Patent US4233679A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4233679A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable piezoelectric transducer for a watch
Assignee: Timex Group USA Inc
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Filing: 1979-09-28
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Granted: 1980-11-11
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Expires: 1999-09-28
Abstract
Abstract A watch includes a piezoelectric wafer mounted on a membrane held by its peripheral edge inside a watch caseback. A frequency adjustment device mounted in the caseback includes a rotatable arm contacting the membrane and movable to adjust the resonant frequency of the membrane and piezoelectric crystal vibrating assembly. The frequency of the piezoelectric transducer may be adjusted to match a desired frequency of an electrical or sound signal.
Inventors
- 👤 Jack Schwarzschild
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:23
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04G; G04G13/00; G04G13/02; G04G13/021; G10; G10K; G10K13/00; G10K9/00; G10K9/12; G10K9/122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
In a watch having a case containing a movement, a power source, and electric circuitry, a piezoelectric transducer comprising a flexible disc-shaped membrane and a piezoelectric wafer attached thereto, and a caseback enclosing the watch movement within the case, the improvement comprising: frequency adjustment means disposed within said caseback and accessible from the exterior of the watch case, said frequency adjustment means including a movable element disposed within the watch case and having a portion contacting said membrane, said element being movable so as to contact said membrane at varying radial locations when said frequency adjustment means is actuated outside the watch to change the vibratory characteristics of said piezoelectric transducer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
In a watch having a case containing a movement, a power source, and electric circuitry, a piezoelectric transducer comprising a flexible disc-shaped membrane and a piezoelectric wafer attached thereto, and a caseback enclosing the watch movement within the case, the improvement comprising: frequency adjustment means disposed within said caseback and accessible from the exterior of the watch case, said frequency adjustment means including a movable element disposed within the watch case and having a portion contacting said membrane, said element being movable so as to contact said membrane at varying radial locations when said frequency adjustment means is actuated outside the watch to change the vibratory characteristics of said piezoelectric transducer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination according to claim 1, wherein said frequency adjustment means comprises a rotatable pin having an arm terminating in a flexible finger disposed on the pin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination according to claim 2, wherein said membrane is supported by its peripheral edges, and wherein said pin is disposed at a location off-center from the center of the membrane, whereby rotation of the pin causes the finger to contact the membrane at varying radial locations.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination according to claim 2, wherein said piezoelectric transducer is electrically connected to the circuitry in the watch movement by flexible conductive spring members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4068461A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-11-11 | 1984-05-12 | 1984-11-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-11 | 1988-05-12 | 1988-11-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-11 | 1992-05-12 | 1992-11-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |