Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers. The control circuit employs a microprocessor programmed to respond to user selected options to determine the operating sequence of the appliance. The circuit includes a drain feedback system which permits the microprocessor to detect and identify a plurality of drain fault conditions including failure to drain, slow drain and plugged drain. A protective response is initiated by the microprocessor to prevent flooding or damage to the appliance should any of these fault conditions occur, and the user is advised of the specific fault mode via an alpha-numeric digital display on the appliance control panel. In the event a rapid drain occurs, the feedback system immediately terminates pump-out and transfers the time saved to a subsequent time-insensitive cycle, thereby eliminating undesirable operation of pump and motor while maintaining the total cycle time as originally programmed.

Abstract: An electronic sequence type controller for appliances or the like which provides numerical indications of how much time will be required to execute a program cycle which a user has selected, and how much time is remaining as an operating cycle proceeds. Additionally, means are provided for a service technician to rapidly set the controller to a particular program step for diagnostic purposes. More specifically, after user cycle options have been inputted, control logic initially enables a counting and display means to count up and rapidly executes the entire selected program a first time, the rapid first execution appearing essentially instantaneous to the user. This presets the counting and display means with a representation of the total number of program advancing operations required to execute the selected program.

Abstract: A cooking cycle timer includes two timing circuits, each incorporating an oscillator and a counter. The first timing circuit times the first portion of a cooking cycle, and the second timing circuit times a predetermined second portion. At the end of the first portion, a visible indicator is turned on to indicate that the predetermined second portion of time remains in the cooking cycle. At the end of the second portion, and thereby the end of the cooking cycle, the visible indicator and an audible indicator are operated in pulsed fashion through the operation of a third oscillator. Visible indication is also provided during the first portion of the cooking cycle to show that the timing circuit is active.

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 programmer (controller) permits individual control of a plurality of devices associated with the same installation, such as an installation for heating residential rooms, offices, or the like. The programmer includes a clock, at least one counter which periodically receives pulses from the clock, and a programming matrix composed of a double-sided printed circuit. On one side of this circuit, a first plurality of parallel conducting strips are provided, each of which is connected to one output of the counter. On the other side of the circuit, a second plurality of parallel conducting strips are provided, each of which crosses those of the first plurality and is connected to one control circuit of a device. At each intersection of a strip of the first series and a strip of the second series, an aperture is provided which can receive a removable pin which provides an electrical connection between the two sides of the printed circuit.

Abstract: The complete power programmer is secured in a conventional standard size room wall electrical outlet box, switching the conventional electrical wire transmitted power of the room on a preselected time schedule. An electrical power pulse source drives an electronic integrated micro circuit chip having a calendar real-time clock with instructions, a real-time storage first register, an ON-time storage second register, an OFF-time storage third register, and a digital time display. A rapid-time pulse generator provides quickly resettable real-time values for the above time registers. On signal, the real-time first register clock-time value can be equivalently compared by an integrated micro circuit chip comparator, alternately matching the ON-time second register clock-time value, and the OFF-time third register clock-time value, thus providing successive operating signals to an ON-OFF power switch at equivalences, operating conventional power and light circuits.

Abstract: A timer controlled control system for an apparatus having two controlled devices and a timer construction operatively associated with the devices to operate the same, the timer construction having a single timer provided with a pair of selectors respectively operatively associated with the devices and each selector being adapted for selecting the total time period the timer is to operate both of the devices and each selector being adapted for selecting a certain percentage of the selected total time period the timer is to operate its respective device concurrently with the other device, each selector means being manually operable.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating a given area is disclosed herein and includes a number of luminaires, each having a light source and a light sensitive device for automatically connecting the light source to a supply of power during the dark hours of the night and for automatically disconnecting the light source during the light hours of the day. This system also includes light control circuits associated with some but preferably not all of the luminaires. Each light control circuit overrides the operation of an associated light sensitive device and automatically disconnects its light source from the power supply for a predetermined period during the dark hours at a time when it is not important to provide a high degree of illumination, for example in the middle of the night.

Abstract: A lamp control circuit having a heater and thermistor coupled between the illumination sensitive device and the control electrode of an SCR or triac for providing a time delay between the detection of a change in illumination and the switching of the SCR or triac.

Abstract: An adjustable time delay relay is provided which is particularly suitable for automatic transfer switches and other applications requiring a relatively long time delay during periods when electrical power is not available. The relay includes a relay coil connected across a large storage capacitor supplied from an AC power source through a diode.The timing function is provided by a separate timing capacitor which, upon discharge through an associated adjustable resistor, operates a switching transistor to establish a low impedance path across the relay coil, thus discharging the storage capacitor and de-energizing the relay. Such a construction eliminates the need for a close tolerance, high value storage capacitor and provides a high degree of time delay reproducibility despite variations in power supply voltage.

Abstract: A novel electronic control circuit which may be used in different types of electronic engine control systems is disclosed. Illustrative usage in various types of electronic spark timing control systems contemplates 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engine configurations as well as single or multiple pick-ups. The circuit is intended for fabrication as an integrated circuit device to provide a low-cost unit which is advantageous in mass production usage.

Abstract: Programmer for electric household appliances, comprising an assembly of programming cams driven in rotation by a reversing cam driven itself by a motor, a timing wheel driven in rotation by the reversing cam via a set of levers, a first cam of the cam assembly triggering off the rotating of the timing wheel and the simultaneous stopping of the cam assembly, a cam surface on the timing wheel triggering off again the rotating of the cam assembly and the stopping of the timing wheel after a timing the period of time of which is determined by a second cam of the cam assembly.

Abstract: A target release system, particularly suited for use in simulating the hunting of wild game, characterized by a portable signal transmitter for transmitting detectable signals in a terrestrial space environment, a plurality of visually secluded signal receivers for singly detecting signals transmitted by said transmitter, and a target release subsystem connected with each of the signal receivers for releasing at least one target in response to transmitted signals detected by the receiver.

Abstract: Electronically timed and electrically operated lamps are utilized in place of traditional candles. Actuation of a switch, located on each lamp holder, illuminates that lamp for an accurately timed predetermined period. One clock is utilized to drive a plurality of independent timers, each associated with an individual lamp. The lamp units are provided with the capability of being plugged into the timing unit, so as to permit interchangability.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the actuation of a light for illuminating the work zone adjacent the operative end of a dental handpiece. The apparatus includes (a) switch for actuating a light source when a signal is transmitted to the actuating switch from the power transmitting line for the dental handpiece, (b) line for transmitting the signal to the actuating switch from the power transmitting means for the handpiece, and (c) delay shutoff switch associated with the actuating switch for maintaining the light source on for a predetermined period of time after transmission of power to the operative end of the handpiece is terminated and then causing the light source to be extinguished at the end of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A program storage device which can be variably programmed manually. The device comprises for this purpose at least one printed circuit board having primary electrical contact surfaces and at least one secondary contact surface; a transverse board with a row of slits for each circuit board; and slide contacts which are designed for insertion into any of the slits in the transverse board for electrical connection, according to a desired program, with the primary and secondary contact surfaces.

Abstract: An improved load control apparatus for use in a two wire installation in which interconnection of the two wires is effective to energize a series connected load such as a light bulb, and including a power supply for developing a power supply potential and 60-Hz clocking pulses from energy obtained from the two wires, a coupler responsive to a command signal for alternately substantially preventing and permitting a light bulb energizing current to flow between the two wires and in both states for permitting energization of the power supply and a control logic energized by the power supply potential for counting the clocking pulses and for developing at preset times the coupler command signal whereby the switching apparatus in a first mode reduces energy consumption by turning off a light left on after business hours and, in a second mode by cycling a light in a predetermined pattern to discourage burglaries.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for sequencing various supply voltages to electronic circuits and devices to thereby protect those circuits and devices from exposure to deleterious voltages. A first transistor switch connects a first voltage source to a first output terminal. A second transistor switch is connected to the control electrode of the first transistor switch. The second transistor switch, when conducting, causes the first transistor switch to conduct. The second transistor switch is turned on by a second voltage source which is connected through a delay circuit to the control electrode of the second transistor switch. The second voltage source also is connected through a diode and capacitor circuit to a second output terminal.

Abstract: A solid state timer device useable for security purposes in homes, offices and other buildings. The device is engineered to plug into a conventional wall socket and to receive the inlet plugs of appliances such as lamps and radios. The device is programmed to connect intermittently, in the desired sequence and for desired periods, power from the wall plug to the electrical appliance in question so that the same will go on and off automatically over a period of time and then will remain off for another period of time before resuming the said subsequence of operation. Such switching of lamps and radios on and off, for example, will create the illusion of occupancy and is intended to discourage would-be burglars and prowlers.

Abstract: A motor speed control circuit for use in a washing machine includes a timer which in normal operation accelerates the motor from a wash speed to a distribution speed before a fast acceleration to the spin dry speed. The control circuit includes speed measurement means for maintaining the motor at spin speed in the event of a power interruption during a spin cycle provided the drum speed remains above a given critical speed when the power returns. If not, a redistribution cycle takes place before the motor is accelerated to its spin speed.

Abstract: An energy-conserving solid-state-controlled illumination system which operates high-intensity-discharge lamps. The system operates the lamps at about a predetermined rated power consumption with a relatively high light output for a predetermined time when a high degree of illumination is desirable and thereafter operates the lamps at about a predetermined power less than rated power consumption when a lower degree of illumination can be tolerated.

Abstract: An energy-conserving solid-state-controlled illumination system which normally operates high-intensity discharge lamps at about rated power consumption with a relatively high output for a predetermined proportion of the night when a high degree of illumination is desirable. The illumination system then operates the lamps at about a predetermined power less than rated power consumption when a lower degree of illumination can be tolerated. The relative period of time the lamps are operated at the higher and lower levels of illumination is automatically adjusted according to the day-night seasonal variations.

Abstract: A solid state timing circuit exhibiting very high reliability under adverse environmental operational conditions such as are encountered in automatic truck lubrication systems. The circuit utilizes an electrochemical timing device operating in plate and deplate modes to achieve a periodic actuation of an inductive load. Two transistor stages are operatively associated with the electrochemical timing device and an R-C timing network is used to control one of these transistor stages.

Abstract: A solid-state programmable control circuit provides multiple time selected application of A.C. power to one or more utilization circuits or devices. The control circuit uses a crystal controlled time base generator which is synchronized to commercial A.C. power. Stand-by battery power is provided to maintain timing when A.C. power is lost. A time display plug-in module is used with the circuit for setting the time for the control circuit. Programming can be done at a point remote from the control circuit.

Abstract: An automatic light switching system including a receptacle for an automatic timer whereby the circuit including the receptacle will be operated in response to predetermined settings of the timer. A manual on-off switch is also included so that the circuit can be operated independently of the timer. The light switching system specifically comprises a modification for the circuit's wiring and an adapter whereby standard, commercially-available timers may be utilized to regulate the circuit's operation in predetermined fashion.

Abstract: An air pressurizing and purging system for electrical equipment contained in compartments with safety checks and interlocks ensuring inhibition of main power circuit completion until purging pressure and fan operation are verified by a timer for a set period.System failure initiates a trip after a delay to open the main power circuit.Re-energization of the main circuit requires full purge and verification procedure once more.

Abstract: A control system, for a machine and the like having at least one cycle made up of at least two events, utilizes momentary switching devices to actuate each cycle. The control system includes a control circuit having momentary switching devices, digital circuitry for latching the control circuit in various modes of operation, and timing circuitry responsive to the digital circuitry for timing at least one event of the cycle; and gate circuit means controlled by semiconductor switching devices for regulating at least another event of the cycle in response to the control circuit.

Abstract: A control system for a machine and the like having at least one cycle made up of at least two events utilizes at least one momentarily operable switching device to actuate the cycle and digital circuitry including a plurality of NAND and AND gates to implement a momentary zero potential signal produced by the switching device. The control system includes a control circuit having programming means, digital circuitry further including at least two NOR gates for latching the control circuit in various modes of operation, and timing circuitry for deriving a selectable timing period for at least one event of the cycle; and gate circuit means including additional digital circuitry for regulating at least another event of the cycle in response to the control circuit.

Abstract: An electronic timer circuit comprising a condenser for storing charged electrons, a control switch opened and closed in response to the status of a sensed condition, a controlled switch for controlling a load, a high input impedance circuit coupled to the controlled switch for discharging the condenser and for causing the controlled switch to close when the control switch is closed and the charge stored in the condenser is greater than some predetermined amount and a switching component responsive to the control switch for restricting the discharge rate of the condenser to a low level.

Abstract: An automatically returning apparatus for turn signal lamp switch includes a semiconductor switching circuit for detecting a certain running distance of vehicle after the throwing of the turn signal lamp switch, a driving circuit for energizing a solenoid provided to cause the turn signal lamp switch to return to its non-operating position and a circuit for maintaining continuous operation of the solenoid for a given time after the turn signal lamp switch starts its opening or returning operation.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control system of the type having a number of irrigation stations to be actuated sequentially, in which selected stations can be actuated for a relatively long time and the others for a relatively short time. In one embodiment, an additional capacitor is automatically connected in parallel with an existing timing capacitor at a time when shrub-watering stations requiring long-term irrigation have been scheduled for operation, when the system is positioned at a shrub-watering station, and when a switch is positioned to select long-term irrigation. In another embodiment, an additional capacitor is automatically connected in parallel with the existing timing capacitor when any one of a selected group of stations is actuated.

Abstract: Burner control apparatus includes a control device for actuating an ignition control means, and a timing circuit for providing an ignition timing interval of precise duration. The timing circuit is actuated in response to a request for burner operation and the control device is energized in response to the actuated timing circuit. The control device is maintained energized if a signal from the flame sensor is received before the end of the ignition timing interval, and the control device is deenergized and lockout circuitry is energized in the absence of a signal from the flame sensor.

Abstract: A timer control arrangement for use with a wall switch comprising a basic timer assembly of a type typically employed for use with wall sockets, a transformer having primary and secondary windings, and a switch means for selectively connecting the terminals of the primary and secondary windings to the terminals of the timer assembly.

Abstract: A device for controlling the supply of power to at least one electrical load. In this device, means is operable in response to generally uniform repetitive timing signals supplied thereto for counting through a plurality of successive predetermined time periods, and means is provided for monitoring a condition. Means is also provided for inhibiting the supply of power to the load when the monitored condition meets a preselected criteria thereof during at least one preselected part of selected ones of the predetermined time periods.Methods and systems for controlling the supply of power to at least one electrical load are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid control system (and controller and moisture sensor therefor) having one or more latching solenoid operated pilot control valves and a master control unit for controlling the valves. The valves utilize a concentric arrangement of the major components thereof, each being coaxially located with respect to a single housing member. The control electronics may be battery operated and may locate with respect to one valve to provide drive signals to control one or more valves in sequence. The control electronics utilizes an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator with a chain of count down flip-flops to provide binary signals up to a period of preferably twenty-four hours or more. A manual selection is provided to select among the longer period signals to control the frequency with which the operating cycle is initiated, with a second manual control being used to select one of the lower frequency signals to control the duration for which each valve will remain open.

Abstract: A dishwasher control system having a circuitry adapted to automatically drain the dishwasher whenever a selected cycle is user cancelled with user capability to immediately select another cycle. The circuitry includes a timer drain contact for energizing the pump and to drain the dishwasher at the end of all its selectable cycle. A momentary switch and alternate timer contacts are operable with any of the selected cycles to get out of the selected cycle by first energizing the rapid advance timer motor advancing the timer into the drain period where the user may reset the dishwasher to start a substituted cycle.

Abstract: An automatic integrated circuit time delay switch for use as a switch in circuit with an external electrical device and an external electrical source. The switch operates on a programmed 24-hour time cycle that is defined by the initial application of power to the switch and a switch delay time that can either be preset at the factory or independently selected by the user. The application of power automatically sets the time delay switch in an initial state and starts the timing of the switch cycle. After a specified delay time, the switch automatically changes state and remains in this state until 24 hours after the initial application of power to the invention, at which time the switch is returned to its initial state. This sequence of events is repeated on a 24 hour cycle until power to the switch is cut off.

Abstract: An appliance programmer, in particular an automatic washer programmer, employs a memory circuit and a sequence control for establishing a predetermined program. Included in the program are a program modification circuit and a rapid advance circuit whose functions are respectively to automatically modify the program inherent in the programmer and to rapidly step the programmer through its operational program. The memory and sequence control of the programmer are designed so that, absent the program modification circuit, the programmer can effect only a single predetermined program. For this reason the program modification circuit has been designed to enable the programmer to effect other programs. The program modification circuit receives inputs from selected function display lights to indicate that a certain function is being performed and from one or more sensors to indicate that a function has been completed or a condition has been satisfied in the automatic washer.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is disclosed that provides a delay of operation until a piece of equipment reaches operating temperature. The circuit automatically adjusts the delay time to provide only the time necessary for warmup should there be a short outage of line power causing only partial cooling of the equipment. By proportioning the warmup delay time to the time of power loss, the equipment outage can be minimized. The proportionality between the warmup delay time and the time of power loss can be either linear or non-linear depending on the specific application.

Abstract: Alternating current energized appliances, particularly lamps, are extinguished in delayed fashion with the power delivered to the appliance being sharply reduced during at least the last portion of the extinction cycle. Delayed interruption of power is accomplished by means of a first circuit, including a series connected diode and heater, connected in parallel with the appliance and a second circuit, including a series connected diode and temperature responsive switch, connected in parallel with a main power switch. The heater and temperature responsive switch are mounted in proximity to one another and the diodes are arranged in opposition.

Abstract: A delayed turn-on and turn-off control circuit for an electric motor includes a motor relay having an electrical actuator and a normally open motor contactor which is connected in series between the motor and an electrical power source for running the motor when the electrical actuator is energized. A normally non-conductive electrical switching device is serially connected between the electrical actuator and the power source. A turn-on delay circuit is responsive to closing of a normally open motor start switch and produces an electrical signal to render the electrical switching device conductive only after a predetermined lapse of time following the closing of the motor start switch, thereby energizing the motor.

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: A controller for initiating operation of a video tape recorder and for terminating operation when its power consumption drops to a predetermined level utilizes a power transfer circuit for coupling the recorder to a source of energizing potential. A normally open switch, included in the transfer circuit, responds to an actuating signal developed by an operational amplifier, which amplifier is activated by an enabling signal from a preset clock. Thereafter, the amplifier is controlled by a derived signal having an amplitude proportional to the current drawn by the recorder. When the energizing current for the recorder drops below a predetermined level, the derived control signal is now of insufficient amplitude to maintain the amplifier in an operating condition, as a result, the actuating signal for switch is interrupted and operation of the recorder is terminated.

Abstract: A program expander for a sprinkler valve timer, alternates a pair of valve selector switches each having a plurality of sprinkler valves connected thereto. The expander includes a star wheel attached to the shaft of a double wafer rotary switching arrangement and a lug on a motor driven timing disk which engages the star wheel once at the end of each revolution thereof, thereby advancing the switching arrangement one position. The expander further includes a bank selector switch which connects valve actuating power alternately to one valve selector switch and then the other, and a disk motor switch which delays disconnecting the disk motor until the end of every other revolution of the disk in cooperation with a motor stop switch actuated by the timing disk and operative to disconnect the disk motor switch at the end of each revolution of the disk.

Abstract: A control circuit for a microwave oven including a main timer for setting the period of operation and having a high power mode in which power is continuously supplied to the microwave generator for the entire timed period, and a defrost or low power mode wherein power is supplied at a reduced duty cycle for the selected time period. The circuit, in addition to the main timer operable in both modes, includes a defrost timer operable only in the defrost mode for periodically interrupting the power circuit for the microwave generator thereby to provide reduced duty cycle operation. The circuit further includes means for automatically resetting the defrost timer after operation thereof to assure that the microwave generator will be instantly energized upon subsequent operation, independently of the subsequently selected mode.

Abstract: An electric clock having clockwork is provided with a signaling arrangement hich automatically resets for operation of an alarm or waking signal and does not require resetting each day by the user. Resetting is accomplished by a contact device which switches on once during each twenty four hour period at a preselected hour corresponding to the hour at which the alarm is to begin. A second contact device switches on for a brief period during each hour and triggers a bistable multivibrator which is automatically reset each hour. The output of the bistable device is applied to a logic circuit whose other input derives from a third contact device setting the minute at which the alarm is to be initiated.

Abstract: Electronic laundry machine controller apparatus for automatically synthesizing, in response to single operator program selections, complete laundry cycles or programs from laundry machine control instructions stored, independent of operator selection or control, within an electronically read memory. A read only memory is preprogrammed to store laundry machine control instructions and program synthesis instructions for compiling a large number of different laundry programs, each having laundering steps or operations preconfigured to satisfy the peculiar laundering requirements of a large number of different commercial and institutional users. Program variation select means presettable by the manufacturer or upon installation of the controller enables preselection for execution from the large number of possible laundry cycles, only those laundry machine cycles which best satisfy the user's specific laundering needs.

Abstract: An improved switch for controlling electrical circuits comprising a conventional mechanical on/off switch employing a solid state electronic network connected in parallel therewith for providing a current path for a limited period of time following the opening of the mechanical switch thereby producing a delay in the de-energization of the circuit.

Abstract: An on-delay timer of the solid state type incorporating integrated circuit (IC) modules including a five-transistor array in a dual-in-line package (DIP), a multiple-transistor monolithic triggering comparator circuit used as a timer, and a bidirectional thyristor or Triac. All voltages are referenced to one power line to afford simplicity of circuitry wherein the load current does not flow through the pilot switch. A leaky switch detector circuit using a simple voltage divider is incorporated in the pilot switch circuit.

Abstract: Switches of the kind formed by a controller with an actuator which is automatically restored to its "off" position at the end of a prescribed time interval and provides an indication shortly before the end of the interval. The controller may be manually energized or motor driven.