With Crown Or Stem Details Patents (Class 368/308)
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Patent number: 7591582Abstract: A watch is offered in which the life of the threadedly engaged portion between the stem pipe and the crown can be improved and which has an internal thread capable of being machined relative to the crown easily and accurately. The watch is based on a watch in which the crown is threadedly locked to a stem pipe mounted to a barrel. The stem pipe has a barrel outside protruding portion provided with an external thread. The crown has a crown shaft and a crown ring having an internal thread removably threaded to the external thread, the ring being connected to the crown shaft. The crown shaft has a barrel insertion cylindrical portion which is smaller in diameter than the crown ring and inserted in the stem pipe and a ring connection portion mounted integrally with this cylindrical portion and connected to one end portion of the crown ring.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori
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Patent number: 7563020Abstract: The control stem device for a watch includes a first stem (1) rotating about its longitudinal axis and provided with means (32) for securing it to a manual control crown on the exterior of the watch, and a second stem (2), substantially parallel and shifted in relation to said first stem and secured to an axially mobile sliding pinion (8) for selectively driving in rotation a mechanism for a first function (20) and a mechanism for a second function (242), the first and second stems being connected in rotation by a transmission device (5).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Montres Breguet SAInventor: Jan Pittet
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Patent number: 7556422Abstract: A push-actuated control device for watches includes a push-piece button (1) connected with a push-piece shaft (2) passing through a push-piece pipe (3) intended to be accommodated in the watchcase. The device further includes a compression ring (4) screwed onto the push-piece pipe (3) and a compression gasket (5) placed between pipe (3) and ring (4), the gasket (5) being compressed while ring (4) is in a screwed first position. Compression ring (4) on a segment of its inner circumference includes a twofold axial stop (4.1, 4.2), and push-piece button (1) includes a projection (1.1) on its outer circumference, so that compression ring (4) cooperates with push-piece button (1) to block the push-piece button (1) in its first position, and liberate it in an unscrewed second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Richemont International S.A.Inventors: Christophe Cretin, Laurent Morel
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Publication number: 20090122656Abstract: Crown for a timepiece, said crown (1) including a cap (2) extended by a skirt (4) which delimits a hollow inner housing (6), said crown (1) being characterized in that an at least partially transparent cover (14) is mounted in the cap (2), said cover (14) revealing all or part of a device (18) arranged in the hollow inner housing (6) of the crown (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Meco S.A.Inventors: Pierre-Jean Bonnet, Georges Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20090122657Abstract: Winding crown for a timepiece, said crown (32) including an uncoupling mechanism (1) comprising a rigid drive ring (4, 400) secured to the crown (32) and cooperating with at least one elastically deformable element (2; 200) secured to a pipe (12) to one end of which a winding stem is secured, the rigid ring (4; 400) driving the deformable elastic element (2; 200) in at least one rotational direction until the resistant torque opposed by said elastic element (2; 200) exceeds a threshold value beyond which said elastic element (2; 200) is deformed so as to interrupt the drive connection thereof with the rigid ring (4; 400), the elastically deformable element (2; 200) therefore having means for temporary coupling said element to said rigid drive ring (4; 400), the crown (32)) being characterized in that the elastically deformable element (2; 200) includes means for centring said element relative to the rigid drive ring (4; 400).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: Meco S.A.Inventors: Pierre-Jean Bonnet, Georges Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7517139Abstract: A portable timepiece has a timepiece movement and a movement interlock axle that undergoes linear movement and undergoes rotational movement to transmit a rotational force to the timepiece movement. An external operation body is operable to linearly move and rotate the movement interlock axle. A stopper member undergoes movement between a first position in which the stopper member is engaged with an engagement part of the movement interlock axle to prevent linear movement thereof and a second position in which the stopper member is not engaged with the engagement part to permit linear movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Koremoto Takeda
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Patent number: 7404667Abstract: The magnetic control device (1) for a timepiece comprises a sealed tube (3) which comprises a blind end inserted into an opening of the timepiece, whereas the other end of the tube opens towards the outside. A control stem (12) is provided in order to slide inside the tube (3). It carries a magnet (21) which is displaced integrally with the stem inside the tube. By manipulating the end of the stem which emerges from the tube (3), the wearer of the watch can make the magnet selectively occupy three positions. A first and a second magnetic sensor (22, 23) with two states are disposed inside the timepiece along the sealed tube so that three different combinations of a state of the first sensor (22) with a state of the second sensor (23) are respectively associated with three predefined positions of the first magnet (21).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Jean-Jacques Born, François Gueissaz
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Patent number: 7401975Abstract: To obtain a degree of freedom in a design of a circumference part of a timepiece armor assembly, and provide a watch whose degree of freedom in a size of a dial is high. A timepiece armor assembly is formed of an armor case of one-piece structure in which a case bottom wall and a case band part provided with a crown have been monolithically molded and of an armor cover which has a transparent member and an edge member supporting a circumference edge of the former member and has been mounted to the case band part. In the armor assembly, a timepiece movement which has a movement main body and a winding stem attached to this main body so as to be capable of being inserted into or detached from it and connected to the crown, and a dial are built, and a winding stem attachment/detachment mechanism which makes an insertion/detachment of the winding stem into/from the main body possible is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori
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Patent number: 7384190Abstract: The present invention concerns a crown for a timepiece comprising a disconnecting gear device for preventing damage to the components of the movement of the timepiece in which it is implemented. For this purpose, the crown is provided with a housing which houses a pipe, to which one end of a winding stem is connected, carrying at least one spring and a rigid ring secured to the crown and comprising notches adapted to cooperate with the spring. In common use, a rotation of the crown causes a rotation of the pipe and thus of the winding stem, via the rigid ring and the spring. Owing to the device according to the present invention, when the mechanical resistance to the rotation opposed by the winding stem, via the pipe, exceeds a predefined threshold, the spring is deformed and is no longer driven in rotation by the rigid ring. Consequently, the winding stem is no longer driven in rotation in such conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Meco SAInventor: Georges Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7360944Abstract: A device includes a supporting tube fixed at the case of a watch, a drive shaft with teeth extending inside the supporting tube for controlling at least one function of the watch, a crown having a crown's head and a tube with teeth integral with the crown's head that is mounted so as to be mobile in rotation and translation, between the inner wall of the supporting tube and the drive shaft, and an indexing gasket seated in the inner wall of the supporting tube and cooperating with first and second grooves provided on the outside of the mobile tube in order to define a first axial position of the crown in which the mobile tube is engaged with the drive shaft and can transmit a torque to it, and a second axial position of the crown in which the mobile tube is disengaged from the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Richemont International SAInventor: Laurent Morel
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Patent number: 7357569Abstract: A crown lock structure for a timepiece has a crown having an inner surface provided with a threaded section and a connecting assembly for removably connecting the crown to a case of the timepiece. The connecting assembly comprises a tubular member for integral connection to the timepiece case and a tubular insert removably connected to the tubular member. The tubular member has a first tubular portion for insertion into a through-hole of the timepiece case and a second tubular portion integral with the first tubular portion and removably connected to the tubular insert so as to prevent relative rotation between the tubular member and the tubular insert. The tubular insert has a threaded section for threaded engagement with the threaded section of the crown to removably connect the crown to the timepiece case.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventor: Hisamitsu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7329042Abstract: There is provided a watch in which a crown and associated parts, excluding a winding stem pipe, can be replaced when the screw locking function is impaired. The watch includes a case band having a pipe attachment hole, a winding stem pipe, a ring gasket made of elastic resin material, a ring, and a crown. The winding stem pipe is inserted into the pipe attachment hole and fixed to the case band in a liquid tight manner. Outer grooves are formed on the outer cylindrical surface of an off-case band projection of the winding stem pipe that is disposed outside the case band. The removable gasket is fitted on and in close contact with the outer cylindrical surface of the off-case band projection such that the outer grooves prevent the rotation of the gasket. The ring has a male screw formed on the outer cylindrical surface thereof and inner grooves formed on the inner cylindrical surface thereof. The ring is removably fitted on the outer cylindrical surface of the gasket.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Kinshuroh Itoh
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Patent number: 7318670Abstract: The device includes a support pipe driven into a bore of a watchcase, a push-piece crown consisting of a head and an extension mounted into the pipe in mobile manner, a part entraining rotation that is integral with the winding and setting stem of the watch, coupling elements causing the extension and the entraining part to move together in rotation as well as in translation in the direction of pulling, a first axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the entraining part, and a second axial spring arranged between the crown's head and the pipe. The first spring exerts a force that is high enough to overcome the resistance offered by stem during the change from the setting position to the winding position of the crown. The second spring exerts the principal restoring force bringing the crown back from its pushed position to its winding position.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Richemont International SAInventor: Francis Cretin
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Patent number: 7255473Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece having high durability constructed by a constitution capable of promoting operability of attaching and detaching a crown and holding a crown in an unoperated state so as not to rotate the crown unpreparedly. In a winding stem pipe attached to a case body, a crown urged in a direction of separating from the case body by a coil spring (urging member) included in a crown cylinder portion of the pipe is removably provided to a case body outside projected portion of the winding stem pipe. An outer periphery of the case body outside projected portion is formed with a plurality of communicating grooves along a rotational direction of the crown, a plurality of attaching and detaching through grooves communicated to the communicating grooves and opened to an end face of the case body outside projected portion, and a plurality of holding grooves communicated with the communicating grooves and formed in a dead end state and contiguous to the through grooves.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori
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Patent number: 7192184Abstract: A portable timepiece has a pipe extending from a case and a winding stem for transmitting a rotational force to a timepiece movement in the case. A crown is connected to the winding stem for rotational movement therewith and for detachable engagement with an outer periphery of a male threaded section of the pipe to prevent unintentional rotation of the crown. The crown has a crown shaft for rotating the winding stem, a crown head having a female threaded section for threaded engagement with the male threaded section and mounted for undergoing rotation to rotate the crown shaft in a state in which the engagement between the male and female screw sections is released.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Oomori
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Patent number: 7192182Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece in which the maintenance of a winding stem pipe and its surroundings is facilitated. Basically provided is a portable timepiece comprising a winding stem pipe releasably screwed into a pipe attachment opening of a case band, in which portable timepiece an accidental rotation of a crown is avoided by bringing a crown head of the crown into screw-engagement with a pipe end of the winding stem pipe disposed outside of the case band such that the crown head caps the pipe end. A ring receiver is formed on one of the pipe attachment opening and an insert portion of the winding stem pipe screwed into the opening. A soft and resilient friction ring is supported on the other of the pipe attachment opening and the insert portion. The friction ring is resiliently brought into tight contact with the ring receiver to prevent a rotation of the winding stem pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori, Hisamitsu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7182507Abstract: To provide a portable timepiece capable of interchanging a part at a surrounding of a crown when a screw lock function is deteriorated. A premise is established by a portable timepiece screwing to lock a crown urged in a direction of separating from a case body by a coil spring (urging member) included in a winding stem pipe to the winding stem pipe attached to the case body. The winding stem pipe includes a winding stem pipe main body inserted into a pipe attaching hole of the case body and fixed in liquid tight by using a brazing member, and a ring fitted to a case body outside projected portion of the main body removably by being stopped to rotate and provided with a male screw portion to which the crown is removably screwed at an outer periphery thereof. A ring holding member is pinched between the ring and a holding portion of the case body outside projected portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Omori
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Patent number: 7175341Abstract: To provide a wrist-portable equipment that may prevent malfunction of an internal rotational ring. There is provided a wrist-portable equipment including: a case, an internal rotational ring to be used as a display member for rotating independently and separately from a gear train of circumferential divisional hour/minute/second within the above-described case, an operating shaft that may be pushed into and drawn out of the above-described case, a clutch for transmitting the rotation of the above-described operating shaft to the above-described internal rotational ring and for releasing the transmission of the rotation by pushing in the above-described operating shaft; and a stem provided at one end portion of the above-described operating shaft and disposed on a side surface portion of the above-described case.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Nobukazu Oomori, Haruki Hiranuma
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Patent number: 7118270Abstract: A portable watch comprises a case body having a noncircular pipe-attachment hole extending therethrough, and a winding stem pipe removably inserted from outside of the case body into the pipe-attachment hole and having a noncircular outer peripheral portion that cooperates with the noncircular pipe-attachment hole to prevent relative rotation between the case body and the winding stem pipe. An inner end portion of the winding stem pipe extends beyond the inside surface of the case body into the interior of the case body and an outer end portion of the winding stem pipe extends out from the exterior of the case body, the outer end portion having a male screw section and the inner end portion having an annular groove around the outer periphery thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Hisamitsu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7111979Abstract: The present invention concerns a control device for electronic apparatus of the electronic stem type, adapted to be shifted between a plurality of axial positions. According to one preferred embodiment, the stem (1), with axis X, has four different axial positions. Two contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) mutually offset in the direction of the axis X are provided to make contact with two respective power supply terminals (19, 20, 75, 76) of a source of electrical power supply. The stem comprises a plurality of cylindrical portions (36, 38, 50, 51, 52) which cooperate with deformable extensions (27, 28, 64, 65) of the contact clips to deform them in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis X. Thus, in accordance with the axial position of the stem (1), the contact clips (21, 22, 60, 61) can be in different electrical states, i.e. isolated or connected to the source of power supply, independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogère SuisseInventor: Laurent Kaelin
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Patent number: 7111977Abstract: To provide a portable watch enabling components exchange around a crown while retaining the waterproof capability of a winding-stem-pipe attachment section when the screw lock capability is reduced. A winding stem pipe is screwed into a pipe-attachment hole of a case band for attachment in a removable manner. To an intracase-band end section of this winding stem pipe, provided is a screw section being a reverse screw to a first male screw section of the winding stem pipe screwed into the pipe-attachment hole. To this screw section, a clamp ring is screwed into in a removable manner. The case band is sandwiched by the ring and the extracase-band end section of the winding stem pipe screwed with the crown, and a waterproof gasket is sandwiched between the case band and the winding stem pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Hisamitsu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7025494Abstract: A wrist-portable apparatus has a case housing a rotational display member and an operational shaft for undergoing rotational movement and sliding movement relative to the case so that the operational shaft may be axially displaced between a pushed-in position, in which the operational shaft is pushed into the case, and a drawn-out position, in which the operational shaft is drawn out from the case. A clutch assembly transmits rotational movement of the operational shaft to the display member to rotate the display member when the operational shaft is displaced to the drawn-out position and releases the transmission of the rotational movement of the operational shaft to the display member when the operational shaft is displaced to the pushed-in position.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Nobukazu Oomori, Haruki Hiranuma
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Crown for watches and a tool for attaching a screw-in tube for the crown arrangement on a watch case
Patent number: 6974248Abstract: A crown for watches, especially wristwatches or pocket watches, the crown body which is provided on a winding stem is made up of two parts and includes of a first part which forms the grip surface of the crown and a second part. The crown body furthermore has a crown body thread and can be screwed to a penetration which is provided on the watch case for the winding stem.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Konrad Damasko -
Patent number: 6902169Abstract: The sealing device for a control member (17) is provided with a shaft (16) passing through a sealed casing and comprising a tube (1) driven into a bore (3) of the casing (4) . A shaft (16) of the control member (17) is engaged in the tube (1) and at least one joint (18, 19) ensures normal sealing between this tube and this shaft. It comprises a compression key (6) screwed on the tube (1) comprising an upper portion (8) overlying the tube (1) and surrounding the shaft (16) of the control member (17). A compression joint (15) is disposed in the space comprised between the upper portion (8) of the compression key, the tube (1) and the shaft (16).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Richemont international SAInventor: Daniel Wild
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Patent number: 6776519Abstract: The bezel (2) allows the same reading direction to be kept for the indications (20) carried by a ring (4) able to rotate freely on a base (6) to which it is affixed to bring a selected indication (20) opposite a determined marking of the base (6) or of a dial (3). The indications (20) are marked on the outer surface of studs (10) each kept free in rotation about their rotational axis (10a) in a housing (30) provided through the thickness of the ring (4) and opening onto the base (6).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AGInventors: Luciano Eleuterio, Sébastien Hostettler, Domenico Leo
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Patent number: 6773157Abstract: A time adjustment assembly for a timepiece comprises a fast hour wheel that is movable between a first position where it is not rotationally engageable with the hour wheel and a second position where it is rotationally engageable with the hour wheel; a corrector wheel, mounted on the setting stem, for rotating the fast hour wheel; and a setting spring selectively engageable with the fast hour wheel to move the fast hour wheel between the fast hour wheel's first position and second position; wherein when the fast hour wheel is in rotational engagement with the hour wheel the setting stem is out of engagement with the setting wheel and an hour hand is movable independently of the minute hand via the rotation of the setting stem.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Timex Group B.V.Inventor: Siegfried Grau
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Patent number: 6679624Abstract: When using wristwatches for diving or action sports, it is desirable to be able to prevent the winding button from being pulled out inadvertently and the time unintentionally altered. To avoid this, the button (3) has the overall shape of an H and a lever (2) engages in the groove (10) in said button (3) to prevent this button from being pulled out in error.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Promomark SAInventor: Alain Mouawad
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Publication number: 20030147312Abstract: To enable instantaneously making switchover of an operating part between a locked state and an unlocked state. An operating button is arranged to be capable of being rotatingly operated between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a stopper member is provided integral with the operating button. When the operating button is in the locked position, projections engage with grooves to restrict movement of the operating button toward a casing. When the operating button is rotated degrees to come to the unlocked position, the projections engage with grooves, which are greater in depth than the grooves, whereby the operating button can be operatively pushed toward the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Haruki Hiranuma, Nobukazu Oomori, Hisamitsu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 6453512Abstract: Control button having a metal body (10) provided along its axis with a blind hole (16) closed by a cap (18) and extended by a wall (14) of revolution. The body (10) includes a groove (20) made in the outer surface of the wall (14) and channels (26) connecting said surface to the inside of the blind hole (16). The button further includes a fitting (12) made of synthetic material, formed of a ring (28) closing the groove and extended radially by raised portions (34) as far as the openings of the channels (26) in the wall (14) of a radial structure with several branches (30) closing the channels (26), and a core (32) connecting the branches (30) to secure between them the different parts (28, 30, 32, 34) of the fitting (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d′EbauchesInventors: Laurent Kaelin, Paolo Pesenti
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Patent number: 6447159Abstract: A novel actuating or regulating element, especially winding buttons or push-pieces, for a clock on a wristwatch, a shaft, with an actuating head provided on one end of the shaft and with a mechanism for tightly routing the shaft through one wall of the watch housing using at least one washer which concentrically surrounds the axis of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Konrad Damasko
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Patent number: 6422740Abstract: The present invention concerns a wristwatch type of watch. More specifically, the watch comprises a display (11), an electronic circuit (12) controlling the display, a time set stem (13), and at least two electrical contact elements (14, 14″). The time set stem (13) can be placed in different axial positions and the stem comprises a crown (16) accessible from outside the watch and a helicoidal zone (19) which may have three helicoidal elements (20, 20′, 20″). When the time set stem is placed in a position such that the contact elements (14, 14″) are facing the helicoidal zone (19), rotating the time set stem causes an electrical connection on the electronic circuit (12) to alternately open and close. This generates at least two electrical impulse signals which are transmitted to the electronic control circuit. These signals are used to regulate different watch functions, such as time correction or controlling the time belt or the date.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Montres Rolex S. A.Inventor: Claude-Eric Leuenberger
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Patent number: 6247841Abstract: A device for actuating a timepiece mechanism, in particular a chronograph mechanism, this timepiece including a fitting ring (12) having an opening (14) for accommodating a movement (16), an independent push-button (4a, 4b) sliding along a first direction (D1), a piston (18a, 18b) sliding along a second direction (D2, D3) in the fitting ring (12), said piston (18a, 18b) being intended to co-operate with a component of the movement and a push transmission element to transmit a push of said pushbutton (4a, 4b) to said piston (18a, 18b), characterized in that the push transmission element includes a rigid actuation lever (22a, 22b) articulated at one point (P) on the fitting ring (12) and in the plane thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Grandjean SarlInventor: Francis Albert Erard
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Patent number: 5699327Abstract: A timepiece 1 comprising in particular a case 8 having a back cover 10 and a middle part 12 in a single piece, a control stem 26 co-operating with a pull-out piece 44, and an extractor device 48 enabling a part of the pull-out piece 44 to be raised to free it from the control stem 26. The timepiece is characterized in that the extractor device 48 comprises an extractor element 48 having a first branch 50 which slides in the movement 2 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the movement 2, the end of said first branch 50 being substantially facing the pull-out piece 44, and a second branch 52 which comprises a portion projecting from the periphery of the movement 2 to form a gripping arm. The extractor element 48 is free to move between a first position called the rest position, in which it does not act on the pull-out piece 44, and a second position called the operating position, in which the end of the first branch 50 pushes the pull-out piece 44 out of the groove of the control stem 26.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: SMH Management Services AGInventors: Olivier Boissenin, Daniel Knuchel
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Patent number: 5646914Abstract: In the case of a wristwatch (1) with a clockwork (13), which is surrounded by a case (4) and is operable by means of a winder (20) fitted in rotary manner to the outside of the case (4) by a spindle (7) guided through said case (4) and in which the winder (20) is constructed in sealed, screw-in manner, incorrect operation is largely avoided in that signalling or indicating means are provided in operative connection with the winder (20) and indicate whether or not the winder (20) is in the screwed in state.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: UTC Service AGInventors: Daniel Blunschi, Fredy Streuli
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Patent number: 5598383Abstract: A watch with improved water-proof and pressure-resistance characteristics is disclosed. It comprises: (a) a casing, a bottom cover affixed to the casing, a screw winding crown, and a receiving port on the casing for receiving the screw winding crown; (b) a first double-thread coupling arrangement provided between the screw winding crown and the receiving port; and (c) a second double-thread coupling arrangement provided between the casing and the bottom cover. The first double-thread coupling arrangement comprises an externally and internally threaded annular section provided on the screw winding crown, a matching externally and internally threaded annular recess provided in the receiving port, and a first packing ring provided between the receiving port and the screw winding crown.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1994Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventor: Tai H. Li
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Patent number: 4979156Abstract: A seal assembly which is screw threaded onto the stem of a wrist watch with the seal and stem being related to a tube connected with the watch case in a conventional manner. The screw-on seal of this invention includes an internally threaded member engaged with an externally threaded portion of the watch stem with the exterior surface of the internally threaded member being provided with a groove or notches receiving an O-ring seal to enable relatively quick and easy repair of a watch when an existing stem is broken due to weakened areas in the stem formed when a conventional seal is positioned in a groove on the stem. This seal assembly can also be used in new watch construction especially when installed in combination with a conventional water seal crown thereby providing double protection against entry of water, moisture, dust and similar material that may adversely affect the operation of the watch.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1989Date of Patent: December 18, 1990Inventor: Lynn C. Kester
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Patent number: 4970709Abstract: A hand adjustment structure for a wristwatch which has a spur gear structure disposed intermediate the minute and the hour gears of the watch includes a crown gear structure on one side of the spur gear disc for engagement with the pinion of a time setting shaft by which the spur gear structure can be rotated and together therewith the watch's minute and hour hands radial projections are stamped axially out of the spur gear disc in a circular array so as to form the crown gear structure integrally with the spur gear disc.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1986Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Assignee: Pforzheimer Uhrenrohwerke Porta GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Kroner
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Patent number: 4740936Abstract: An alarm on-off mechanism for an alarm watch is provided wherein two alarm push-pieces are symmetrically provided on opposite sides of the watch case. An alarm lever is interlocked with the alarm push-pieces in such a manner that the alarm is turned on by pressing one of the alarm push-pieces and the alarm is turned off by pressing the other alarm push-piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1986Date of Patent: April 26, 1988Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuhiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 4727526Abstract: An alarm on-off mechanism for an alarm watch is provided wherein two alarm push-pieces are symmetrically provided on opposite sides of the watch case. An alarm lever is interlocked with the alarm push-pieces in such a manner that the alarm is turned on by pressing one of the alarm push-pieces and the alarm is turned off by pressing the other alarm push-piece.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1986Date of Patent: February 23, 1988Assignee: Seikosha Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Tajima, Keiichi Yoshizawa, Nobuhiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 4720823Abstract: A single push-pull stem control is provided for setting and operating digital time displays. The stem may be pushed into a first operative position, relative to a case housing the display and exposing it to view, in which it completes a circuit to the elements of the operating parts which generate normal timekeeping indicia in the display. Upon being pulled out of the case to a second operative position, the circuit to the normal timekeeping elements is discontinued and a circuit is established to elements of the operating parts which generate time setting indicia in the display. The stem may be turned in clockwise and counterclockwise directions while in the second position to perform setting and selecting functions, and also while in the first position to perform other desired functions.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1986Date of Patent: January 19, 1988Assignee: Equitime Inc.Inventor: Berj A. Terzian
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Patent number: 4548514Abstract: A wristwatch includes an assembly comprising a hard plastic seal in the form of a hollow tube in which are mounted a crystal, a movement and face, and a bottom cover. That assembly is inserted as a unit into the bottom end of an opening of a clamping ring. A portion of the opening overlies a portion of the tube to limit the extent of upward movement of the tube in the opening. The opening of the clamping ring includes an inwardly facing groove into which a portion of the tube may project to axially secure the tube. A setting shaft projects through the clamping ring and tube and is surrounded by an O-ring mounted in a recess of the tube. The clamping ring comprises a case and a bezel mounted thereon. Different bezels can be employed to change the appearance of the wristwatch.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1984Date of Patent: October 22, 1985Assignee: Gebruder Junghans GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Ganter
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Patent number: 4536095Abstract: A crown switch actuator in a solid state analog wristwatch rotates in either direction and is movable axially. The actuator stem has a flat portion which rotatably operates a rocker contact spring against contact pads on a printed circuit board to alternately close first and second switches. The rocker contact spring also detents the switch actuator in one of two axial positions and retains the crown actuator in the watch case. Third and fourth switches are alternately closed by axial movement of the crown actuator stem. In a first detented axial position, the third switch is closed. In a second detected axial position, the third and fourth switches are open. In a third axial position, the fourth switch is closed. An extension arm on the detent rocker contact spring provides for releasing the crown actuator from the watch case.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1984Date of Patent: August 20, 1985Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Paul Wuthrich, Lyman R. Daigle, Anthony D. Daddona
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Patent number: 4502791Abstract: This device comprises a groove (6) made in the internal wall of a through hole (2) of the case (1) giving passage to the stem (3) of the winding crown (4). A gasket (8) is placed in the groove (6). The internal diameter of the gasket (8) is less than the outside diameter of the stem (3) of the winding crown and is thus compacted between the stem (3) and the groove (6). The stem (3) is comprised by an internally screw-threaded pedestal (3') secured to the winding crown (4) and an externally screw-threaded winding stem (3") screwed into the pedestal (3'). As a result, the hole (2) can be made of relatively small diameter, which is an important advantage in an extra-thin watch whose case is of relatively soft precious metal, because the tendency to bend the case, that would be present in the case of a large hole, is overcome.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1983Date of Patent: March 5, 1985Assignee: Jean Lassale S.A.Inventor: Pierre Goy
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Patent number: 4468134Abstract: A watch assembly is disclosed which includes a watchcase that has frames along opposite sides which define the perimeter of the watchcase platform on which is mounted a crystal having at least one opening which receives a rocker switch for controlling watch functions. The recess formed by the opening in the crystal when the crystal is attached by adhesion substantially to the entire top surface of the watchcase platform has at least one hole at the bottom of the recess to provide for the rocker switch to have access to at least one switch contact inside the case. The rocker switch includes a manually-operated actuator arm disposed in the recess and having at least one projecting leg extending through at least one hole in the platform in the watchcase to actuate at least one switch contact mounted on a timekeeping circuitry module inside the case.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1982Date of Patent: August 28, 1984Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: James J. Halicho
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Patent number: 4430532Abstract: A pushbutton device comprises a pipe or tubular member for being affixed to a casing as of an electronic watch, a pushbutton body axially movably disposed in the pipe, resilient structure for returning the pushbutton body to an original position, structure for retaining the pushbutton body in the pipe, and a plurality of contacts selectively actuatable by the pushbutton body into and out of mutual electrical contact. Either the pushbutton body or the pipe has at least one step on its upper surface remote from the contacts to provide a plurality of stepped strokes of depressed movement of the pushbutton body with respect to the pipe for selective actuation of the contacts. The resilient structure may be a coil spring or a resilient leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1982Date of Patent: February 7, 1984Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masataka Matsumoto
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Patent number: 4408896Abstract: A timepiece having both analog and digital display includes a single stem operated correcting mechanism which adjusts each display independently. A correcting pinion, slidably mounted on a winding stem, provides for engagement at both ends thereof. In a first axial position of the winding stem, one end of the pinion engages a wheel train for correcting the analog display when the stem is rotated. In a second axial position of the winding stem, the correcting pinion engages a spring biased cam whereby electrical switches are intermittently opened and closed when the stem is rotated for correcting the digital display. Advancement or retardation of the displays depends on the direction of stem rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1981Date of Patent: October 11, 1983Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa SeikoshaInventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
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Patent number: 4397568Abstract: A timepiece push-button structure comprising a spring member composed of tongue portions interconnected by a connection portion, each tongue portion being bridge-shaped so that the central portion is raised while both end portions of the central portion abut against a pressure conductive rubber holder, each tongue portion further including a substantially centrally located arcuate notch and a bifurcation extending therefrom. A push-button having a groove is adapted to engage said notch, and a pressure conductive rubber is adapted for the application of pressure and disposed directly below the push-button.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1981Date of Patent: August 9, 1983Assignee: Citizen Watch Company LimitedInventors: Masahiko Waki, Hisao Yamagata, Toshio Murata, Fumio Takeuchi, Masataka Matsumoto
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Patent number: 4364674Abstract: This disclosure relates to a watch case which includes a case body housing a movable element actuated by a slidably mounted pushbutton for effecting movement of the movable element through a rod connected to the pushbutton, the rod having a portion which transfers the sliding movement of the pushbutton to the movable element, and guide means in the form of grooves, bores or guide surfaces for guiding the movement of the rod relative to the case body during the movement of the rod under the influence of the sliding movement of the pushbutton.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1979Date of Patent: December 21, 1982Inventor: Bernhard Tesch
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Patent number: 4346464Abstract: A control member such as a push button or winder for a thin water-tight watch has a tube fitted to the watch case, and a control rod movable in the tube by a manually movable head fixed to the rod. Surrounding the tube axis is a sealing O-ring making sealing contact with and around a surface of the tube. The ring compressed axially of the tube is disposed between the head and tube in a housing defined in part by first and second faces on the head. The first face is annular in a plane at right-angles to the tube axis and the second face is cylindrical centered on the tube axis and spaced radially of the tube from the ring.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1980Date of Patent: August 24, 1982Assignee: Boninchi S.A.Inventor: Karl Wenger
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Patent number: 4320485Abstract: A manually-actuated contact switch arrangement for an electronic watch in which an electronic circuit board is mounted on a base plate fitted within a case, the board having a contact extending therefrom which when electrically connected to the case completes a circuit effecting a command or setting function. The arrangement includes a return spring anchored on the base plate. A section of the free end portion of this spring is received in a transverse groove in a push member displaceably seated within a bore in the case whereby the spring imposes an initial tension on the member to maintain it at a predetermined rest position. By depressing the spring-biased push member, the free end of the spring is caused to engage the contact to close the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1980Date of Patent: March 16, 1982Inventor: Werner R. Baumgartner