and second transistors. The clock generation circuit may also include a frequency divider circuit having an input coupled to the input clock node, wherein an output of the frequency divider circuit is coupled to a source of the second transistor, and wherein an output node of the circuit is coupled to drains of the first and second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Animesh Paul, Jingcheng Zhuang, Xinhua Chen, Ravi Sridhara
  • Patent number: 9924815
    Abstract: A waterproof, sound emitting feeding utensil includes a handle surrounding an inner cavity, a utensil shaped tip that is interchangeably securable to the handle, a waterproof, magnetic speaker sized and configured for storage in the inner cavity of the handle, a printed circuit board located in the inner cavity of the handle, the printed circuit board including a plurality of switches in connection with a sound chip that includes a plurality of digital sound files, each of the plurality of switches being linked to a corresponding one of the plurality of digital sound files, and wherein the printed circuit board is in electrical connection with the magnetic speaker, and a plurality of buttons mounted within the handle, each of the plurality of buttons being depressible against a corresponding one of the plurality of switches on the printed circuit board for causing the corresponding one of the plurality of digital sound files to play through the magnetic speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: PB&J Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis L. Canty
  • Patent number: 9740172
    Abstract: An analog electronic timepiece is an analog electronic watch capable of displaying a plurality of types of calendar information, and includes a first index adapted to indicate the type of the calendar information, and a second index adapted to indicate a value of the calendar information of the type indicated by the first index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Makoto Okeya
  • Patent number: 9720381
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying an adjusted time to a user are provided. A time display device that normally displays the correct time is used to display a modified time. This modified time is unknown to the user so that the user cannot know what the time offset is and is forced to assume that the current time is displayed. The modified time may be an advanced time or a time that is set backwards, depending on when the user wants to arrive at an event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Charles Todasco
  • 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: 9524007
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a power management integrated circuit comprises a finite state machine having a first terminal to receive a digital command signal, a second terminal to receive a clock signal, and a third terminal to receive a first reset signal to reset the finite state machine into a predetermined operational state. A plurality of diagnostic registers is configured to store a signal state of the digital command signal or a clock state of the clock signal, or both in response to the first reset signal. The diagnostic registers are configured to maintain the signal state or the clock state, or both after powering down of the power management integrated circuit in response to the first reset signal. The diagnostic registers are configured to allow retrieval of the stored signal state or the stored clock state, or both upon power on of the power management integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond Keith Rosik, Steven M. Bidermann
  • Patent number: 9471037
    Abstract: Spring (10) for clock mechanism, the spring comprising a body (11) extending between a first end (12) of the spring and a second end (13) of the spring, the spring being intended to be connected mechanically to a housing at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member (17) intended to act by contact on an element (42) of the clock mechanism, characterized in that the body comprises a deformable zone (14) extending in a curve (18) and in that the curve comprises a first part (18a) that is concave when viewed from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventors: Christian Fleury, Blaise Fracheboud
  • Patent number: 9429913
    Abstract: Device with coaxial disengageable wheels for a timepiece movement including an input wheel, an output wheel, a hub, and a jumper mechanism including a spring and positioning elements defining a certain number of discrete angular positions of the input wheel with respect to the output wheel around an axis of rotation. The positioning elements including hollow elements and protruding elements, the spring being configured to apply an elastic force pushing the protruding elements against the hollow elements to couple the wheels to each other below a disengagement torque. The protruding elements and the hollow elements extend in the axial direction and the spring is configured to apply an elastic force in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Daniel Gruenig, Baptist Wyssbrod, David Benjamin Kraehenbuehl
  • Patent number: 9411316
    Abstract: A coupling device for timepieces that includes an entry wheel, a coupling wheel, and a first exit wheel. The coupling wheel is disposed substantially coplanar to the plane of rotation of the entry wheel and of the first exit wheel and is adapted to tilt relative to the plane of rotation to occupy a first coupling position in which the coupling wheel meshes with the first exit wheel and a second coupling position in which the coupling wheel is decoupled from the first exit wheel. The device also includes a movable element to control the change of position between the first and the second position of the coupling wheel. The coupling wheel defines an axis of rotation that can be inclined relative to the normal to the plane of rotation of the entry wheel and of the first exit wheel by being mounted pivotably at each of the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Société anonyme de la Manufacture d'horlogerie Audemars Piguet & Cie
    Inventors: Marc-Olivier Pages, Giulio Papi, Lauren Musitelli, Johan Montet
  • Patent number: 9239568
    Abstract: Spring (10) for clock mechanism, the spring comprising a body (11) extending between a first end (12) of the spring and a second end (13) of the spring, the spring being intended to be connected mechanically to a housing at each of the first and second ends, the spring comprising, between the first and the second end, at least one member (17) intended to act by contact on an element (42) of the clock mechanism, characterized in that the body comprises a deformable zone (14) extending in a curve (18) and in that the curve comprises a first part (18a) that is concave when viewed from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventors: Christian Fleury, Blaise Fracheboud
  • Patent number: 9195812
    Abstract: A method is provided for entering a password. The method includes: providing a display means which is coupled to a data processing means; displaying a timepiece with a first representation of a timepiece element on the display means, detecting a user input; and assigning an alphanumeric character of the password to the user input and the first representation of the timepiece element or a further representation of the timepiece element. In some instances, the first representation of the timepiece element is time dependent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Hannes Bonhoff
  • Publication number: 20150117163
    Abstract: A holding and indexing device for integration in a setting device of timepieces, including a fixedly-attached bushing, an axially-displaceable and rotatable shaft mounted within the bushing, a transmission element attached to the shaft end directed into the interior of the timepiece and allowing the drive of a timepiece part in the interior, and a resilient element exerting a preload force in the axial direction of the shaft. The device additionally includes an indexing ring attached to the shaft in an axially-sliding manner and having an indexing toothing. The transmission element, on a side face directed towards the ring, includes a side toothing engaged with the indexing toothing due to the force of the resilient element. In at least one direction of rotation of the shaft, applying force onto the indexing ring causes disengagement of the indexing and side toothings, thus allowing a position indexing of the timepiece part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Ferdinand SPEICHINGER
  • 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: 8942067
    Abstract: A mechanism for displaying and correcting a state of two different time measurable quantities for a timepiece includes a movement driving a first display mechanism to display a first measurable time quantity and a second display mechanism to display a second measurable time quantity, and including an adjusting member. The first and second display mechanisms respectively include first and second drive mechanisms sharing a common drive mechanism driven by the movement, and controlling a driving of one of the display mechanisms by instantaneous jumps and of the other by dragging. The display mechanisms respectively include a first and a second correction mechanism, sharing a common correction mechanism driven by the adjusting member independent of the common drive mechanism, including a friction safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventor: Ivan Villar
  • Publication number: 20140269219
    Abstract: Universal running equation of time mechanism including a differential device outputting a running equation minute which indicates the difference between civil time and solar time, the running equation minute driving a true running equation minute which drives a true running equation hour, a jumper spring cooperating with a star wheel connected to an arbour carrying a true running equation hour hand, a time zone wheel carrying the true running equation hour hand, a train making it possible to apply, to the true running equation hour, the time difference associated with the longitude position of a user, the time zone wheel making it possible to apply, to the arbour carrying the true running equation hour hand the difference between the true running equation hour and the civil hour at the place where the user is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Blancpain SA
    Inventor: Marco Rochat
  • Publication number: 20140192626
    Abstract: A watch includes a first input for a actuating an audible announcement of the time and a second input for adjusting a volume of the announcement. The first input produces a second signal that changes an operating mode of the watch to a second operating mode in which a second parameter is adjusted by the second input. The first input is a cover or glass of the watch and the second input is a rotatable bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Royal Hali Iplik Tekstil Mobilya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Kathleen Wolff, Scott William Doyle
  • Patent number: 8705322
    Abstract: A timepiece device with multiple-hand which can be miniaturized and made thin as a whole has a configuration where a hour hand hour wheel positioned close to an hour hand to which a rotation movement of a 3rd motor via an hour hand gear train mechanism and a functional hand hour wheel positioned close to a functional hand to which a rotation movement of a 4th motor via a functional hand gear train mechanism are arranged on a front side of a support plate, and a 4th wheel positioned close to a second hand and a 2nd wheel positioned close to a minute hand are arranged on a rear side of the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Makoto Sawada
  • Patent number: 8693289
    Abstract: A timepiece device with multiple-hand includes: one or more hands driven to rotate by one or more driving motors; one or more gear train mechanisms include gears which transmit a rotation movement of the driving motors to the hands; and a support plate which supports the gears; wherein the gears include: a first gear which includes a pair of gear members provided on front and rear sides of the support plate; a second gear which meshes with a gear member provided on the rear side to transmit a rotation movement of one of the driving motors to the first gear; and a third gear which meshes with a gear member provided on the front side to transmit a rotation movement of one of the driving motors to the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Makoto Sawada
  • Publication number: 20130201802
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventor: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8454225
    Abstract: Device for electromechanical watch (1) allowing an electronic control circuit of the watch (1) movement to determine the moment at which and the direction in which an indication showing a magnitude of time has to be corrected, said device including a wheel (68), which is driven by the watch (1) movement and carries means (70, 72) for actuating first and second detection means (46a, 46b) connected to the electronic control circuit, said electronic control circuit deducing, from the moment at which and the order in which the first and second detection means (46a, 46b) are actuated by the means actuating the wheel (68) driven by the watch (1) movement, the direction in which the wheel (68) is being driven by the movement at the moment when the magnitude of time has to be respectively incremented or decremented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacturing Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Christian Salzmann, Laurent Kaelin
  • Patent number: 8382366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Montres Breguet SA
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Olivier Karlen, Christophe Bifrare
  • Publication number: 20120155223
    Abstract: Coupling device 3 between activation means 1 and mechanical display means 2 of a display mechanism, wherein the coupling device 3 is adapted to apply a motion to said mechanical display means 2, in response to activation of the activation means, wherein the motion applied to the mechanical display means 2 is inertial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: THE SWATCH GROUP RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD
    Inventor: David HOOVER
  • Publication number: 20110242947
    Abstract: This timepiece is provided with a device for the adjustment of functions and time indications comprising a selection control (L) for each time indication which has to be adjusted and a control (T) for adjustment of the said selected time indications. At least the selection control (L) or the indication which has to be adjusted is kinematically linked with a selection cam (C1) comprising a profile corresponding to two states 0, 1, corresponding to a non-selection state and a selection state respectively, the control device comprising means (L1, L2, L3) for connecting the adjustment control (T) to each of the selected time indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: ROLEX S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Alain Graemiger, Arnaud Rosenzweig
  • Publication number: 20110216630
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece can reduce a burden imposed on a user who performs a manipulation for correcting the positional displacement of a pointer when a position of the pointer is displaced due to the demonstration of the pointer movement. The electronic timepiece includes: a pointer which is rotated in a first direction based on a manipulation signal corresponding to a manipulation from the outside; and a control part which performs the demonstration of the pointer movement in which the pointer is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the first direction, wherein the pointer is positioned at a position where a rotational angle in the first direction from a preset reference position is smaller than a rotational angle in a second direction from the reference position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shimizu, Tomohiro Ihashi, Kenji Ogasawara, Kazuo Kato, Kazumi Sakumoto, Akira Takakura, Eriko Noguchi, Takanori Hasegawa, Keishi Honmura, Saburo Manaka, Kosuke Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110205855
    Abstract: Device for electromechanical watch (1) allowing an electronic control circuit of the watch (1) movement to determine the moment at which and the direction in which an indication showing a magnitude of time has to be corrected, said device including a wheel (68), which is driven by the watch (1) movement and carries means (70, 72) for actuating first and second detection means (46a, 46b) connected to the electronic control circuit, said electronic control circuit deducing, from the moment at which and the order in which the first and second detection means (46a, 46b) are actuated by the means actuating the wheel (68) driven by the watch (1) movement, the direction in which the wheel (68) is being driven by the movement at the moment when the magnitude of time has to be respectively incremented or decremented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGÈRE SUISSE
    Inventors: Christian SALZMANN, Laurent KAELIN
  • Publication number: 20110205856
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: MONTRES BREGUET SA
    Inventors: Alain Zaugg, Olivier Karlen, Christophe Bifrare
  • Patent number: 8000174
    Abstract: In a timepiece with a striking mechanism, for example a minute repeater watch, in order to prevent the control stem (9) inadvertently setting the time during operation of the striking work and causing damage, an uncoupling device is inserted in the time-setting train (17), and is controlled via a mobile part of the striking mechanism. The uncoupling device includes an intermediate motion wheel (19) that can be moved, for example axially, from a rest position in which it is meshed with the castle wheel (16). Said mobile part of the striking mechanism is preferably the strike barrel arbour (46), carrying a rotating cam (56) with a spiral profile. At the start of actuation of the striking mechanism, the cam pushes a lifting lever (60), which raises a strip (25) controlling the vertical movement of the intermediate motion wheel (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Rochat, Edmond Capt, Cédric Reymond
  • Patent number: 7957226
    Abstract: A correction device for a timepiece display mechanism, which includes a display member fitted with a toothing of pitch P, includes a pinion provided with a toothing of pitch p, mounted on a winding stem so as to occupy at least one display correcting position A, and a correction wheel mounted between the pinion and the display member. The correction wheel includes a first toothing defined by pitch P, a head diameter D, and a foot diameter d1, formed of teeth including a tip extending substantially angularly, and the tip is cut so as to form a second discontinuous toothing that is coplanar and concentric to the first toothing, defined by pitch p less than the pitch P of the first toothing, a head diameter D equal to the head diameter of the first toothing, and a foot diameter d2 greater than the foot diameter d1 of the first toothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère Suisse
    Inventors: Julien Chaignat, Marco Bettelini
  • Publication number: 20110090768
    Abstract: A watch with a drive by which a gear train of a digital display having one or more number disks driven in rotation in cyclical steps and a manually actuatable disk adjusting mechanism. A drive wheel is advanced rotationally in steps by the drive of the watch and rotationally blocked between the steps. A unit wheel of a unit number disk can be rotationally advanced at ten steps per revolution. A stepping device, driven by the unit wheel drives a tens number disk rotationally at six steps per revolution. An hours number disk, is rotationally advanced directly or indirectly by the tens number disk at twelve steps per revolution during one revolution of the tens number disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Lange Uhren GmbH
    Inventor: Jens SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20110044140
    Abstract: Manual device for adjusting and/or controlling a function of a timepiece comprising a case 2 housing a horological movement, said manual device comprising a rod 3 and a retractable crown 4 mounted in said case, and such that the crown comprises a cylindrical body 16 having a blind cylindrical hollow 5 surrounding a tubular passage 6 designed to surround said rod 3 and connect it kinematically in rotation to the crown 4, at least one elastically deformable means 8 pushing the crown outwards relative to the case 2, the device comprising a base 10 in the shape of a cylindrical cover designed to be fixed into the watch case and traversed by said rod 3, and an indexing structure 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 attached to said base and making it possible to index an indexing ring 15 coupled translationally, but free in rotation, to the end of said tubular passage 6 of the crown, and making it possible, via successive applications of pressure to the crown, to move from a retracted or rest position to a working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: G. et F. Chatelain S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Marti
  • Patent number: 7891863
    Abstract: The invention concerns a corrector device for a timepiece for correcting a piece of information provided by an indicator mechanism (46), the timepiece comprising a case (1) delimiting a volume (8), the device being characterised in that it includes a control lever (14) located outside the volume (8) of the case (1) and able to be actuated by a user, and an actuating lever (16) located inside the volume (8) of the case (1) and cooperating with the indicator mechanism (46) providing the information to be corrected, the control lever (14) and the actuating lever (16) being connected to each other by a stem (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Blancpain S.A.
    Inventor: Georg Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7646677
    Abstract: To provide a portable electronic timepiece capable of downsizing a product without reducing a display area. Zebra rubbers are respectively fixed attached to left and right side faces of a contact member attached portion of a case by making a fixed contact portion constituting a button shaft opposed face thereof disposed on an extension of a button shaft and bringing a section connecting portion thereof into contact with connecting patterns of a contact/main board connecting portion of a main board. When the button shaft is inserted into a button shaft guide hole, a front end thereof is brought into contact with a surface of a bowl type rubber switch member having a section in a channel-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Hisao Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7645068
    Abstract: Watch comprising a mechanism (50) for driving a device (1) that displays a time-dependent value, this drive mechanism (50) itself being driven by the movement of the watch, this watch also having at least one first correction element (42) acting on the display device (50) via a clockwork mechanism (2) of the drive mechanism (50), and at least one second correction element (48) acting directly on the device (1) that displays the time-dependent value, the watch being characterised in that the drive mechanism (50) is arranged so as to drive the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value in both directions when the first correction element (42) is operated, and so as to be overridden when the second correction element (48) is operated, acting directly on the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Compagnie des Montres Longines, Francillon S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Mahler, Alphonse Bron
  • Publication number: 20090296533
    Abstract: A solar panel determines whether or not a wristwatch is in darkness. When the darkness has continued for a predetermined time period, e.g., for 61-70 minutes, it is determined that the wristwatch is not in use and set in a sleep state. Out of seconds, center and hour hands, at least the seconds hand is rotated to a reference position (00-second position) and stopped, and positions of the center and hour hands are detected. Therefore, power consumption during can be reduced when the wristwatch is not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20090296534
    Abstract: When detecting a rotational position of a seconds hand, it is determined whether data stored in a register in correspondence with a supply state of a drive current previously supplied to a coil of a stepping motor is “0”. When the data is “0”, the rotational position of the seconds hand is optically detected. When the data is “1”, the seconds hand is rotated one step, and then, the rotational position of the seconds hand is optically detected. Even though the seconds hand is shifted one second, the position detection is executed every two steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kojima, Nobuhiro Aoki