Abstract: A writing instrument is described, which includes a writing assembly, a holder for an ink reservoir joined to the writing assembly, a removable barrel secured by rotation to the holder, and a removable cap which, in the closed position, fits over and protects the writing assembly. The cap and writing assembly are rotatably integrated in both rotational directions when the cap is in the closed position, so that removal of the barrel is effected simply by rotating the barrel relative to the cap without it being necessary to remove the cap and hold the writing assembly in the hand.

Abstract: A control circuit for driving an electric motor at a substantially constant speed, the motor including a rotor with at least one pair of permanent magnetic poles and a stator provided with a first and second coil, the control circuit including a control element for supplying energizing pulses to the coils dependent upon a detected rotor speed, the control element having a normal speed mode wherein the rotor speed is detected by the first coil and wherein only the second coil is supplied with energizing pulses at a frequency corresponding to single coil driving and a self-starting mode wherein the energizing pulses are supplied alternately to the first and second coils to accelerate the rotor to a desired speed, the control element including rotor acceleration and braking circuitry operable during the normal speed mode and including a desired frequency pulse generator, an actual frequency pulse generator, a phase comparator for comparing the widths and phases of the desired and actual frequency pulses, and an

Abstract: A process for producing on an object a decoration which includes two different visible materials, said process including at least one cycle of the steps of applying a masking material to at least one region of the outer surface of the object, simultaneously machining the mask and the underlying base material over at least a portion of the region, and coating the machined portion of the underlying base material with a different material.

Abstract: A circuit for supplying a constant DC voltage to an electrical load and, alternatively, a relatively constant DC current to a storage battery connected in parallel with the electrical load, the circuit including a blocking oscillator having a transformer with primary and secondary windings, a switching transistor having first and second load terminals and a control terminal, and a first resistor, the primary winding, the load terminals of the switching transistor and the first resistor being connected in series across an input voltage source, a rectifier connected in series with the electrical load across the secondary winding, a controlling transistor having first and second load terminals and a control terminal, a reference voltage element connected across the load terminals of the controlling transistor and connected to the control terminal of the switching transistor, and a Zener diode having an anode connected to the control terminal of the controlling transistor and a cathode connected to the parallel a

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stratified, corrosion-resistant complex comprising a metal substrate and an outer layer made of a noble material. According to the invention the substrate is composed of an alloy having, by weight at least 45% nickel, at least 7% chromium, and at least 7% molybdenum, all the other components of the substrate representing at most 15% of the alloy.The invention is particularly useful for making the backs of watch cases.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance, having an interchangeable tool attachment, such as a stirrer arm, and an interchangeable container attachment, such as a food chopper. The tool attachment has a base which is secured to the appliance through rotation of a rotatable tension ring assembly, surrounding a power takeoff shaft and a retainer ring, and includes a housing pivotally connected to the base. The container attachment is secured through recesses in its base which engage pins on the retainer ring. A locking bolt is provided on the container attachment which engages the cover thereof, the locking bolt being engageable in a locked position by a slide coupled to a power switch through a blocking rod whenever the power switch is actuated, such that the container attachment cover may not be removed with the appliance in an activated state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rotational speed and phase of a synchronous motor is provided by sensing the motion of the poles with respect to the stator to provide sensor signals. The sensor signals are converted to sensor pulses and compared to constant pulses. Driving pulses are generated so that if the poles run ahead, a braking moment is generated, and if the poles lag behind, an accelerating moment is generated.

Abstract: A hair curler for rolling up the hair having a cylindrical rod body containing a catalytic heating device. The rod body is permanently affixed on a handle which is designed as a fuel tank. A thermostatically controlled valve device, between the fuel tank and the rod body, regulates the fuel supply from the fuel tank to the catalytic heating device. An opening allows air to enter the chamber which contains the catalyst. An ignition device is situated at the free end of the cylindrical rod body. The ignition device is activated by means of an operating key which closes an electrical circuit, to heat an incandescent filament, and thus to initiate catalytic combustion at the catalyst. A chamber is situated between the battery and the combustion chamber. This chamber is flushed through by ambient air and inhibits heat flow. The electrical conductors of the ignition device are conducted through this chamber.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based clock which has both a current time digital display and an alarm time digital display, as well as controls for setting both the current time and the alarm time either ahead or backward at selectable rates such that a single knob provides rapid setting of the setting time and a single knob provides rapid setting of the alarm time. An improved regulating circuit provides the microprocessor with a first substantially constant DC voltage and a second DC voltage limited to a given magnitude. User-accessable controls are provided for effecting a snooze alarm function, alarm setting and for disarming the alarm function for a relatively long period of time, e.g., for 24 hours. One of the controls includes strips bridgable by a conductive member such as a finger.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the fluid flowrate through a system whose through flowrate is to be measured, which includes a first chamber in fluid communication and substantial pressure equilibrium with a constant pressure source, a second chamber in fluid communication with the constant pressure source through a flow restrictor whose through flowrate is substantially equal to the through flowrate of the system to be measured, a valve having an upstream port in fluid communication with the second chamber and a downstream port adapted to receive and connect with the system to be measured, the valve being selectively actuable to establish or block fluid communication between the second chamber and the system to be measured, and a measuring device for measuring the pressure difference between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit having an electromagnetic transformer with primary and secondary coils, a rectifier connected between the secondary coil and the battery, a first transistor connected in series with the primary coil and a resistor to form a circuit in parallel with a power source, the base of the first transistor being connected to the secondary coil, and a second transistor electrically connected to the base of the first transistor. The first transistor has a high switching frequency, and the battery is charged with a constant reverse current during its blocking phase, regardless of the power source voltage. The first transistor is protected from reverse kick-back voltage pulses induced during its blocking phase by the provision of a diode and Zener diode connected in series across the primary coil and a capacitor interposed between the secondary coil and the base of the first transistor.