Rotating Disk Patents (Class 368/77)
  • Patent number: 11454935
    Abstract: A mechanical or electromechanical timepiece including a watch case delimiting an internal volume, the watch case including a back delimiting the watch case at the bottom; a crystal closing the watch case at the top, the crystal defining a useful display aperture; a middle part connecting the back and the crystal to one another; a horological movement housed in the internal volume of the watch case; at least one hand for displaying information visible via a useful display aperture and rotated with respect to the watch case by the horological movement with at least one driving belt extending at least partially in the useful display aperture, the timepiece includes the internal volume of the watch case filled with a fluid wherein at least one driving belt is submerged, and wherein the driving belt is made of a material wherein the optical refractive index is equal or substantially equal to that of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd
    Inventor: Pierpasquale Tortora
  • Patent number: 9868045
    Abstract: A device and method for regulating a pace of golf play. A golf course is divided into segments, with each segment assigned a time for completion by a user golfer group. Spaced apart signal lights are positioned on the golf course. Each golfer group is provided with a wireless positioning device. A computing device compares an elapsed time for completion of a number of segments with the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The computing device wirelessly actuates a visual signal to the golfer group by a signal light on the golf course when the elapsed time for completion of the number of segments by the user golfer group is greater than the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The device and method take into account impediments to pace of play that are outside of the golfer group's control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: William Kift Stephens, Timothy Michael Wood
  • Publication number: 20150131413
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a timepiece movement cooperating with a display device, the timepiece movement comprising a mechanical energy source and a system of energy transmission from the energy source to at least one resonator including a first distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator. According to the invention, the timepiece also comprises a counting system mounted between the at least one resonator and the display device, and including a second distribution device controlled by the at least one resonator and cooperating with the display device to uncouple the energy transmission means from the counting means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventors: Jean-Luc HELFER, Pascal Winkler, Thierry Conus
  • Patent number: 8982677
    Abstract: A change of state indicator (2) device for a timepiece display mechanism (30) by jumps of a given magnitude for the display of a transition between two stable display states of this given magnitude movable close to the display zone of this magnitude facing a supplementary display (3) driven discontinuously by a drive element (7) against elastic return means (19). A driving pinion (9) controls a star wheel (10) in a discontinuous manner to control each jump against a beak (14) of a first arm (15) of a lever (13) controlling a pivoting movement and a return to position of this indicator (2) each time this beak (14) passes between two successive tooth spaces (12) of this star wheel (10) by means of a tooth (11) between these spaces (12). The lever (13) includes a second support arm (16) for supporting the indicator (2) or controlling its displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Blancpain SA
    Inventors: Sebastien Graf, Vincent Beccia
  • Patent number: 8971157
    Abstract: A display apparatus which includes: a first display wheel that has a first display section; a second display wheel that has a second display section; a driving section that rotates in a forward direction and a reverse direction, and rotates the first display wheel in the forward direction and the reverse direction; and a rotating section that rotates only the first display wheel in the forward direction when the first display wheel is rotated in the forward direction, and rotates the second display wheel in the reverse direction together with the first display wheel when the first display wheel is rotated in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuta Saito
  • Patent number: 8917578
    Abstract: An information display device of the present invention includes an hour plate having an opening, a rotor which is rotatably placed below the hour plate and has a display section which is partially exposed corresponding to the opening of the hour plate, and a braking member which gives a load to the rotor when the rotation of the rotor is stopped, and reduces the load on the rotor when the rotor is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Takenawa
  • Patent number: 8913467
    Abstract: A timepiece is equipped with a novel type of entertainment, that is a mechanical card game. The timepiece includes: a dial (10) provided with a plurality of windows (12); systems (14) for opening and closing at least some of the windows (12), actuated by control bodies; a plurality of display disks (16) carrying representations of cards to be played, to be visible via the windows (12), the disks being pivoted on axes that are perpendicular to the plane of the dial (10); and a system (18) for rotating the disks and stopping them at random.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Christophe Claret S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Claret, Jan Dubois, Alain Schiesser
  • Patent number: 8879366
    Abstract: Apparatuses (250) for the display of time with distinctive aesthetic character that include rigid rotating members (220) which are driven by movements (251) and held in place by the force of gravity. The movement (251) rotates drive wheels (256, 257) so that the rigid rotating members (220) indicate the current time and the time is interpreted using traditional clock interpretation methods. The movement (251) may include a support bushing (260) to provide support for output shafts (252, 253) of the movement (251). A cover (262) may also provide support for output shafts (252, 253).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Karl Allen Dierenbach
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130235705
    Abstract: A high-speed rotating wheel rotates at high speed by a third stepper motor which meshes with a portion of teeth of a ratchet wheel. A transmission projection of the ratchet wheel moves within an elongated hole of a transmission wheel which rotates with the movement of the hour hand. The ratchet wheel rotates at high speed, and a display wheel rotates at high speed by the high speed rotation of the ratchet wheel via a feed wheel. When normally moving the hour hand, the ratchet wheel rotates with the transmitting wheel and the portion of teeth of the ratchet wheel is made to approach the high-speed rotating wheel. When the display of the display wheel changes, the high-speed rotating wheel meshes with the portion of teeth of the ratchet wheel and rotates the ratchet wheel at high-speed. Accordingly, the date display of the display wheel can be quickly changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki HOSOBUCHI
  • Patent number: 8514668
    Abstract: A Christmas-themed mechanical clock includes a base with first and second substantially planar platforms spaced apart from and in parallel with each other, with the second platform further having first and second grooves defined therein. At least one gear drive is positioned between the first and second platforms. A first nativity character assembly is coupled to one gear drive and driven between first and second positions along the first groove for a first predetermined period of time. A second nativity character assembly is coupled to another gear drive and driven between first and second positions along the second groove for a second predetermined period of time. A twenty-four hour background clock assembly coupled to the second platform, at least a portion of which rotates in accordance with first and second twelve hour time periods to display first and second background images, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Robert F. Labadie
  • Patent number: 8406087
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Jens Schneider
  • Patent number: 8379491
    Abstract: A timepiece with a dynamic, analogue display of the time. The timepiece has a first hand which rotates at a first speed and a second hand which rotates at a second speed, wherein the time is displayed with respect to a time unit when the two hands coincide in that the angular position of the coincidence indicates the current time of the time unit viewed on a dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Hannes Bonhoff
  • Patent number: 8264910
    Abstract: A watch able to be used as a cryptographic system to encrypt plaintext to ciphertext or decrypt ciphertext to plaintext includes a watch face and a plurality of concentric rings. Each of the plurality of concentric rings is rotatable with respect to the watch face and includes a number of symbols, the number of symbols corresponding to the number of hours represented on the watch face, at least some of the symbols corresponding to letters of an alphabet, characters in a writing system and/or numbers. At least one of the plurality of concentric rings is rotatable in a direction opposite to a direction of at least one other of the plurality of concentric rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Richard C. Fuisz, Joseph M. Fuisz, Justin Richard Fuisz, Jessica Saint James Fuisz
  • Patent number: 8218400
    Abstract: A clock comprising concentric rings of slots slits for indicating time by fully illuminating an appropriate one of the slots. Full illumination is propagated from one slot to an adjacent slot by causing all of the slots in a ring of slots to briefly light up sequentially, thus causing a flash of light to propagate around the ring of slots, thus more clearly showing passage of a second, a minute etc as the illumination was switched from the one slot to the adjacent slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Fromanteel Limited
    Inventors: John Crawshaw Taylor, Stewart Leonard Huxley
  • Patent number: 8004936
    Abstract: Watch movement having a display mechanism with: several rotating indicators (12, 15), for displaying a two-digit number in an aperture, cams (5, 6) arranged to control the angular position of the rotating indicator or indicators (12), selection means actuated by the crown (34) for selecting the cam acting on each indicator (12, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Ruchonnet
  • Patent number: 7889602
    Abstract: Watch provided with a multifunctional aperture display capable of displaying symbols corresponding to one or several special functions and to the date. The movement of the display discs is ensure by bidirectional motors and the display discs or mobiles have several series of digits of different colour for differentiating the display of the different functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: LVMH Swiss Manufactures SA
    Inventors: Christoph Behling, Gregoire Renoux, Thomas Houlon
  • Patent number: 7839727
    Abstract: The inventive mechanism comprises a series of toothed wheels meshing each with other or by groups and driven by a mobile which is connected to a basic timepiece movement by means of a mobile, wherein each toothed wheel is superimposed by a plate or disc carrying figures or signs and rotating in a corresponding bore of the timepiece dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BNB Concept SA
    Inventors: Mathias Buttet, Enrico Barbasini, Michel Navas
  • Patent number: 7821879
    Abstract: The inventive mechanism comprises a series of toothed wheels meshing each with other or by groups and driven by a mobile which is connected to a basic timepiece movement by means of a mobile, wherein each toothed wheel is superimposed by a disc carrying pictures, figures or signs and rotating in a corresponding bore of the timepiece dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: BNB Concept SA
    Inventors: Mathias Buttet, Enrico Barbasini, Michel Navas
  • Patent number: 7580324
    Abstract: A drive wheel for integration into a clock movement, in particular into the clock movement of wristwatches, with at least a dented section by whose teeth a downstream wheel is rotatably drivable and at least a non-dented section which has a diameter chosen in such a manner that the part-circular circumference of the drive wheel in the non-dented section blocks the downstream wheel against rotation while the teeth of the downstream wheel face this section. The non-dented section of the drive wheel includes at least a flexible element that is arranged, seen in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive wheel, immediately after the dented section and that includes an elasticity essentially directed in radial direction of the drive wheel for the change of the diameter of the non-dented section of the drive wheel in the range of the flexible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Richemont International SA
    Inventors: Laszlo Dancsecs, Pascal Schweizer, Denis Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7551522
    Abstract: A watch module comprising a rotary dial (1) possessing an opening (2) for displaying a complication or an image. This rotary dial (1) is mounted rotatably on a base dial (3) via an annular low-friction member (4). This rotary dial (1) can be pivoted through a certain angle by the action of a pusher (9, 9?) to display another complication or image through the opening (2). This watch module, which comprises various parts (8, 13, 19, 21) for arresting and coupling the rotary dial (1) to the base dial (3), is arranged on the one hand in such a way as to decouple the rotary dial (1) from the base dial (3) when the pusher (9, 9?) is pushed, and on the other hand to drive the rotary dial (1) when the pusher (9, 9?) is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: De Grisogono SA
    Inventor: Fawaz Gruosi
  • Publication number: 20090154298
    Abstract: A clock comprising concentric rings of slots slits for indicating time by fully illuminating an appropriate one of the slots. Full illumination is propagated from one slot to an adjacent slot by causing all of the slots in a ring of slots to briefly light up sequentially, thus causing a flash of light to propagate around the ring of slots, thus more clearly showing passage of a second, a minute et as the illumination was switched from the one slot to the adjacent slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: FROMANTEEL LIMITED
    Inventors: John Crawshaw Taylor, Stewart Leonard Huxley
  • Patent number: 7502280
    Abstract: A position indicator comprises: a first indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical first partial patterns periodically arranged in a direction of extension, and a second indicator pattern composed of a plurality of substantially identical second partial patterns periodically arranged in the direction of extension. The first partial patterns may extend, along a first line extending transversely to the direction of extension, and the second partial patterns may extend along a second line extending transversely to the first line and the direction of extension The first and second partial patterns may be each composed of plural sub-patterns disposed adjacent to one another in the direction of extension. The sub-patterns of each pair of sub-patterns of the respective partial pattern are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Stephan Johannes Mueller
  • Patent number: 7440358
    Abstract: A visual indicating device comprising two or more discs (1, 2) each disc having a radial discontinuity (3, 4) to thereby form a surface of which the plane progresses in a helical manner, said discs being superposed and interleaved and lying in mutually parallel helical planes, each disc being independently rotatable about a common axis (5, 6) by drive means (20, 22, 30, 31) adapted to selectively rotate one (1) or other (2) of the discs, whereby the discs, when viewedaxially face on, display overlapping visually contrasting segments having an area or position representative of the relative positions of rotation of the discs and representing a value of a parameter to be displayed by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: ScrewTime Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurence Lassalle
  • Patent number: 7423936
    Abstract: A display assembly for displaying information in an electronic device comprising a first rotateable ring having a first occurrence indicator thereon; a second rotateable ring having a second occurrence indicator thereon; means for rotating the first rotateable ring so as to selectively position the first occurrence indicator; and rotating the second rotateable ring so as to selectively position the second occurrence indicator; whereby the position of the first occurrence indicator corresponds to a scheduled occurrence of a first occurrence and the position of the second occurrence indicator corresponds to a scheduled occurrence of a second occurrence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Timex Group B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Lizzi
  • Patent number: 7414923
    Abstract: A novel graphical organizational timing device is disclosed. The device indicates tasks or events to be completed within a pre-determined routine using customizable and/or changeable discs attached to a mechanical countdown timer. The device is primarily designed for use with children and adolescents but can be used within any setting in which tasks have to be performed in sequence in a pre-set time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Moschel Kadokura
  • Patent number: 7394725
    Abstract: A method and device for representing the passage of time, in which a day is divided into long time periods and short time periods; the large time periods are indicated using a graphic representation and the small time periods are represented by coloring at least a portion of the graphic representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ludoviq Ltd.
    Inventor: Louis Bloch
  • Patent number: 7301854
    Abstract: The annual calendar mechanism comprises a drive wheel set (1) fitted with a first finger (2) driving a date disc (4) through one step once a day and a second finger (5) driving a plate (6) secured to an annual wheel (7) arranged coaxially to the date ring at the end of the months of less than thirty one days. An intermediate wheel (8) connects the annual wheel (7) to the date ring (4) at the end of each month. The annual wheel (7) comprises twice as many teeth (30) as there are months in a year and the intermediate wheel (8) comprises a first wheel (40) meshed with the annual wheel (7) and a second wheel (50) fixed to the first wheel, said second wheel being meshed, at the end of each month, with a snug (60) arranged inside the date ring (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
    Inventor: Christian Ruefenacht
  • Patent number: 7281845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watchcase comprising: (a) a lower case characterized by a first annular recess for receiving an optically transparent cylinder and a timepiece support for receiving a timepiece mechanism; (b) an upper case characterized by (i) on the bottom surface thereof, a second upper annular recess for receiving an optically transparent cylinder; (ii) on the upper surface thereof, a track for removably receiving and securing an ornamental top; (c) an optically transparent cylinder placed in said first and second annular recesses and between the lower and upper cases wherein the lower case, upper case and optically transparent cylinder are fixedly connected. The invention also relates to a watch that comprises the watchcase and a cylindrical timepiece, with or without one or more ornamental tops and watch bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventors: William H. Hohenstein, Andrew Von Zadora-Gerlof
  • Patent number: 7075860
    Abstract: This hour and minute display device comprises four disks, two for displaying, respectively, the tens and units of hours, two for displaying, respectively, the tens and units of minutes, each disk being fixedly connected to a toothed wheel linked to a jumper, said toothed wheels, fixedly connected to the two disks for displaying, respectively, the units of hours and of minutes, being linked to respective yoke mechanisms pressed by elastic members against respective instantaneous-jump cam elements, and further comprises, between said cam elements and the toothed wheels fixedly connected, respectively, to said tens of minutes and of hours disks, mechanisms for connecting these latter toothed wheels to said respective instantaneous-jump cam elements with each change of tens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Manufacture Roger Dubuis S.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Dias
  • Patent number: 7061833
    Abstract: Apparatus for the display of time with a distinctive aesthetic character that includes clear, rigid rotating indicator rings (22) and (24) which are externally driven by a clockwork (30). The clockwork (30) rotates drive wheels (26) and (28) so that the rigid rotating members (22) and (24) indicate the current time and the time is interpreted using traditional clock interpretation means. A demarcation ring (20) is added to assist in the interpretation of the indicated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Karl Allen Dierenbach
  • Patent number: 6987711
    Abstract: The invention concerns a timekeeping clock wherein on the axis of a mobile counter completing a cycle in 11 seconds is mounted a transparent disc (42) bearing (11) radial markers (44). The dial positioned beneath the disc (41) provides a marking in the form of a marker circle (40) with (10) radial markers (41) numbered 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. At each step of the mobile disc successive alignments occur between a marker of the disc (42) and a marker of the ring (40) thereby enabling tenths of seconds elapsed to be displayed anticlockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Hugues Jolidon
  • Patent number: 6891778
    Abstract: A timepiece, such as a watch, has a plurality of concentric rotating bands, viewable from both above and from the side so that a viewer may read the time without changing the orientation of the timepiece. The timepiece has an attachment mechanism that permits the removable attachment of objects, such as sculptures or other ornamental pieces to the surface of the timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Zadora Timepieces, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Hohenstein, Andrew Von Zodora-Gerlof, Ron De Corte
  • Patent number: 6842404
    Abstract: A display device for watches, comprising a watch dial provided with a day hours display window for displaying a respective one of the hours of the day during daytime and with a separate night hours display window for displaying a respective one of the hours of the night during nighttime. The display device for watches comprises a day hours disc provided with twelve hour numbers and a night hours disc provided with twelve hour numbers. The two hour display windows and the two hour discs are arranged such that the hour numbers of the day hours disc are visible only in the day hours display window, and the hour numbers of the night hours disc are visible only in the night hours display window. By using two separate hour discs and two separate hour display windows for displaying the day hours and for displaying the night hours, respectively, hour number representations on the one hand can be larger than when using a single hour display window and a single 24-hour disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Cartier International, B.V.
    Inventor: Walter Haselberger
  • Patent number: 6813222
    Abstract: A watch comprising a motor driving in rotation a first rotary hour indicator at a period of 1/N revolution per day, and a second rotary minute indicator driven by a concentric axis. The invention is characterized in that the minute indicator (13, 23) is driven at a speed (N+1)/N revolutions per day, N being a whole number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Marc De Salivet De Fouchecour
  • Patent number: 6754139
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a plurality of coaxially mounted disks which are driven with different periods, at least some of the disks having a time indicator area which is visible through one or more transmissive areas on one or more disks which lie over it. In a preferred embodiment, one of the disks is provided with three concentric annular zones and is driven with a period of sixty seconds. The outermost zone has discrete reflective areas which are visible through discrete transmissive areas in an overlying annular zone. The inner zones have discrete transmissive areas through which discrete reflective areas in two concentric annular zones on two respective lower disks are visible. The lowermost disk is driven with a period of twelve hours and is visible through a central transparent area of an intermediate disk which is driven with a period of sixty minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Timefoundry, LLC
    Inventors: David F. Herbstman, Marco Prieschl
  • Patent number: 6731571
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a reference wheel and a target wheel each having one or more reflective members for reflecting a light generated from a light emitting device. The position of the reference wheel may be positively determined when receiving a starting code which includes one or more “off” signals and one or more “on” signals reflected by the reflective member of the reference wheel. The reference wheel may be quickly rotated to align an orifice with the light emitting device, for allowing the light to be reflected by the reflective member of the target wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chih Hao Yiu
  • Patent number: 6683821
    Abstract: A day and night depicting clock device for demonstrating daytime and nighttime on a clock. The device includes a clock having a clock face wall and an hour drive shaft rotating once every twelve hours. A first disk is mounted on the hour drive shaft for rotation with the hour drive shaft, has a radially extending first slot, is formed of a resiliently flexible material to permit flexing of a portion of the first disk, and has a relatively light color to identify a daytime period. A second disk is positioned behind the first disk, is fixed against rotation with respect to the clock face wall, has a radially-extending second slot, is formed from a resiliently flexible material to permit flexing of a portion of the second disk, and has a relatively dark color to identify a night-time period. The first disk is movable through the second slot of the second disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Hassan Emtyazi
  • Publication number: 20030210611
    Abstract: A method and device for representing the passage of time, in which a day is divided into long time periods and short time periods; the large time periods are indicated using a graphic representation and the small time periods are represented by coloring at least a portion of the graphic representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: LUDOVIQ LTD.
    Inventor: Louis Bloch
  • Patent number: 6614727
    Abstract: The present invention is a children's sleeptime timer and clock device. It includes (a) a housing adapted to contain and display at least one clock and to contain (b) at least one clock; and (c) a sleeptime display timer contained within the housing, which contains: (i) a moveable, three dimensional display having at least two three dimensional illustrations, wherein, when a first three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least a second three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and when the second three dimensional illustration is openly displayed, at least the first three dimensional illustration is hidden from view, and wherein the first three dimensional illustration relates to a child's sleeptime; (ii) a step-up mechanism connected to the three dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Patricia E. McGuire
  • Publication number: 20030099159
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a plurality of coaxially mounted disks which are driven with different periods, at least some of the disks having a time indicator area which is visible through one or more transmissive areas on one or more disks which lie over it. In a preferred embodiment, one of the disks is provided with three concentric annular zones and is driven with a period of sixty seconds. The outermost zone has discrete reflective areas which are visible through discrete transmissive areas in an overlying annular zone. The inner zones have discrete transmissive areas through which discrete reflective areas in two concentric annular zones on two respective lower disks are visible. The lowermost disk is driven with a period of twelve hours and is visible through a central transparent area of an intermediate disk which is driven with a period of sixty minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: David F. Herbstman, Marco Prieschl
  • Patent number: 6570822
    Abstract: A time period setting structure of a timer, in which a rotary disk is provided on a periphery of a setting disk, and a transparent fixing cover and several setting keys are provided in the setting disk. A LCD is also provided in the transparent fixing cover, and a rotary ringed stand is provided under the rotary disk. Several projecting teeth are provided on the outer edge of the ringed body under the ringed stand, and a sliding device is provided on a base, a projecting tooth is provided on the sliding device. When the rotary disk is clockwise/counter-clockwise rotated, to-and-fro movement between left/right and central position is accomplished by the ringed body with projecting teeth fitting with the projecting tooth of the sliding device. Such to-and-fro movement triggers conductor area of pre-set circuit, and the setting of the Hour/Minute can be achieved by operating the rotary disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: All-Time Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Stekelenburg
  • Patent number: 6361325
    Abstract: The present invention is children's sleeptime timer and clock device. It includes a housing which contains and displays a clock, such as a digital clock, and/or an analog clock, and contains a sleeptime display timer. The sleeptime display timer contained within the housing includes a display wheel having at least two illustrations wherein when a first illustration is openly displayed at least a second illustration is hidden from view and vice versa and wherein at least the first illustration relates to a child's sleeptime. There is also a step-up drive mechanism connected to the display wheel and adapted to maintain the display wheel in a first position and then shift it to a second position and vice versa, at predetermined times. There is also a timing mechanism to operate the set-up drive mechanism at the first and second predetermined times to rotate the display wheel, as well as a setting mechanism to permit setting of the first and the second predetermined times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Patricia E. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5999496
    Abstract: Apparatus for the display of time, which includes a support frame and a driven gear having external teeth mounted to the support frame. The apparatus also includes a driven gear member having external teeth which engage the external teeth of the rigid so as to rotate it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Yaron Chaut
  • Patent number: 5943300
    Abstract: A timepiece that uses disks having sharp zones of contrast of visual design density to indicate time intervals when the sharp zone of contrast is aligned with time interval indicator markings or traditional time indicator positions on a non-rotatable frame. The disks of the chronograph are continuously graduated in visual design density from an area of greatest density to an area of least density to form a sharp zone or line of contrast. The disks are located so that when the sharp zone or line of contrast is aligned with the time indicator markings or positions on the frame, thus displaying the time in an accurate fashion that is easily and quickly discernable even for individuals that are poor sighted. In addition, the timepiece presents such a strikingly novel design that it makes an aesthetic statement that is desirable for use by individuals with no sight problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Peter R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5878003
    Abstract: A clock, called a "mystery" clock because of its almost totally transparent nature, comprising a transparent dial bearing reference markers (11), a minute indicator, transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (28') and an hour indicator, also transparent except in the area of a reading pointer (26'), indicators and dial having a common geometric axis (Y) and being carried by a frame or surround (20) and at least part of these indicators and dial having teeth at their periphery, masked by the surround (20), for driving them in rotation, in relation to the surround (20), about said axis (Y).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Van Cleef & Arpels
    Inventor: Gerard Gantet
  • Patent number: 5862102
    Abstract: A clock having conventional clock timing mechanism operably connected to a supporting hour hand, a minute hand, a modified second hand, and a freely pivotable object support hand. The object support hand swings freely in pendulum fashion, taking a downwardly at-rest position when not being otherwise articulated by the second hand. The second hand and/or the object support hand are modified to cooperatively engage with one another each time the second hand passes the object support hand so as to carry or pivotally lift the object support hand to the top of the arch of the second hand, at which point the object support hand freely pivots downwardly and swings in pendulum fashion until again coming to its at-rest position. The object support hand may include an enlarged distal end having the appearance of a miniature flyable object such as a strikeable sports related object which appears to be struck and to fly each time the second hand sweeps by and carryingly engages the object support hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry S. Trainello
  • Patent number: 5751663
    Abstract: A timepiece that uses disks having sharp zones of contrast of visual design density to indicate time intervals when the sharp zone of contrast is aligned with time interval indicator markings or traditional time indicator positions on a non-rotatable frame. The disks of the chronograph are continuously graduated in visual design density from an area of greatest density to an area of least density to form a sharp zone or line of contrast. The disks are located so that when the sharp zone or line of contrast is aligned with the time indicator markings or positions on the frame, thus displaying the time in an accurate fashion that is easily and quickly discernable even for individuals that are poor sighted. In addition, the timepiece presents such a strikingly novel design that it makes an aesthetic statement that is desirable for use by individuals with no sight problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Peter R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5694378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a time display apparatus consisting of at least two partly transparent discs (A, B, C) which are arranged concentrically and axially displaced with respect to one another, with each of the discs (A, B, C) being rotationally driven about the central axle with separately preselectable period duration and being provided with a visible marking for the display of hours, minutes and seconds, with one freely rotating disc (D, E) which carries a graphical representation being concentrically arranged axially adjacent to at least one of the rotationally driven discs (C). The invention is based on the object of displaying not only the time by means of the time display apparatus, but also of enabling special optical effects. This is achieved in such a way that the rotationally driven disc (C) is provided with a (first) entrainment means (X.sub.1) on its side facing the freely rotatable disc, which means cooperates with a (first) actuating means (X.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Taiyo Musikinstrumente GmbH
    Inventor: Ryoichi Totsuka
  • Patent number: 5608694
    Abstract: A mechanical timepiece comprising a barrel meshing with a tourbillon, this timepiece being characterised in that the tourbillon is supported by its base solely by a bearing whose external ring comprises a toothing which acts as a fixed wheel for driving a satellite pinion of an escapement of the tourbillon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Omega S.A.
    Inventors: Maurice Grimm, Andr e Beyner