Abstract: A charging device for an electrostatic copying machine in which a tongue piece is positioned adjacent to a charging wire. A DC signal is applied to a piezoelectric element to flex the tongue piece to a position in contact with or closely adjacent to the charging wire, and a high frequency signal is superimposed onto the DC signal so as to flex and vibrate the tongue piece against the charging wire. The vibratory piezoelectric element may be fixed to and suspended from the charging wire; alternatively the piezoelectric vibratory element may support the charging wire at an intermediate portion of the charging wire.

Abstract: A clock which comprises a clock face, a casing, and a clock mechanism positioned within the casing. In accordance with this invention the casing defines separable walls, and latch means for retaining the walls in an integral, casing-defining position, with the latch means being openable to allow separation of the walls. A striker member is operatively connected through a linkage to the latch means whereby striking of the striker member can open the latch means to permit the walls to move from their integral, casing-defining position to their separated positions.

Abstract: A jointed electronic watch comprises a plurality of watch cases each capable of bearing a different type of display and an energy source. Between the back covers (4, 5, 6) and case bands of each case are sandwiched seals (9, 10, 11) which are coupled together by isthmuses (12) at the line of articulation of the back covers and which are formed as a single piece. Within the isthmuses are arranged electrical conductors adapted to couple together the various electronic components within the plurality of cases.

Abstract: A load control for a system comprised of a plurality of energy converters wherein the energy output of all converters is adjusted in parallel to maintain the total rate of energy output from the system equal to demand and wherein during steady-state conditions the rate of energy conversion for that converter having the lowest incremental cost is increased and simultaneously the rate of energy conversion for that converter having the highest incremental cost is decreased a like amount.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece comprising a rate correction circuit for modifying the number of time base pulses received by the frequency divider during a predetermined period of time by a predetermined number of correction pulses. The rate correction circuit is arranged to divide said period of time into a given number of sub-periods and to distribute correction pulses substantially and equally over these sub-periods.

Abstract: A recessed push button in the back of an electronic watch is sealed and returned to its normal position by a resilient O-ring gasket, and retained in a recessed opening in the watch case by a spring retaining clip. The clip has a keyhole slot transversely slidable around a groove in the push button stem, with a retaining tab locking the clip in position. A first conductive member maintains contact with the clip, holding it in position, and a second conductive member is spaced from and contacted by the clip when the push button is depressed.