Abstract: A pulse generator, such as in a printing process, outputs pulses which are fed to a first threshold value circuit which generates respective rectangular pulses whose duration depends upon the time the respective pulse exceeds a first threshold value. An initially charged capacitor is discharged at a first rate in response to the leading edge of the rectangular pulse and at a second rate, twice the first rate, in response to the trailing edge of a rectangular pulse. The capacitor is connected to a second threshold value circuit which outputs pulse signals when the potential of the capacitor falls below a second threshold value.

Abstract: An oscillator is disclosed having a one-stage amplifier and a quartz crystal resonator which operates in series resonance with a L-C oscillating circuit. An oscillating circuit which is tuned to a harmonic of the oscillator frequency is also provided which is connected via a filter device to an output of the amplifier stage. A switching device is provided which short circuits the oscillating circuit tuned to a harmonic as and when required.

Abstract: A motion pick-up in a non-mechanical printer to produce electric timing signals at instances of time at which given points of a path of motion are crossed includes a light transmissive rod arranged along the path of motion which is parallel to the line of print on a data carrier. The light transmissive rod has marks thereon, or associated therewith at the level of the given points and a laser beam which is split into sub-beams by an acousto-optical beam deflector provides a predetermined sub-beam which is deflected by a polygonal reflector and scanned thereby along the rod. The sub-beam is influenced by the marks in such a manner so as to cause light scattering and reflection through the rod so as to strike a photo-element and produce output signals which constitute electric timing signals. The rod may be glass or a synthetic material. The marks may be constituted by scratches on the rod.