Solar Cell Patents (Class 368/205)
  • Patent number: 11796965
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes the following. A protecting plate is formed of a material which transmits light. A light transmitting plate is positioned below the protecting plate and is positioned in contact with the protecting plate. A display is provided below the light transmitting plate and includes a display region which can be viewed from outside. An air layer is positioned between the light transmitting plate and the display. A light reflection prevention layer is provided on at least one of a surface of the light transmitting plate facing the air layer and a surface of the display facing the air layer. The protecting plate, the light transmitting plate, the display, the air layer, and the light reflection prevention layer are layered in a thickness direction of the protecting plate. A region in the protecting plate overlapped with the display region of the display includes a window with which waterproof inspection is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 11705621
    Abstract: A timepiece including a case formed of a metal middle part wherein are disposed a metal dial and a remote communication system provided with a multi-band antenna device arranged above the dial, the communication system including a bracelet of the timepiece connected at its ends to the middle part and including a body formed of a plurality of fastening elements having different electrical conduction properties, the arrangement of the fastening elements in the body of the bracelet being configured to achieve an enlargement of the radiation pattern of the antenna device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Thierry Scordilis, Zoran Randjelovic, Jean Gorisse
  • Patent number: 11614713
    Abstract: Provided is a timepiece including: hands being an hour hand, a minute hand and a second hand; a movement for driving the hands; a first dial; a first dial ring having upper and lower surfaces provided with an upper projection and a lower projection, respectively, the first dial ring being disposed on the first dial and positioned relative to the first dial by the lower projection; and a transparent second dial disposed on the first dial ring and positioned relative to the first dial ring by the upper projection, wherein one of the hands is disposed between the first dial and the second dial, while the others of the hands are disposed above the second dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiko Kuroda, Kazuki Tada, Yuya Matsushita, Setsuo Kachi
  • Patent number: 11591663
    Abstract: A paramagnetic stainless steel with a chemical composition including by weight: 26?Cr?40%, 5?Ni?20%, 0?Mn?5%, 0?Al?5%, 0?Mo?3%, 0?Cu?2%, 0?Si?5%, 0?Ti?1%, 0?Nb?1%, 0?C?0.1%, 0?N?0.1%, 0?S?0.5%, 0?P?0.1%, the remainder consisting of iron and any impurities each having a content less than or equal to 0.5%, the steel having a hardness HV10 between 500 and 900. It also relates to a part particularly a horological component made of this steel and to the process for manufacturing the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Joel Porret
  • Patent number: 11449007
    Abstract: A wearable device and a method for performing one or more actions using a wearable device are disclosed. The wearable device includes a bezel ring, a watch dial a flexible ring, and a plurality of springs. The bezel ring includes a plurality of holes along a circumference of the bezel ring for placement of a plurality of magnets. The watch dial includes an outer periphery with another plurality of holes at a uniform distance. The watch dial also includes an inner periphery to house inertial sensors at a predetermined position. The flexible ring placed in between an inner surface of the bezel ring and the watch dial. A plurality of springs are placed within the other plurality of holes of the outer periphery of the watch dial. The bezel ring is configured to support at least one of tilting, shifting and rotation over the watch dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kapil Kumar, Arindam Mondal, Gaurav Gupta
  • Patent number: 11422509
    Abstract: A skeleton watch includes a horological movement housed in a watch case, the horological movement being arranged to rotate at least one hand, the horological movement being covered by a dial, and the dial being disposed between the horological movement and the at least one hand. The dial includes a photochromic plate so that the horological movement is visible when the photochromic plate is exposed to an amount of UV radiation below a first threshold value and the horological movement is masked when the photochromic plate is exposed to an amount of UV radiation above a second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Montres Rado SA
    Inventor: Christian Verdon
  • Patent number: 11258292
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a rechargeable battery, a first battery charger that charges the rechargeable battery by power supplied from an external power supply, a second battery charger that charges the rechargeable battery by a solar panel, and a processor that charges the rechargeable battery to a first voltage by the first battery charger, and charges the rechargeable battery to a second voltage lower than the first voltage by the second battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 11233220
    Abstract: A display panel including: a base substrate including first and second surfaces, a display region and a peripheral region; a pixel layer provided on the display region, the pixel layer including a plurality of pixels; a module hole penetrating the display region; a blocking groove in the display region and adjacent to the module hole, the blocking groove being recessed in the base substrate; an encapsulation layer provided on the pixel layer, the encapsulation layer including a first inorganic layer, a second inorganic layer and an organic layer; and a filling member in the blocking groove, the filling member including a same material as the organic layer, wherein the second inorganic layer covers a top surface of the filling member and a top surface of the first inorganic layer adjacent to the top surface of the filling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junghan Seo, Hyoungsub Lee, Wooyong Sung
  • Patent number: 11126147
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes an outer case having an opening, a cover member having light transmission properties and covering the opening, and a monocrystalline silicon type solar cell accommodated in the outer case, and in which the cover member and the monocrystalline silicon type solar cell overlap each other in a plan view when seen from a thickness direction of the cover member, and the cover member and the monocrystalline silicon type solar cell are joined with a light transmissive adhesive. Furthermore, it is preferable that a display member accommodated in the outer case and displaying information is further included, the monocrystalline silicon type solar cell is provided between the display member and the cover member, and the display member is joined to the monocrystalline silicon type solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hidai, Tsutomu Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 10996629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a timepiece comprising: a mechanical power source coupled to a time indicating display, a generator, wherein the mechanical power source is coupled to the generator, a regulator circuit configured for enslaving a generator frequency of the generator to a reference frequency, wherein the regulator circuit is configured for electrically braking the generator when the generator frequency is higher than the reference frequency, wherein the regulator circuit comprises: at least a first switch, at least a first inductor and at least a first capacitor, wherein the first switch and the first capacitor are arranged parallel to each other and wherein the first switch and the first capacitor are arranged in series with the first inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Massimiliano Bracco
  • Patent number: 10768578
    Abstract: A display hand for a portable object including an indication by the display hand, inside which is housed a rechargeable electrical energy source. The display hand includes at least one solar cell, the electrical energy source being connected to the display hand to be recharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 10551655
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate including a first area, a second area, a third area and a fourth area from an end portion to an inner side in a planar view. An organic insulating film is present in the second area and the third area, and is not present in the fourth area. A conductive film is formed at least on the organic insulating film of the second area. A sealing material is present in the first area, the third area and the fourth area to attach the first substrate and a second substrate. A through portion is adjacent to an inner side of the fourth area and penetrates the first substrate, the second substrate and the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Chinen, Kenji Tanase, Fumihito Shibano, Yuzo Kanari
  • Patent number: 10250062
    Abstract: An energy harvesting timer includes a wireless charging module, a plurality of hands, and a driving module. The hands are connected to the wireless charging module. At least one of the hands serves as a receiving antenna of the wireless charging module. The driving module is connected to the wireless charging module and the hands, receiving energy from the wireless charging module to actuate the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Chih Chen, Yen-Liang Kuo, Chien-Ting Ho
  • Patent number: 10139785
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a smart watch including a watch dial. The smart watch further include: a battery provided in a watch frame of the watch dial to supply electric power to a circuit in the watch dial. According to the present disclosure, by providing batteries in the watch frame and the watchband of the smart watch, spaces occupied by the watch frame and the watchband may be sufficiently utilized to increase total electricity storage capacity of the smart watch such that the smart watch has a prolonged standby time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Defeng Mao
  • Patent number: 10018968
    Abstract: A skeleton watch including a case provided with a back cover and a crystal, and a set of components forming a movement of the skeleton watch, the components being arranged inside the case between the back cover and the crystal and being wholly or partially visible through the crystal, wherein the skeleton watch comprises at least one solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventors: Michel Willemin, Alain Jornod
  • Patent number: 9575466
    Abstract: In a general aspect, an ornamental jewelry piece, such as a watch, a ring or a bracelet, includes a sensor package. In some aspects, a timepiece includes a timepiece body having an interior surface that defines a cavity. The timepiece includes a sensor package and a movement in the cavity. The sensor package includes a sensor that monitors the user and a battery that powers the sensor. The movement operates independent of the battery in the sensor package. In some instances, the sensor package tracks fitness data based on motion detected by the sensor and generates an output to the user based on the fitness data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Fossil Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Brodie Crosley Thompson, Gregory Alan McKelvey, Brandon D. Little, Diarmuid John St. Cullum Bland, Brad William Piercey
  • Patent number: 9548671
    Abstract: A utility meter configured for connection to an AC power line includes a meter housing with a plurality of electronic components arranged within the meter housing and configured to provide consumption data. A power supply is also arranged within the meter housing. The power supply is configured to receive an AC voltage from the AC power line and supply a DC voltage to the electronic components. An AC line voltage booster is positioned connected to the power supply. The AC line voltage booster is configured to increase the voltage from the AC power line received by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Anibal Diego Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9092015
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic timepiece that includes a solar panel which receives light to generate electric power, is operated with the electric power supplied from a secondary battery charged with output voltage of the solar panel, and includes a normal mode in which clock display is performed on a display unit and a power saving mode in which clock display on the display unit is stopped, based on illuminance detection of the solar panel, the electronic timepiece including: a mode control unit which switches cycles of the illuminance detection, by setting a cycle of the illuminance detection of the normal mode as a first cycle (for example, one minute), and a cycle of the illuminance detection of the power saving mode as a second cycle (for example, two seconds).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kato, Akira Takakura, Tomohiro Ihashi, Takanori Hasegawa, Toshitaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 9063516
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a dial plate and a solar battery which is disposed on a rear surface side of the dial plate. The dial plate has an area larger than the solar battery. The solar battery is encompassed by the dial plate in a planar view. The dial plate is provided with grooves or ridges which have a function of condensing incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Oshio
  • Publication number: 20150138935
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a first segment as a first solar cell segment and a second segment as a second solar cell segment disposed adjacent to each other, and each having electrodes respectively on both of obverse and reverse sides, and a conductive member including a base member having flexibility, a first conductive layer disposed on one surface of the base member, and a second conductive layer disposed on the other surface of the base member, and the base member is bent so as to connect the first conductive layer to the obverse side electrode of the first segment, and connect the second conductive layer to the reverse side electrode of the first segment and the obverse side electrode of the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Daisuke NAGANO
  • Patent number: 9036455
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece is operated with a power-supply voltage from a secondary battery charged with a voltage from a solar panel. An oscillation circuit generates and supplies a clock signal to a CPU when the voltage charged to the battery is lower than a first voltage. A reset circuit resets the CPU when the voltage charged to the battery does not exceed a second voltage higher than the first voltage, and cancels the reset of the CPU when the voltage charged to the second battery exceeds the second voltage. The CPU starts an operation when the voltage charged to the secondary battery exceeds the second voltage and the reset is cancelled, and performs a time-of-day display on a display unit when the voltage charged to the secondary battery is equal to or higher than a third voltage higher than the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kato, Akira Takakura, Tomohiro Ihashi, Takanori Hasegawa, Toshitaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 9019802
    Abstract: The solar battery includes a plurality of cells having a same electromotive force with each other. The display device further includes a display means to display time, and a control means to control operation of the display means. The electromotive force of the solar battery is lower than a deterioration-start voltage of the rechargeable battery. The electromotive force of the cells is higher than a lower-limit driving voltage of the display device, in which a number of such cells equals a total number of cells include in the solar battery minus one. A driving voltage of the display means is lower than the aforementioned lower-limit driving voltage, and an operational voltage of the control means is lower than the aforementioned lower-limit driving voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Koike
  • Patent number: 8976630
    Abstract: A dial assembly held within a timepiece case together with a movement for which the hour hand and minute hand are supported to be able to rotate is provided. The movement supports at least one miniature hand to be able to rotate at a position different from the hour hand and minute hand. The dial assembly comprising includes a first dial that is light transmissive, a second dial arranged on the back surface side of the first dial, and at last one spacer forming a ring shape arranged between the first dial and the second dial. The miniature hand rotates within a space enclosed by the first dial, the second dial, and the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Oshio
  • Patent number: 8976632
    Abstract: presenting A timepiece faceplate includes a plate-shaped member provided on one surface with a ridge having a function for reflecting and scattering incident light, which is made of a material having optical transmission properties; and a layer in which numerous powder particles having a function for reflecting light are dispersed and which faces a surface opposite from the surface on which the ridge of the plate-shaped member is provided. The plate-shaped member and the layer of the timepiece faceplate are superimposed when viewed from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koki Takasawa, Takumi Oshio
  • Patent number: 8964512
    Abstract: A wristwatch includes a bezel, a series connected photovoltaic cell, a rechargeable battery, and an electronic device. The bezel defines an internal volume, which houses the photovoltaic cell, the rechargeable battery, and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Emmanuel Fleury, Martin Bisig
  • Patent number: 8934322
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece with a solar cell is provided with a solar cell, a solar cell holding member, a light-transmissive character plate, a ground plate, and a ring-shaped calendar wheel. The solar cell includes a base material that is made of an insulating material, and a light-receiving unit that is arranged on a first surface of the base material. The solar cell holding member is fixedly attached to a second surface of the base material. The light-transmissive character plate is arranged on a timepiece front side of the solar cell. The ground plate is arranged on a back surface of the solar cell. The ring-shaped calendar wheel is disposed between the character plate and the ground plate. The solar cell holding member is arranged on a character plate side of the calendar wheel to position the calendar wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Reiko Nagahama
  • Patent number: 8917579
    Abstract: To provide a timepiece dial that presents a rich stereoscopic effect, and to provide a timepiece comprising the timepiece dial, the timepiece dial of the invention comprises a microlens layer composed of a plurality of microlenses arranged in an orderly fashion as viewed in a planar view, and a decorative layer composed of a repeating design having a plurality of constituent units. As viewed in a planar view, the microlens layer and the decorative layer are superimposed, and the decorative layer has regions where pitches of the constituent units that are adjacent are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koki Takasawa
  • Patent number: 8897101
    Abstract: To offer a timepiece faceplate having exceptional transmission of light as well as exceptional aesthetic appearance, and to offer a timepiece provided with the timepiece faceplate, a timepiece faceplate of the invention is provided with a first plate member including a material having an optical transmission property, and a second plate member including a material having an optical transmission property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Kawakami, Yoshiyuki Obi
  • Patent number: 8879369
    Abstract: To provide a timepiece faceplate having appropriate light permeability with excellent aesthetic appearance having glittering property, and an electrical timepiece equipped with a solar battery, a timepiece faceplate of the invention includes a faceplate main body that has light permeability, and a glittering layer that is provided on either one of a front surface side and a back surface side of the faceplate main body and is configured by dispersing a glittering powder into a light permeable resin. The glittering powder is configured by laminating a metallic oxide film above one surface side of a plate shaped base material, which has light permeability, and the glittering powder is a lamination powder that an average grain diameter is more than 10 ?m and less than 90 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koki Takasawa
  • Patent number: 8873345
    Abstract: A solar power generating device of the present invention includes a first solar section which has a plurality of solar cells arranged flatwise, a second solar section which has a plurality of solar cells arranged flatwise and is placed a predetermined space away and below the first solar section so as to be shifted with respect to the first solar section in a surface direction, and a coupling section which couples the first solar section and the second solar section together. In the solar power generating device, the coupling section has a connecting section placed in an area below the second solar section, and the connecting section is provided with contact terminals to which the first solar section and the second solar section are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Takenawa
  • Patent number: 8867320
    Abstract: A timepiece cover glass used in a timepiece with a solar battery is provided. The timepiece cover glass covers the solar battery. The timepiece cover glass includes an antireflective layer is formed on at least both sides of the timepiece cover glass. A formula (1) is satisfied. f(x, y, z)?40 (1), where (f(x, y, z) expresses the absolute value of the difference between the maximum value and minimum value among x, y, and z, where z=550.), xnm represents a wavelength exhibiting a minimum reflectance in a reflectance curve based on the antireflective layer, ynm represents a maximum sensitivity wavelength of the solar battery, and znm represents a maximum visible sensitivity wavelength, and the luminous reflectance is 0.6% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8861315
    Abstract: A radio-controlled wristwatch that determines whether or not illuminance of light irradiating a solar cell is high, using plural criteria but without directly measuring voltage or current. The wristwatch includes: a solar cell; a control circuit which stops operation under a predetermined condition; and an illuminance detection circuit which indicates illuminance of light irradiating the solar cell being higher than a given threshold value. The wristwatch switches the given threshold value between a first and a second value, larger than the first value, starts the control circuit in a stop state when a signal indicating that the illuminance is higher than the first value is output, receives a satellite signal containing time information from a satellite when a signal indicating that the illuminance is higher than the second value is output, and displays time corresponding to the time information contained in the received satellite signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd., Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takushi Hagita, Akira Kato
  • Publication number: 20140293758
    Abstract: Watch comprising a middle part (2) which, with a crystal (4), delimits a watch case (6), the crystal (4) comprising a top face (8) facing the user and an opposite bottom face (10) facing the watch case (6), an electronic device being arranged on the bottom face (10) of the crystal (4), a printed circuit board (18) being disposed inside the watch case (6), underneath and remote from the electronic device, the watch being characterized in that the watch includes a flange (26) which is disposed between the crystal (4) and the printed circuit board (18) and carries a means of ensuring the electrical connection between the electronic device and the printed circuit board (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: EMMANUEL FLEURY, PASCAL LAGORGETTE, JEAN LACONTE
  • Publication number: 20140247701
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a receiving device that receives a satellite signal transmitted from a positioning information satellite; a display device that displays a time; a time correction unit that acquires time information from the satellite signal received by the receiving device and corrects the time to be displayed on the display device; and a case that accommodates the receiving device, the display device and the time correction unit. Power consumption of the receiving device is 30 mW or less, and a volume of the case is 30,000 mm3 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Honda
  • Publication number: 20140247705
    Abstract: A solar panel of the present invention, above which a pointer mounted on a pointer shaft inserted in a through hole in a center portion of the solar panel moves, includes a plurality of solar cells arranged in a substantially circular shape, and these solar cells have been divisionally formed into a substantially spiral shape so that the pointer is positioned over two of the plurality of solar cells. Accordingly, the pointer can always be positioned over two of the plurality of solar cells, and therefore a decrease of light-receiving area due to the pointer can be distributed between the two solar cells. As a result, a decrease in the output current of the plurality of solar cells over which the pointer is positioned can be suppressed, and the output current of the entire plurality of solar cells can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuta SAITO
  • Publication number: 20140241131
    Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a light-transmitting dial; a solar panel which is arranged on a side opposite to a display surface of the dial; and a secondary battery to which power generated by the solar panel is charged. The solar panel is divided into seven or more solar cells and the respective solar cells are connected to one another in series. Since seven or more solar cells are connected in series, a lithium ion secondary battery whose electromotive voltage is high can be charged. Accordingly, a need for charging by means of an external battery charger can be eliminated and a wristwatch capable of internally having a device requiring larger current consumption such as a receiving device can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Honda
  • Patent number: 8787120
    Abstract: An external element for a wristwatch, containing an electronic device and a power source for powering the electronic device with electric energy, wherein the electronic device and power source are integrated in the exterior element, to form an autonomous electronic module, which is completely independent of the wristwatch movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Emmanuel Fleury, Martin Bisig
  • Patent number: 8787121
    Abstract: To provide an electronic timepiece with a solar cell whereby a movement can be reduced in size and whereby a calendar function using a calendar wheel can be achieved, an electronic timepiece with a solar cell is provided with: a solar cell, a character plate, a ground plate arranged on a back surface of the solar cell, a ring-shaped date wheel arranged between the character plate and the ground plate, and a circuit board electrically connected to an electrode of the solar cell via a conduction spring. The conduction spring is arranged on the inside of the date wheel when in plan view seen from the character plate side. In comparison to a case where a conduction spring is provided to the outside of a date wheel, the movement can be reduced in size, and because the date wheel can be arranged, a calendar function can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Reiko Nagahama
  • Publication number: 20140169142
    Abstract: Portable electronic device capable of processing information, said portable electronic device including a body arranged to be capable of being secured to the user, and at least one electronic assembly for processing information, the body of the portable electronic device being formed by a layer of plastic material which gives the portable electronic device a shape and thickness, characterized in that the portable electronic device includes a first impermeable plastic film which serves as a coating for the layer of plastic material, and a second impermeable plastic film secured to the periphery of the first impermeable plastic film, and in that the electronic assembly for processing information is arranged between the first and second impermeable plastic films. The invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Pascal Heck, Cedric Nicolas
  • Publication number: 20140160903
    Abstract: A timepiece movement includes a battery housing section configured and arranged to house a primary battery and a secondary battery unit in a replaceable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki KOJIMA, Masaru KUBOTA
  • Patent number: 8703024
    Abstract: Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxCo4-aSb12-z-bQz, where Q is at least one selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se and Te; 0<x?0.5; 0?a?1; 0<b?3; and 0<z?4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheol-Hee Park, Tae-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 8699305
    Abstract: A solar cell electronic device includes a cover glass fitted into a case opening of an exterior case via a glass packing, and a solar panel disposed on the back face of the cover glass with a predetermined distance from the cover glass. The case opening has a base portion on the inner periphery thereof for mounting an outer peripheral portion of the cover glass and for positioning the solar panel in a plane direction. The glass packing includes a packing main body interposed between the case opening and the cover glass, and a flange portion that extends from an end on the base portion side of the packing main body and that is interposed between the cover glass and the base portion. The base portion has a base opening through which at least a part of the flange portion is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Hisao Nakamura, Hiroshi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 8699304
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a primary power supply portion generating power by converting a first energy into electric energy as a second energy; a secondary power supply portion storing the electric energy obtained by the power generation; a charge detection portion detecting a state where the secondary power supply portion is not charged with the electric energy; a clocking portion clocking time and stopping display of clocked time when an operation input is detected; and a low power consumption state control portion which measures a time of a state where the operation input is detected and the charging is not performed, and stops the operation of the clocking portion when the measured time exceeds a preset time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Kazumi Sakumoto, Keishi Honmura, Saburo Manaka, Kosuke Yamamoto, Kenji Ogasawara, Hiroshi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8693290
    Abstract: A wristwatch is provided with hand(s) and a disk-shaped indicating member disposed between a first dial and a second dial. The disk-shaped indicating member is structured such that a part of the disk-shaped indicating member is exposed from an opening portion of the first dial and that the disk-shaped indicating member indicates, at a region corresponding to the opening portion, one of a plurality of function display portions SPL, STP and RUN provided on the second dial. The hand(s) and the disk-shaped indicating member rotate about a common driving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Sato
  • Patent number: 8693292
    Abstract: The electronic timepiece has an external case; a time indicating section that indicates the time; a solar panel; and a battery housing section that is provided in a main plate, a positive side contact terminal that is electrically connected to a positive supply terminal of the indication controlling section and configured such that the positive side contact terminal can be brought into contact with a positive terminal of a battery housed in the battery housing section; a negative side contact terminal that is electrically connected to a negative supply terminal of the indication controlling section and configured such that the negative side contact terminal can be brought into contact with a negative terminal of a battery housed in the battery housing section; and a contact section is positioned such that the contact section is not in contact with a battery housed in the battery housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Masaru Kubota
  • Publication number: 20140029392
    Abstract: To provide a timepiece faceplate having appropriate light permeability with excellent aesthetic appearance having glittering property, and an electrical timepiece equipped with a solar battery, a timepiece faceplate of the invention includes a faceplate main body that has light permeability, and a glittering layer that is provided on either one of a front surface side and a back surface side of the faceplate main body and is configured by dispersing a glittering powder into a light permeable resin. The glittering powder is configured by laminating a metallic oxide film above one surface side of a plate shaped base material, which has light permeability, and the glittering powder is a lamination powder that an average grain diameter is more than 10 ?m and less than 90 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Koki TAKASAWA
  • Patent number: 8619506
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a movement contained in a timepiece exterior assembly. A panel is fixed onto the movement. Upward engagement convex portions having pressing portions in upper portions thereof are formed in a plurality of locations of the ring member, and a ring member is fixed to the peripheral portion of the movement. A display plate has a plurality of reception portions in a peripheral portion thereof with which the pressing portion comes into contact from above. The reception portions are vertically interposed by an upper surface of the ring member and the pressing portions, the display plate is attached to the ring member, and the panel is covered with the display plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Haruki Hiranuma
  • Patent number: 8604332
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The ?dc/?opt ratio of such thin films may be improved via stable chemical doping and/or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and/or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and/or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and/or alloyed with silver and/or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and/or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms/square target metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Publication number: 20130258822
    Abstract: A solar power generating device of the present invention includes a first solar section which has a plurality of solar cells arranged flatwise, a second solar section which has a plurality of solar cells arranged flatwise and is placed a predetermined space away and below the first solar section so as to be shifted with respect to the first solar section in a surface direction, and a coupling section which couples the first solar section and the second solar section together. In the solar power generating device, the coupling section has a connecting section placed in an area below the second solar section, and the connecting section is provided with contact terminals to which the first solar section and the second solar section are electrically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideo TAKENAWA
  • Publication number: 20130258820
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a dial plate and a solar battery which is disposed on a rear surface side of the dial plate. The dial plate has an area larger than the solar battery. The solar battery is encompassed by the dial plate in a planar view. The dial plate is provided with grooves or ridges which have a function of condensing incident light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi OHISO