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: An O-ring type clutch permits a cam carrying shaft to be manually rotated independent of a motor drive means. A bell is actuated by an actuator that engages a movable switch blade. And cams are connected to a cam carrying shaft through a lost motion connection.

Abstract: An incremental drive mechanism for a switch operating timing cam is disclosed. The mechanism includes a camshaft having a radially extending cam and a cooperating slide which is adapted to reciprocate along a rectilinear path. The slide has first and second cam surfaces which are engaged during a major portion of a single revolution of the camshaft to reciprocate the slide in a positive manner. The slide has a cantilever spring arm which carries a pawl tooth at its end to engage successive teeth provided on the periphery of a switch operating cam drum or disc. A cantilever leaf spring is provided which bears against the slide to urge the pawl tooth into engagement with the cam disc or drum in the event the cantilever spring arm becomes permanently displaced toward the slide.

Abstract: A hybrid analog and electronic cycle timer has a mechanical movement and cam-operated cycle switch driven by a low-RPM synchronous motor. Electronic control logic divides the power line frequency to obtain pulses for pulsing the synchronous motor. The control logic also includes an activation interval timer and a lockout flip-flop which inhibits the activation interval timer. The activation interval timer is otherwise triggered by closure of the cycle switch. The lockout flip-flop is set after a power failure and at the end of the activation interval, and is reset by a manual reset signal. The activation interval timer may include an activation enable flip-flop and an activation interval counter. The state of the control circuit is conveniently indicated by an indicator which is activated continuously during the activation interval, and which is activated intermittently when the activation interval timer is inhibited by the lockout flip-flop.

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: An improved automatic shut-off appliance timer is disclosed which actuates an associated appliance at a set-time and deactuates it a fixed period of time later. The timer comprises a clockwork mechanism, including a cam wheel and a trip wheel which approach one another when the set-time is reached. The relative position of the two wheels is set to define the set-time. When the set-time is reached, a cam follower resting on one of the cam wheel and trip wheel is permitted to move axially, moving a switch shaft and allowing electrical contacts to abut, closing the circuit of the associated appliance. Thereafter, a sector gear also comprised by the switch shaft is engaged by the motor, positively rotating the switch shaft. A cam follower integrally carried by the switch shaft then moves along a drop-off cam formed integrally with the front plate of the timer.

Abstract: A programmer/timer for an appliance of the type having a rotatable program cam advanced by an oscillating pawl engaging a ratchet wheel for actuating at least one appliance function switch. A shaft is provided for enabling user positioning of the cam after limited rotational lost-motion for selecting the program interval. An annular member having a conical cam surface is received over the shaft and is helically cammed to the shaft. During the limited lost-motion rotation of the shaft, the collar moves axially and the conical cam surface lifts the pawl from the ratchet thereafter enabling user rotation of the program cam for positioning same for program interval selection.

Abstract: An electric timing device having a split housing for the timer and motor mechanism separated by a cover which has a plurality of snap fingers engaging complimentary recesses in each component of the split housings. The positioning and shape of the fingers and recesses prevents unintentional separation of the split housing components.

Abstract: In the electric timer having an analog time display and a disk-or ring-shaped program carrier programmable by means of slide contacts, the program carrier is settable selectively by means of a switching device to different synchronous speeds of rotation, namely one revolution per week or one revolution per day. To this end two drive rings concentric with the axis of rotation of the program carrier are provided, of which one revolves at a speed of one revolution per day and the other at one revolution per week. The program carrier can be coupled selectively with one of the two drive rings by means of a coupling member adjustable to radii of different size on the same radius vector. While the drive ring revolving at the slow speed can be coupled with the program carrier in seven different angular positions, for the drive ring which revolves once a day only a single angular position exists in which it can be coupled with the program carrier.

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 timer includes a cam driven by a motor and a clutch for permitting the cam to be turned independently of the motor. The clutch includes a clutch plate having a toothed rim, the plate sandwiched between a pair of spring washers, and a tubular eyelet passing through openings in the plate and washers. The clutch assembly is placed on a mandrel and the washers are spun while the teeth on the plate engage a force gauge. The end of the eyelet is flared to fasten the clutch assembly together with a force which provides a predetermined torque between the plate and washer as measured by the force gauge.

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: An incremental drive mechanism for a switch operating timing cam is disclosed. The mechanism includes a camshaft having a radially extending cam and a cooperating slide which is adapted to reciprocate along a rectilinear path. The slide has first and second cam surfaces which are engaged during a major portion of a single revolution of the camshaft to reciprocate the slide in a positive manner. The slide has a cantilever spring arm which carries a pawl tooth at its end to engage successive teeth provided on the periphery of a switch operating cam drum or disc.

Abstract: A electrical programmer (10, 120) is provided that features a first gear (18) that is rotated at a uniform rate by a drive source (16) and operative to rotate a driven gear (30) and an intermediate member (20) which, in turn, respectively operate to rotate a second cam (38) uniformally and a first cam (52) intermittently to open and close a first switch as a function of its uniform rotation; and, cam (52) is operative to open and close a second switch as a function of its intermittent rotation. Programmer (10, 120) preferably includes a rotary drum (110) operable to engage a plurality of electrical contacts in conjunction with the operation of the first and second sub-interval switches.

Abstract: An electric power control switch for controlling heating temperature of a heating element such as an electric heater wherein a triangular cam groove is formed and a timing cam driven by a motor rotates the cam between a stationary piece and a movable piece carrying contacts. The electric power can be turned on and off by controlling the engagement of contacts on the two pieces. The contacts are positioned on contact strips. The cam arrangement includes a contact band-type cam follower for one of the contact strips; the control cam optionally connects electrical contacts for driving the timing cam. A guide pin for the contact carrying strips and the control cam interact to adjust the time period of engagement and disengagement between the contacts for the power supply to a heater by properly setting the timing cam spacing between the contacts for the heater.

Abstract: A timer having switches are responsive to a cam, the cam being driven through a timer motor through a clutch. The cam and the switches are disposed within a housing. The switches include electrical contact blades with cooperating electrical contacts. Electrical terminals are mounted in the housing and extend through the housing and are unitarily constructed with the switches to form a one piece combination. The electrical terminals are held within slots in a wall of the housing through a pair of projections lanced from the terminals which engage notches opening to the slots. The projections are individually in planes that are at an angle to each other such that their distal ends are directed away from each other and which are spring biased to act as cantilevered spring members and made to squeeze inwardly between sides of the notches.

Abstract: A timer assembly automatically turns off an appliance to which it is connected within a predetermined time period after the appliance has been automatically, or manually, turned on. The timer assembly includes a three-position selector mechanism with rotating cams that activate a plunger to control the operation of an electrical switch which, in turn, activates or deactivates the appliance. Rotation of the selector mechanism is controlled by a clockwork assembly which rotates the selector into a position to turn on the appliance at a predetermined set-time. When the selector is rotated into its "on" position, a gear connected to the selector engages a drive gear which is, in turn, connected to the clockwork assembly. The drive gear continues the rotation of the selector so that after a predetermined time interval, the appliance is turned off.

Abstract: A programmer timer for an appliance, such as microwave cooking oven, having a magnetron power switch positioned by a control selectively moved to one of three power level settings by user rotation of the single rotary knob to a selected position on one of three separate cooking program interval range scales on the dial. Selection of a knob position on the first scale provides a 100% magnetron duty cycle, or full "ON", cooking mode for the desired cooking interval, selection of a knob position on the second scale provides a first predetermined fractional duty cycle for "MEDIUM" power level magnetron operation for the desired cooking interval; and, selection of a knob position on the third scale provides a second predetermined fractional duty cycle for "LOW" or "DEFROST" power level magnetron operation for the desired cooking program interval. A single timing motor drives a cam advance mechanism for effecting time-out of the selected program interval for the three power levels of operation.

Abstract: A rotatable cam operated switch having a cam whose peripheral surface constitutes a cam surface. A guide groove is formed along the entire periphery of the cam surface. A first contact plate closer to the cam and a second contact plate farther from the cam are provided on the peripheral side of the cam. The first contact plate has a first part which extends towards the cam which has a flat surface which is formed such that the dimension thereof in the direction parallel to the axis of the cam is made small, while the dimension thereof perpendicular to the axis is larger, to increase rigidity and preclude bending of the plate towards the cam, thereby resulting in more stable electric contact. Additionally, a second part of the first contact plate projects away from the cam and has a flat surface which is rotated by 90.degree. with respect to the flat surface of the first part, and which serves as a terminal for a plug-in connector.

Abstract: The electric power control switch of the present invention includes a plurality of contact assemblies which are repeatedly opened and closed by a motor driven timing cam and two manually operated control cams. The control cams also control the position of associated operating levers which cooperate with additional plural contact assemblies. The relationship of the motor driven timing cam, manually operated control cams and operating levers provides an unique switching arrangement whereby the period for operation of an oven, range or other electrical appliance is widely varied and switch contact life is enhanced.

Abstract: The timing controller includes a triac, a receptacle, and an AC wall outlet coupled in series. A sensor is coupled across the receptacle to sense when a lamp plugged therein is turned on or off. A microprocessor is coupled to the sensor circuit and stores each time the lamp is turned on and each time it is turned off. After twenty-four hours have lapsed, the microprocessor operates the electronic switch in accordance with the stored temporary program to turn the lamp on and off at the same times on each succeeding day. In the event of a power failure, the subsequent reapplication of power will cause the microprocessor to turn the lamp on and off for four-hour periods.

Abstract: A delay arrangement for a program timer having a rotatable timing cam member (monoblock) including a delay ratchet wheel having a pin which engages an abutment inside the monoblock at one relative position of the delay ratchet to the monoblock. The monoblock ratchet ring has a gap at the desired delay position so that when the delay ratchet wheel is set to a desired delay, and the drive pawl is at the delay position, the drive pawl extends into the gap to only move the delay ratchet wheel until the pin engages the monoblock. The monoblock is then advanced along with the delay ratchet wheel until such time as the gap in the monoblock ratchet ring has advanced past the drive pawl. From then on, the regular monoblock advance takes over.

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: A timer housing, gear train housing, and motor housing are axially aligned with the timer housing being connected to the gear train housing through electrically conductive fasteners extending through the timer housing. A metal strap carried by the timer housing provides for an electrical ground through the electrically conductive fasteners for the timer motor. The metal strap is swaged to receptacles which receive metal fasteners to fasten the whole assembly to a metal base.

Abstract: A single timing motor (26) drives a gear box (54) having an output shaft (56) for indexing a ratchet wheel (62) for turning a cam drum (68). One cam track (72) operates a line switch (22) for controlling the program interval "ON" time of the appliance. A second cam track (70) operates a second line switch (40) for controlling the timing motor. A toothless space (66) in the ratchet wheel stalls cam drum advance upon program interval time-out to maintain the timer switch (40) closed to keep the motor running. Output shaft 56 drives a sub-interval cam (80) which cycles a switch (48) for effecting intermittent appliance "ON" time for a minor portion of the sub-interval period to provide a "KEEP-WARM" mode of operation. An alarm bell (100) is sounded by a striker (98) actuated by the sub-interval cam. The operator manually advances the cam drum (68) for de-actuating the timer motor switch (40).

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a program timer of the type having a rotating member advanced in a step-by-step manner by a drive pawl includes a drive cam having a camming surface defining the drive stroke of the drive pawl. In order to shorten the switching time, the drive cam is intermittently rotated by an angle sufficient to drive the pawl to advance the rotating member during a single intermittent movement of the drive cam. Sub-interval switching is accomplished by the cooperation between a pivotable sub-interval switching lever and a sub-interval camming surface on the drive cam, with the lever actuated by the camming surface to control the movement of a sub-interval switch blade.

Abstract: A programmer timer (10) having motor driven cams (61, 64, 62, 66) for operating electrical switching mechanisms (102, 116, 144, 138, 126). The motor comprises a pair of spaced stator plates (24, 26) with a coil (34) and permanent magnet rotor (36) therebetween, received in a walled chamber (28) in the timer housing. Motor reduction gears (44) drive a shaft (48) for driving the ratchet wheels (72, 68) and rotary cams. The motor, gear train cams and electrical switching mechanisms are contained in a single integral housing (12). Separate concentric fast and slow ratchet wheels (72, 68) are driven by a single eccentric driven pawl (14). The center of rotation of the eccentric is positioned so that drive pawl contacts the ratchet wheel at an angle at least 10.degree. greater than a tangent at the contact point, for all eccentric positions, to provide ratchet wheel advance in the event of reverse rotation of the eccentric.

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 control system and programmer/timer for a microwave oven having a program cam advanced by a pawl-stepped ratchet wheel having three toothed segments, each with teeth of differing root diameter. The outer teeth provide rapid expanded scale advancement for the terminal five minutes of the cooking program and also for selected programs of five minutes or less for high-resolution switching by the program cam. The segment of teeth of intermediate root diameter provides a compressed scale slower cam advance rate for "COOK" programs of 5-35 minutes. The segment of teeth of lowest root diameter provides slow rate cam advancement for auxiliary "DELAYED START" and KEEP-WARM functions where time accuracy is not critical. The programmer/timer enables continued advancement of the program cam after time-out of the cooking program where the KEEP-WARM mode has been preselected.

Abstract: A mode selection arrangement for use in a timer includes a gear box and a printed circuit board provided at the back of the gear box. Predetermined contact patterns are formed on a face of the printed circuit board facing the gear box. Rotatably provided in the gear box are display gears and switch gears. Each display gear has a plurality of indicia depicted on its face, and the corresponding switch gear rotates operatively or integrally with the display gear. A sliding contact member is fixedly attached to each switch gear, so that the sliding contact member slidingly contacts the corresponding contact pattern. A front plate having windows formed therein is provided to close the gear box so that the indicia are displayed through the windows.

Abstract: An indexing plate for a time switch including slide contacts at the circumference of the indexing plate which are radially displaceable from an inoperative position to latch into at least one switching position, which incorporate an actuating projection and a switching finger opposite thereto, and which are conducted between the projection and the finger through slots in the indexing plate. The switching fingers are spaced from each other at the circumference of the indexing plate and evidence a rim area and a switching edge, in whose path of movement there is located a switching element of a switch contact in the actuated or switching position.

Abstract: A shaft is rotatably journalled between end plates. A first drive gear and a first set of cams are fixedly carried on the shaft. A second cam and a second drive gear are integrally constructed to provide a one-piece construction which is independently rotatable of the shaft. A motor drive has two separate output pinions rotating at different speeds each separately connected to the first and second drive gears. The output pinion connected to the second drive gear is connected through a lost-motion connection.

Abstract: An expanded interval drive mechanism for a program timer includes two ratchet rings. One of the ratchet rings is fixed to the monoblock and at certain regions thereon it is missing teeth over a portion of its width. Thus, the first ratchet ring has regions of narrow teeth. The other ratchet ring is arranged for free relative rotational movement in a first direction with respect to the monoblock. All of the teeth of the two ratchet rings have substantially the same major and minor diameters. However, the second ratchet ring is formed with at least one deep notch. In the region where the first ratchet ring has missing teeth, the toothless region is at substantially the same level as the notch. A single drive pawl extends over both ratchet rings and its driving surface is formed at a plurality of levels so that the drive pawl engages the first ratchet ring in the arc length corresponding to the toothless region only when the drive pawl engages the notch of the second ratchet ring.

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 timer comprising a driven control cam having a first and second cam track. First and second resilient arms carry opposing contacts and the second arm has a lateral projection in the direction of the second cam track. A cam following member extending between the second arm and first cam track is biased into cam-following engagement with the first cam track by the second arm. A spring biased pivotal rocker arm having at one end a cam follower portion and at the other end a lifter portion. During rotation of the control cam, the cam following member and first cam track are operative to prevent closing the contacts. The cam following member and firt cam track further being operative to release the cam following member from the first cam track and close the contact. The rocker arm and second cam track being operative to pivot the rocker arm so the lifter portion engages the lateral projection of the second arm and opens the contacts.

Abstract: A time switch driven by an electric clock motor is disclosed. The time switch has a base plate above which a time dial with on and off-trippers are rotatably mounted. Disposed below the base plate are other components including input and output terminals, switch means electrically connected between the terminals, switch activating means for closing and opening the switch means in accordance with the positions of the on- and off-trippers on the rotating time dial, and gear train leading from a rotor of the motor to the time dial. The motor comprises the rotor which is a bipolarized permanent magnet and an electromagnet in the form of a ring interrupted by a gap in which the rotor is located. In the base plate there is formed a generally annular groove for receiving the electromagnet, such that the electromagnet, a constituent of the motor, is received within the thickness of the base plate to reduce the depth required for the motor disposed below the plate.

Abstract: A timing control system and timer sub-assembly for microwave cooking source parallel connected with a timer and series connected with an interval time switch and a defrost cycle switch and a power level selector. The timer is operable to cycle the defrost switch at a fast rate for selected operating timer intervals of a given value or greater and a slow rate for selected interval less than the given value. The timer provides progressively decreasing "on" time of the defrost cycle switch for each cycle. The timer sub-assembly has a pawl-driven ratchet wheel having a toothed sector of lesser pitch diameter and a masking ratchet wheel having periodic deep notches spaced thereabout for permitting the drive pawl to periodically engage the teeth lesser pitch diameter for slower advance of the driven ratchet wheel for indexing a plurality of rotary cam tracks for microwave sources switch actuation.

Abstract: A timer assembly is trapped against a motor and gear box assembly by a bracket. The bracket is U-shaped to cradle the timer assembly in the bracket. It includes ears with apertures therein that mate with apertures in ears extending from the motor assembly. Rivets extend through the apertures to connect the ears together.

Abstract: Time switch is arranged on a plug-in unit for a system housing containing various side-by-side unit components. The time switch includes a rotatable timing disk disposed for rotation about a lateral axis longitudinal of the housing and having a circumferential portion exposed exterior of a front plate of the plug-in unit. The disk is circumferentially formed with time range scale markings and has adjustable switch riders attached along the circumference for selectively triggering control switch as the disk rotates.

Abstract: A sprinkler controller includes a station timing dial having a front and back plate with an intermediate plate positioned therebetween. A plurality of switch plates having a tripper arm attached thereto are positioned around the periphery of the dial with each switch plate positioned between the front and back plates. Adjacent switch plates are positioned on opposite sides of the intermediate plates for movement circumferentially about the dial. The switch plates move such that one plate overlies an adjacent plate, thereby permitting the reduction in size of the station timing dial. The controller includes a clock and calendar dial using a plurality of sliders having a toggle portion and a cam portion. The toggle portion and cam portion are connected by a flexible arm which permits the movement of the toggle portion toward the cam portion to facilitate sliding of the slider switches relative to the clock and calendar dials. The sliders engage control switches for operating the controller.

Abstract: A timing mechanism has a rotating camstack which opens and closes electrical contacts that are carried by electrical contact blades which are actuated by the camstack. One of the two cooperating electrical contact blades is also actuated by a first sliding member that is manually operated by an actuator to open and close a circuit to a main power supply. Manual rotation of the camstack to set a program is prevented when the circuit to the main power supply is closed by a second sliding member that is simultaneously operated off the same actuator. A step in a cam associated with the electrical contact blade to the main power supply opens the circuit to the main power supply when there is a malfunction.

Abstract: An electrical contact blade is manually operated through an actuator to close a circuit to a main power supply and another electrical contact blade is operated off of a cam to engage the manually operated blade to complete a program electrical circuit.

Abstract: A control mechanism in combination with an electric motor assembly in which an output shaft having a cam surface is connected to the electric motor through a gear train located in a housing. A switch block assembly is on the housing. First and second arms extend from the switch block assembly with the first arm having a contact near the free end thereof and the second arm intersecting the first arm. The second arm rides on the cam surface of the output shaft and has a contact which moves in and out of engagement with the contact of the first arm. The first and second arms are disengaged when the output shaft begins a cycle of rotation and are engaged when it completes the cycle. The switch block assembly includes a base formed integrally with the gear train housing. The base has posts and a central block located between the posts. A switch top includes a pair of blocks, a cross member connecting the blocks and a passage formed in each block.

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: The invention is a timing mechanism comprising a motor drive having an output member including at least one leg, a shaft including a circular hub portion having a circular recess therein, a spring tightly and frictionally held within and against an inner wall of the recess, at least one tang extending from the spring and engaging the leg, cams independently rotatably carried on the hub portion through a bore in the cams, a lost motion connection coupling the cams to the hub portion, and a switch assembly responsive to a rotation of the cams to be opened and closed dependent upon the mode of operation. A spring clutch permits the shaft to be manually rotated independent of the motor drive. At the end of a time cycle, a movable switch blade of the switch assembly move a slider to actuate a bell.

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: 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: A cycle control timer unit in which a rotatable annular program carrier is provided having two opposed sides, each formed with a different range program scale and having a different drive coupler means. The unit includes two different rotary drive transmission wheels facing in one direction and rotated at dissimilar speeds respectively adapted for drive connection with the drive coupler means. By flipping over the sides of the program carrier in the unit and connecting the appropriate drive coupler and drive wheel, an operator may easily switch between the different program ranges for control of the unit.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates apparatus to initiate the timing cycle of a cam operated timer which is durable and works in a smooth, even fashion. The apparatus includes a first electric motor having a rotatable shaft, said shaft being joined to a clutch or ratchet assembly. A second electric motor drives the cam operated timer during the timing cycle while the clutch or ratchet assembly allows the first motor to disengage.