Abstract: The invention relates to a time switch assembly of the type having an electric stepping motor, a pulse generator and a connecting drive therebetween for driving the motor at speeds corresponding to the frequency of the pulse generator. A time plate is driven by the motor and a scanning switching circuit is responsive to different speeds of the time plate. First and second counters in series are provided between the pulse generator and the motor. A switching device between the counters provides selectable bypassing of the second counter so that the motor may be driven at a speed corresponding to the output of only the first counter or at a slower speed corresponding to a slower counter output of the two counters operating in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical apparatus for indicating one or more prescribed times of day which occur between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The apparatus is photosensitive and operates in a manner so that the selected prescribed times are determined each day by utilizing detected sunrise and sunset times as the basis for the determination. This determination on a daily basis avoids accumulation errors which occur when the determination is on a cyclical basis as with the use of a clock.

Abstract: A heating regulator which is responsive to effective outdoor temperatures and the temperature of a heated fluid supplied by a boiler. The regulator has an adjustably positionable pointer which represents a characteristic curve. The regulator includes three slide members with the pointer being pivotally mounted on one of the slide members for a translatory movement therewith and pivotal movement relative thereto. Two potentiometers are operated by two of the slide members and one of the slide members actuates the third slide member which in turn effects pivotal movement of the pointer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a programmable timing device of the type which controls a utility unit such as a heating plant on a daily and weekly schedule. The timing device includes clock works and a rotatable unit driven by the clock works. A reflecting disc having a reflecting surface is mounted on the rotatable unit for rotation therewith. A stationary unit holds a light source which directs a light beam towards the reflecting disc. A program disc is mounted on the rotatable unit between the reflecting disc and the stationary unit. The program disc has a predetermined form for masking certain portions of the reflecting surface from the light beam as the rotatable unit rotates relative to the stationary unit. The timing device includes a light sensor for receiving a reflection of the light beam from the reflecting surface. The light sensor is held by the stationary unit in close proximity to the light source.