Abstract: A mode coupled tuning fork type quartz crystal vibrator utilizing two different vibrational modes is provided. The vibrator includes at least one electrode on each tuning fork arm for adjusting the resonant frequency of the main vibration and an electrode for adjusting the frequency-temperature characteristic of the vibrator. The main vibration is in the flexural mode (F.sub.1) and the sub-vibration is in the torsional mode (T.sub.0). The resonant frequency of the first overtone in the flextural mode is designated by f.sub.F and the resonant frequency of the fundamental vibration in the torsional mode is denoted by f.sub.T. The difference between f.sub.F and f.sub.T defined as .DELTA.f=f.sub.F -f.sub.T determines the frequency-temperature characteristics of the mode coupled vibrator.The electrodes for adjusting f.sub.F are substantially triangular in shape and the electrodes for adjusting f.sub.T are substantially rectangular in shape.

Abstract: An electronic wristwatch without mechanically driven hands has an electromagnetic output which is sensed for measuring the timing rate. A modulated signal applied to the coil of an alarm sounding device produces the electromagnetic field for sensing. The display is fully illuminated while timing in order to eliminate stray electric fields.

Abstract: An electronic timekeeping device performs timekeeping functions and on command selectively outputs a plurality of data signals and performs supplemental functions for an external unit such as a microcomputer. Control signals inputted via a data bus from the external unit actuate switch means which selectively permit the external unit to command the timekeeping device to output required data signals or perform a particular function. The basic timekeeping circuits of the device continuously perform the timekeeping function regardless of the data signals or functions which have been commanded for output, and when the external unit is inoperative. Data signals from the external unit can also be input to modify the data output of the timekeeping device. Individual data buses within the timekeeping device are devoted to particular functions.

Abstract: A two-layer twisted nematic type liquid crystal display device for providing improved contrast is provided. The interior surfaces of the transparent electrode plates of the cells have been treated so that the long axes of the liuqid crystal molecules adjacent the plates are aligned with the treated direction of the plates. The plates are disposed with the treated directions of opposed surfaces at 90.degree. angles to each other with the treated direction on the intermediate electrode surfaces of each cell being coincidental. Characters of the transparent electrodes are formed on the interior surfaces for forming displays having a reference direction from the upper or 12 o'clock position to the lower or 6 o'clock position. An upper and lower polarization plate having axes of polarization substantially parallel to each other are disposed on the outer surfaces of the device.

Abstract: An improved wire dot print head assembly for a wire dot printer including a resilient securing spring for holding the assembly elements secure is provided. The print head assembly includes a plurality of print wires, each selectively driven through a print nose by a plurality of electromagnets disposed about the print wires. A pivotable operating member engaged to the input end of the wire is actuated by an electromagnet with the fulcrum end of the operating member secured by a holding member. The holding member, nose, electromagnet and operating member are compressively retained by the resilient securing spring. The holding member is formed with a projection extending through the fulcum portion of the operating member to minimize magnetic reluctance of the magnetic flux by minimizing an air gap between a plunger mounted on the operating member and a yoke plate. The print head constructed in accordance with the invention permits improved dimensional accuracy in a simplified construction.

Abstract: A rounded end on a pivoted arm impacts a print medium through an ink ribbon to form a printed dot on the print medium. For printing, a wire drawn by an electromagnet acts on the arm between the pivot axis and the rounded end. A plurality of arms and electromagnets are spaced apart along a lateral row and mounted on a carriage for reciprocal lateral translation over a distance approximating the space between arms to print an entire horizontal row of dots forming a portion of a character line. Arms are driven separately or in combinations. The gap in the electromagnet is simply fixed to reduce power requirements.

Abstract: A step motor driving control mechanism for use in an electronic timepiece for reducing the current consumption thereof is provided. Load detection circuitry detects the load condition of the step motor and selectively produces a load condition signal representative of a predetermined load condition thereof. Driving and control circuitry is provided for receiving a low frequency timekeeping signal produced by a divider circuit and a load detection signal when same is selectively produced by the load detection circuitry. In response to the presence or absence of a load detection signal applied thereto, the drive and control circuitry is adapted to vary the duration of the pulse width of a drive signal applied to the step motor to effect a driving of same.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece has an alarm function using circuitry and an electroacoustic transducer to generate a selected melody. The frequencies of the generated tones lie close to those of the standard chromatic or diatonic scales, and are produced by dividing the frequency of a time-standard signal. A plurality of notes can be generated.

Abstract: An ink supply system for an ink printer. The system includes an ink cartridge which supplies ink through a conduit to the print head of the printer. A bubble trapping device is disposed along the conduit and includes a porous member which prevents air bubbles from entering the nozzle of the print head. The air bubbles are held in a chamber defined in the bubble trapping device. Fluid passages in the chamber of the bubble trapping device allow for continuous feeding of the ink to the porous member for passage to the nozzle. A bubble detecting device may also be provided in the supply system.

Abstract: A head for an ink-on-demand type ink jet printer includes two laterally offset, linear rows of ink nozzles, said nozzle rows being linearly offset for producing alternate dots of a continuous printed line of dots. Interconnected chambers and channels, formed in opposite surfaces of a central plate, are closed by coverplates to provide pressure chambers and nozzle ducts. Individual piezoelectric elements externally affixed to the coverplates in registry with the pressure chambers, when driven, locally deform the coverplate to drive ink from the associated nozzles. Ducts and chambers in one surface are not in registry with the ducts and chambers of the opposite surface, and the lateral offset between rows is less than the printed-character spacing.

Abstract: The size of an electronic timepiece is decreased through improvement in the design of the gear train. The improvements are directed primarily to the number of teeth on the wheel attached to the seconds hand and the relation of the pitch interval of this wheel to that of the wheel which drives the seconds wheel.

Abstract: A time-correcting mechanism is actuated by a single external member which is rotated, pushed and pulled. Data representative of the rotational speed of the external member is stored in memory and the digital time display is subsequently adjusted in predetermined amounts and rates in accordance with the stored data. In an alternative mechanism, as few as one corrective pulse is applied to a one-minute counter for minor display adjustment when the external member is slowly rotated. More-rapid rotation of the external member causes a plurality of quickly fed pulses to be applied to a one-minute counter, and still more rapid rotation causes pulses to be applied to both the one- and ten-minute counters. Large adjustments in the display are rapidly accomplished.

Abstract: An ink jet printing head of simple construction includes two supply channels and a pressure chamber which are substantially coplanar with the nozzle. A piezoelectric element acts to decrease the pressure chamber volume and eject an ink droplet from the nozzle. A smoothly curved supply channel inlet assures that vapor in the pressure chamber is easily removed. Ink refills the pressure chamber from a transverse supply pipe feeding two supply channels when the chamber volume increases after ejection of a drop.

Abstract: A head for an ink-on-demand jet dot printer is highly integrated to provide a large plurality of closely spaced dots by combining more than one head of lesser dot density as components of a single unit. The dots from the separate component heads are interspaced on the print recording medium to provide characters of high quality. Commonality of elements provides for a miniaturized head. In another embodiment independent pressure chambers, channels and nozzles are formed on opposite sides of a common baseplate.

Abstract: A thermal printer for printing on a thermal print paper including a platen element of a porous material, a fibrous material or a plastic material having an inrregular surface is provided. The platen element is opposed to the printer heating element which generates thermal energy for printing on the thermal paper. The platen element is mounted in a pair of grooves in a holding member substantially parallel to the printing direction of the heating element and retained therein by an adhesive or compressive retaining members. The inlet and outlet edges of the platen element are rounded for facilitating paper transport thereby.The elasticity and deformity of the platen element permits intimate contact between the thermal head and the thermal paper for clearer printing with a smaller power input. Repetitive heating and cooling does not result in thermal stresses and extends the life of the thermal head.

Abstract: In an electronic timepiece the digital display of time functions is corrected by the manipulation of a multi-contact rotary switch. Rotation of the switch in one direction corrects one displayed function, e.g., hours and minutes, and rotation of the switch in the other direction corrects another displayed function, e.g., day and date. The rate of display correction is responsive to the rate of switch rotation. Rotational direction is electronically determined by detecting which contact in the rotary switch is the first to close. Rate of switch rotation is determined by measuring the time required in cyclic actuation of the rotary switch contacts.