Abstract: A rotary switch for providing deicing power to the heaters of a helicopter rotor includes a conductive rotor with conductive protrusions located thereon. Conductive fingers are arranged such that a pair of conductive fingers are in electrical communication with a pair of conductive protrusions for a given position of the conductive rotor. The pair of conductive fingers are in electrical communication with the heaters of a helicopter rotor such that if one the pair of electrical fingers fails to make electrical contact with its respective conductive protrusion electrical power is still delivered to the heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-mechanical programmer/timer having a plurality of switches actuated by a rotating program cam with each of the switches tracking a separate cam track on the cam. The program cam is indexed by a pawl which engages ratchet teeth on the program cam. The pawl is oscillated by engagement with a sub-interval cam driven by a motor drive. At least one of the switches following the program cam is a single-pole double-throw switch with the center blade thereof actuated by a cam follower lever operated by a separate track on the sub-interval cam.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A torque limiting drive and programmer/timer using same. A motor drives a driving member which has drive lugs engaging the central web of a plural-armed wave spring. The wave spring arms frictionally engaged radially oppositely facing annular friction surfaces on a driven member, which in a programmer/timer is the program cam, which upon rotation of the cam is operative for sequentially actuating electrical switches. User rotation of the cam when the motor is not operative allows the wave spring arms to slip against the annular friction surfaces permitting the user to position the cam as desired.

Abstract: An electromechanical appliance programmer has a cam drum indexed by primary advance motor drive for sequentially operating plural appliance function switches. The cam shaft is axially slidable by user actuation and moves an annular cam ring for moving a slider for actuating and de-actuating a line power switch. An internally-toothed gear is attached internally to the cam drum web and is engaged by a drive pinion of a second motor drive for effecting rapid advance of the cam drum.

Abstract: A programmer for controlling the actuation and deactuation of a plurality of load function switches. A motorized cam drum track moves a follower pivoted about a fulcrum pin. A solenoid controlled by a microcomputer slidably moves a bar operable to selectively latch and unlatch the fulcrum pin. When latched, the pin causes the follower to pivot and effect the actuation and deactuation of the associated switch in response to the cam track and the follower, when the fulcrum is unlatched, leaving the switch unmoved. The solenoid controls latching and unlatching independently of the cam drum rotation.

Abstract: A electromechanical programmer with smooth program preselection having a rotating main cam unit for executing several operating programs, a first cam for allowing step passage with the main cam unit driven in rotation by a micromotor through a speed reduction system, and a second cam for smooth program preselection. The programmer comprises a retractable mechanical drive device for assuring a mechanical connection between the rotating main cam unit and first cam for allowing step passage under a control of the second cam for smooth program preselection.

Abstract: A timing mechanism has cams operating switches which control the functions of an appliance and another cam operating another switch supplying short pulses to a separate function such as a warning buzzer. A PTC thermistor is in series with the switch supplying the short pulses.

Abstract: A programmer for an appliance having a single timing motor drive for a rotating cam drum which actuates plural appliance program function switches. An advance pawl drives the cam drum in one direction when selectively engaged with a toothed wheel on the drum and drives through a first rotary frictional coupling. A gear train drives continuously through a second rotary frictional coupling and drives the cam drum in a reverse direction when the advance pawl is disengaged. When the pawl is engaged, the second rotary frictional coupling slips and is overdriven in a direction opposite its driving direction by said first frictional coupling.

Abstract: An electromechanical timer includes a motor-driven cam, and electrical switches responsive to the cam supported in a housing. An array of rows and columns of electrical terminals are connected to the switches and extend from one end of the housing. First electrical busses of corrugated form fit into similarly shaped first channels parallel to each row of terminals and c-shaped second electrical busses fit into similarly shaped channels connecting the first channels and the terminals. The first and second busses are compressed between opposing walls of the first and second channels to provide a first bias force which holds the busses in place. The second busses are also compressed between their corresponding terminal and an opposing wall of the corresponding second channel to provide a second bias force in a direction perpendicular to the first bias force, which second bias force provides the force for electrically contacting the terminals.

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: An electromechanical programmer having a user push-push reset action on the shaft of a rotary cam drum for actuating plural appliance function switches. Successive user push movements alternately latch and release the shaft between first and second axial positions. In the first axial position the shaft moves an auxiliary cam to close a line power switch for energizing a motorized cam drum advance and powering the program switches; and, the shaft is free-rotating with respect to the cam drum. In the second axial position the shaft moves an auxiliary cam to open the line power switch; and, the shaft is clutched to the drum to enable user rotation of the drum for appliance program interval selection.

Abstract: A programmer/timer for an appliance of the type having a rotatable cam drum advanced for sequential actuation and deactuation of a plurality of electrical switches. The drum is advanced or indexed intermittently by an oscillating advance pawl engaging a ratchet wheel and also continuously by a gear driven by a common motor for oscillating the advance pawl. The ratchet wheel has a hub which is frictionally engaged to drive the cam drum. The driven gear in turn is frictionally engaged with the hub to also drive the ratchet wheel. When the advance pawl engages the ratchet wheel for intermittent drive, the driven gear slips on the ratchet hub. Upon user selection, a separate cam track lifts the advance pawl to permit the driven gear to continuously drive the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A clutch assembly permits a manual setting of a timing mechanism camstack by an appliance operator and at the same time insures that the camstack cannot be manually set during the time that electrical power is being supplied to the timing mechanism. The assembly includes a support and a camstack, a shaft and a bearing mounted in the support for rotation about a common axis. First clutch teeth are integrally formed within the bearing and second clutch teeth are integrally formed within the shaft. The bearing is mechanically coupled to the camstack via tangs on the camstack which pass through channels in the bearing. The shaft is axially movable from a first position in which the first and second teeth are engaged to a second position in which the teeth are disengaged.

Abstract: A combination programmer and line switch for an appliance having a rotary program cam and a timing motor connected for advancing the cam. An upper line power contact blade is moved between high and low positions by a manual actuator. A lower contact blade is maintained stationary and is adapted for connection to certain appliance load functions. An intermediate program contact blade series connected to the timing motor has a follower biased against the program cam and is adapted for connection to all appliance functions. With the upper contact in the high position, the motor circuit is open for all positions of the program and in the low position the timing motor is energized. Alternatively, the program cam may include a line contact switch override to maintain the intermedaite blade in contact with the upper blade for both positions of the manual actuator.

Abstract: A programmer/timer for an appliance of the type having a rotatable cam drum advanced for sequential actuation and deactuation of a plurality of electrical switches. The drum is advanced or indexed intermittently by an oscillating advance pawl engaging a ratchet wheel and also continuously by a gear driven by a common motor for oscillating the advance pawl. The ratchet wheel has a hub which is frictionally engaged to drive the cam drum. The driven gear in turn is frictionally engaged with the hub to also drive the ratchet wheel. When the advance pawl engages the ratchet wheel for intermittent drive, the driven gear slips on the ratchet hub. Upon user selection, a separate cam track lifts the advance pawl to permit the driven gear to continuously drive the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A motor-driven time switch is disclosed which comprises a time switch mechanism having a time setting cam, leaf spring contacts forming a switching unit operated by the time setting cam, and terminals for connecting the leaf spring contacts to external equipment and a motor for rotating the cam. Terminal pin mounting parts are formed on the coil bobbin of the motor. The end portions of the wire forming the coil of the motor are wound on terminal pins press-fitted into the terminal pin mounting parts. The terminal pins are connected to the aforementioned terminals.

Abstract: The hub of a camstack is in the shape of a cone. There are ribs carried on the cone surface with the ribs having cam surfaces that are substantially parallel to the cone surface. The camstack is particularly adaptable for actuating a plurality of individual switches in a direction at an angle to the central axis and to the lines normal to the central axis. The individual switches are carried by a single common support member. The camstack permits the building of less expensive, smaller and more reliable appliance timers.

Abstract: A timing mechanism comprising a camstack having a hollow hub rotatably mounted between support plates, electrical switches actuated by the camstack as it rotates, a bearing having a bore in it and rotatably journalled in one of the support plates, and a shaft mounted axially in the camstack with one end rotatably supported in the bearing and the other end in the other of the support plates. The shaft is axially movable between a first position and a second position, which positions are determined by a detent assembly comprising two grooves in the shaft and spring fingers located in the bore of the bearing. The fingers engage one groove when the shaft is in the first position and the other groove when the shaft is in the second position.

Abstract: A plastic cylindrical camstack has different inside diameters. This leads to the problems of maintaining concentricity and elimination of excessive warpage during molding of the plastic. These problems have been substantially overcome by removing selected portions of the camstack in the area where the inside diameter is smaller, so that the net thickness of unbroken hub wall in this area is equal to the thickness of the hub wall in the areas where the diameter is larger. The material is removed to form serrations in the hub exterior surface, the serrations having a width slightly smaller than the length of a hub follower which rides on the hub surface.

Abstract: A motor assembly having a field plate and a gear train mounted on at least one face of the field plate. The field plate defines an aperture which, in turn, defines a plurality of field poles for a rotor mounted in the aperture. A field coil is wound about a portion of the field plate to provide a motor for the field-plate-mounted gear train.

Abstract: A cam activated electrical switching means for an elastic multicircuit printed circuit board (PCB). A plurality of PCB reeds with disattached portions at one end nearest the edge of the PCB are cut out in the generally central portion of the PCB, and an electrical board, positioned adjacent to but separated from the PCB, made of elastic PCB-type material has the same number of plurality of flexible reeds cutout therefrom in its central portion. The PCB reeds and electrical board flexible reeds have electrical leads etched on the back sides thereof with the PCB reeds having an electrical contact pin on the front of the disattached end portion facing the etched electrical lead on the back of the disattached end of the flexible reed. An embossed mechanical rider is positioned on the front of the disattached end of the flexible reeds. The electrical etched lead on the back of the flexible reed may be connected to some electrical source on the electrical board.

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: There are three spring blades held in working relationship to a camstack which provide the making of two different and distinct circuits simultaneously by substantially simultaneously closing electrical contacts carried by the blade. Of the three blades a lower level blade engages cam contours of the camstack, a middle level blade includes a follower which engages a hub portion of the camstack, while the upper level blade extends freely above the middle blade.

Abstract: A motor driven rotatable camstack includes at least two cams. A V-shaped electrical terminal blade spans the two cams. Each leg of the V-shaped electrical terminal includes a cam follower which individually engages one of the cams. Two individual spring electrical contact blades are positioned on one side of the cams to cooperate with one leg of the V-shaped electrical terminal and a single spring electrical contact blade is positioned on the other side of the V-shaped terminal to cooperate with the other leg.

Abstract: A program timer wherein a single three blade switch assembly is utilized for both the line switching function and a cam track operated switch.

Abstract: A switching control device having a plurality of displaceable fingers programmable for controlling a sequence of switching operations in a time-controlled system has a magnetic element for exerting a magnetically retentive force on displaced fingers to hold the displaced fingers in displaced or programmed position, and permitting easy release of a displaced finger upon cancellation of a program so that the finger can return to an unprogrammed neutral position. The fingers may be mounted in a control disc having a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, the control disc functioning as a magnetic yoke, or the fingers themselves may be magnetic.

Abstract: Switches are fixed relative to a camstack for cam actuation and include two individual blades the free ends of which are biased toward the camstack. One of the blades engages the cams to actuate it relative to the other. The free end of the other blade rides on a pivotally mounted carriage which is biased by the hub of the camstack to reference the blade to the hub. The carriage includes individual cam followers which are flexible and which engage the hub to be flexed by the hub. Walls extend from the individual followers between adjacent sets of blades to prevent arcing between adjacent sets of electrical contacts. A third blade also rides on the carriage to be biased by the hub. The third blade provides another switching function.

Abstract: A switch arm connector block for mounting a plurality of spring switchblades in a predetermined array for sequential cooperation with a timer cam and for providing a quick-disconnect connector for electrically connecting the blades to a wiring harness is disclosed. The connector block is formed by a plurality of insulating wafers which encapsulate a plurality of flat, parallel switchblades. The faces of the wafers are spaced from each other by projecting curbs around the perimeters of the wafers and window openings are provided in the wafers so that internal bussing may be provided in the block. End bussing is provided and the end bussing strips are covered by a protective cap having insulating fences for protecting the bussing strips.

Abstract: Rotation of a cam means of a timing mechanism is provided by two sets of axially aligned ratchet teeth having different major diameters and a drive pawl selectively engaging the two sets of teeth. A masking means provides a predetermined point at which the drive pawl engages the set of teeth having the lesser major diameter during the time the drive pawl is in working relation to that set of teeth. The arrangement provides a means to have short effective pawl strokes during non switching time periods.

Abstract: The timing cam is advanced for switching purposes by the large reciprocating pawl acting on the ratchet teeth molded on the timing cam. When the program requires a timed period during which conditions remain the same the ratchet teeth are spaced so the pawl cannot pick up the next tooth until the cam is advanced by the small pawl acting on the separate ratchet provided with small, closely spaced teeth. This ratchet has a pinion gear driving the ring gear molded inside the timing cam. The steps imparted to the timing cam by the small pawl and ratchet are very small and consume appreciable time--the length of time taken to position the next tooth for engagement by the large pawl being determined by the space between the large teeth.

Abstract: Rotation of a cam means of a timing mechanism is provided by three sets of axially aligned ratchet teeth having different major and minor diameters and a drive pawl selectively engaging the three sets of teeth.The arrangement provides a means to delay the actuation of switches which control the functions of an appliance.In one embodiment, the relationship between the three sets of ratchet teeth allows a variable range of interval times in a single timer program. That is, the arrangement provides variable dwell times versus cam advance times.

Abstract: The rotating program drum of the timer operates the timer switches in a predetermined sequence. One or more timer switches can be disabled to omit the function of the switch. Means are rotatably mounted in the frame to move a passive switch blade away from the active blade so the active blade cannot contact the passive blade. In two embodiments the disabling means operates on a switch at the end of the program drum while a third embodiment can operate on any of the switches operated by the drum.

Abstract: When the axially movable shaft mounted in the hub of a program cam drum is moved inwardly a pin loosely mounted in a cross hole on the shaft will move into engagement with teeth on a drive sleeve mounted between the shaft and the drum hub while a washer fixed on the end of the shaft moves to actuate a slider which then actuates and opens a line switch to take power off the appliance controlled by the timer. Engagement of the pin with the sleeve completes the drive to the sleeve and the sleeve is keyed to the drum by lugs projecting to slots in the hub. Now the shaft can rotate the timer drum without power applied to the appliance. When the shaft is pulled out, the line switch closes and the drive pin is disengaged from the teeth and rotation of the shaft is not effective to rotate the timer.

Abstract: Rotation of a cam means of a timing mechanism is provided by three sets of axially aligned ratchet teeth having different major and minor diameters and a drive pawl selectively engaging the three sets of teeth.The arrangement provides a means to delay the actuation of switches which control the functions of an appliance.

Abstract: An electromechanical timer arrangement includes a rotatable cam having a cam surface for actuating an associated switch. An inhibit member is movable between an active position and an idle position. In its active position, the member engages the switch and prevents cam actuation of the switch. In its idle position, the member permits normal cam actuation of the switch. In controlling a dishwasher the active and idle positions are user-selected non-heated and heated drying cycles and the switch controls energization of the heater. The cam surface is contoured to close the switch for heated drying. Moving the member to its active position opens the switch, regardless of the cam position, for non-heated drying.

Abstract: A cam program controlled system providing a continuous set point signal representing a time function relationship using an impulse or stepping drive motor. The drive motor impulses are electronically derived; and therefore, the system's time base or speed can be readily varied using switches and/or jumpers, instead of requiring gear train or motor changes. Also, the drive motor is coupled to the cam program through only a pinion and an anti-backlash drive gear. The cam follower arm is biased against the cam with a constant force. Controls are provided so that a cam scriber built into the cam follower and a controller which is normally provided in the system enables the system to be used for preparing new cams.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a sequential timer is disclosed. The mechanism includes an axially movable timer shaft which is associated with a timer shaft extension or control knob in such a way that initial movement of the control knob to select a particular position on the timing cycle will axially move the timer shaft to open a circuit in the timer. The open circuit prevents arcing of switch contacts and short pulsing of current through solenoids and motors.

Abstract: A cup shaped hub has an actuator rim at its open end and is rotatably carried on a shaft through an aperture in its closed end. The hub is axially fixed to the shaft such that when the shaft is axially displaced the actuator rim opens and closes a line switch. A ratchet is carried by the shaft and is axially spring biased by a coil spring disposed between the cup shaped hub and the ratchet. A pin carried by the shaft engages the ratchet such that the ratchet may be rotated and axially displaced with the shaft. A coupling means couples the shaft to a cam means rotatably carried by the shaft and the cup shaped hub and includes teeth engaging the ratchet means such that a manual rotation of the shaft provides manual rotation of the cam means.

Abstract: A cylinder shaped cam member having a longer radius section and a shorter radius section is driven to rotate at a constant velocity around its axis. The ratio of the longer radius section to the shorter radius section is gradually increased along the axis of the cylinder shaped cam member. A contact member associated with an actuator of a normally open switch is disposed in such a manner that the contact member is always brought into contact with the periphery of the cylinder shaped cam member. The normally open switch is closed when the contact member is brought into contact with the longer radius section during the rotation of the cylinder shaped cam member, whereby a magnetron is power supplied through the normally open switch. The location of the contact member is shifted through the use of a suitable selector along the axis of the cylinder shaped cam member, whereby the mean output level of the magnetron is continuously varied in response to the location of the contact member.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a disc-shaped program wheel. The distal ends of a plurality of resilient wire switches include a plurality of followers which extend into grooves provided in the program wheel. The bottoms of the grooves provide surfaces for controlling operation of the switches to control the appliance. The proximal ends of the switches are mounted in a terminal block in the appliance timer housing. The proximal ends of the switch components are rigidly mounted in the terminal block. The terminal block also includes longitudinally extending channels in which the various movable switch components rest. The channels provide for limited free travel of the movable switch components during their operation.

Abstract: The timer mechanism for use in a clock has a rotatable minute setting drum and a rotatable hour setting drum coaxial therewith each manually settable to a selected position to set a set time in terms of minute and hour, respectively. A first, a second and a third stationary contact member are arranged in the space between the minute and the hour setting drum for cooperating with switch contacts of first and second rotatable contact members so as to constitute together with the latter members a switch for the timer mechanism for actuating an electric device or an electrically operable warning device of the clock at a set time set by the minute and the hour setting drum.

Abstract: An escapement mechanism for an appliance timer includes a cylindrically shaped driving member which is concentric with the axis of the appliance timer program wheel. One or more cam lobes providing camming surfaces are formed on an interior cylindrical wall of the driving member. A ratchet wheel is disposed for rotation within the driving member. The ratchet wheel is drivingly connected to the program wheel. A pawl having a ratchet wheel engaging tooth at one end and a cam follower at the other end is actuated by the camming surfaces on the driving member to cause the pawl to move a predetermined distance in a first direction, engage the ratchet wheel, and then return the same distance in the opposite direction to advance the ratchet wheel and the program wheel in response to rotation of the driving member.

Abstract: A multiple contact rotary switch comprises a rotatable staff to which an armature is electrically and physically mounted. A plurality of pins is spaced equi-radially away from the staff and around the staff, and the armature is arranged to move past each of the pins in turn as the staff rotates. The armature is flexible and spring-like, so that it maintains contact with any one pin for as long as it can, then springs forwardly to contact the next pin. A low power SPDT switch is thereby provided. The switch may operate extremely slowly, with no switch contact dead-break or teasing.

Abstract: Apparatus and logic circuitry for selection of a desired wash program in a laundry machine in which multiple programs are available and occupy zones of varied extent on a continuous program surface. An indexing surface is connected to and moves with the program surface. The indexing surface is divided into a plurality of tracks, each of which is marked to identify the position and extent of a distinct program encoded on the program surface. Individual pushbutton selection switches provide power to enable individual sensing switches paired with the tracks. An enabled switch senses the markings defining the program selected by actuation of a particular pushbutton. The pushbutton switch enabling an individual sensing switch also actuates an indexing drive which rapidly and automatically drives the indexing surface to a position where the enabled sensing switch senses a program point corresponding to the beginning of the selected program.