Abstract: A high voltage switching system switches large load currents in short periods. Gas is contained within an envelope at a pressure of the order of magnitude of at least 0.1 atmosphere. The gas provides a relatively high electron drift velocity at a relatively low electric field strength. A pair of electrodes are spaced apart within the envelope and are connected to respective switch terminals for connecting to a load. The voltage gradient between the electrodes so spaced is insufficient at rated voltage to produce any substantial secondary ionization. The gas is ionized by a beam of high energy electrons introduced into the gas through the envelope. Means is provided for turning the beam on and off, thereby closing and opening the current path through the gas and effecting the switching of current through the load.

Abstract: An electrical switch timer device is used to turn off an electrical light, wherein the light switch timer device communicates with a conventional wall toggle switch. The electrical timing device comprises an electrical circuit consisting of a combination of a toggle switch wired in series to a parallel circuit of an electrical timer clock motor and an electrical light, wherein the combination is wired in parallel to a series circuit of a timer clock switch and an electromagnet. The electromagnet communicates with the toggle switch.