Abstract: A timing apparatus including a timer, a solenoid, a toggle switch, and an adapter plate for mounting to the valve control knob of a pizza oven, the adapter plate being provided with a detent at a given point on the periphery thereof. The knob is spring biased in a rotational direction toward the "on" position on the knob. An electrical timer is provided to energize a solenoid at a preset time duration, with the solenoid rod being physically coupled to a pivotable actuating arm, the free end of which is positioned for engagement with the detent of the knob with the knob in the "off" position, the plate being retained at that position against the force of the coil spring. A toggle switch is in electrical circuit relation with the timer, with the toggle thereof physically positioned in operative relation a member projecting from the actuating arm, such that actuation of the toggle from a first position to the second under force of the projection deenergizes the circuit between the timer and the solenoid.

Abstract: A switching means is provided in a power source line for supplying the A.C. power source of a main power source circuit. A lock switch is separately provided. In the normal state, the lock switch is in a locked off state, thereby controlling the on-off operation of the switching means by the automatic on-off function based on a power source operating switch and timer etc. By turning the lock switch off, the switching means is locked, thereby overriding the automatic on-off function and the power source operating switch.

Abstract: A programmable time interval power strip comprising a power input mechanism for receiving external alternating electrical power; a power supply including a power switch having an enabled orientation for allowing delivery of constant electrical power and a disabled orientation for preventing such delivery; a plurality of adjustable timers coupled to the power supply with each timer having an output for generating a relay activation signal; a plurality of receptacles coupled to the power input means and coupleable with a plug-connected appliance; and a plurality of relays coupled to the power input means with a first relay further coupled to the power switch and with the remaining relays each further coupled to the output of a timer and receptacle, the first relay delivering alternating electrical power to its receptacle when the power switch is placed in the enabled orientation and with the remaining relays delivering alternating electrical power to their receptacles upon receipt of the associated relay activa

Abstract: A latching relay control circuit comprising a latching relay pulse generator circuit and a relay coil drive circuit, the latching relay pulse generator circuit receiving relay control signals and relay reset signals. When a relay control signal changes states, the latching relay pulse generator provides a pulsed signal to the relay and coil drive circuit, the relay and coil drive circuit then changing the state of a latching relay. The relay reset signal is provided during power-up or just before power is lost to the system, the relay reset signal being provided to the latching relay pulse generator circuit wherein the latching relay pulse generator circuit provides a reset signal to the relay and coil driver circuit, and the relay and coil driver circuit opens all of the latching relays it controls.

Abstract: A circuit for electrically controlled intermittent motion having a time-delay relay and an all-purpose double-pole-double-throw relay for use in conjunction with a gear-head motor having an output shaft, which, upon application to the circuit of a triggering signal either momentary or prolonged for several minutes, rotates approximately 360.degree. and stops.

Abstract: An appliance timer incremental drive is provided with an electronic circuit that generates a nonvarying camstack motor advancement pulse that cooperates with a cam-operated motor control switch. When the motor control switch is closed, a power circuit is completed with a camstack drive motor and the camstack rotates. When the motor control switch opens, the power circuit is also open, so the camstack is stationary. The camstack remains stationary, delayed, until the electronic circuit, which operates independently from the camstack, provides a nonvarying camstack advancement pulse to power the camstack drive motor to rotate the camstack.

Abstract: A plug-in timer has a set of input terminals and a set of output terminals as well as a contactor operable to make and/or break electrical connection between these sets of terminals in accordance with a pre-setable 24 hour program. The timer is powered from a small built-in battery, and comprises its own quartz clock and programming-and-control means. The contactor is actuated by a miniature DC motor through a gear and cam arrangement. The operation of the DC motor is controlled by the programming-and-control means, which provides power from the battery to the motor in accordance with a pre-set program; which pre-set program may be modified at any time by way of a keyboard and a numeric display means. The contactor operates by way of hard metal contacts and very little power dissipation occurs within the timer. The timer can be plugged into a special wall switch receptacle and then operates to programmably control the flow of power to the load controlled by this wall switch.

Abstract: For operating a switch which has a switch lever, such as a toggle switch lever, The invention provides a device which fits over the switch with the switch lever engaged by a slide on the device. Manual operation of the slide moves the switch lever from OFF to ON. The same operation of the slide starts a timer and sets a return mechanism which is retained at its set position by a latch until the timer at the end of a preset time interval actuates a release mechanism which retracts the latch. The return mechanism then returns the slide to turn the switch lever OFF. All of the operating parts, including a self-contained power source are within a housing that fits over the switch. In preferred embodiments the timer is a microcomputer chip. An optional time interval selector is described for presetting a selected time interval for the timer. A single manual movement of the slide causes the device to automatically execute the rest of its cycle.

Abstract: An adjustable cycle timer that controls on and off cycling of a livewell bait pump or similar device. The on time and off time of the cycle are each independently variable by adjusting the frequency of frequency generators, one generator (10) for on time and one generator (14) for off time in the cycle. The outputs of these frequency generators are gated to the clock input of a frequency divider (20), the output of which controls a relay driver (30) or similar device that switches the pump motor or other device to be controlled. When the output (22) of the frequency divider (20) changes state, a feedback switching circuit (29) blocks the output of one of the frequency generators, and gates the output of the other frequency generator to the input of the frequency divider (20). This allows the length of the on time segment of the cycle to be controlled by the frequency of one of the frequency generators, while the length of the off time segment of the cycle is controlled by the other frequency generator.

Abstract: An electronic circuit module fan assembly is disclosed including a circuit module housing, circuit modules, and a fan module. The fan module has a fan unit for cooling the circuit modules. The fan module can be mounted in the housing interchangeably with the circuit modules. The fan module has time delay circuitry for delaying the time when the fan module is powered up until after the initial power surge of the electronic system. The fan module also has noise filter circuitry. A fan module is disclosed wherein the fan unit is slidably attached to the fan module to allow the fan to be placed in different positions for cooling purposes. The fan module can be constructed so that the fan unit is interchangeable with a panel having circuitry.

Abstract: A lockable control box for a television is designed to have the television plug attached to a timer. A programmable control panel is used to regulate the hours the television is able to be turned on, and the control box comes equipped with three specially designed security features. The first of these is a plug lock which prevents electrical plugs from being disconnected from the control unit. Secondly, a lockable door is provided so as to prevent the unit from being reprogrammed except by a person having an associated key. Lastly, a circuit breaker is provided which is designed to be tripped if the unit is unplugged from the wall. These three security features prevent children from tampering with the television set.

Abstract: A programmable timer power switch unit with emergency override reset for use with a battery includes a power switch which receives power from the battery and switches the power to equipment. The unit also has a plurality of voltage detectors connected to the battery to detect a plurality of voltages and a vibration-pressure detector which detects any movement of the motor. There is a timer-control logic which is connected to the components and disables the power switch when voltage problems are detected. The unit further includes a programmable delay switch. The purpose of this switch is to allow the equipment to run during a pre-selected time. Also, there is an auto/manual override switch for overriding the timer-control logic and providing a short delay time prior to disconnecting the unit in order to protect any memory intensive electronic equipment from intermittent drop-outs such as when the engine is started.

Abstract: A timing device incorporates a timing module having a relatively low capacity for use in a heavier application than it could normally be used due to the low capacity of the timing module switch contacts. The timing module output is connected with a solenoid having an extendable and retractable plunger, and a mechanical actuator arrangement is connected to the plunger. A high-capacity set of switch contacts are connected in the circuit, and the mechanical actuator arrangement controls opening and closing of the high-capacity switch contacts in response to extension and retraction of the solenoid plunger.

Abstract: An electronic ON/OFF timer apparatus and method having predetermined time delay intervals. The apparatus is intercoupled between an electrical power source and an electrically powered external device such as a lamp, television, radio, etc. The apparatus generally comprises an electromechanical timer having an ON switch and an OFF switch for enabling approximate ON and OFF times to be selected, a memory for storing a predetermined plurality of randomly varying time delay intervals, and a countdown timer. An operator first selects the approximate ON and OFF times via the switches on the timer. When the approximate ON or OFF time is reached, the countdown timer is loaded from the memory with a first one of the predetermined plurality of randomly varying time delay intervals. The countdown timer then counts down a time period corresponding to the first delay time interval.

Abstract: A system controls electrical power to multiple loads from both a central location and from local three-way controls. In one embodiment, the system includes means for sensing the power to each load. That sensing capability, in turn, permits the master to set all loads to the same power level, simultaneously, regardless of their original level. The local controls may be standard three-way dimmers or switches.

Abstract: A control system for reducing power used by an inductive lighting installation, usually plural fluorescent lamps and a ballast, includes an A.C. power input circuit to the installation with a signal-actuated, normally-closed primary switch in series in the circuit; a signal-actuated normally-open secondary switch is in shunt with the load. The two switches are actuated substantially simultaneously in each half-cycle of the A.C. power input, once for power reduction for a time interval T1-T2 and once for harmonic distortion reduction for a time T3-T4 that encompasses each A.C. power zero-crossing time TX. The control system has N different timing programs for times T1-T2 and T3-T4, each program corresponding to one type of ballast. In each program times T3 and T4 are constant; only the times T1 and T2 are varied for a series of successively greater power reductions; the maximum power reduction may be as much as 30 to 40 percent.

Abstract: A timing mechanism has cams operating switches which control the functions of an appliance and another cam operating another switch supplying short pulses to a separate function such as a warning buzzer. A PTC thermistor is in series with the switch supplying the short pulses which when applied to the buzzer electrical circuit provides a short controlled "on" time to the buzzer even though power is applied to the complete switching system for an extended period of time by the timing mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic device has an operating section having a plurality of input keys. The operating section is detachably connected to a body of the device in such a manner that the contacts of the operating section are electrically connected to the contacts of the body when the operating section is connected to the body. The body includes a connection detecting section for detecting the connection of the operating section to the body to output a connection detection signal; and a control section for making the connection of the contacts of the body and the contacts of the operating section effective a predetermined period of time after provision of the connection detection signal.

Abstract: A control circuit (C) for controlling fluorescent lamps (102, 104 & 106) from a switch (S) having "open" and "closed" positions. The circuit senses whether the switch is (i) open, (ii) closed within less than approximately 0.5 seconds of last being opened, or (iii) closed for the first timne or after a time greater than approximately 0.5 seconds after last being opened, and produces one of three output signals respectively dependent thereon. The control circuit uses only a conventional two-position switch and conventional wiring and avoids the need for additional switches and additional wiring.

Abstract: An electronic circuit module fan assembly is disclosed including a circuit module housing, circuit modules, and a fan module. The fan module has a fan unit for cooling the circuit modules. The fan module can be mounted in the housing interchangeably with the circuit modules. The fan module has time delay circuitry for delaying the time when the fan module is powered up until after the initial power surge of the electronic system. The fan module also has noise filter circuitry. A fan module is disclosed wherein the fan unit is slidably attached to the fan module to allow the fan to be placed in different positions for cooling purposes. The fan module can be constructed so that the fan unit is interchangeable with a panel having circuitry.

Abstract: The invention is a timer assembly (10, 100) to be interposed between a battery (12) and an electrical load (14) having a device switch (16). A timing cycle is initiated upon detection of closure of the device switch (16). The timer (10, 100) will terminate the current flow after the timing cycle. The timer assembly (10, 100) includes a first embodiment (10) to be connected in parallel with the battery (12) and electrical device (14), and a second embodiment (10, 100) connected in series with the battery (12) and the electrical load. Upon closure of the device switch (16), a detector (42, 44, 46) produces a pulse initiating the timing cycle. The timing cycle may be realized by discharging a storage capacitor (38, 40) or by a timer chip (36) controlling an electronic switch (26, 28, 30, 32) within the timer assembly (10, 100) to connect and disconnect the battery (12) to the load (14).

Abstract: A time delay and alarm system is provided to ensure safe operation of periodically activated apparatus having potentially dangerous moving parts. The system preferably employs a 555 type integrated timer circuit, a horn, and a pulse generator which causes the horn to produce a cyclical sound.

Abstract: A programmable timer for turning a light on and off in response to changing sunset, daylight savings time, and other programmable conditions. The programmable timer includes an input device, a microprocessor, and a switch. The input device provides calendar, geographical, and daylight savings information to the microprocessor, which stores the programming information. The microprocessor computes an effective switching time from the stored information. The microprocessor employs program logic that compares the effective switching time to the current time to generate a timing control signal. The timing control signal, in turn, causes the switch to turn a light on and off. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor and the switch are included within a housing which mounts on a wall in place of a normal light switch. A liquid crystal display is disposed on a face of the housing to provide a read out of the programming information and of the time of day.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for activating a heating element to deice a lock cylinder of a door system. A handle switch is coupled to a door handle of the door system and is constructed to provide a signal when the door handle is moved in an unlatching position. The handle switch provides the signal so long as the door handle is in the unlatching position. The activator circuit measures the time that the door handle is in the unlatching position and, after the door handle has been in the unlatching position for a predetermined time interval, begins to provide electrical energy to the heating element. The activator circuit measures the time period that electrical energy is provided to the heating element and, after a predetermined interval, discontinues providing electrical energy to the heating element.

Abstract: A device to control the on/off operation of a television set. It is token activated with each of a number of tokens giving a fixed period of time. The device includes a case with a power cord, an electrical receptacle into which the television set power cord is plugged and secured, a token chute with a mechanism for detecting a passing token, and a token drawer with a lock. Inserted tokens are counted and periods of television time credited. Elapsed time is measured, and periods of elapsed time subtracted from credited time. The set is turned off when net credited time, which is displayed, becomes zero. There is a switch to turn off the set while retaining credited time. There is another switch to allow the set to be used without expending credited time.

Abstract: A lighting control system for pinball games employs a lighting circuit board that supports at least one string of lamps connected in parallel. The lighting board associates a triac with each lighting string for switching the output of an a.c. power supply to each lighting string. The triacs are controlled responsive to the output of a zero-cross detection circuit, which monitors the a.c. power supply. The intensity of the lighting strings is independently controllable responsive to conditions on the game playfield by varying the length of time the triac switches power relative to the zero-crossing point of the output of the a.c. power supply.

Abstract: An electronic circuit module fan assembly is disclosed including a circuit module housing, circuit modules, and a fan module. The fan module has a fan unit for cooling the circuit modules. The fan module can be mounted in the housing interchangeably with the circuit modules. The fan module has time delay circuitry for delaying the time when the fan module is powered up until after the intiial power surge of the electronic system. The fan module also has noise filter circuitry. A fan module is disclosed wherein the fan unit is slidably attached to the fan module to allow the fan to be placed in different positions for cooling purposes. The fan module can be constructed so that the fan unit is interchangeable with a panel having circuitry.

Abstract: A light control circuit for a video camcorder, where said video camcorder includes an illumination light. The light control circuit includes a pause switch for enabling the light control circuit. A light on/off control is responsive to the pause switch and controls a light control relay. A record signal delay is responsive to the on/off control and applied a record signal to a microcomputer a predetermined elapsed time after operation of the light on/off control. An illuminance detector is responsive to illuminance surrounding the video camcorder and generates a comparison output signal indicative of the surrounding illuminance. A light control is responsive to the light control relay and controls the illumination light associated with said camcorder.

Abstract: A time delay apparatus configured to connect in parallel with a common single pole switch. For time delay operation the switch is toggled on and off again within a short time span defined as the trigger window period. This triggering results in the circuit providing power to the load for a period of time predetermined by the user, after which the circuit automatically interrupts power to the load. For manual operation the switch is turned on and left on longer than the trigger window period, after which turning the switch off results in interruption of power to the load similar to a standard wall switch.

Abstract: A protective time delay delay circuit delays energization to an electric load until a predetermined time has elapsed from a previous deenergization. A transistor has its emitter connected to an ac conductor and has its base coupled to an RC timing circuit. The collector is connected to the gate of a triac whose current electrodes are coupled to the thermostat conductor and to a load device. A small resistor and a zener can be connected to the transistor to provide brownout protection. A temperature sensitive resistor can be included to increase or decrease the lockout period as a function of temperature. This resistor can be remotely mounted in thermal proximity to the load to be protected. A thermistor placed in parallel to latching capacitor can provide thermal overload protection.

Abstract: A detector and alarm is provided for monitoring air pressure variations in a monitored space, which variations correspond to an intrusion. An infra-sonic detector includes a microphone or the like and a low pass filter to retain only low frequency infra-sonic signals or a bandpass filter to retain a particular range of frequencies between approximately 5 Hz and 12 Hz. The instantaneous infra-sonic signals are compared against a variable reference signal, which is a voltage lagging or delayed variant of the instantaneous signals. In this manner the detector is self adjusting for slow variations in the instantaneous signals but responds immediately to rapid variations to trigger an alarm. In one embodiment the detector only senses negative going air pressure changes to trigger an alarm in order to minimize the incidence of false alarms.

Abstract: A controller for outdoor lighting systems turns lights on and off at predetermined times during the day which are designated by a user. The turn on time is set when the user first turns on the lights. The turn off time is fixed by allowing the user to specify the amount of time that the lights will stay lit. The controller repeats the on-off sequence every 24 hours unless it is reprogrammed. Accurate timing is maintained by counting the pulses in standard 120 V, 60 Hz, line current. A manual override is provided which does not interfere with the programmed time sequence.

Abstract: An enclosure, including an automatic television signal switch, has four coaxial cable connectors, a first for bringing in an input television signal, a second and a third for supplying signals to and from a decoder, and a fourth for supplying television signals to a television receiver. A signal splitter is connected to the first connector and supplies one television signal to a decoder via the second connector and another television signal to a first stationary contact of a relay. The second relay stationary contact is connected to the third connector which receives decoded signals from the decoder. The movable contact of the relay is connected to the fourth connector. The relay is powered by an internal DC power supply that is connected via a line cord and plug to a switched AC power outlet on the decoder. Turning the decoder on automatically energizes the relay to pass input the television signal to the decoder.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the intensity and on/off status of an incandescent light bulb as a function of the proximity of an object to a sensing plate. The frequency of a signal is varied from a nominal value when the presence of the object is sensed. A pulse is generated having a duration proportional to the time over which the signal if varied from its nominal frequency. The duration of the generated pulse, in relation to a pulse of predetermined width, is used to control a gated oscillator. The output of the gated oscillator is counted. The count obtained is used to control the operation of a TRIAC, which in turn connects power to the incandescent bulb.

Abstract: An electrical timer which controls the ON-time of a light bulb circuit hooked up to a power source by way of an ordinary power switch. Usual operation of the timer is such that, when the power switch (which is initially OFF) is turned ON by a person, the light bulb which is connected to the switch by way of the timer will first turn-on FULL brightness for a period of time, after which it will DIM-down to about 30 to 50 percent brightness. In a fundamental version of the timer, the light bulb will remain in the dimmed-down mode until a person turns the light switch OFF. Another version allows that after a period of time in the dimmed-down mode, the light bulb will be fully shut OFF by the timer. The dimmed-down mode may also be arranged to occur in two or more level steps, i.e. part-DIM and full-DIM for example, with each step having a finite and substantial duration.

Abstract: A timed actuator moves the switch mechanism of a conventional wall switch. The actuator is detachably secured to the wall switch in abutting relation thereto. The actuator includes a small electric motor, a programmable timer, and several relays. Linkage, driven by the motor, engages the switch mechanism. The programmable timer drives the relays and the latter controls application of current to the motor. At preset times, current is applied to the motor causing the linkage to move the switch mechanism from one extreme of its travel to the other.

Abstract: An automatic delay-controlling device for pre-setting a delay of the switching-on or switching-off of loads such as general motors, lighting apparatuses, etc., having a controller, a central processing unit, a read only memory, an address multiplexer, a programmable peripheral interface, an ouput driver and an alternating-current power supply connected to the output driver via a load. The controller is connected to the central processing unit and has three buttons serving as inputs to the central processing unit for inputting the duration of the delay. The central processing unit, read only memory, address multiplexer and programmable peripheral interface are intercommunicated to co-process signals from the controller in order to control the operation of the output driver. Therefore, the output driver is controlled to carry or not carry the load with the aid of the alternating-current power supply.

Abstract: A security lighting system for automatically connecting and disconnecting a plug connected to electric power to an electric outlet connectable to an electric appliance includes a photodetector circuit, a microcomputer, and a switching device. The photodetector circuit senses the level of ambient light and generates a light signal. The microcomputer is controlled by a stored program for sampling the light signal from the photodetector circuit only between a first predetermined time of day and a second predetermined time of day. The switching device is responsive to the light signal for selectively connecting the plug to the electric outlet when the ambient light level is below a certain level between the first and second predetermined times of day and disconnecting the plug from the electric outlet when the ambient light level is above the certain level between the first and second predetermined times of day, as well as throughtout the remainder of the day regardless of the ambient light level.

Abstract: A detector and alarm is provided for monitoring air pressure variations in a monitored space, which variations correspond to an intrusion. An infra-sonic detector includes a microphone or the like and a low pass filter to retain only low frequency infra-sonic signals. The instantaneous infra-sonic signals are compared against a variable reference signal, which is a voltage lagging or delayed variant of the instantaneous signals. In this manner the detector is self adjusting for slow variations in the instantaneous signals but responds immediately to rapid variations to trigger an alarm.

Abstract: A noncontact type tonometer includes a fluid discharging device for discharging a fluid towards the cornea of an eye to be tested; an alignment detecting device for detecting an alignment between the axis of a fluid discharge of the fluid discharging device and the vertex of the cornea and for outputting an alignment signal; and a controlling device for determining whether or not the alignment has been completed upon receipt of the alignment signal from the alignment detecting device and outputting an alignment completion signal when the alignment has been completed. A fluid discharge of the fluid discharging device is automatically performed based on the alignment completion signal.

Abstract: In an automatic power turn-off apparatus, a signal for turning off power supply is outputted from a timer IC when time set by a power-off time setting key arrives, whereby the power supply of an associated copying apparatus is turned off. In the turn-off period, if an MPU determines that the copying apparatus is in trouble, the turn-off of the power supply is cancelled and the occurrence of the trouble in the copying apparatus is displayed in a display device to notify the user of the trouble.

Abstract: A control system is provided in which a plurality of independent control elements are each capable of generating a random value and determining a time delay as a function of that random value. Each of the control elements accesses the magnitude of a sensed parameter and responds to that magnitude. When correction of the sensed parameter is required, each independent control element senses the need for a correction and delays by an amount of time determined randomly and independent from all other control elements. After the randomly determined time delay has elapsed for each control element, that control element again accesses the magnitude of the sensed parameter and, if correction is still required, changes the connection status of an associated switch. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element interrogates the status of its associated switch to determine if actuation would benefit the correction of the magnitude of the sensed parameter.

Abstract: An interrupt system for a circuit includes a single-pole, double-throw selector switch. The circuit may comprise an ignition circuit including a coil and a distributor normally innerconnected by a distributor wire. The selector switch has a first terminal, a second terminal connected to the coil and a third terminal connected to the distributor. The selector switch is movable between a first position connecting the first and second terminals and a second position connecting the second and third terminals. A delay switch is connected to the first and third terminals and has a normally closed position. The delay switch opens automatically in response to electrical current flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically switching an electric circuit on and off at certain times of the day, in which those certain times of the day vary throughout the year in accordance with a pattern built into the system and are not intended to be altered by the user. A computer timer provides the time of day and day of the year. A memory is permanently programmed with data that are stored to identify switch-on times and switch-off times for each day. The time of day and day of the year are compared with the switch-on times and switch-off times that are stored in the memory, and a current switching device is operated accordingly to switch an appliance, such as an electric lamp, on and off at the programmed switch-on times and switch-off times, respectively.

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 timer device has the ability to be programmed to skip specified time intervals where it is desired that the operative sequence initiated at predetermined times be avoided. The device has moveable timing elements which can be inserted at selected locations on a rotating timing dial to determine the start, termination and duration of an operative sequence. Additional moveable elements on an associated slip wheel can be inserted at selected locations to determine a time interval during which the operative sequence can be avoided.

Abstract: A programmable timeswitch comprises a microcontroller and a switching relay for controlling the supply of electricity to electrical apparatus in accordance with a predetermined `yearly` program stored in an EPROM. The yearly program can include different daily programs for weekdays and weekends and includes different seasonal programs to take account of different demands for electricity at different times of the year. The timeswitch is programmed to switch automatically from one seasonal program to the next seasonal program on predetermined dates in the year and so does not have to be re-programmed at intervals throughout the year. The timeswitch may be used as part of a `deferable load program` run by a utility in which a large number of timeswitches are supplied to different installations, the timeswitches having been programmed by a master console under the sole control of the utility.

Abstract: A DC power controller for controlling the rate at which direct current is furnished to a load. A signal generator provides a periodic signal having a first value during a first portion of each period and a second value during a second portion of the period. A switch such as a power MOSFET enables direct current from the source to flow through the load during the time the signal has one of said values and prevents the current from flowing during the time the signal has the other value. A control is manually operable to vary the relative durations of the first and second portions of each period and thereby control the rate at which electric power is furnished to the load. A plurality of MOSFETS may be arranged in parallel if the load draws more current than one MOSFET can safely switch. Surge and back EMF protection are provided for inductive or variable resistance loads.

Abstract: A self-contained electronic wall switch actuator can easily be mounted directly onto the outside of the face plate of an ordinary wall switch. When so mounted, the actuator engages the wall switch's actuating lever and permits the automatic actuation of the wall switch by way of simple touch action: (i) by lightly pressing a Bypass Key, the wall switch is caused to reverse its state from ON to OFF, or from OFF to ON, whichever is appropriate; (ii) by lightly pressing a Delay Key, the wall switch is caused to enter its ON-state and to remain there for a presetable first period of time; and (iii) by lightly pressing a Cycle Key, the wall switch will, starting right then and repeatedly every 24 hours thereafter, enter its ON-state for a presetable second period of time.The actuator comprises a small battery, a miniature electric motor with a gear/linkage mechanism operable to engage with and to move the wall switch's actuating lever between its OFF and ON positions, and a quartz-clock-based programming means.

Abstract: A control device for energization of a load employs a bidirection triggerable solid state switching device connected in series with an alternating current power source and the load. In order to prevent the passage of excessive, potentially destructive currents through the switch if the load is shorted out, the microprocessor which controls the energization of the switch senses the time required for the voltage across the switch to attain a predetermined value. If the load is shorted the potential difference across the switch increases and attains the predetermined value a shorter time after zero-crossing of the alternating current. When this occurs more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the generation of triggering pulses for the solid state switch is inhibited for a predetermined time. In the preferred embodiment the control device is a thermostat for controlling a temperature modifying load such as a furnace or air conditioner.