Abstract: A developing device includes a developing sleeve driven to rotate to transport a film of developer riding on its outer peripheral surface, the developing sleeve including an electrically conductive cylinder, a dielectric layer formed on the cylinder and a plurality of fine electrodes provided electrically isolated from each other at least at the outer peripheral surface of the dielectric layer. In one form, each of the fine electrodes is previously coated with an insulating material having the volume resistivity of 10.sup.12 ohms-cm or more to a thickness of 0.5 microns to 0.5 mm. An intermediate dielectric layer may be provided between the cylinder and the first dielectric layer. Further, an electrically conductive layer may be provided as sandwiched between the two dielectric layers. Moreover, the outermost surface of the sleeve may be appropriately roughened in view of the average diameter of toner particles used.

Abstract: An apparatus which develops a latent image with marking particles transported from a storage supply into contact therewith. As the marking particles are moved into contact with the latent image, extraneous marking particles are confined and guided gently back to the storage supply thereof. In this way, any clouds of particles formed cannot escape from the development apparatus.

Abstract: Digital circuitry and microprocessor techniques are used to monitor the quality of toner operations in a copier and take appropriate corrective action based upon the monitoring results. Patch sensing is used. Reflectivity signals from the patch and from clean photoconductor are analog-to-digital converted and a plurality of these signals taken over discrete time periods of a sample are stored. The stored signals are averaged for use in determining appropriate toner replenishment responses and/or machine failure indicators and controls.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece is provided with a photo-electric cell generating an output voltage indicative of incident illumination levels, circuit means for converting this output voltage into digital data signals, and a liquid crystal display which is driven in response to the data signals such that successive sections of the display act to progressively unmask a rear reflector plate to thereby indicate the illumination level. The circuits for converting illumination level to data signals are based on an oscillator circuit whose frequency is controlled by the photo-electric cell voltage, and digital means for measuring this frequency, so that the circuit configuration is very simple and power comsumption extremely low.

Abstract: A diver's watch having a watch case and a register ring which is rotatably mounted on the watch case to set a diving time. The register ring has a plurality of notches on the underside thereof and is urged by clicks made of spring plate and held by a holding ring secured to the watch case. A plurality of lock notches are formed on the outer periphery of the watch case. A lock pin is projected from the inside of the register ring and engaged with one of the lock notches, so that the register ring is locked to the watch case. When the register ring is depressed against the clicks, the lock pin disengages from the lock notch, so that the register ring can be rotated.

Abstract: An electric starting system for cranking an internal combustion engine by an electric cranking motor. The system prevents energization of the cranking motor following initial energization and subsequent deenergization by sensing the voltage generated by the cranking motor when it is deenergized and preventing reenergization of the cranking motor until this voltage drops to some value indicative of a low cranking motor speed.

Abstract: A timer has a single knob which is normally used to set a desired timing cycle within a given range and also, when pulled out, to set a selected one of a plurality of ranges. When the knob is pulled out, projections formed on the control shaft engage a concentrically-mounted rotatable disc having at least one set of peripheral teeth. These teeth engage a flexible plastic detent formed in the front of the plastic housing of the timer. The rotatable disc is coupled to a reciprocating slider having conductive fingers which engage predetermined pairs of conductive contacts on a circuit board. As the disc rotates and the slider fingers touch different pairs of contacts, different circuit components are actuated thereby changing the range. In one variation of the timer, means are provided for changing the visible decimal point on the dial to correspond to the range selected.

Abstract: A water-resistant shaped case construction for a wristwatch with a bell-shaped molded crystal with a central viewing portion and a depending wall forming part of the case including an integral pendant for the stem, a stainless steel bezel shell clamping a sealing gasket between the rim of the crystal wall and the caseback by a snap-fit attachment between the bezel and the case back. The improvements include a shoulder on the crystal wall cooperating with the rim of the caseback to control the clamping action on the gasket.

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.