An indexing unit in the form of a disc or an endless tape for switching chronometers has a number of programmable switch tabs disposed at an edge of the element forming a unitary structure, the switch tabs being depressable against the influence of a restoring force for positioning selected tabs in at least one programming position for actuating a separate switch device for switching a chronometer. The indexing element is comprised of flexible foil having a number of uniformly spaced incisions at an edge thereof. Each tab formed between successive incisions has a free end which may be pressed behind a retaining element for programming the indexing element.
A time setting control mechanism mounted in a mechanical timer and driven to automatically start or stop a machine at a given time, including, a hollow time counting wheel, a dial mounted in the time counting wheel, the dial having a center through hole, a disk mounted between the time counting wheel and the dial and supported on the time counting wheel by springy projecting strips thereof, the disk having an upward flange raised around the periphery, and a press portion raised from the center and protruding over the center through hole on the dial for pressing by hand, and a time setting control pin detachably mounted on the periphery of the time counting wheel, the time setting control pin having a mounting base detachably coupled to the periphery of the time counting wheel, a springy hook extended from the mounting base and inserted into an annular space defined between the upward flange of the disk and the periphery of the dial and hooked on a bottom edge of the dial, and a trigger rod adapted for triggering a switch of the mechanical timer to start or stop a machine at a given time, the spring hook of the time setting control pin being disengaged from the dial when the press portion of the disk is pressed down, permitting the time setting control pin to be removed from the time counting wheel.
An electronic alarm timepiece has a rotatable ring producing clicks when the ring is rotated from a first position aligned with one of the hands to a second position at which the alarm will be actuated when the hand reaches such position. The clicks are transmitted to the electronic timepiece logic through the same piezoelectric transducer which produces the alarm sound. The logic means actuates the alarm after an elapsed time which is proportional to the number of clicks counted when the ring is rotated.
A timer is provided with a setting member which is moved in order to set, increase or decrease a desired countdown time. Movement of the setting member in one direction generates an increment pattern and movement in an opposite direction generates a decrement pattern. A bit generator is connected to increment or decrement the countdown time.
