With Significant Casing Or Mounting Support Structure Patents (Class 368/88)
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Patent number: 6584042Abstract: A clock structure mountable to a corner of an edifice utilizing a case. The case includes a pair of walls which closely match the orientation of the corner walls of the edifice. In addition, two wall portions extend outwardly from the corner matching walls of the clock structure to provide recesses on either side of the facade of the clock structure. A door is hingedly attached to the case and at least partially enters the recess formed by the walls of the clock structure. Likewise, a latching mechanism is located in the opposite recess and is readily accessible.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Alma C. Serafini, Stanley W. Serafini
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Patent number: 6575619Abstract: The method for assembling and fixing a casing ring (3) in a watch case (6) uses a ring made of plastically deformable material fitted with means (60, 70) forming a single piece with the ring and capable of positioning it with respect to the case. The ring is introduced into the case, which causes said positioning means to be deformed plastically. The introduction is interrupted when the ring occupies a determined position with respect to the case.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'EbauchesInventor: Philippe Stauffer
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Patent number: 6522602Abstract: A wristwatch (1) whose wristband (6) is attached to a support (3) with respect to which the case (2) can be reversed in the longitudinal direction to show one or other of its faces (16, 17). The case has a pointed profile at its ends, its faces (16, 17) having convex profiles, which are preferably similar. The bottom (4) of the support (3) is concave so as to have a substantially complementary profile to those of the faces of the case. Further, the lateral flanges (7) of the support have substantially the same convex profile, so that the case and the support are substantially flush with each other over the entire length of the case, thus giving a fluid attractive appearance to the watch and to the reversing movement of the case.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: The Swatch Group Management Services AGInventor: Augustin Nussbaum
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Patent number: 6521822Abstract: In an electronic device having a solar cell and a unit driven by a power generated by the solar cell, the solar cell 10 includes a transparent substrate 12; a plurality of conductive portions 14a to 14d provided around the transparent substrate 12 and connected in series; and a plurality of photocells 18, each having a thin-line shape, formed at proper intervals on the transparent substrate 12 and connected to the conductive portions 14a to 14d. By forming a transparent electrode film 80 on the transparent substrate 12 and by connecting the transparent electrode film 80 to the ground, an adverse influence of static electricity is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Ito, Junsuke Kashikie, Teruhiko Fujii
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Publication number: 20030031094Abstract: A clock and frame assembly has an outer frame having a mounting hole extending therethrough from a front surface of the outer frame to a rear surface thereof. A clock unit for keeping and displaying time is inserted into the mounting hole from the front of the outer frame and has a clock case directly contacting the front surface of the outer frame. A mounting unit engages with the rear surface of the outer frame and extends into the mounting hole toward the clock unit. The mounting unit is detachably connected to the clock unit to thereby removably mount the clock unit to the outer frame. The detachable connection between the mounting unit and the clock unit is manually adjustable to enable tightening or loosening of the connection to thereby adjust the pressure at which the clock unit contacts the front surface of the outer frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Akira Banno, Leung Kam Kwei
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Publication number: 20020154573Abstract: A hanger for mounting an object on a surface such as a wall. The hanger includes a slot that receives a projection such as a nail extending from the wall. The slot is nonlinear and provides an entry path through which the projection travels to reach its mounting position. The hanger also includes slot branches extending from the slot, which together with the slot create a maze through which the projection travels when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall. The slot branches provide dead end paths that the projection may encounter when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: Quartex, Inc.Inventor: Terrence John O'Neill
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Publication number: 20020118607Abstract: The present invention proposes improving the yield of a microgenerator (1) used for operating a timepiece. Such a microgenerator operates on the basis of the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, it is thus desirable to limit as far as possible the presence of magnetic masses in proximity to said generator. Research undertaken has shown that the electrically conductive paths (9), and even their single protective layer, arranged in proximity to the microgenerator brake it, when they are formed of a magnetic material, and in particular a ferromagnetic material. Thus, the selection of exclusively non-magnetic materials is proposed for manufacturing the conductive paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2002Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Frederic Leuba, Denis Burdet
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Patent number: 6418086Abstract: The problem is to provide a battery lid structure for a timepiece case, which does not require complicate machining, such as for slant surfaces and stoppers, in an inner surface of a back lid or case bottom surface, and can reduce a thickness. The back lid has, at an immediately underneath the battery accommodating hole, a different-shaped battery hole having a pair of larger-diameter arcs and a pair of smaller-diameter arcs in an alternate fashion. A battery lid is fitted in the battery hole in a manner described later.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Dai Terasawa, Takasuke Yokote
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Publication number: 20020064097Abstract: There is described a stacked assembly of a plurality of modules (32, 33, 36) and a timepiece (1) including such an assembly forming a movement (3). The modules are mounted via assembly orifices on a plurality of mounting pins (24) and assembled by compression between first and second planes (23, 25). In order to absorb variations in thickness (e) in a first element (34) of the assembly, the latter includes a plurality of tube-shaped intermediate elements, called stepped tubes (8), mounted respectively on the mounting pins, each stepped tube being inserted in an assembly orifice (34a) of the first element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventor: Baptist Wyssbrod
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Publication number: 20020064098Abstract: There is disclosed a timepiece (1) powered by an electric power source formed by a battery (P) including a case (2, 21, 22), a battery compartment (7) formed by a housing (6) arranged inside said case to accommodate the battery, and means for closing the housing including a removable cover (8) able to be mechanically locked onto the case. The timepiece further includes connecting means (10, 11), arranged partly in said housing, for allowing electric access to electric or electronic components of the timepiece housed within the case. These connecting means include a plurality of connection terminals (10) arranged in the housing at the periphery of the battery, this housing being arranged so that the connection terminals are accessible from outside the case after the removal of the removable cover, without requiring the battery to be removed from its housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Roger Marquis, Baptist Wyssbrod, Stephane Claude
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Patent number: 6381199Abstract: An electronic device is described, for a timepiece of electronic or electromechanical type, comprising a source of electrical power (4), such as a battery, an electronic circuit (3) and an electrical connector tongue (5) effecting an electrical connection between the source of electrical power and the electronic circuit. The electrical connector tongue (5) has first and second openings (55, 56) cooperating with a pair of fixing pins (25, 26) fixed to a support (2) of the said device, and further comprises a section (57) formed between the said openings (55, 56) and adapted to deform in an elastic manner so as to alter the spacing between the openings (55, 56) and allow engagement and retention of the electrical connector tongue (5) on the fixing pins (25, 26).Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventors: Wolfgang Kröner, Markus Kaiser, Renato Schneider
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Patent number: 6359841Abstract: A portable electronic device has a casing has an upper case body and a rear case cover both made of a thermally conductive material. A heat insulating member thermally insulates the rear case cover from the upper case body of the casing. A thermoelectric generator unit is disposed in the casing for generating an electromotive force based on the Seebeck effect. The thermoelectric generator unit has a heat radiating plate for transferring heat to the upper case body and a heat absorbing plate. A heat conductive spacer is made of a thermally conductive and elastically deformable sheet of material and has opposed main surfaces. One of the main surface is disposed in contact with the heat absorbing plate of the thermoelectric generator unit and the other main surface is disposed in contact with an inner side surface of the rear case cover for conducting heat from the rear case cover to the thermoelectric generator unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Susumu Kotanagi, Akihiro Matoge, Yoshifumi Yoshida, Fumiyasu Utsunomiya, Matsuo Kishi
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Patent number: 6356512Abstract: The invention concerns a subassembly intended to be mounted in a portable device enabling the reception and/or emission of radio diffused messages as well as the selection of predetermined digital information. This subassembly comprises an antenna (4) and position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) disposed an a same isolating support (30). The subassembly is realised in manner such that mutual perturbations created by the combination of the antenna (4) and the position sensors (6.1 to 6.12) are avoided. The invention further relates to a horological piece (1) comprising such a subassembly wound in a peripheral region of the watch case (2).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Jean-Claude Martin, Emil Zellweger, Alexandre Pollini
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Patent number: 6330208Abstract: A watch with a liquid crystal display with the display and the device for controlling the display being formed as two separate pieces so that the display can be inserted through a front side of the watch case body and the control device, such as a printed circuit board, can be inserted through a back side of the watch case body. The liquid crystal display may include a partially reflective sheet in order to provide greater contrast and/or aesthetic appeal. Also, a method for assembling a watch wherein a liquid crystal display is inserted through the front side of the watch case body. This watch and related assembly method can allow a larger size display relative to the size of the watch case body.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1998Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Xonix Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Leo Chen, Tadashi Sode
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Patent number: 6326883Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the delivery of a speech having selected time limits for specific speech types, includes a housing having a control panel, a clock display, and an array of different colored light emitting elements that are activated corresponding to specific speech time limit intervals. A timing circuit generates a signal to a control circuit that corresponds to a specific speech type, wherein the control circuit generates event marker signals that correspond to the lapse of a series of sequential selected time periods in the control circuit. The event marker signals provide for the sequential indication of the light emitting elements that allows for minimal distraction to the speaker to monitor their speech timing while allowing the speaker to wind up the speech in a smooth and timely manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Tym Tek, LLCInventors: David K. Whitehead, Arthur A. Minderler
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Patent number: 6310836Abstract: The present invention provides a timepiece having a light-receptive/emitting device such as a solar cell and an EL device in which a parting portion can be set freely and the timepiece can be adapted to various design requests. The timepiece has a dial for displaying a time, a timepiece movement incorporating driving units, a light-receptive/emitting device provided between the timepiece movement and the dial, and an armoring member for housing the timepiece movement, in which a portion or a whole of the dial is formed to have a light-transmitting property so as to supply outside light to the light-receptive/emitting device or to allow the light-receptive/emitting device to emit light to an outside, the light-receptive/emitting device is fixed to one side of the timepiece movement, and the dial is mounted to the armoring member by engaging a first portion formed at the dial with a second portion formed at the armoring member.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Teruhiko Fujii, Masami Fukuda, Junsuke Kashikie, Toshio Murata
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Patent number: 6269053Abstract: A metal-made coil spring is accommodated in a conduction hole of a spacer. A metal-made pin passes through a circuit support base, circuit board and spacer. A connection board is placed on a conduction hole of the spacer and fixed by a holding plate and a metal-made fixing screw. The coil spring has a height set greater than a thickness of the spacer. If the connection board is attached by the fixing screw, the coil spring is brought into a compressed state by the action of the holding plate and circuit board. Due to this, because the coil spring is strongly urged onto the circuit board and connection board, electric conduction is provided from the sensor unit to the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Masayuki Kawata, Eriko Noguchi
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Patent number: 6249487Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided which enables miniaturization and has not only good electromagnetic shielding characteristics but also good resistance to impact. The electronic apparatus includes: an instrument case having an upper case and a case back, an electromagnetic shielding body which is contained in the instrument case, and electronic members, for example, an analog board, a digital board and the like, which are disposed in the shielding body. The body comprises a pair of half body members of shielding material. One of the pair is a first shielding member having a standing and surrounding periphery and an opening at an end. The other of the pair is a second shielding member having a standing and surrounding periphery and an opening at an end. The openings and of the first and second shielding members are opposed to each other so that they can be coupled with each other by fitting one of the standing and surrounding peripheries into the other thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junro Yano, Naohiko Sakurazawa, Shunji Minami
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Patent number: 6219304Abstract: A device includes a case (2) in which an acoustic transducer (11) is mounted so as to communicate in a water tight manner with the exterior of the case (2) via acoustic energy. The transducer (11) is mounted in front of a membrane (18) able to be deformed separating it in a water tight manner from an inlet cavity (14, 15) which is arranged in the case (2) of the device and is in communication with the exterior. Between the membrane (18) and the transducer (11) an intermediate chamber (19) is arranged allowing deformation of the membrane by the action of external static pressure and delimited on the side of the transducer by a support element (12a) fixedly mounted in the case and capable of limiting the deformation of the membrane in the event of application of the external pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mignot, Paul Dinnissen
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Patent number: 6147933Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Fossil, Inc.Inventors: Diarmuid John St. Colum Bland, Carla Louise Carr, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, William Warren Morgan, III
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Patent number: 6134188Abstract: A radio-controlled wristwatch includes a casing, a printed circuit board disposed in the casing, and an antenna disposed in the casing. The antenna includes a core and a coil carried by the core. The core comprises a stack of soft-iron strips stacked in a direction parallel to a plane of the circuit board. The stack is arranged in a curved shape extending along and adjacent to an outer peripheral edge of the circuit board. The core is bonded to a surface of the circuit board and supports the coil within a pocket formed in the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Junghans Uhren GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Ganter, Reiuer Furch, Thomas Lechner, Holger Rudolph, Johannes Neudecker
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Patent number: 6092923Abstract: The invention relates to a timepiece having a body or frame upon which an added element may be held, in a detachable manner. The invention also relates to a method of assembling this element on said body or frame.This timepiece is characterized in that the fixation means of the element added to the body or frame are formed by at least one rotating bolt (10) which is anchored permanently in the material itself of the body or frame (2) and is axially immobilized by said material.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'EbauchesInventor: Friedrich Perrot
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Patent number: 6084828Abstract: A timepiece and chronometer with a superimposed analog/digital display arrangement. The timepiece comprises a watch case with a back and a display area, a transparent crystal, an electrically-driven digital LCD display, a superimposed analog display comprising an hour hand, minute hand, and interior bezel, an electrical analog watch movement, and a digital display driver. The digital LCD display indicates passing seconds by incrementally displaying either digits 00 through 59 or digits 01 through 60 for one second each, either in dark numerals over a light background, or vice versa. The analog display is driven by an electrical watch movement located beneath the LCD display that comprises a battery, a timing standard, timing circuitry, a stem and crown assembly, and a hand moving assembly that extends upward through the center aperture of the LCD display and couples to the analog watch hands.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Fossil, Inc.Inventors: Diarmuid John St. Colum Bland, Carla Louise Carr, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, William Warren Morgan, III
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Patent number: 6069847Abstract: A timer has an upper cover, a mounting base and a circuit board. The space between the upper cover and the mounting base is used to accommodate the circuit board. The upper cover and the mounting base are fixed together by way of fixing poles and screws. At one side of the circuit board is disposed a number of conducting legs some of which are integrally formed and coupled to the connecting pins of electronic components by welding and are secured to the circuit board at the same time so that the assembly of the timer of the present invention is time saving in production and safer in use.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: King-I Electromechanical Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: David Wan
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Patent number: 6064631Abstract: A main body and a face plate of the clock are fastened together by a plurality of fastening strips such that both ends of each of the fastening strips are retained respectively in the retaining slot of an outer case of the main body and in the retaining portion of an inner case of the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventor: Hsiu-Chun Lin
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Patent number: 6024484Abstract: A watch has a controller and display held within a watch casing by filler. The watch can be assembled by positioning the controller and display within the watch casing and then adding the filler, which hardens to hold the controller and display in place and provide shock protection. The watch requires no special brackets or the like to hold the display and controller. As a result, it offers great flexibility in the design and shape of the watch casing and in the placement of control buttons. The watch is also easily assembled using automated manufacturing techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Philip Shaw
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Patent number: 6020943Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device which is used for various types of electronic apparatuses, e.g., an electronic watch, an electronic pocket notebook, and the like, and an electronic device. In the device or apparatus, a solar battery member having a lot of light passing openings for passing light is provided between a liquid crystal display member and a plate-like light emitting member disposed at a position lower than that of the liquid crystal display member.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Sonoda, Norihisa Usui, Shunji Minami, Koji Namiki
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Patent number: 6014347Abstract: A case (2) in which an acoustic transducer (22) is mounted so as to communicate in a watertight manner with the exterior of the case (2) via acoustic energy.The transducer (22) is attached to a membrane (17) separating it in a watertight manner from an inlet cavity (10, 11) which is arranged in the case (2) and is in direct communication with the exterior. The membrane (17) is resiliently applied by its periphery onto a rest surface (12) arranged around the cavity separating the latter in a watertight manner from a deformation chamber (13) situated on the side of the membrane (17) opposite to the inlet cavity while being in communication with the interior of the case. The bottom (13a) of the deformation chamber (13) forms a support surface for said membrane (17) when external static pressure greater than a predetermined value is applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mignot, Paul Dinnissen
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Patent number: 6009049Abstract: A clock movement includes a middle body frame defining a first and a second partitions, an upper cover secured, at the first partition, to the middle body frame, and a base cover secured, at the second partition, to the middle body frame. Components for the movement are disposed in the first and second partitions enclosed, respectively. This converts a planar type arrangement of the components into a two-floor type arrangement, with the result of a decrease in diameter of the movement constructed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Kuo-Chung Huang
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Patent number: 5966344Abstract: A light transmitting metallic dial 50 is disposed above a cell 2 such as an EL device, a solar battery, or the like and the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 is secured by engaging an aligning portion 50b formed on the light transmitting type metallic dial 50 with an aligning portion 4b formed on a casing frame 4. In the light transmitting type metallic dial 50, light transmitting holes 50a and 51 constituting various characters, numerals, patterns, and the like are formed. Further, when the transparent plate is laminated on the light transmitting metallic dial 50, a clearance 7 is formed between the cell 2 and the transparent plate 5 using a spacer or the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Umemoto, Masami Fukuda, Kenji Shimoda, Yasuo Kitajima, Isamu Kobayashi, Yoshio Katsuki, Yurie Udoh
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Patent number: 5923620Abstract: A baseplate-free module includes a circuit board 1 held between housings 41 and 42. The circuit board 1 has engaging holes 17 in which hooks 41a, 42a of the housings 41 and 42 are engaged for assembling purposes to thereby eliminate the need for a baseplate.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Takenaka
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Patent number: 5898644Abstract: A radio controlled timepiece movement includes a carrier structure and a wheel train mounted thereon. The wheel train includes a plurality of rotatable wheels each having a wheel aperture formed therein. The apertures are alignable with one another. A printed circuit board is mounted on the carrier structure and has a board aperture formed therethrough. An end of the board aperture disposed farthest from the wheels is covered by a portion of a conductor of the circuit board. A light beam transmitter is mounted on that conductor and disposed in the board aperture. A wire extends from the element to the second conductor. The transmitter and wire are embedded within a radiation-permeable material which fills the board aperture.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Junghans Uhren GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Ganter, Roland Maurer
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Patent number: 5867452Abstract: A watch case for a digital or analog watch assembly. The watch case includes a body, a time display element, an electronic speaker unit for generating musical or other acoustical sounds, and an aperture formed in the body which communicates with the speaker. Significantly, the aperture is sized so that the quality sound (e.g., music and voices) emitted therethrough from said speaker unit is clearer and more understandable than has been available heretofore.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: E. Gluck Corp.Inventors: Rafael Braun, Hung Fat Lee
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Patent number: 5863849Abstract: A finished or semi-finished item in sintered zirconia is characterized by a metallic appearance obtained by placing a previously shaped and sintered zirconia item in its finished or semi-finished shape in an oven in which there is a plasma containing hydrogen, bringing the item to a temperature of around 800.degree. C. or more, and maintaining the item at this temperature for a period of time from around a quarter of an hour to three hours, preferably two hours.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventor: Pierre Magnin
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Patent number: 5844863Abstract: A modular time piece including a time keeping mechanism, a time indicating casing and a band secured to the time indicating casing. The time keeping mechanism is easily engageable and disengageable to the time indicating casing to permit the time indicating casing and band to be selectively interchanged. The modular time piece farther includes a time setting stem and a retractable tab extending from the back of the time keeping mechanism. The retractable tab permits finger rotation of the time keeping mechanism relative to the time indicating casing during engagement and disengagement therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventors: Wolf-Dieter Voss, Claudia Voss
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Patent number: 5774427Abstract: An electric switch device (14) co-operating with a printed circuit (13) and closing perpendicular to such circuit when it is actuated by a pressure in a direction (A) parallel to the plane (16) of the circuit.The switch comprises an elastic contact element (22) having a prominent portion (25) which receives the pressure from a push-button (4) in a direction (A) parallel to the printed circuit. At least one flexible leg (28) of the contact element is fixed to the printed circuit or close to the latter. Another leg (26) of this contact element carries at its end a contact portion (27) which is lowered onto a pad of the circuit when the contact element bends under the effect of the control pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Eta Sa Fabriques D'EbauchesInventor: Jean-Philippe Rebeaud
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Patent number: 5771207Abstract: A time switch for starting and stopping an electric appliance at set times comprises an electric timer, a display housing a display for the set times, and a switch housing having a concave. The switch housing has input terminals, output terminals, and a switch unit for connecting and disconnecting the electric appliance to and from an power source in accordance with an output from the timer. The time switch includes a coupling member for connection of the display housing to the switch housing. The coupling member comprises a cylinder through which lead wires extends between the timer and the switch unit. The coupling member is movably supported to the switch housing along a center axis of the cylinder so that the display housing can move between a normal position where the display housing fits within the concave and an extended position where the display housing projects out of the concave.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignees: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd., Asahi National Lighting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Muroi, Masanori Matsuda, Hisao Takahashi, Kazuo Yanagida
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Patent number: 5754499Abstract: A clock shell including a frame, cut into a series of frame sections glued to a decorative covering layer, the frame sections being abutted against one another end by end and formed into a particular configuration, and a shell mounted within the frame sections of the frame, the shell having a raised endless line raised from the front side and defining an outer decoration area and an inner decoration area that can be made in the form of a dial of a clock, a pattern, a landscape, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Te-Kuei Lin
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Patent number: 5712831Abstract: A timepiece includes a main plate and gear train bridge with a center wheel and pinion supported therebetween by one or more bearing members integrally formed in the main plate and gear train bridge. A plurality of springs integrally formed in said plate and bridge are used for positioning internal members of the timepiece relative to each other. Additional similar springs are used for fixing the frame structure to the casing of the timepiece. A pressing plate can be connected to the main plate and includes one or more leaf springs for fixing a back cover of the timepiece away from the frame structure. One or more of the plates or bridge can be electrically conductive for delivery of current to an internal member.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
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Patent number: 5703837Abstract: A light transmitting type display plate 5 is arranged above a cell 2 such as an EL element or a solar cell or the like, and the display plate 5 is fixed to the support member 4 through the engagement of a positioning section 5b formed on the light transmitting type display plate 5 with a positioning section 4b formed on a support member 4. In the case where the light transmitting type display plate is a transparent plate 5, a spacer 6 or the like forms a gap 7 between the cell 2 and the transparent plate 5.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Umemoto, Masami Fukuda, Kenji Shimoda, Yasuo Kitajima, Isamu Kobayashi, Yurie Udou
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Patent number: 5691962Abstract: An improved illuminated watch movement with analog and digital features comprising a frame containing an analog stepping motor and gear train connected to operate timepiece hands located substantially in the center of the movement. The frame has a recess on the dial side of the frame with a liquid crystal display disposed in the recess and having an indicia pattern. The liquid crystal display has a large available surface which covers the lower half of the movement up to the hour wheel, so that a variety of indicia patterns may be displayed. An electroluminescent lamp is disposed beneath said liquid crystal display. An electroluminescent dial is disposed on the dial side of the frame and has a window opening framing the indicia pattern. A circuit with actuators is connected to actuate the electroluminescent lamp and/or the electroluminescent dial. The movement further includes a printed circuit board disposed on the opposite side of the frame from the dial and having contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1995Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: Timex CorporationInventors: Herbert Schwartz, Friedrich Mose, Michel Plancon
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Patent number: 5617376Abstract: A gear train structure of an electronic watch which is high in hand indication accuracy and which eliminates the occurrence of stopping of the watch due to dust, nap or the like. The electronic watch gear train structure includes a second wheel 13 having a minute hand attached thereto, and a braking wheel 15 for applying to the second wheel 13 a rotary torque of a reverse direction to a direction of rotation of the second wheel 13. The braking Wheel 15 includes a gear adapted to mesh with the second wheel 13, a spring 21 having one end thereof fastened to a shaft of the gear, and a balance spring frame 23 having a circumferential wall surface for contacting with the free end side of the spring 21.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Toyoshige Honzawa, Kuniharu Natori, Nobuhiro Koike
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Patent number: 5610877Abstract: This invention is a timepiece mounted within a case with a separate flexible backing that has a plurality of outwardly projecting fingers with upwardly turned lips at the ends thereof. The case is placed on a piece of fabric such as the sleeve of a shirt. The backing is placed on the other side of the fabric with the stem of the timepiece outwardly projecting between the fingers of the base portion. By pressing the base portion and the timepiece case together grips the fabric to mount the timepiece on such fabric. The timepiece can be removed from the fabric by simply pressing at least part of the lips outwardly to disengage the same through the fabric from the case within the timepiece is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Inventors: Kathy S. Adams, Michael J. Knowles
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Patent number: 5521888Abstract: A dial train of a clock is suspended by a plurality of lines. The arbors of the dial train are pivotally coupled permitting the dial train shape to change as the suspension is altered. These new features result in a dial train that is hung rather than placed which permits the dial train to be viewed and enjoyed from a completely new perspective.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Lawrence J. Fransen
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Patent number: 5469412Abstract: The analog watch, more specifically the wrist watch, having watch and dial means as well as motor-driven actuating means and battery in one housing also comprises additional means for measuring and indicating, especially of nuclear radiation, disposed in the watch housing, which means include a circuitry carrier with a printed circuit that is folded into the housing, flexible, and planar in its development, which circuitry carrier connects a measuring sensor with the indicator means via an amplifier and evaluator circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Yperwatch S.A.Inventor: Edgar H. Weise
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Patent number: 5446703Abstract: An improved movement for an analog wristwatch of the type having a plastic frame with a peripheral wall surrounding a central wall. The central wall carries gear trains on the dial side and movement side of the wall and a stepping motor driving the gear trains to drive the watch hands. An annular printed circuit board carries discrete electronic components disposed on one side and electrically connected thereto. The peripheral wall of the frame includes coplanar mounting surfaces arranged to support the PCB and has discrete recesses surrounding the central wall which receive the discrete electronic components when the annular PCB is so supported. An annular conductive spring plate disposed on the annular PCB performs various switching functions. The spring plate and the printed circuit board are held down against the coplanar mounting surfaces, and a thin, large diameter lithium energy cell fits inside the annular members.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Timex CorporationInventor: Herbert Schwartz
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Patent number: 5430694Abstract: The timepiece comprises a base part (1) of plastic material, at least one element (2) secured to said base part and securing means for said element onto said base part which comprise a stud (34) driven at one of its ends (40) into a through hole (32) in the base part (1). The other end (12) of the stud (34) is fitted into a hole (10) of the element (2) and is upset against the latter so as to form a rivet. Finally the base part (1) is fashioned in a manner to permit access to the driven end (40) of the stud with a tool (A) furnishing a rigid support under the stud during the riveting operation on the other end (12) of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d'EbauchesInventor: Friedrich Perrot
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Patent number: 5416752Abstract: A timepiece includes a main plate and gear train bridge with a center wheel and pinion supported therebetween by one or more bearing members integrally formed in the main plate and gear train bridge. A plurality of springs integrally formed in said plate and bridge are used for positioning internal members of the timepiece relative to each other. Additional similar springs are used for fixing the frame structure to the casing of the timepiece. A pressing plate can be connected to the main plate and includes one or more leaf springs for fixing a back cover of the timepiece away from the frame structure. One or more of the plates or bridge can be electrically conductive for delivery of current to an internal member.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1992Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
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Patent number: 5369627Abstract: A timepiece includes a main plate and gear train bridge with a center wheel and pinion supported therebetween by one or more bearing members integrally formed in the main plate and gear train bridge. A plurality of springs integrally formed in said plate and bridge are used for positioning internal members of the timepiece relative to each other. Additional similar springs are used for fixing the frame structure to the casing of the timepiece. A pressing plate can be connected to the main plate and includes one or more leaf springs for fixing a back cover of the timepiece away from the frame structure. One or more of the plates or bridge can be electrically conductive for delivery of current to an internal member.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1992Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Toshimasa Ikegami
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Patent number: 5367502Abstract: A timepiece which includes a case (2), a horometric movement (4) housed within the case (2) and means for broadcasting an electromagnetic signal including electronic means (12) for furnishing the signal and at least one broadcasting antenna (14) coupled to the electronic means (12). Such timepiece is characterized in that the antenna (14) is arranged on a first face (20a) of a support plate (20) of basically planar form arranged in the interior of the case (2), such antenna (14) being constituted by a thin metallic layer deposited on the face (20a) of the support plate (20). This timepiece is applicable to the control of an arrangement, for example for latching and unlatching, of a door in particular.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Lucas Barroso, Pierre-Andre Farine, Minh-Tam Diep