Abstract: An exciting circuit for a stepper motor requiring only a single decoder device yet being capable of controlling the speed of the stepper motor using plural different modes of excitation. A memory stores digital data representing a predetermined sequence of activation of the exciting coils. A counter drives the address input port of the memory in accordance with its output count. A clock signal generator supplies clock pulses to the counter in one of two patterns, representative of high and low speeds. The first of the patterns contains clock pulses spaced at equal intervals with a frequency such that the stepper motor can follow the corresponding changes in activation of the exciting coils of the motor. In the second pattern, the clock signals are supplied in bursts, the internal frequency of which is higher than the stepper motor can follow. In this latter case, portions of the normal excitation sequence are effectively omitted, thereby driving the motor at a different speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating and monitoring the opening and closing cycle of electrically operated units such as electric windows and electric slide roofs which both eliminates the danger of body parts getting caught in the window and permits a complete opening and closing of the window automatically. In accordance with the invention, the speed of the drive motor is measured, directly or indirectly, and the first obtained measured value is compared with all following measured values. More particularly, this first measured value is used to detect momentary electrical and mechanical factors which change over the entire time of operation of the window, such as self-heating of the drive motor, the voltage charge of the battery, and the state and condition of the window. The processing or comparing of the measured values is carried out by a microcomputer. The actual measuring of the speed is by means of a sensor. The changes furnished by those sensors are utilized to determine the position of the window.

Abstract: The watch comprises an oscillator, a frequency divider, display means capable of displaying at least hours and minutes, and a correction circuit controlled by a rotary time setting stem which is capable of assuming at least two axial positions, one being a rest position which is occupied by the stem when the watch is functioning normally and an operative position for jointly correcting the minutes display and the hours display. The correction circuit is so arranged as to provide for correction of hours display alone in response to a particular rotary movement of the stem in its rest position.This particular rotary movement may comprise, in regard to the stem, rotating at least through a minimum angle in a time interval which is less than a predetermined period, for example at least two revolutions in less than two seconds. The minutes and hours displays are changed and the hours display is corrected in the forward direction or the backward direction depending on the direction of rotation of the stem.

Abstract: This invention relates to synchronous motor starters and provides a starter including a flywheel connected to the rotor shaft of a synchronous motor by yieldable connection means. When the synchronous motor reaches operating speed as an induction motor the yieldable connection means is in a stressed state and acts to subsequently accelerate the flywheel relative to the rotor shaft of the motor and further to decelerate the flywheel relative to the rotor shaft so that the motor reaches synchronism.

Abstract: A reciprocal locking device for the movements of two push buttons includes a pivoting bolt having the shape of a "T" which oscillates in a plane perpendicular to the directions of displacement of the push buttons and is urged back into a central rest position by its own resilient means.

Abstract: In a clock having a synchronous motor and a chime that is struck once evey half hour by a biased hammer assembly that is prevented from striking the chime except when a tab on the hammer falls into a notch on a wheel driven by the minute shaft, a chime shutoff is mounted on the back cover of the clock for movement between a chime "on" and a chime "off" position.

Abstract: An electrical heater for clamping round a body to be heated comprises a sheet-like elongate heating element, a housing member against which the element is located, and a continuous band of flexible metal strip formed into two closely-spaced elongate sections joined at their ends by rounded sections. The element is sandwiched between the housing member and one of the elongate sections and that section is slidably attached to the housing member. In use, the heater is located round the body with the housing member in contact with the body, and the rounded end sections of the strip are urged together, for example by a screw cooperating with rollers within the rounded sections.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electric arc process in which the stabilization pulses are applied across the arc electrode by the secondary winding of a transformer through a separating condenser and a spark gap. The circuit includes a further condenser bridged across this secondary winding, a noncontrollable semiconductor network connected in series with the primary of this transformer, a charging condenser connected across the primary in series with the noncontrollable conductor network, and a resistor connected in series with this charging condenser across the current supply for the discharge process.

Abstract: A microelectronic circuit case for continuous seam welding to a lid and having a chamfer on the inner corner of the case upper edge for improving welding and sealing reliability, and a method of making the case.

Abstract: A burner ignition circuit produces high frequency sparks between a pair of spaced electrodes connected to opposite sides of a secondary winding of a transformer in response to the repetitive discharge of a capacitor through the primary winding under the control of an SCR powered by a full wave rectifier such that sparks are produced throughout both half waves of AC power. The discharge capacitor is primarily charged from the power supply through a current limiting resistor. The turn-on time of the SCR is minimized by a trigger circuit including a diac which discharges another capacitor into the gate of the SCR when the voltage thereacross exceeds a selected value. Circuitry including a diode connected between the capacitor and the primary winding is provided to prevent LC oscillation between the discharge capacitor and the primary winding of undesirable residual energy stored in the inductance of the primary winding immediately following each turn-off of the SCR.