Abstract: A timing apparatus comprising a time plate equipped with light transmitting holes or brushes which are positioned, at points representative of times and arranged at equal intervals in at least one row. The light transmitting holes or brushes serve as logical connection elements indicating such times. At least two rotators are coaxially disposed inside the time plate in a rotatable manner and also have light transmitting holes or brushes respectively corresponding with the logical connection elements on the time plate. The relative speeds of rotation of the time plate and the rotators are predetermined in such a manner so that the position of each logical connection element on the time plate and the positions of the corresponding logical connection elements on the rotators come into alignment at a given time indicated by the elements, thereby effecting electrical or optical timing connection at a desired time.

Abstract: A timer wherein the timing means of said timer includes an improved patch cord control which consists of the electrical coupling of at least two patch cords and two terminal means to individual power switching means and the grouping of timing resistors into at least two groups each of which consist of timing resistors of equal value for preselecting a maximum number of time intervals utilizing a minimum number of resistors.

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

Abstract: A control system for use with a printer device or the like comprises means whereby the time during which a subject to be controlled, such as the thermal head of the printer, is driven may be determined in accordance with the quiescent period of the subject to be controlled.

Abstract: A solid-state delay timed switching circuit includes a delay timing means for delaying the start of an operational sequence. A function timing means is provided for timing the operational sequence, an alarm timing means for timing an audible alarm at the completion of an operational sequence, a power switching means, a power supply and a power turn-off means to de-energize the power switching means.

Abstract: A control system for a cyclically operating machine is disclosed wherein one or more operations are to be performed during each successive machine cycle. Signal generating means or a voltage generating means proportional to machine speed establish a sequence of signals or a voltage during each machine cycle, for producing a charge. An initial charge level or voltage is established, which can have a value of either a zero voltage or some other predetermined voltage at the beginning of each cycle. The voltage is changed as the signals are received or voltage is generated until a second predetermined voltage is reached, which can be either higher or lower than the initial voltage, at which time a control signal is emitted which may perform an operation associated therewith, such as by starting or stopping a machine motion.

Abstract: A child's lamp and sound source including a light and a tape deck, or the like, controlled by a timer mechanism mechanically actuating either a dimmer for the light or a potentiometer for varying the sound level of the tape deck. Electrical circuitry including solenoids for controlling the tape deck and light automatically also provides for manual control of the potentiometer and dimmer.

Abstract: A timer controlled space thermostat includes a timer, a rechargeable battery for providing the electrical power to operate the timer, circuit means for recharging the battery, and two single-pole, double-throw temperature responsive switches. One conductive position of each switch enables the energizing of space conditioning apparatus control means, the other conductive position of each switch enables the energizing of the recharging circuit means, and the short timer period incidental to the movement of the switch between the conductive positions provides a sufficient time to ensure de-energizing of the space conditioning apparatus control means prior to the energizing of the recharging circuit means.

Abstract: An add-on device for automatically adjusting the setting of a control mechanism, such as, a thermostat, which includes a separate, independent timer which is mounted adjacent the existing control mechanism and controls the same by means of a mechanically driven member which engages the manual adjuster of the control mechanism; the device further including a suitable coupler for coupling the driven member to the timer for moving the driven member at selected times to change the position of the adjuster.

Abstract: A lamp and tape deck for a childs room which includes a timer mechanism that may activate either the lamp or the tape deck, or both, for any predetermined time period and which may automatically and gradually diminish the light level and gradually reduce the volume of the tape deck or conversely increase the light level and the volume over a similar time span and wherein the lamp and tape deck can be operated independently of each other and either the lamp or the tape deck can be operated independently of the timer mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic timer for selectively timing the occurrence of electrically controllable events. The relative time spacing of events to be timed is stored or programmed in a memory by proportional storage in memory locations. This having been accomplished, execution of the program is effected by means of a selectable rate pulse generator which interrogates the memory. At those locations where positive data is stored, there results an output which is employed to perform a switching function.

Abstract: A control device interconnectible with the starter circuit of electrical machinery or the like, said control device in one form including a momentary contact push button "start" switch. When the operation of the control device is initiated current will initially be permitted to flow through an alarm circuit and current flow through said starter circuit will initially be prohibited. At the completion of a preset time period the control device will subsequently prohibit current flow through said alarm circuit and permit current flow through said starter circuit. The alarm device, which may be audible or visual, may be either incorporated within the control device or may be interconnected thereto by suitable terminals on the control device. Similarly, the normally open momentary contact "start" button may be integrated within the control device or may be interconnected thereto by suitable terminals.

Abstract: An electrical circuit provides continuous or intermittent energization of an electric apparatus, such as a magnetron that generates microwave energy for use in in a microwave oven or the like. When continuously energized the magnetron produces a maximum power output, for example, to cook a food load in the microwave oven; and when intermittently energized the magnetron produces a lower average microwave energy power level to cook food at a relatively slower rate and/or to defrost frozen food efficiently without cooking the outer surface thereof, as the brief off time during each complete cycle of the intermittently energized magnetron allows some temperature equilibration through the food product. The electrical circuit includes a cycling switch mechanism for such intermittent energization of the magnetron and a mechanical lock-out for biasing the switch mechanism to supply continuous energy to the magnetron.

Abstract: A device for controlling the supply of power to an electrical load. The device has means for timing through selected cyclical time periods and means for actuating the timing means upon the occurrence of a certain condition. Means is provided for establishing another certain condition generally during a part of each cyclical time period, and means is also provided for inhibiting the supply of power to the load upon the occurrence of both the first named and other certain conditions.Other devices, systems and methods for controlling or proportioning the supply of power to an electrical load are also disclosed along with a method of statistically staggering power consumption by a plurality of loads and a power distribution network for supplying power to a plurality of loads.

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.

Abstract: A timer and manual on-off switch forms an assembly having the appearance and function of a conventional wall-mounted light switch. The timer and manual on-off switch preferably includes a toggle arm projecting from the wall, the arm being movable to a stable power turn-on position where the lights controlled thereby are turned on, a stable power turn-off position where the lights involved are turned off, an unstable timer on setting position which establishes as the time the lights involved are to be turned on when the arm is set for automatic operation the time the toggle arm is momentarily moved thereto, and an unstable timer off setting position which establishes as the time when the lights involved are automatically turned off the time the toggle arm is momentarily moved thereto. The automatic timer is set into operation by moving the toggle arm to a normal unstable neutral position when it is held in such position by shifting the toggle arm laterally into a self-holding position.

Abstract: An appliance programmer, in particular an automatic washer programmer, employs a memory circuit and sequence control for establishing a predetermined program. The program may be altered by two techniques. A first technique includes the utilization of a circuit for sampling the circuit connections of the programmer so that any number of steps of the program can be varied to alter the entire program. This technique provides for the manufacture of an integrated circuit to establish a predetermined program and application of that circuit in a variety of appliances with different program requirements. A second technique utilizes operator control switches for manually altering the program and includes apparatus for locking out program modifications after a predetermined time interval at the initiation of program selection.

Abstract: In a vehicle having an ignition switch, headlights and a storage battery, a relay has its winding in series with the battery and the collector-emitter circuit of a transistor and has normally open contacts in a headlight energizing circuit. A resistance-capacitance time delay circuit, connected with the ignition switch, controls bias of the transistor. Hence the transistor conducts whenever the ignition switch is "on" and for a short time after it is turned off; and while it conducts, the relay contacts are closed and the lights are energized.

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 programmer are a safety circuit and a water level sensing circuit whose function is to detect malfunction in the filling and draining operations of the appliance. Thus, when the machine has progressed to a washing operation during which the wash tub normally has a sufficient amount of water to perform the washing operation, the sensing circuit will sense a low water level condition and will reenergize the water fill valve solenoid to bring the water level up to the desired point. The programmer logic permits the safety circuit to reenergize the fill valve solenoid twice in response to low water level indications after which the logic will interrupt the program in response to a third low water level indication and will deenergize the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance programmer, in particular an automatic washer programmer, employs a memory circuit and sequence control for establishing a predetermined program. The program may be altered by two techniques. A first technique includes the utilization of a circuit for sampling the circuit connections of the programmer so that any number of steps of the program can be varied to alter the entire program. This technique provides for the manufacture of an integrated circuit to establish a predetermined program and application of that circuit in a variety of appliances with different program requirements. A second technique utilizes operator control switches for manually altering the program and includes apparatus for locking out program modifications after a predetermined time interval at the initiation of program selection.

Abstract: A combination switch for use in a standard wall receptacle for controlling the range of power supplied to the receptacle and also for turning on and off the power to the receptacle in accordance with a predetermined time sequence.

Abstract: Two timing means are connected by a switching means, one of the timing means being operable to de-energize a load, the other energizing another load for a predetermined time after the first load has been de-energized.

Abstract: A fail-safe timing circuit energizable in response to a starting signal for activating a system, such as a fuel ignition system or an air conditioning system, includes a first switching circuit responsive to the request signal to activate the system to commence its operation tentatively, a time-out circuit responsive to the starting signal for generating a time-out signal after a predetermined time delay interval, a circuit responsive to a system variable such as the establishment of a flame in a fuel ignition system or the sufficient increase in oil pressure of a compressor in an air conditioning system becoming a predetermined condition, such as the flame occurring or the compressor oil pressure achieving a given desired value, for preventing the time-out circuit from generating its time-out signal, and a second switching circuit for causing the first switching circuit to de-activate the system in response to the time-out signal.

Abstract: An antitheft device comprising a timing circuit and preferably a rotary lock switch operated by a key will interrupt an utilization apparatus such as the ignition circuit of an automobile and sound an alarm unless the lock switch can be unlocked from a first locking position to a second locking position, and unless the lock switch can be unlocked from the second locking position to a third locking position neither earlier than a first predetermined time nor later than a second predetermined time after the lock switch is unlocked to the second locking position.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel management computer for notifying a pilot at a predetermined point of time to switch the fuel selector valve to begin draining fuel from a different fuel tank. A frequency divider provides a logic level at the end of time segments, each having a predetermined length, which are transmitted through an automatic/manual count circuit to activate a decoder to provide output logic levels each of which is coupled to the associated stages of a plurality of automatic program switches each preset to a position corresponding to a predetermined number of time segments. Each of the automatic program switches is coupled to a mode switch which may be set to one of the automatic program switches to time the usage of one of the fuel tanks of the aircraft for a period of time corresponding to the setting of the automatic program switch.

Abstract: A switching circuit for the power supply of electronic apparatus, such as a radio, which includes a pair of flip-flop circuits, a clock set time switch for turning the apparatus on once every 24 hours for a short period of time, a sleep time switch which may keep the apparatus on for a short period of time without interfering with the functioning of the clock set time switch, a change of mode switch which may change the apparatus at any time from an on-state to an off-state or vice versa, and a disabling switch for the clock switch circuit.

Abstract: The apparatus has a potentiometer electrically interpositioned between an inlet and an outlet for attenuating and increasing the level of electrical power conducted therebetween. The potentiometer has a depending control knob which is cyclically and repeatedly engaged by motordriven sectors. Accordingly, in a given time frame one sector turns the control knob gradually to provide progressively increasing electrical power. This sequence is followed by a quiescent period in which the increased power remains available. Next, another sector turns the control knob gradually to diminish and finally to cut off power. This diminution of power, too, occurs over a given time frame, and is followed by a quiescent period in which power remains cut off. Subsequently, and automatically, the gradual, power-increasing period follows. The apparatus has an especial utility for use with an aquarium, albeit not limited to such an application, for simulating the occurrence of sunrise and nightfall.

Abstract: An on-off switch having a time delayed "off" position provided by a series-connected PTC thermistor.

Abstract: This invention relates to circuitry for the connection of a load to and disconnection of a load from an AC power source. The circuitry is specifically useful in the on/off control of such as incandescent lamps, but not exclusively so, and provides for the timed disconnection of a load when the load is connected in series with the circuitry and AC power source, or alternately provides for the timed reduction of power delivered to the load.

Abstract: A nonpredictable, nondeterministic actuator for switches or the like having two unsynchronized pulse generators delivering pulses to an AND gate which passes an actuating signal only when the pulses from the generators are coincidental. One generator produces a pulse train at a frequency much higher than the other generator which produces very short pulses and has a maximum timing uncertainty or jitter which is greater than the period of the first mentioned generator.

Abstract: An electronic timer switch adapted for installation in a standard switch receptacle and operative in response to applied AC power to provide a manually selectable operative duration. The timer switch is manually actuable to select an intended time interval and employs electronic circuitry for counting pulses derived from the input power frequency and to cause activation of a power switch during the selected interval. The switch can include indicators denoting selected and remaining time intervals and can include circuitry providing a warning indication of the approaching end of a selected interval.

Abstract: Apparatus and logic circuitry for selection of a desired wash program in a laundry machine in which multiple programs are available and occupy zones of varied extent on a continuous program surface. An indexing surface is connected to and moves with the program surface. The indexing surface is divided into a plurality of tracks, each of which is marked to identify the position and extent of a distinct program encoded on the program surface. Individual pushbutton selection switches provide power to enable individual sensing switches paired with the tracks. An enabled switch senses the markings defining the program selected by actuation of a particular pushbutton. The pushbutton switch enabling an individual sensing switch also actuates an indexing drive which rapidly and automatically drives the indexing surface to a position where the enabled sensing switch senses a program point corresponding to the beginning of the selected program.

Abstract: 1. In a time switch device, electronic means comprising a power supply circuit, a timer circuit, and an output relay circuit, said timer circit cooperating with said power supply circuit to produce an electrical impulse of predetermined periodicity, said output relay circuit being adapted to dispatch said electrical impulse to initiate operation of a stepping means, said stepping means being adapted to control a timed load function, and said stepping means being further adapted to reset said electronic means after each interval of time so that said electrical impulse may be automatically repeated.