Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an electrical timer which automatically controls the activation and deactivation of electrical devices, such as light fixtures, appliances and the like based on the time of sunrise and/or sunset for a particular geographic location. In this regard, the sunrise and/or sunset times for a multitude of different geographic locations is collected and stored in the timer's memory in association with the relevant geographic location. Each geographic location is specified in memory by geographic indicia, such as postal zip code or telephone area code, of its location (e.g., latitude and longitude). The timer of the present invention is programmed to automatically activate and/or deactivate the device to which it is coupled (e.g., lights, appliances, etc.) at the sunset and/or sunrise times stored in memory for each date that is specified in memory.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an electrical timer which automatically controls the activation and deactivation of electrical devices, such as light fixtures, appliances and the like based on the time of sunrise and/or sunset for a particular geographic location. In this regard, the sunrise and/or sunset times for a multitude of different geographic locations is collected and stored in the timer's memory in association with the relevant geographic location. Each geographic location is specified in memory by geographic indicia, such as postal zip code or telephone area code, of its location (e.g., latitude and longitude). The timer of the present invention is programmed to automatically activate and/or deactivate the device to which it is coupled (e.g., lights, appliances, etc.) at the sunset and/or sunrise times stored in memory for each date that is specified in memory.

Abstract: A voice actuated VCR controller includes increment and decrements buttons, and instruction button. Upon user battery insertion, and audio prompt requesting sequential setting of the day, hour, and minute occurs utilizing the increment and decrements buttons. Presuming the clock is set, and the device turned on, the decision tree protocol is activated. The protocol includes asking sequentially for the day, hour, and minute, AM and/or PM time for both the start and stop of VCR recording. Thereafter, the correct times are verified, the user instructed to turn on his VCR, insert a tape, and place the voice actuated VCR controller addressed to the VCR. In an alternate embodiment, the voice actuated VCR can make a presumption for VCR programming based on information in the controller, announce to the user the presumption and inquiring whether the presumption is correct, receiving an answer to the announced presumption, and in the event that the presumption is incorrect, receiving corrected information.