Abstract:
In a timepiece having an electronically designed read out, an improved means which makes it possible to manually operate and set at least part of the digital readout elements. The setting means comprise a preselector capable of being set in different positions and a driving mechanism. Both the preselector and driving mechanism are arranged in such a manner that the position occupied by the preselector at the time that the driving mechanism is manipulated determines the element or elements of the digital read-out to be affected by the manipulation as well as the function accorded by the manipulation.
Abstract:
679,313. Timepieces. MONTRES ROLEX SOC. ANON. July 10, 1950 [July 16, 1949], No. 17238/50. Class 139 A self-winding timepiece comprises two masses mounted so as to be able to effect complete revolutions, each mass co-operating with a wheel which forms part of the winding train. The masses, 9a, 9b, Fig. 2, are respectivtly carried by arms 8a, 8b, Figs 1 and 2, secured to pinions 7a, 7b carried by shafts 6a, 6b respectively. The .shafts 6a, 6b are rotatable in bearings 5. The pinions 7a, 7b both mesh with a wheel 12 rigid with a pinion 13 which drives a wheel 14 rigid with the barrel ratchet 15. The masses are in a cage 1 fixed to the barrel bridge 2.
Abstract:
A torsion resonator comprises an elongated torsion bar made in one flat piece with anchor-shaped ends supporting masses and an enlarged median zone at one side of which it is fixed by an elastically deformable branch to the bottom plate of a timepiece. An electrical transducer maintains torsional oscillation of the resonator and the relatively high torsional moment of inertia of the median zone compared to the rest of the bar prevents torsional efforts being transmitted to the supporting branch. Cooperating parts at the ends of the torsion bar and on the plate limit the amplitude of displacement of the torsion bar about the elastic branch.
Abstract:
An electrical cell is secured in a trough shaped housing in a plate of a timepiece movement by a device located at the periphery of the housing. Said device comprises at least one member such as a washer with a cut-away edge held by means of a screw which moves it, from a rest position in which the cell is free, downwardly and inwardly into the housing to an operative position biting into the wall of the cell which is firmly held against a contact in the housing.
Abstract:
720,912. Watches. MONTRES ROLEX SOC. ANON. April 13, 1953, [July 25, 1952], No. 9977/53. Class 139. [Also in Group XXIV] A ratchet clutch for use, e.g. in the inertiaoperated winding mechanism of a watch, comprises a ratchet-wheel 3 fast in a recess in the face of an input wheel 1, which also. freely accommodates one, two or three double-ended pawls 6, an intermediate nose 6c on each of which rocks on the outer wall of the recess, whilst a pivot 8 on the pawl is free in a radial slot 9 in a plate 5 fast with an output wheel. In place of the pivot-and-slot connection 8, 9, the output plate 5 may have spaced pins projecting axially into the recess and engageable with the opposite ends of the pawl, Fig. 5 (not shown). Both ends of the pawl may be shaped for driving, as shown, and during overrun oscillate slightly over the ratchet teeth, or one end may be shaped as at 6d for lifting only. The arc between the two ends of the pawl may comprise a whole number of tooth pitches plus a half-pitch; and where two pawls are used the arc of the second may be a whole number plus one-quarter of a pitch. Where three pawls are used they are arranged at 120 degrees and the number of teeth on the ratchet wheel is a multiple of three, plus one. The automatic wind mechanism, Fig. 4, has two such oppositely-acting ratchet clutches 21, 24, to transmit impulses in both directions from an inertia-oscillated input wheel 12 to a common plate 18 fast to a unidirectional single output wheel 11, the input wheel 12 being in mesh with one clutch wheel 13 directly, and with the other 14 through a reversing idler 15.
Abstract:
A device for transforming oscillating movement into rotary movement includes a flexible blade fixed at one end and carrying a pawl in driving engagement with a ratchet wheel at its other free end. Between its ends, the blade has a bent or curved portion and a bearing piece acts on the blade between its bent portion and its fixed end. This bearing piece transforms the oscillating movement of a driving member into an unilateral pressure on the blade, which flexes the blade and causes the pawl to drive the ratchet wheel. To prevent reversal of the ratchet wheel, a retaining pawl can be provided; alternatively two bent flexible blades each carrying a driving pawl may be driven in phase opposition.