Abstract: A magnetic head for perpendicular magnetization recording especially suitable for operation from only one side of a magnetic tape includes a central magnetic pole surrounded in spaced relationship by a peripheral magnetic pole. An exciting coil is wound around the central magnetic pole for maintaining the central and peripheral magnetic pole at different magnetic potentials. Both magnetic poles are located on the same side of a multi-layer magnetic recording medium to be magnetized by the recording head.

Abstract: The electronic timepiece includes coding means to code voice signals inputted from an outside source, a semi-conductor memory circuit in which the coded signal is written and stored, a voice synthesizing circuit which reads the coded signals from the memory circuit and converts the coded signals into an analog voice signal, generating means to generate voice using the analog output of the voice synthesizing circuit, and a controller which controls reading and writing of coded signals out of and into the memory circuit. The control signals provided by the controller are of variable period in response to operation of an external member such that data is written into and read out of the memory circuit at selected bit rates.

Abstract: Time sharing of a processor in a timepiece allows for performance without interference of a plurality of functions including timekeeping and supplemental functions. An electronic timepiece includes an oscillator for producing a time-standard high frequency signal, temperature detecting means, the processing unit, a display means and at least one dedicated memory for compensating for the effect of temperature on the frequency of the oscillator. In addition, memories are provided for compensating for the aging characteristics of the oscillator and the temperature-detecting means. Manually-actuatable input switches provide for carrying out changes in the temperature-compensating data as the oscillator and the temperature-detecting means age. These switches also make it possible to use the circuitry for calculation. Preferably, the frequency generated by the oscillator is an integer multiple of 10 Hz and dividers are provided for dividing the frequency down to 0.

Abstract: An ink-jet printer comprises a piezoelectric element, a pressurization chamber coupled to the piezoelectric element for containing ink therein, and a nozzle communicating with the pressurization chamber, the piezoelectric element being deformable upon application of a drive voltage V to change the volume of the pressurization chamber for ejecting ink from the nozzle. The vibratory system including the piezoelectric element has an acoustic capacitance Co selected with respect to the flow passage system including said nozzle, said pressurization chamber and an ink supply passage, so as to minimize the drive voltage V. Drive voltage is related to the capacitance Co, electrical capacitance cp of the piezoelectric element and pressure .psi. as follows: ##EQU1## K is a constant.

Abstract: A paper feeding apparatus for use in a printer is capable of feeding both continuous computer or fan-fold paper having holes in the peripheral edges thereof and single sheets of paper such as letter paper. The paper feeding apparatus includes a frame having a platen rotatably supported thereon and a guide shaft supported on the frame. First and second paper feeding members are disposed on the guide shaft and spaced apart for feeding a fan-fold paper along the peripheral edges thereof by means of the holes therealong. First and second guide members are disposed intermediate the first and second paper feeding members. The first and second paper guide members each have a first portion for guiding a continuous fan-fold paper fed by the first and second paper feeding members, a second portion for guiding a single sheet of paper while being inserted and fed into the printer and a third surface for guiding a single sheet of paper while it is being fed out of the printer, past the platen.

Abstract: A voltage detection integrated circuit including a voltage regulation circuit for controlling the operation thereof is provided. The voltage detection integrated circuit includes a reference voltage circuit for producing a predetermined reference voltage, a voltage converter for converting a detected voltage for measurement and a comparator circuit for comparing the level of the reference voltage to the level of the converted voltage and for producing a comparison signal representative of the difference in voltage levels compared thereby. The voltage regulation circuit is coupled to the comparator circuit and the reference voltage circuit and/or voltage conversion circuit for selectively adjusting the level of the reference voltage produced by the reference voltage circuit and/or the converted voltage produced by the voltage converter, to thereby control the comparison signal produced by the comparator circuit.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit especially suitable for a matrix television set using a flat display, such as comprised of liquid crystals, light emitting diodes or electro-luminescent elements in place of a cathode ray tube, is provided. Signals necessary for horizontal and vertical scannings, or the like, are obtained by dividing the signal from an oscillator circuit. The frequency of the oscillator circuit does not equal that of the horizontal scanning signal, that is, in the order of 16 KHz. Phase comparison is performed on a horizontal synchronizing signal and a scanning signal, which is obtained by dividing the signal from the oscillator circuit, to apply negative feedback to the oscillator circuit whereby synchronization is performed. The oscillator is voltage controlled. The circuit is fabricated in a substantially integrated construction using few external parts.

Abstract: A precision, reliable, analog timepiece uses plastic frame elements reinforced with metal, and plastic wheel and pinions pivoting in holes formed in the plastic of the frame elements. The plastic frame elements are separated into portions corresponding to the functional timepiece portions. Exposed areas of the reinforcing metal provide reference locations in molding the frame elements and for component mounting. The entire timepiece is assembled from one side of a base frame element.

Abstract: In a magnetic head-positioning device using a coil motor, a position sensor detects the median position between one track and an adjacent track so as to decelerate and stop the moving head at the adjacent track. The magnetic head is transferred over a distance of many tracks by acceleration to the median positions and repeating the operation described above. A pair of flip-flops enables the magnetic head to move from one track to another one and a summing amplifier weights inputs from a position sensor, speed sensor and feed circuit to control motion of the voice coil motor.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit especially suitable for a matrix television set using a flat display, such as comprised of liquid crystals, light emitting diodes or electro-luminescent elements in place of a cathode ray tube, is provided. Signals necessary for horizontal and vertical scannings, or the like, are obtained by dividing the signal from an oscillator circuit. The frequency of the oscillator circuit does not equal that of the horizontal scanning signal, that is, in the order of 16 KHz. Phase comparison is performed on a horizontal synchronizing signal and a scanning signal, which is obtained by dividing the signal from the oscillator circuit, to apply negative feedback to the oscillator circuit whereby synchronization is performed. The oscillator is voltage controlled. The circuit is fabricated in a substantially integrated construction using few external parts.

Abstract: A printing device for use in a wire dot printer having a plurality of printing wires. The printing device includes a frame and a carriage slidably supported on the frame for lateral translation thereacross. A printing head is supported on the carriage and includes a nose member which supports the plurality of printing wires. First and second holding members are disposed on the carriage so that the nose member is intermediate the first and second holding members. A ribbon mask constructed from an elastic material is disposed on the nose member. The ribbon mask is removably held between the first and second holding members and extends across the nose member.

Abstract: In an electronic analog timepiece an automatic sequence of events determines the proper magnitude of a detection resistor which is used in series with the motor coil so as to determine whether in normal operation the rotor is rotated or not when driven. A detection resistor is used in series with motor coil but only after a fixed time has passed from initiation of detection current flow. The detection resistor is logically variable and selected automatically in accordance with the motor's mechanical load at the time of switching on the power source or releasing the analog timepiece from a resetting operation. The resistance is formed part of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An orthodontic system including an ultraelastic archwire having a transformation temperature of normal body temperature of about 37.degree. C. is provided. Only a small load is applied to the teeth when the orthodontic system is disposed in a patient's mouth. An increased load is applied to the teeth only when the temperature in the mouth is increased by placing a material having a higher than body temperature in the mouth. As a result, the temperature in the patient's mouth can be controlled without inflicting pain during natural every day actions. The orthodontic effect is available intermittently by raising the mouth temperature for producing higher stress or load which serves to move the teeth orthodontically. The ultaelastic alloy is preferably Ni-Ti alloy containing at least about 50.5 atomic percent of nickel and preferably about 50.7 atomic percent.

Abstract: A chattering preventive circuit for preventing chattering in a switch having a mechanical contact. The circuit includes a switch element for producing an input signal representative of the open and closed states of the switch and also includes a periodic pulse signal. A first memory circuit receives the input signal and the periodic pulse signal and produces a write-in signal representative of the coincidence of the input signal and the periodic pulse signal. A second memory circuit receives the write-in signal and the periodic pulse signal and produces an output signal representative of the closed state of the switch element only when the switch element is kept closed for at least a predetermined time period. The second memory circuit will not produce the next output signal representative of another closing of the switch element unless the switch element first remains open for at least a predetermined time prior to reclosing.

Abstract: A stepper rotor is driven with a narrow pulse width input which matches the load conditions on the motor. The subsequent position of the rotor is detected as being rotated or non-rotated by application of a detection pulse to the rotor. An additional driving pulse of increased width is applied should the rotor be found in a non-rotated state. A stabilizing pulse prevents intermediate rotor positioning. Position of the stepper motor is detected by passing a current through the rotor cell. The rate of increase in detection current is different when the rotor has rotated and when the rotor does not rotate because coil inductance and magnetic flux directions passing through the saturable portion of the stator are different depending upon the position of the rotor. The width of the driving pulse for normal operation is selected from a range of pulse widths so as to match the load on the motor.