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: A method of operating a timer device having means for indicating the remaining operating time during an operating time period selected for the timer device. The timer device includes a gear train having a pair of branches coupled with the indicating means to drive it in different preselected speed modes through the selected operating time period. In this method, the indicating means is driven in one of the preselected speed modes through one of the gear train branches during an operating time period in excess of a predetermined operating time period of the timer device with the sum of the excess and predetermined operating time periods comprising the selected operating time period, and the drive of the indicating means through the other of the gear train branches is obviated during the excess operating time period.

Abstract: In a timing device for time switch comprising a scale plate rotated at a constant rate and possessing presetting element plug-in portions involving slots, grooves and the like corresponding to time scale on the circumferential part thereof and presetting elements to be inserted to fit into the plug-in portions of the scale plate, this scale plate is composed of a molded plastic guide portion serving to position the presetting elements and to keep the position of each presetting element inserted in the prescribed position, and a metallic body inserted in the plastic guide portion in such a manner that a portion with which the presetting element resiliently engages comes to be a metallic portion.

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates an apparatus and method for accurately providing electrical current to appliances or the like for selected time periods. The apparatus includes a series of cam wheels which are notched and the arcuate distances between the notches on the periphery of the wheels determine the length of time the current is supplied to said appliance. A plurality of wheels is provided with notches spaced at different intervals to provide the user a variety of selectable time periods.

Abstract: A two-speed timer in which both long and short timing periods can be set with only a moderate force imposed upon a time set shaft. The time set shaft is engageably coupled to a reduction gear train which is coupled to be rotated by an electric motor. A disc having a single engagement tooth portion at a predetermined position on the circumferential portion thereof is mounted on the time set shaft. A driven gear cooperating with the engagement structure has a change-over surface formed at an upper end thereof. A speed change gear is positioned on the same shaft upon which the driven gear is rotatably mounted and is urged into contact with the change-over surface. The speed change gear engages with a selected gear portion of the reduction gear train in dependence upon the rotational position of the driven gear so as to vary the rotational speed of the set shaft.

Abstract: The timing (program) cam is driven at timing speed through a gear train which includes a clutch. When a delayed start is desired the timing cam must be positioned at the start of a cycle so a lever sensing the cam position will move a tiltable jackshaft to an active position in which the worm gear on the shaft can be engaged by a manually set ratchet segment while a cam moving with the segment de-clutches the timing speed drive. The worm gear rotation drives the ratchet back to zero at which time the clutch is engaged and normal timing begins. The number of ratchet teeth engaged with the worm gear determines the length of the time delay.

Abstract: An electric switch is either automatically actuated by a motor driven timer or manually actuated, as determined by turning a three-position selector. The timed switch may be used with a conventional motor-driven clock and uses a commercially available microswitch which can provide either timed-"ON" or timed-"OFF" operation. Rotation of the selector in either direction causes longitudinal displacement of a spring-loaded actuator, which operates the switch. The selector has latching arms which are latched either in a manual position or in the automatic timed position.

Abstract: One of two actuator arms is responsive to a sharp drop in a step of a cam means, the arm engaging the bottom of the step to limit its travel. A striker carried by the arm continues in the direction of the drop to engage an alarm means.

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: This control device for an electric motor-reduction unit is designed to permit the accurate adjustment of the point at which it is desired to stop the rotation of the unit. For this purpose, it comprises a slide controlling during its movement in one direction and during a first time period the movement of beaks of a rocker in a direction in order to open the motor control switch when said beaks are engaged in notches of cam means. In a second time period, the slide causes a two-armed sliding lever supporting the notched-cam shaft to pivot in a direction, each notched cam being rigidly associated with a heart-shaped cam and with a toothed wheel adapted, when inoperative, to mesh with toothed drive pinions. In a third time period, the slide causes the beaks of the aligning lever to bear against the heart-shaped cams in order to align the notches with the beaks. The pinions remain radially fixed.

Abstract: The electrical connections illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,727,015 have been improved by providing a means of holding the combination electrical terminals and electrical blades in a housing wall to provide more positive electrical connections and by providing a means to connect electrical leads to the combination within the wall.

Abstract: A defrost control device has camming means for rotational movement and gear train means operable generally in a pair of preselected speed modes for effecting the rotational movement of the camming means. Means actuated by the camming means during a part of the rotational movement thereof toward a displaced position is adapted for translating the gear train means from one of the preselected speed modes to the other of the preselected speed modes thereof. Means is selectively operable upon the occurrence of a preselected condition for releasably maintaining the translating means in the displaced position thereof to effect the operation of the gear train means in its other preselected speed mode.A method of operating a defrost control device is also disclosed.

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: 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: In a hand set timer of the type including a housing, a constant speed motor mounted on the housing, a switch actuating element in the housing and driven by the motor through a drive shaft between a manually set position and a switch actuated position, and a manual means, such as a knob, for moving the switch actuating element independently of the motor from the switch actuated position to the manually set position, there is provided an improvement wherein the housing is formed from two separate components which are held together by a locking means carried on the motor so that assembly of the motor onto the housing performs the function of locking the two housing components together. In addition, the improved hand set timer includes a switch formed from two or three contacts mounted in the housing itself so that the contacts can be moved into an operative position by the switch actuating element movable by the motor within the housing.

Abstract: An interval timer has a cross-shaped cam with elongated arms and is interposed between a slot moving disc and a micro-switch. Adjustable pins are disposed on the outer extremities of the disc and engage the inner ends of the cross-shaped cam arms. The outer ends of the arms rotate with increased velocity causing rapid momentary actuation of the switch.

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: In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, an electromechanical timer employs a manually operable actuator, a pawl and a control cam cooperatively arranged to provide a push to start capability. The control cam is carried on a shaft having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The actuator is slidably received in the bore for axial movement between a neutral position and an actuating position. One end of the actuator extends from the shaft for manual operation. The other end has an axial cam surface formed thereon. The pawl is mounted for pivotal movement between a rest position and a cocked position and spring biased to its rest position. A cam follower extends from the pawl into the path of the axial cam surface of the actuator for camming engagement between pawl and actuator. A ratchet tooth is formed on the control cam for engagement by the pawl.

Abstract: A switching device for variable speed gears in machine tools having an assembly which includes a plurality of axially disposed, rotatably-driven cam discs, each of which is associated with an electric microswitch. Non-rotatable spacers serve to position the cam discs. A spherical key bed clamp axially clamps the cam discs together while permitting rotation of individual ones thereof. A non-rotating indicating disc displays the present RPM or respective gear stage. A shock absorber in the individual gear trains between switching bars and their respective electric motors provides sufficient damping and cushioning to prevent a hard start-up impact when the motor is switched on or when a sliding gear block is engaged. The shock absorber may include an elastic linkage or an elastic spur gear in a toothed wheel gear reduction unit located between the motor drive shaft and the link shaft.

Abstract: A free-floating shorting bar carries electrical contacts at opposed ends thereof. The shorting bar is actuated to open and close mating electrical contacts by a pair of axially indexable shafts in a manner whereby three electrical contact conditions are provided: (1) With both shafts indexed "out" a first set of contacts is closed and a second set is opened; (2) With both shafts indexed "in" the first set is open and the second set closed; and (3) When one shaft is indexed "out" and one "in", both sets of contacts are closed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sequential timer with a programmable dual frequency drive. The timer includes a relatively flat housing which mounts a circular, flat disk having arcuate switch actuating cams on at least one face thereof. A plurality of switches are mounted in the housing and are sequentially actuated by the arcuate cams upon rotation of the disc. Drive pawls are provided which coact with teeth on the periphery of the disk. One of said pawls is driven at a multiple of the frequency of the other pawl so that the disk is driven at a relatively rapid rate of advance when the disk is performing a switching function and at a relatively slow rate of advance during a steady operation state.

Abstract: This control device for electric motor-reduction unit intended for driving rolling shutters, roller-blinds or the like, and permitting an accidental overstepping of the electrical stop point without causing any damage in, or putting out of order, the control device, comprises a cam having a notch formed in its contour, adapted to be engaged by a follower portion of a lever so as to open a switch controlling the supply of drive current to the motor-reduction unit. The notch has a rear portion inclined laterally and rearwardly which opens into an extension of the cam contour which is level with the bottom of the notch, or located at a lower level than this bottom. When the cam rotating in a given direction oversteps the normal electrical stop point the inclined portion moves the follower laterally and the lever is moved laterally along its pivot axis against the force of spring means, but held at the same level.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control system for regeneration of a water treatment system in which a water meter monitors water usage and mechanically drives a water volume wheel to an operative position to call for regeneration when a predetermined volume of water has been treated and then automatically resets itself. A timer wheel driven by a motor is included within the control system such that the timer wheel and the water volume wheel coact to activate the regeneration cycle mechanism at a predetermined time after a predetermined volume of water has passed through the water meter. The mechanism is adjustable relative to the water treating capacity of the treatment system and the condition of the water being treated so as to be able to vary the predetermined volume of water treated which will call for regeneration.

Abstract: Timing apparatus for controlling the ON-OFF operation of a lamp or appliance. The timing apparatus is plugged into an electric wall receptacle to energize an internal synchronous motor that turns a time dial with setting pins thereon. The pins control the opening and closing of internal switch means for the lamp or appliance. The apparatus is relatively small, and is simple to manufacture, assemble and service.

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 timing device has a day dial and a time dial which rotate to control an electrical output in a programmed manner for a predetermined day period. The time dial and day dial operate a pivotally mounted lever to actuate a switch which is connected between electrical input and output, or load, connectors. The time dial operatively contacts one end of the lever and the day dial operatively contacts the other end of the lever when the dials have been preset to do so by the use of actuating pins which can be positioned in the dials. When both ends of the lever are contacted, the switch is actuated. The pins can be held in their respective time dial or day dial in an operative or inoperative position. Manual means are also provided to bypass the time dial and day dial by directly connecting the input connectors to the output, or load, connectors.

Abstract: A timer device has a pair of switches, a pair of cam means adapted for rotation so as to respectively actuate the switches in a first preselected sequence, and means for driving the cam means to effect the respective rotation thereof. Means for driven association with the driving means so as to be rotatable with the cam means includes means rotatably adjustable from one operating position of at least a pair of operating positions toward another thereof for interrupting the actuation of one of the switches by the one cam means in the first preselected sequence with the actuation of the other of the switches by the other of the cam means and for permitting the actuation of the one switch by the one cam means in another preselected sequence with the actuation of the other switch by the other cam means.An assembly for use in a timer device and a method of operating a timer device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gear train is connected to a motor carried in a housing and has an output member extending into another housing, the output member having at least one cam lobe. Electrical switch means carried in the second housing are responsive to the cam lobe.

Abstract: A pair of movable electrical contact blades are linked together through a lost motion linkage. An actuator means engages one of the blades to initially move it by itself. Subsequent movement of the actuator means moves both blades to selectively open and close electrical contacts carried by the blades and to open and close an electrical contact carried by a fixed contact blade.

Abstract: Switch actuating mechanism for use in a timing device. The mechanism is simple, easy to manufacture, and is reliable in operation. The mechanism is selectively adjustable to maintain the switch continuously ON, continuously OFF, or ON and OFF in response to time setting pins on a rotating time dial.

Abstract: A time switch comprises a scale plate which is rotated at a constant velocity and change-over pawls and a cradle. In the time switch the change-over pawls respectively have each flexible thin body part and are projected outwardly from an annular part and the switch is controlled by deformation of the change-over pawls which can be shifted to two positions for interlocking to or detaching from a lever.

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.

Abstract: A cam operated control mechanism wherein a cam follower is caused to move from a first position to a second position by a biasing spring upon completion of a preselected amount of relative movement between the cam follower and cooperating cam. The control mechanism includes a second structure for effecting movement of the cam follower from the first position to the second position in the event the biasing spring fails to effect the movement, such as by virtue of the spring being broken. The structure for effecting the transfer includes a displaceable wall portion of the cam against which the cam follower is urged by means other than the spring means when the relative movement between the cam follower and cam is continued following the failure of the spring means to effect the desired transfer.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a stationary frame carrying an electrical switch provided with different operating conditions and an actuator pivotally mounted directly in the frame and operatively associated with the switch for operating the switch to the different conditions thereof in accordance with the pivot position of the actuator about its pivot point in the frame. A timer member is operatively associated with the actuator for repetitively pivoting the actuator about its pivot point to cause the switch to be repetitively in one condition thereof a certain percentage of a certain increment of time and for being in another condition thereof for the remainder of the certain increment of time. An adjustable member is operatively associated with the actuator for changing the pivot point thereof in the frame and in relation to the switch and thereby selecting the amount of the certain percentage of the certain increment of time within certain limits.

Abstract: A cam is axially displaced so that a pair of cam followers sequentially drop from the cam's outer periphery to sequentially close a pair of electrical switches which are responsive to the cam followers. Upon completion of a program, the cam is permitted to displace to its original position. A coil spring clutch permits an actuator to be located in a predetermined position for axial displacement of the cam.

Abstract: First and second movable spring contact blades are disposed in substantially parallel relation and have substantially equal lengths with electrical contacts disposed near their distal ends. A third spring contact blade having electrical contacts at its distal end is fixedly disposed between the first two blades and has a shorter length than the two blades to provide a gap between the first two. The electrical contacts are in line with and facing each other at a distance just short of the gap. The combination of the electrical contacts provides a double pole switch means. Two independently operable actuator arms enter the gap to selectively engage the first and second spring contact blades to selectively open and close the electrical contacts. The two actuator arms in combination with the electrical contacts provide a program of a short pulsing duration within a longer program.There is a selector means which permits the actuator arm for the shorter duration to be operably removed from the system.

Abstract: A periodical switching device has adjustable periodic ON durations and has rapid on, off transitions. A swinging member rides on a rotating cam. An operation member controlled by the cam and by the swinging member turns a switch on when the cam moves the operation member and turns the switch off when the cam moves the swinging member to release the operation member. An adjusting member changes position of the swinging member to vary its point and time of initial contact with the cam to selectively control release of the operation member which turns OFF the switch. A feeding device advances the adjusting means to 100 percent conduction when the adjusting device is moved to select about 83 percent or more conduction. An old setting-clearing device moves the operation member relatively to the swinging member so that the members follow the newly set durations immediately upon beginning new cycles.

Abstract: A programmed switching device for setting angular positions of shafts of mechanisms and machines comprises a shaft, a cam-and-lever mechanism for operating those particular switching devices which correspond to the angular position of the shaft being set, and a setting mechanism interconnected with the shaft and the cam-and-lever mechanism. Discs are rigidly secured on the shaft, each disc having a slot, and a dividing element is movably installed on the shaft, linked kinematically with the shaft of the mechanism and provided with cutouts on the side surface, one for the rotation plane of each disc. Cams are installed on an axle so that each cam can rotate in the rotation plane of the corresponding disc. The dimensions of the cutouts and slots correspond to the dimensions of the rollers in order to permit interaction of the discs with the switching elements, each of said elements being located in the rotation plane of the corresponding disc.

Abstract: A random timer including a drive motor, an output means, and a power circuit connecting a power supply to the drive motor and output means and where two dissimilar timing elements are controlled by the drive motor, and the power circuit includes a multi-contact switch having a normally closed terminal position and a normally open second terminal position, a control member associated with the switch to move it from its normally closed position to its second position, and a control means individually engageable with the two different timing elements for moving the control member to its actuated second position and interrupt power flow to the output means on an irregular basis.

Abstract: A stop start fixed cycle sequence timer is started at variable intervals by an adjustable automatic reset timer. This reset timer includes a clutch and resets when the clutch is disengaged. The cycling timer includes a clutch cam and cam follower which disengages and reengages the clutch while the cycling timer is going through its cycle.

Abstract: A timer mechanism for a clock which has a manually settable rotatable timer drum. A pair of complementarily arranged semicircular contacts which are electrically insulated from each other are adapted to actuate the timer when electrically connected to each other. Two contact fingers are provided which are urged into contact with the respective semicircular stationary contacts. A timer cam between the timer drum and a projecting lug associated with one of the contact fingers for prevention thereof from contacting one of the semicircular contacts and thereby render the timer inoperative. A flange with a cutout is provided on the timer cam which permits the one of the contact fingers to contact the semicircular stationary contact and thereby actuate the timer.

Abstract: A metal strap is connected to a motor housing and to a metal mounting plate for a timer which carries the motor to electrically ground the motor to the timer.

Abstract: A snap-action camming means for use in controlling a double throw electrical switch. The switch may be biased to a first condition and substantially instantaneously thrown to a second operating condition by a spring associated with the cam. A single cam and cam follower are utilized to provide substantially positive throwing of the switch in both directions so as to avoid a dead break condition wherein the switch is maintained in an intermediate position between the two operating conditions. In one embodiment, the spring is formed integrally with the cam. The spring may be arranged to position the cam follower suitably to be maintained by subsequent engagement thereby with a portion of the cam.

Abstract: A timing device comprises a contact assembly, an acting switch and a centrifugal mechanism rotated by a synchronous motor, and a rotatable resiliently biased timing wheel. The acting switch, upon energization of the motor, is moved axially in a direction parallel to the rotary axis of the timing wheel by the centrifugal mechanism to a first position for rotating the said timing wheel and opening a contact between a movable contact plate and a first fixed contact plate of the contact assembly. The acting switch is maintained in the first position by the timing wheel, and is moved to a second position for maintaining the timing wheel in position and closing a contact between the movable contact plate and a second fixed contact plate of the contact assembly, whereby, upon deenergization of the motor, the switch is moved axially in the reverse direction to its normally inoperative state and said timing wheel is rotated back under the action of its biasing means.

Abstract: Two separate cam means are fixedly and freely rotatably carried on a shaft. Each cam means are simultaneously rotated by a motor at different speeds through a gear train having two separate outputs. Cam lobes are carried on each cam means and engage switch means to open and close same as the cam means are rotated.

Abstract: An electric programmer is provided which has general utility, although it will be described herein for controlling electrically-operated water valves in a lawn sprinkler system. The programmer is constructed to control a plurality of different valves for successive time intervals at one or more predetermined time period during each day of the week, although means are provided to enable the programmer to skip one or more days, if so desired. The programmer to be described includes means which permits a separate setting to be manually established for each of the valves which determines the length of the time interval each valve is to be activated during the aforesaid time period.

Abstract: An electrical motor-driven timer has a frame, which has a substantially rectangular section and which is comprised of a main plate, a substantially L-shaped frame member and a switch mechanism support member. A switch mechanism is mounted on one side of the support member. An electromagnetic device is received in the substantially lower half part of the frame for operating the switch mechanism. A timing mechanism is received in the substantially upper half part of the frame for actuation and timing operation of the switch mechanism.

Abstract: In operating an apparatus provided with a plurality of various component devices incorporated therein, it is necessary to provide some type of sequential controller when the plurality of the devices are required to be operated sequentially for predetermined periods, independently of each other. The improved type of sequential controller of the present disclosure has a plurality of cam plates each of which is provided with switch units for controlling the operating periods of the various component devices, and which are rotated by a driving means, a lock claw for engaging with the cam plates and a controller for controlling the movement of the lock claw, so that the predetermined rotation of the cam plates controls the operating periods of the various devices.

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.