US4167849A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Watch with electronic buzzer
Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1977-11-17
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Granted: 1979-09-18
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Expires: 1997-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A waterproof acoustic vibrator for a timepiece and comprising a waterproof housing and a plate-like member having a magnetic portion. The plate-like member is mounted for oscillation opposite the waterproof housing and is maintained in a rest position by first magnetic biasing structure. Second magnetic biasing structure magnetically biases the plate-like member to oscillate and develop audible acoustic waves. The first magnetic biasing structure is a permanent magnet, and the second magnetic biasing structure is an electromagnet disposed within the waterproof housing.
Inventors
- 👤 Keikichi Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:56
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C21/00; G04C21/02; G10; G10K; G10K9/00; G10K9/12; G10K9/13; G10K9/18; G10K9/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
In a timepiece, a waterproof acoustic vibrator comprising: a waterproof housing having a side made of nonconductive material; a plate-like member having a magnetic portion and mounted for oscillation outside and opposite the non-conductive side of said waterproof housing; first magnetic biasing means for magnetically biasing said plate-like member to maintain the same in a rest position when said plate-like member is not oscillating; and second magnetic biasing means within said waterproof housing for magnetically biasing said plate-like member to oscillate and develop audible acoustic waves.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
In a timepiece, a waterproof acoustic vibrator comprising: a waterproof housing having a side made of nonconductive material; a plate-like member having a magnetic portion and mounted for oscillation outside and opposite the non-conductive side of said waterproof housing; first magnetic biasing means for magnetically biasing said plate-like member to maintain the same in a rest position when said plate-like member is not oscillating; and second magnetic biasing means within said waterproof housing for magnetically biasing said plate-like member to oscillate and develop audible acoustic waves.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a timepiece, a waterproof acoustic vibrator according to claim 1, wherein said side of said waterproof housing made of non-conductive material includes a shoulder portion raised above said side and dimensioned for supporting said plate-like member with a peripheral portion of said plate-like member resting on said shoulder portion and with said plate-like member free to vibrate in response to being magnetically biased by said second magnetic biasing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
In a timepiece, a waterproof acoustic vibrator according to claim 1, wherein said first magnetic biasing means is comprised of a permanent magnet within said waterproof housing and attracting the magnetic portion of said plate-like member for holding said plate-like member in the rest position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
In a timepiece, a waterproof acoustic vibrator according to claim 1, wherein said second magnetic biasing means is comprised of an electromagnet responsive to electrical signals applied thereto for developing a magnetic field effective to bias the magnetic portion of said plate-like member to oscillate said plate-like member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
A watch having a watch case with openings therethrough for emitting audible acoustic waves therethrough, a plate mounted for oscillator within said watch case for generating audible acoustic waves, driving means for driving said plate to oscillate, and a non-conductive platelike member disposed within said watch case between said plate and said driving means and defining a moistureproof barrier for preventing moisture from reaching said driving means through the openings through said watch case.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
A watch having a watch case with openings therethrough for emitting audible acoustic waves therethrough, a plate mounted for oscillator within said watch case for generating audible acoustic waves, driving means for driving said plate to oscillate, and a non-conductive platelike member disposed within said watch case between said plate and said driving means and defining a moistureproof barrier for preventing moisture from reaching said driving means through the openings through said watch case.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
96 words
A watch according to claim 5 wherein said non-conductive platelike member has a periphery, wherein said non-conductive platelike member is fixed along its periphery to said watch case and is positioned to completely underlie the openings through said watch case, and the watch further including moistureproof packing material between the periphery of said non-conductive platelike member and said watch case defining a moistureproof seal for preventing moisture from entering said watch case through the openings therethrough and going beyond the moistureproof barrier defined by said non-conductive platelike member and into the remainder of said watch case.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-09-17 | 1983-03-19 | 1983-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-09-17 | 1987-03-19 | 1987-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-09-17 | 1991-03-19 | 1991-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |