Abstract: The invention provides a control system consisting of a delay mechanism in conjunction with two electrical limit switches for controlling the operation of an electrical circuit in dependence upon the direction of movement of a mechanical component and the amplitude and duration of such movement. The invention is characterised in that the delay mechanism includes an elongate flexible torsion or leaf spring mounted for oscillatory movement about a pivot axis, a device for damping such oscillatory movement at the pivot axis, the leaf or torsion spring being connected directly or indirectly at a location remote from the pivot axis to the mechanical component. The electrical limit switches are located one at each side of the leaf or torsion spring at locations spaced from the pivot axis by a distance less than the distance between the pivot axis and the location where the leaf or torsion spring is directly or indirectly connected to the mechanical component.