Abstract: A method and control system for controlling an apparatus having at least one machine function and a cycle of operation associated therewith provides a central control element for controlling the function, an input for selecting one of a plurality of fixed periods for causing the control element to activate the function for a cycle of operation in response to the selected period, a device for determining a variable period independent of the fixed periods, and an input for the variably determined period into the control element, the control element having information stored therein, which information includes the fixed periods and an instruction repertoire for causing the control element to control the machine function in response to either one of the fixed periods or the variably determined period.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of an appliance and the like, wherein the appliance includes at least one machine function having a cycle of operation associated therewith, includes a central control element having stored therein an instruction repertoire for operation of the appliance and a plurality of selectable indices of fixed periods for the cycle of operation of the machine function. Further included in the control system are a plurality of patch cords each corresponding to various time periods which may be added to a selected index of fixed periods to provide a plurality of variable time periods for the cycle of operation and a plurality of momentarily operable devices some of which correspond to the fixed periods of a selected index of fixed periods and some of which correspond to variably programmed periods for selecting either a fixed period or a variably programmed period for the cycle of operation.