Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogere Suisse

Gérald Maurice Matthey

Pascal Robert

A portable electronic device () is described, in particular of bracelet watch type, comprising at least first and second display members (and), means () for making measurements of a physical magnitude related to the value of the altitude and a memory zone () for storing the measured values of the physical magnitude. The electronic circuits () of the device are adapted to control the analog display members, in one mode of operation called the rate of climb mode, so that a first display member () indicates the instantaneous rate of change of altitude and the second display member () indicates the value of a mean rate of change of altitude against appropriate graduations () of the device. Such a device finds its principle application in the field of aeronautical sports.

Portable electronic device with analog display rate of climb indicator

The vibrating device () is mounted in a portable object, such as a wristwatch, to act in particular as a silent alarm. The device includes a moving mass () formed in part by a magnetic structure connected to a fixed structure () via a spring element (), and a coil () connected to the fixed structure without any mechanical contact with the moving mass. The coil is electro-magnetically coupled to the moving mass to enable it to oscillate in at least one direction of oscillation (X) when it is being powered by alternating electrical signals at a determined frequency. A fixed part of the vibrating device includes a part () forming part of the spring element, which is mounted on the fixed structure. This part includes a longitudinal aperture () in the direction of oscillation combined with a surface of the fixed structure to define guide means in which a projecting element () of the moving mass is placed. This longitudinal aperture is dimensioned so as to allow the moving mass to oscillate freely in a normal operating mode of the vibrating device () at least up to a determined maximum amplitude value. However, the aperture limits the movement amplitude of the moving mass in a determined manner in all directions, to protect the vibrating device from mechanical shocks.

Vibrating device provided with mechanical shock protection means for a portable object

The invention concerns a portable electronic apparatus () including a dial () provided with at least one aperture (), a support piece (), fixed in relation to the dial, arranged for receiving display means (). The support piece has at least first (-) and second (-) bearing surfaces defining a fixed position for the display means in the support piece in relation to the aperture in the dial, the fixed position being defined in a parallel plane to the dial. First (), respectively, second () mechanical means are provided for moving the display means in abutment against the first, respectively, second bearing surfaces, in the fixed position that they define.

Positioning and locking mechanism of display means in a portable electronic apparatus

The multi-function watch () includes a magnetic sensor assembly associated with its electronic circuits. The hands (to) of its display are activated by electric motors to indicate the time in a time mode and directions in a compass mode. In order to indicate simultaneously the direction of north and another pre-selected direction, particularly a heading to be followed, in a clear manner avoiding any risk of confusion between these two directions, the direction of north (N) is shown in real time by the hour () and minute () hands, aligned opposite each other to form one long hand like that of a conventional compass, whereas the direction (C) corresponding to the heading to be followed is simultaneously shown by the second hand (), forming the desired angle (A) with the two aligned hands. In compass mode, the heading value is visible on a digital display (), which has other functions in other modes.

Growing community of inventors

Ballaigues, Switzerland

Gérald Maurice Matthey