Patents by Inventor Thomas D. Temple

Thomas D. Temple has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5473204
    Abstract: A time delay switch for use with an electrical load and a source of electrical power, including a multiple-position toggle switch and a user-programmable microchip. The toggle is movable among three positions: an "OFF" position, an "ON" position on one side of the OFF position, and a "TIMER" position on the other side of the OFF position. The toggle is biased from TIMER to OFF so that, whenever it is moved to TIMER, it returns to the central OFF position. When the toggle is moved to TIMER, an electrical signal is sent to the microchip that (1) starts a clock for a preselected period of time and (2) permits electricity to flow through the switch as though the toggle was in the ON position during that time. Alteratively, the microchip can be programmed to start passing current after the preselected period elapses. Thus, the device can be used to turn a light or other electrical load off after a user-determined period of time, or to turn the load on after a preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas D. Temple