Abstract: A hybrid analog and electronic cycle timer has a mechanical movement and cam-operated cycle switch driven by a low-RPM synchronous motor. Electronic control logic divides the power line frequency to obtain pulses for pulsing the synchronous motor. The control logic also includes an activation interval timer and a lockout flip-flop which inhibits the activation interval timer. The activation interval timer is otherwise triggered by closure of the cycle switch. The lockout flip-flop is set after a power failure and at the end of the activation interval, and is reset by a manual reset signal. The activation interval timer may include an activation enable flip-flop and an activation interval counter. The state of the control circuit is conveniently indicated by an indicator which is activated continuously during the activation interval, and which is activated intermittently when the activation interval timer is inhibited by the lockout flip-flop.

Abstract: A connector arrangement for an a-c. clock mechanism which includes a drive coil and drive train mounted in a housing formed of a plastic base plate and plastic cover member of shallow cup shape. The drive coil has a core and bobbin, the bobbin being secured by embossments in the housing so that the rear end thereof is spaced from the adjacent side wall to form a wide access space. A pair of vertically spaced axially extending prongs mounted on the edge of the bobbin and electrically connected to the drive coil project into the access space. An access opening in the adjacent side wall of the housing alined with the prongs on the bobbin provides entry into the access space. The access opening is of arbitrary cross sectional shape and small enough to preclude entry of a connector of conventional design. For supplying current to the drive coil the a-c. line cord has a connector with a tip portion cross sectionally fitted for snug reception in the access opening as well as a handle portion alined therewith.

Abstract: A package for protection and display of an object such as a clock which includes a base having narrow pedestals extending upwardly along the lateral edges, pedestals having respective overhanging portions extending horizontally inward. The spacing between the pedestals is substantially the same as the lateral dimension of the object and the inside height of the overhanging portions is substantially the same as the height of the object. Embossments are provided on the base presenting a pair of retaining edges spaced inwardly with respect to the front and back edges of the base, the spacing between the embossments being substantially the same as the depth dimension of the object, the base pedestals and embossments being formed of resilient foamed plastic so that the object is held captive and cradled against movement in any direction with respect to the base. The base is enclosed by an inverted cup-shaped shell of transparent plastic having a lower edge snugly conforming to the profile of the base.

Abstract: A synchronous motor includes a disc-shaped rotor, a one-piece stator, and a coil assembly including a core and a winding therearound. The stator is connected to one end of the core and includes a pair of legs, the ends of which extend along an arcuate length thereby to define stator pole faces spaced from and concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotor. The rotor is magnetized radially and presents a plurality of contiguous substantially equally sized magnetic poles of alternating polarity at an air gap. The magnetic poles are of an angular length greater than the length of the stator pole faces. The motor is received by a molded casing providing means both for locating the stator pole faces and the rotor within the stator field at the air gap. The core provides an additional stator pole face in the magnetic field of the rotor and the winding of the motor is energized either by an A.C. or a D.C. source.

Abstract: A housing includes a compartment into which a battery is received and an ejector mechanism formed integrally therewith. The ejector mechanism is formed by a pair of lever arms extending from a hinge in one wall of the compartment. One lever arm extends from the compartment wall while the other lever arm follows the compartment wall, terminating at a location below the battery. Finger pressure on the former lever arm results in the ejector mechanism pivoting about the hinge so that the latter lever arm engages with to partially eject the battery supported by the housing between a pair of terminals from the compartment. The terminals each carry a raised rounded portion on a spring arm contacting the battery. The raised rounded portions act as obstructions so that the battery, once ejected, is not permitted to return to the supported position.

Abstract: A low power synchronous motor is disclosed having a rotor including a pair of rotor discs between which is sandwiched a permanent magnet which is polarized such that one of the rotor discs is a north pole and the other is a south pole. The stator includes an energizing winding having a core passing therethrough. A pair of complementary stator plates are secured at each end of the energizing winding to the core and are bent at right angles to form a copolanar stator air gap portion. The coplanar portion of the stator has a notched, circular air gap into which the rotor is positioned. The flat stator plates provide for easy assembly of the motor in a clock movement. The electrical energy coupled to the energizing winding is attenuated by means of a pair of impedance elements connected in series with the energizing winding and situated in the plug of the energizing circuit.

Abstract: A low power synchronous motor is disclosed having a rotor including a pair of rotor discs between which is sandwiched a permanent magnet which is polarized such that one of the rotor discs is a north pole and the other is a south pole. The stator includes an energizing winding having a core passing therethrough. A pair of complementary stator plates are secured at each end of the energizing winding to the core and are bent at right angles to form a coplanar stator air gap portion. The coplanar portion of the stator has a notched, circular air gap into which the rotor is positioned. The flat stator plates provide for easy assembly of the motor in a clock movement. The electrical energy coupled to the energizing winding is attenuated by means of a pair of impedance elements connected in series with the energizing winding and situated in the plug of the energizing circuit.