Abstract: An appliance timer includes a motor-driven cam, a plurality of electrical switches responsive to the cam, and a plurality of electrical terminals electrically connected to the switches, all of which are supported in a housing. The terminals are arranged on one end of the housing in n rows, and bussing between the terminals is provided so that all terminals to which external electrical connection is to be made are in one of m rows, with m being less than n. An insulating maze structure is provided in the housing within which the terminals are mounted so that the air path distance between terminals connected to differing electrical polarities is greater than the straight line path. The terminals to be connected to are longer than the other terminals. A terminal cover is snapped onto the housing and covers all of the terminals in the rows other than the m rows while leaving the longer terminals in the m rows exposed for connection to an external connector.

Abstract: A dryer timer includes a housing and a motor and a cam assembly carried in the housing. A switch in the housing is responsive to the cam to switch the motor between a 120 VAC standard timer circuit and a 240 VAC dryer heater circuit. A leadless voltage dropping resistor in the 240 VAC circuit is mounted on the exterior of the housing clasped between the feed-through to the switch and a terminal strap connected to the timer terminal which connects to the dryer heater circuit. A flanged member connected to the feed-through and the terminal strap engaged the flat surfaces of the disk-shaped leadless voltage dropping resistor to dissipate the heat it produces.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a motor driven cam carried in a housing. A switch blade carried in the housing is responsive to the cam to selectively activate one of a pair of switch circuits, each of which provide a different operating level for an appliance function, e.g. several different heat levels in an automatic dryer. Each switch circuit includes a contact, a contact support spring, and an electrical feed-through which connects to a terminal strap on the exterior of the housing. A resistor that is an integral part of one of the switch circuits provides the level differentiation between the circuits. In one embodiment a carbonaceous organic resistor chip replaces the circuit contact. In another embodiment an inorganic ceramic resistor slug replaces the circuit feed-through.

Abstract: A switch has four separate electrical terminals. A first electrical contact selectively electrically bridges three of the four terminals while a second electrical contact selectively bridges the fourth terminal and one of the first three.

Abstract: A timer housing has a single compartment. The cams and electrical switches, that are responsive to the cams, are carried in the compartment as well as the motor that drives the cams without any physical electrical barrier separating them. Electrical bussing bars are carried on the outer surface of the housing to provide connections of selective ones of electrical terminals that are electrically connected to the electrical switches. Electrical bussing pins electrically connect the motor to selected ones of the electrical bussing bars so as to electrically connect the motor to selected electrical terminals.

Abstract: The timing mechanism illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,727,015, 3,805,005 and 4,406,932 have been improved by providing cooperating housings for the timing mechanism elements and the motor drive for the timing mechanism such that there is no external wiring between the motor housing and the timing mechanism elements. Means are provided in the motor housing to properly locate the motor and insure proper location between the motor, its associated gear train, and the elements of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: A timing mechanism is started by pushing a plunger against a cam assembly to disengage a cam from a switch to allow the switch to close. The cam assembly is axially spring biased against a wall of the timing mechanism to stop its movement after the switch closes. The plunger is axially spring biased against the cam assembly to permit it to proceed and override the cam assembly to prevent jamming of the plunger or other elements of the timing mechanism until a stop prevents continued movement of the plunger.

Abstract: A clutch particularly adaptable to a timing mechanism comprising a metal member with an aperture in it and an insert molded as a single unit a plastic shaft extending through the aperture and having two plastic clutch discs engaging opposed faces of the rotating member. Flanges extending from the clutch discs connect the discs to cam means of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: An electrical circuit electrically connects a timer motor for a timer in parallel with a thermostat means, the thermostat being electrically connected in series with a heating mechanism. With such a connection, heat may be applied to a drying apparatus while the timer is not running and when the thermostat opens to shut off the heat, the timer motor will run to operate the timer to advance the timer through the time cycle.The timing mechanism or timer for the control system includes at least one set of switching structures responsive to a cam, the switching structure including a terminal block, and first and second electrical contact blades cantilevered on opposite sides of the terminal block and cooperating electrical contacts to open and close electrical circuits.

Abstract: The time between constant speed defrost cycles is shortened by monitoring the opening and closing of a door of a cooling unit. The control system for doing so includes cam means rotating at a constant speed and electrical switches responsive thereto, a ratchet with missing teeth coupled to the cam means, a pawl engaging the door and the ratchet.

Abstract: Upon insertion of a coin into a receiver of a timing mechanism, an actuator rotates a ratchet which in turn rotates a cam. The cam and a disc each have a tab extending therefrom. When the ratchet and cam are rotated, the tabs separate from each other providing a desired timing cycle and the cam is set to close electrical switches. When the timer is operative, the disc rotates causing its tab to engage the tab of the cam to rotate the cam and open the electrical switches.

Abstract: A slider is actuated by an outer shaft of two cooperating inner and outer shafts to move the slider and close electrical contacts. The outer shaft is spring-biased with respect to the inner shaft such that after a momentary closing the outer shaft is returned to its original position to open the electrical contacts. A means is provided to impart a snap action of the outer shaft with respect to the inner shaft.

Abstract: A circuit controller which in addition to providing a program for actuating functions of a clothes dryer also includes a means to provide an additional program to prevent wrinkling of the clothes after the normal drying program is completed. The additional program is provided in a gear train of a motor and follower means are provided to be actuated by the additional program to open and close electrical switches.