The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 29, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 27, 2001
Seiko Instruments Inc., , JP;
Abstract
A mechanical time piece has a mainspring for generating a rotational force and a front train wheel for undergoing rotation in accordance with a rotational force generated by the mainspring. An escapement and speed control apparatus controls rotation of the front train wheel and has a timed annular balance for undergoing reciprocal rotational movement, an escape wheel and pinion for undergoing rotation in accordance with rotation of the front train wheel, and a pallet fork for controlling rotation of the escape wheel and pinion in accordance with rotational movement of the timed annular balance. A switch mechanism outputs an ON signal when a rotational angle of the timed annular balance becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold angle and outputs an OFF signal when the rotational angle of the timed annular balance does not exceed the threshold angle. A balance rotational angle control mechanism applies a force to the timed annular balance to restrain rotation of the timed annular balance when the switch mechanism outputs the ON signal. The balance rotational angle control mechanism has a balance magnet disposed on the timed annular balance and a plurality of coils for exerting a magnetic force to the balance magnet to thereby restrain rotation of the timed annular balance when the switch mechanism outputs the ON signal and for not exerting a magnetic force to the balance magnet when the switch mechanism outputs the OFF signal.