Abstract: A switching off device for an alarm clock having a case with a two-part casing in which the front edge, preferably a locking hook of one casing part, can be connected with a locking means, preferably a depression on the top of the clock. A switching off mechanism is associated with the locking means and is operated when pressure is exerted on the top of one casing part. The locking means is arranged on a slide which projects beyond the upper contour of the clock in one position thereof in which the alarm is operating.

Abstract: A timed chime system wherein the minute timer of a clock mechanism generates a start chime signal every half hour. The start chime signal is applied to turn on a power switch to apply power to the elements of the chime system and to set system components to begin a chime cycle. In response to the start chime signal, the hour timer of the clock mechanism operates a coder to generate a BCD count signal corresponding to the position of the hour hand of the clock. The BCD count signal is then applied to set a particular hour count in a programmable counter and a chime tone circuit is activated to generate a number of Bim-Bam audio tones. As each Bim-Bam audio tone is generated, the programmable counter is decremented by one and, when the counter is decremented to zero, the chime system is reset. After a particular time delay, the power switch is operated to turn off system power.

Abstract: An autonomously operating pendulum mechanism, adapted to be attached as a unit to a clockwork, comprises a supporting plate adapted to be attached to a clockwork casing in overlying spaced relationship to the front face of the casing. The supporting plate is fastened to the casing by a fastening device which is concentric with the spindles for the clock hands and through which said spindles may project to the exterior of the plate. A pivot bearing is provided on the supporting plate vertically above the spindles adjacent the upper edge of the casing, and the lower edge of the supporting plate carries a circuit board having an electrically energizable coil thereon located immediately below the clockwork casing comprising a portion of an electrical drive mechanism.

Abstract: A battery-powered clockwork mechanism and a separate pendulum unit which is detachably connected to the clockwork mechanism. When so connected the pendulum device is powered by the battery in the clockwork mechanism but operates as a "blind" pendulum which does not control or affect the time-keeping function of the clockwork mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic digital clock includes an arbitrary number of fixed value stores the BCD stored values of which are compared with the BCD time representative signals generated by the clock to produce, in the event of coincidence, an electrical output signal which serves for switching purposes. In order to reduce the number of connections to be made to an integrated clock chip the clock may include a changeover switch which enables connections to the clock display device also to be used as connections to the stores.

Abstract: There is provided an alarm clock of the type which produces an electric signal and which operates in conjunction with an auxiliary device. The clock comprises first circuit means having first switch means for producing and cancelling the signal, and second circuit means having second switch means for switching the auxiliary device on and off. A single spring contact forms a common switch member of said first and second switch means. The advantage gained hereby is that the number of switches normally required to produce and cancel said signal and to energize and de-energize said auxiliary device is reduced.

Abstract: A unipolar rotary step motor having a polarized rotor which turns step-by-step in response to the magnetic field of a control coil as the coil is periodically pulsed by spaced unidirectional current pulses. The magnetic circuit includes, in addition to a magnetizing coil wound about the stator, a permanent magnet whose polarity of magnetization is opposite to that of the magnetization resulting from the coil. The configuration of the air gap between the stator and the rotor is such that the respective zones or regions of influence of, on the one hand, the permanent magnet alone, and, on the other hand, the combination of the permanent magnet with the magnetization resulting from the control coil, each extend over more than 180.degree. of rotor rotation and thus overlap each other. Each current pulse supplied to the control coil causes a complete rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to electric clocks and chart recorders driven by crystal controlled electric motors. The motor includes two stator plates, a rotor and a drive coil surrounding the legs of the stator plates. The rotor carries a pinion which drives the first gear of a mechanical gear train located between two side plates consisting of synthetic resin material. One of the side plates carries at least one bearing for the rotor and a plurality of projections which fit into holes in the stator plates and serve to position the stator plates in relation to the rotor. Electric pulses are supplied to the drive coil by an electronic frequency divider circuit having a push-pull output stage; a zener diode is connected in parallel with the power supply to the divider circuit and the drive coil to enable the motor to operate satisfactorily over a range of supply voltages.