The method for manufacturing timepiece hairsprings according to the invention comprises the following successive steps: a) forming hairsprings in a wafer, b) forming a thermal compensation layer on the hairsprings, c) identifying the hairsprings having a stiffness within a predetermined range, d) optionally, detaching from the wafer the hairsprings identified in step c), e) modifying the other hairsprings so that the stiffness of at least some of them is within the predetermined range, f) detaching from the wafer these other hairsprings and, if they have not been detached in step d), the hairsprings identified in step c). This method makes it possible to reduce manufacturing dispersions between the hairsprings.

An extension spring assembly and a method for manufacturing the same. A helical extension spring is provided. The spring has a plurality of coils disposed along a longitudinal axis between an end coil at a first end and an end coil at a second end with the coils touching each other in absence of a force acting on the extension spring that is sufficient for extending the same. The end coils are gripped and the spring is extended to an extended position. In the extended position the spring has a predetermined distance between successive coils thereof In the extended position a coating material is disposed onto the surface of the spring such that the coating material is disposed onto a surface portion of the spring where the coils touch each other in absence of extension. The coating material is cured for a predetermined time interval while the spring is extended. The extension is removed from the spring after elapse of the predetermined time interval and the end coils are released. End mounts are then inserted into a first and a second end portion of the spring.

A vibration isolating damper for securing a first structure to a second structure includes a primary isolator of elastomeric material configured to engage the first structure for securement thereto and including a tubular body and a shoulder adjacent to an axial end of the tubular body, the shoulder extending radially inwardly to partially close the axial end of the tubular body. The vibration isolating damper also includes a fastener having a rod portion extending through the tubular body of the primary isolator and configured for securement to the second structure; a rigid tube disposed about the rod portion of the fastener and extending through the tubular body of the primary isolator; and a coil spring disposed about the rigid tube and engaging the shoulder of the primary isolator within the tubular body.

Drive devices, in particular linear drives, spindle drives, and/or telescopic drives, for moveable vehicle components are provided. A housing assembly for a drive device is also provided. A connecting element for a drive device is also provided. A spring element for a drive device is also provided.

A spring part, in particular for a driving device, includes a spring body extending around a central axis. The spring body comprises several spring windings which run radially around a spring axis and are made of at least a base material. The base material is surrounded at least by a first protective layer, and the spring body is at least partially covered on the outside by a lubricant. A method for manufacturing a spring part includes the steps of providing a spring body with several spring windings made of a base material and coating the base material at least with a first protective layer. The method includes the step of applying a lubricant formed as a silicone-based lubricant to the outside of the coated spring body.

Disclosed is a method for improving vibration damping of a substrate, such as the underbody of an automobile. The method comprises applying a plastisol which comprises a polymeric component, a general purpose plasticizer and a rosin ester resin. The fused plastisol has improved damping behavior as determined using Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis.

This invention teaches a new class of materials that can be used to manufacture hairsprings and/or other components of mechanical watches, and methods for manufacturing these components. The new class of materials is crystalline compounds, including, but not limited to, gallium arsenide, extrinsically doped gallium arsenide, extrinsically doped silicon, gallium nitride, extrinsically doped gallium nitride, gallium phosphide, extrinsically doped gallium phosphide, and quartz. This invention also teaches laminated/coated crystalline compounds. The lamination/coating may be applied by one of the following methods, including but not limited to: plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, sputtering, electron beam evaporation, and thermal evaporation. Using crystalline compounds, in particular extrinsically doping the crystalline compounds, affords the possibility to controllably alter the mechanical, electrical, thermal, magnetic, and/or other properties of the watch components. These properties can be further altered by applying single or multiple laminates/coatings of varying thicknesses and/or geometries.

A spring assembly comprises a spring with a coating, a spring retainer made of plastic material, an adhesive layer by which the spring and the spring retainer are bounded adhesively to one another, wherein the hardness of the adhesive layer is lower than the hardness of the coating. Further, a process of producing such a spring assembly is provided.

A powder composition including a resin and from 5% to 70%, by weight based on powder composition weight, of a corrosion-inhibiting pigment, optionally including from 0% to 65%, by weight based on powder composition weight, zinc, the composition being substantially free from pigment providing a metallic effect is provided. The corrosion-inhibiting pigment may be present in amounts of up to 50%, by weight based on powder composition weight, for example, up to 35%. A method for coating a substrate with the powder composition and the coated substrate so formed are also provided.

A coil spring includes a wire rod and an elastic coat provided on the wire rod. The coil spring includes a coil section including a plurality of coil portions. The wire rod includes a round cross-sectional portion, a cross-section varying portion, and a rectangular cross-sectional portion along the longitudinal direction of the wire rod. The cross section of the rectangular cross-sectional portion is substantially square and has a first plane and a second plane. The first plane and the second plane oppose each other in the coil section. The elastic coat is provided on at least one of the first plane and the second plane. The elastic coat is continuous from the round cross-sectional portion to the cross-sectional variation portion and the rectangular cross-sectional portion.