Abstract: A power controller for placement between a source of electricity and a user of electricity such as heaters for heating thermoplastic material. The controller comprises a normally closed switch allowing electrical communication between the source and user. An electrical control circuit including a coil which is connected to the normally closed switch.The control circuit further includes a switch assembly operable between an on and off condition. The switch assembly prevents or allows the energization of the coil when in the on or off condition, respectively. A first timing assembly causes the switch assembly to be in the on condition for a first selected duration after energization of the control circuit. A second timing assembly causes the switch assembly to be intermittently placed in an on condition after energization of the control circuit.

Abstract: An electrical system for providing an energy load regulator for use with electric clothes dryers and electric hot water tanks. The load regulator cycles the heating element within the dryer or hot water tank for predetermined periods while the appliance remains in an operative stage throughout the on and off cycles of the heating element.

Abstract: An electronic digital timer for displaying time information on an electronic digital display device such as a fluorescent display tube. A time setting knob is employed to set time information. By operating the time setting knob in an analog fashion, time information is displayed on the electronic digital display device in a digital fashion.

Abstract: An energy regulator for a household heating appliance such as an electric cooker comprises an electronic controller for the cyclical control of the supply of electrical energy to a heating element and a switch for increasing the electrical energy supplied to the heating element to a preselected level and for a preselected time. The preselected time may be variable in dependence on the duty cycle of the controller, the duration decreasing from about thirteen minutes at low duty cycle to one minute or less at high duty cycle. Actuation of the switch may cause the electrical energy to be increased to substantially 30% of full heating power at low duty cycle rising to substantially 100% of full heating power at high duty cycle.

Abstract: In a foodstuffs heating apparatus wherein a plurality of different heating function modes are selectively effected and heating temperature and heating time are settable, when an oven heating function is selected from the plurality of function modes by a selected cooking card, the function of selector switches adapted to select heating function modes other than the oven heating function may be changed from the heating function mode selection to the heating temperature setting, so that the setting of heating temperature may automatically be effected by utilizing the cooking card.

Abstract: A heating system comprising a closed conduit containing a liquid which is continuously circulated through the conduit by a pump. An electrical resistance heating unit serves to heat the liquid in the conduit and heat is transferred from the liquid through a heat exchanger to a medium to be heated. A proportional timer is operably connected in the electrical circuit with the heating unit. The timer has a cycle of fixed duration composed of an "on" interval and an "off" interval, with the duration of the "on" interval being variable within the cycle. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the liquid in the conduit and if the temperture falls below a set value, the sensor acts to operate the timer and energize the heating unit. A second temperature sensor acts to adjust the "on" interval of the timing cycle in proportion to the deviation of the liquid temperature from the temperature setting.

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

Abstract: In a skin packaging machine, a method and apparatus for maintaining a film heating oven at a low temperature wherein during a very short repeating duty cycle, e.g., less than a minute, the power to the oven heaters is applied for a short period and is shut down for the remainder of the period through solid state relay switching.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for microwave ovens, electric ovens, gas ovens and ovens of the hybrid type, includes a digital control unit and a numerical display unit. The heating apparatus further includes numerical value input means (an impulse generator) including a digit change-over switch and increment/decrement switch as means for entering a numerical value such as a heating time or a heating temperature into the digital control unit. The digit change-over switch always directs one of the hours, minutes and seconds, and the increment/decrement switch is designed so that the switch which is usually held off is closed only when the knob is moved or when the knob is depressed, for example, and the switch is returned to the original off position upon releasing the hand, thus reducing the number of setting keys, lessening the possibility of erroneous setting and simplifying the setting of heating time and heating temperature.

Abstract: A temperature controlled timer useful for controlling the application of power to apparatus such as automobile block heaters or the like. In one embodiment the time of application of power prior to a shut off time is decreased with increasing ambient temperature. In another embodiment the duty cycle of cyclically applied power is changed so that the power on period becomes shorter and the power off period becomes longer with increasing ambient temperature. Significant conservation of power results.

Abstract: The temperature of an electrically heated element is controlled by applying a current until the element reaches a threshold temperature, preferably determined by the expanded length of the elements, and then applying a predetermined voltage-current condition for a selected period of time. This is followed by repeated applications of such voltage-current conditions in response to the cooling of the heating element back to the threshold temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to control apparatus for heat actuated devices of the type having a heating resistor and a spring biased motor member movable in response to heat generated by the resistor. A source of rectified AC voltage for the heating resistor is regulated by a controlled rectifier in series with the resistor. There is a comparator circuit for comparing a desired setting with the actual position of the motor member and generating a continuously variable control signal of a value corresponding to the departure value. An ignition circuit for pulsing the controlled rectifier has inputs including the control signal, a half wave AC voltage and a time dependent decreasing signal. The ignition circuit has an input threshold below which pulses are generated and above which pulses are not generated.

Abstract: A microwave oven is controlled to cause a magnetron to oscillate for a set timer time period. The timer time period is set by a device for entering a timer time period. The device comprises a displaceable operation knob provided and a code signal generator for generating a Gray code signal in association with the displaced amount of the operation knob. The generated code signal is converted into a binary coded decimal signal and is further converted into a time period signal, whereupon the same is stored as a timer time period. The magnetron is controlled to oscillate for an oscillation time period responsive to the timer time period as stored, while the set timer time period is down counted for each second in accordance with the lapse of the oscillation time period of the magnetron. The left time period obtained as a result of such down count is displayed by the digital display.

Abstract: An electronic controlled heat cooking apparatus employs a microprocessor for the purpose of controlling a heating operation. The microprocessor is responsive to a timer time period set by a timer apparatus to control oscillation of a microwave. The timer apparatus comprises a conductive path pattern, an operation knob, and a brush provided in a ganged fashion with the operation knob to be in sliding contact with the conductive path pattern. Timer time period information is stored responsive to a code signal determined by the conductive path pattern as a function of the stop position of the brush. Renewal of the timer time period of the information as stored is made in the case where the brush is displaced by more than a predetermined amount on the conductive path pattern. Furthermore, in the case where displacement occurs within a predetermined time period after the previous displacement, the timer time period information is renewed.

Abstract: A thermal device for controlling the temperature of glow plugs in a diesel engine in which current is applied to the glow plugs from the battery through a relay, the relay in turn being actuated by a thermally controlled switch controlled by a heater. The heater applies heat to the thermal-sensitive switch. The relay also controls current through the heater so that the heater cycles in unison with the glow plugs. The thermally-operated switch includes a bimetallic element which is heated by the heater. The bimetallic element is mounted in the engine block so as to be subject to the same ambient temperature conditions as the glow plugs. A thermal timer responsive to the same ambient temperature conditions includes a resistance heater element energized from the alternator. The thermal timer switch de-energizes the relay when heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Electric welding sleeves used more particularly with larger pipe diameters have a heating wire winding which is under compressive stress due to the shrinkage of the sleeve member. This compressive stress and the elongation of the resistance heating wire occurring during the welding process can lead to a lateral displacement and contact with adjacent turns. The welding apparatus (4) used for welding such sleeves obviates these difficulties in that the overall welding time of the electric welding sleeve (15) is subdivided into a preheating time and a welding time. During the preheating time a partial power is used and during the welding time the full welding power. If the welding power is taken from an alternating current system the welding process can start with half the power by arranging a diode (8) in the welding circuit (2) and at the end of the preheating time the diode is bridged by a switching stage (10).

Abstract: A coffeemaker is provided with a power circuit and a control circuit. The power circuit is connected to a household source of electric power and it is activated by a relay switch. The control circuit includes a relay coil for the switch, and a triac that may be triggered into conduction when a turn on signal from an electronic timer module is applied to the control terminal of the triac simultaneously with the application of direct current control circuit voltage across the triac. Thereafter, the triac remains in its conductive state so long as the direct current flowing through the triac remains above a minimum level. Subsequent removal of the turn on signal from the control terminal of the triac has no effect on the operation of the power circuit which includes the coffeemaker heating means so long as the direct current flowing through the triac remains above a minimum level.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a thermistor and a gas sensor disposed in an exhaustion duct for detecting an exhaustion air temperature and an exhaustion gas concentration, respectively. A menu selection manual lever is disposed on a control panel for selecting a desired cooking menu. A microwave generation control circuit is correlated with the menu selection manual lever in such a manner that the microwave generation is terminated when the thermistor output reaches a preselected value under the condition where a preselected group of cooking menu is selected through the menu selection manual lever, and the microwave generation is terminated when the gas sensor output reaches a predetermined value under the condition where another group of cooking menu is selected through the menu selection manual lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric temperature setback device which is placed in proximate relation to a conventional thermostat and is operatively controlled by a timing device for providing local warmth to the thermostat at pre-determined times and for pre-determined intervals. The setback device includes spades with integral female lamp connectors for arraying a plurality of incandescent lamps in series across an electrical circuit. By so doing, the voltage to each lamp is proportionally reduced, decreasing the filament temperature of each lamp and thereby increasing the amount of heat energy produced proportional to the amount of light energy produced.

Abstract: A remote control device for controlling the operation of a conventional domestic water heater (18) used singularly or in conjunction with a solar heating system. The control device comprises a remote control head (10), which has an indicator (12) for conveying the status of the water heater (18) and the temperature of the water contained therein and a multi-positional manual switch (14) for selecting the mode of operation of the water heater (18) and a remote controlled heater switch (16), electrically connected to the remote control head (10), which controls power to the water heater (18) in response to signals from the remote control head (10). Therefore, the operation of the water heater can be controlled according to the needs of the user.

Abstract: A control instrument is used for the manually continuously adjustable supply of electric power to electric hot plates in the form of individual power pulses. The control instrument contains a switch, operated by a bimetallic member, whose heater is controlled by an electronic circuit and supplies current to the heating means in individual half-waves. An automatic initial cooking device with an electronic timing member is provided which, during the initial cooking phase, reduces the power supply to heater in a predetermined ratio and consequently correspondingly increases the power supplied to the electric hot plate. The automatic initial cooking device is automatically switched on by the control instrument knob. By rotating the control knob beyond a median power limit the automatic initial cooking device is switched off.

Abstract: A helicopter deicing control system (10) is provided for selectively distributing D.C. electrical power to a plurality of deicing segments (80, 90) on main and tail rotor blades with only two slip-ring assemblies (60 and 61, 62 and 63) for each rotor drive shaft. A power distribution controller (20) receives electrical power from the helicopter's onboard, fixed electrical power system and provides an output signal including power and control D.C. electrical signals of opposite polarities. A distributor (70) receives the output signal from controller (20) and increments a rotary switch (74) upon receipt of a D.C. electrical control signal, and distributes power to the main rotor deicing segment (90) connected to the rotary switch (74) contact then engaged upon the receipt of a D.C. electrical power signal so as to sequentially deliver D.C. electrical power to the desired main rotor deicing segment.

Abstract: A timing mechanism to control the sequential progressive opening of a valve in a gas line leading to a gas fired kiln with the sequential progressive openings taking place at predetermined time intervals until the object being heated in the kiln has matured. Once maturation has taken place, the valve is sequentially progressively closed at predetermined time intervals in order to allow the kiln to cool down slowly. Adjustable controls are provided in order to allow the user to vary the time period between the progressive further opening of the valve and also the degree of opening of the valve to take place at each activation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric storage heater assembly which includes a core and a resistance heater for the core. A low tariff period switch and a charging switch are in series with the resistance heater. A triggering unit, which includes an integrator in one embodiment, and an integrator and comparator in a second embodiment, operates the charging switch. A feed circuit for charging the integrator is responsive to the indoor temperature and the unregulated heat loss from the core. A scanning circuit which produces the opposite effect is responsive to the regulated heat loss from the core and the outdoor temperature. The scanning circuit can be connected to either the integrator in one embodiment or to the comparator in the other embodiment.

Abstract: A time proportional control means, shown as a temperature control system, utilizes an expanded time constant arrangement with a unidirectional type of digital counter. The control system also utilizes a pulse generating means that is linked to the set point control for the system. Any substantial change of the set point causes the pulse generating means to generate pulses that are used by a pulse responsive circuit to insure that the counter for the system is adjusted to cause the output of the system to correspond with the new set point position.

Abstract: A variable duration clock timer unit which may be adjustably set to energize an electrical circuit for a selected duration for each period of clock operation includes a momentary contact, normally open, switch frictionally mounted at a selected location in a concentric annular groove in a circular clock face below a rotatable clock arm driven by an electric clock motor. The clock arm is adjustable in length and has a free end in the shape of a triangle overlying the annular groove. The switch actuator may be depressed by engagement with the free end of the clock arm to close the switch for the period of time that the free end is in engagement with the switch actuator. Adjustment of the length of the clock arm changes the width of the free end portion of the clock arm engageable with the switch actuator and thus determines the duration of switch closing. The timer unit may be used to automatically control the operation of an electric defrosting circuit of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic heat control apparatus for use with an electric heating element in a kiln or the like comprises a first power controller having a plurality of on and off intervals. The first controller supplies electric current to the kiln heating element during its on intervals, and further includes means for adjusting the duration of the on intervals relative to the off intervals. A constant speed electric motor is mechanically coupled to the first power controller for gradually increasing the duration of the on intervals and decreasing the duration of the off intervals; such control ensures that the temperature inside the kiln increases very gradually to lessen the risk of breaking the ceramic material being fired. Furthermore, the average speed of the motor may be controlled by means of a second power controller, similar to the first controller, having a plurality of on and off intervals which intermittently energize the motor for rotation thereof.

Abstract: A control panel unit for a cooking apparatus having a clock construction for indicating the time of day and a timer control unit for selecting a delayed time period and a cooking time period for causing the apparatus to provide a cooking operation for the cooking time period following the elapsing of the delay time period, the clock construction comprising an electronic clock unit and the timer control unit comprising an electromechanical control unit operating independently of the electronic clock unit.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for an electric storage heater includes a resistance heater in series with a low tariff time switch and a charging switch. While the low tariff time switch is closed, usually at night, an integrator controlled by a differential amplifier controls the charging switch in accordance with the total charge accumulated by the integrator which reflects the use of energy during the preceding day. The charge of the integrator at the end of the day is the result of it being intermittently charged and discharged by a voltage divider circuit which has one or more temperature responsive resistances and transmits a voltage to one input of a differential amplifier for the integrator which can be above or below a reference voltage on the other input of the amplifier.

Abstract: An electric storage heater assembly which includes a core and a resistance heater for the core. A charging switch is in series with the resistance heater and an electric comparator for operating the switch has two inputs connected to first and second controls which are responsive to the instantaneous temperature of the core and the final temperature of the core for the preceding charging period. The first comparator input is also connected to auxiliary controls which sense indoor and outdoor temperatures and provide signals which are summed with the signal which represents the core temperature.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for a heating system has a plurality of electrical resistance heating elements and a blower all controlled by a plurality of electro-thermally actuated relays. The circuit is arranged so that the heating elements are sequentially energized and de-energized and so that the blower is maintained in operation at all times that any one of the heating elements is energized. A thermostat controls the operation of the relays, the second and the last of which each having switches connected in series circuits with the actuator of the first relay and in parallel with the thermostat so as to maintain blower operation, which is controlled by the first relay, when the thermostat opens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cyclically controlling the energization of water heaters in residential homes on a daily and seasonal temperature basis. The apparatus includes a pair of clock timers each having a disk for supporting a plurality of relay actuators in spaced relationship to one another. The relay actuators open and close associated relays which couple power from a suitable source to the water heater via a seasonal thermostatic switch. The thermostatic switch connects one or the other of the relays in circuit with the water heater. On one of the disks the actuators are spaced for "summer" load conditions so that power to the water heater is inhibited for a substantial portion of the time in each day when "summer" power demand is greatest, that is, between noon and 8:00 p.m. On the other disk the actuators are spaced for "winter" load conditions so that power to the water heater is inhibited for a substantial portion of the time when "winter" power demand is greatest, that is, between 4:30 and 9:30 p.

Abstract: An electric storage heater assembly which is charged at night when energy rates are low and utilized during the day when the rates are higher. A fan unit is controlled by a thermostat to extract heat from the heater assembly. The previous days experience relative to the total time the fan operates is a measure of the heat to be stored during the off hours. An integrator with input and output switching elements activated by a clock controlled time switch is used in connection with a three position room thermostat, the positions being for high and low temperatures and neutral. The input switching element has positive and negative terminals and during day operation, the time the thermostat is in its low temperature position is summed through the positive terminal. The time the thermostat is in its high temperature position is subtracted from the accumulated value of the integrator through the negative terminal.