Abstract: An in-wall mounted electric timer comprising a housing for mounting in an electric box in a wall. The electric timer comprises a user interface on the housing. The user-interface comprises an input panel and a display. The electric timer further includes a movable cover panel covering the user interface. The cover panel has a rearward extending post aligned with the input panel to operate the input panel by moving action of the cover panel, wherein at least a portion of the cover panel is transparent enabling observation of the display through the cover panel.

Abstract: A cam-operated timer for a household appliance has a variety of improvements. An audible and tactile feedback member engages a textured surface on the cam wheel, to produce desired audible and tactile feedback when the timer is manually set. When the timer is manually set, the cam-actuated switches are moved away from the cam surfaces, and a clutch is opened to permit bi-directional slip between the cam wheel and motor, so that the sole source of audible and tactile feedback is the audible and tactile feedback member. The timer also features lanced switch arm contacts, that provide a sharp contact edge to permit the switch arms to make good contact with adjacent switch arms. The switch arms are mounted in a stack of wafers, where each wafer may have switch arms of differing thickness or metal, allowing high current and low current switches to be mixed. Features in the housing are used to receive and locate the wafers to prevent inaccuracies in wafer thickness from accumulating through the stack of wafers.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A self-contained programmable wall switch actuator/timer unit can easily be mounted directly onto the outside of the face plate of a standard wall switch. This actuator/timer unit can be programmed to operate the lever of the wall switch in accordance with a program that automatically repeats on a diurnal, weekly or other cyclical basis. It comprises a small battery, a miniature electric motor with a gear/linkage mechanism operable to engage with and to move the switch lever between its OFF and ON positions, and a quartz-clock-based programming means having programming intput keys and time display means. Once programmed by way of the programming input keys, the programming means is operative to actuate the electric motor in such manner as to move the switch lever into its ON and/or OFF position in accordance with the keyed-in program.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a top subinterval circuit which is used to control an appliance function. The top subinterval circuit has electrical circuit blades which are movable to open and to close the top subinterval circuit. The timer also includes a subinterval lever which contacts a subinterval cam. The subinterval lever is movable in response to the subinterval cam to impart motion to the circuit blades. This movement acts to open and to close the top subinterval circuit. Moreover, the timer includes a masking lever that engages the circuit blades to prevent the closing of the top subinterval circuit. Thereby the motion of the subinterval lever is masked.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: The drive train of an appliance timer includes a slip clutch formed of a triangular spring meshing with the outer flat surfaces of a hexagonal drive shaft. The slip clutch is incorporated into a drive pinion in the appliance timer drive train. Excessive torque causes the walls of the triangular spring to resiliently bend outward under rotational pressure from the drive shaft, permitting the drive shaft to rotate without rotating the drive pinion. When used in an icemaker, the slip provided by the clutch alleviates the need for an expensive, stallable motor.

Abstract: A sequence switch unit for use in a dishwasher eliminates a need for a separate timer and relay for each dishwasher component during the washing portion of the cycle. In one embodiment, the sequence switch unit includes a switch disk having a plurality of contact blade tracks, a lower control track, an upper control track, and a ramp connecting the lower control track and the upper control track. The sequence switch unit includes a blade unit including a plurality of contact blade assemblies. Each of the contact blade assemblies has an elongate fixed blade having a fixed contact and an elongate movable blade having a movable contact. The contact blade assemblies are normally in a closed condition. The movable blades are movable so that the contact blade assemblies can be positioned in an open condition. A switch lift lever is secured to and rotatable with the switch disk, and the switch lever extends between the fixed blade and the movable blade of each contact blade assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting quiet manual setting of an appliance timer is disclosed. The apparatus has an appliance control cam which has a first cam surface defined on a first side thereof and a second cam surface defined on a second side thereof. The apparatus includes a rocker arm positionable between a first cam reading mode of operation and a first idle mode of operation. The rocker arm contacts the first cam surface when the rocker arm is positioned in the first cam reading mode of operation. The rocker arm is spaced apart from the first cam surface when the rocker arm is positioned in the first idle mode of operation. The apparatus also includes a cam follower arm positionable between a second cam reading mode of operation and a second idle mode of operation. The cam follower arm contacts the second cam surface when the cam follower arm is positioned in the second cam reading mode of operation.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a cam having a first cam surface and a second cam surface defined therein. The first cam surface is distinct from the second cam surface. The timer also includes a first circuit blade which cooperates with the first cam surface so as to moved between a first neutral position and a first actuated position. The timer further includes a second circuit blade which cooperates with the second cam surface so as to moved between a second neutral position and a second actuated position. Moreover, the timer includes a third circuit blade which is positionable in a first offset position and a second offset position. The third circuit blade is positioned at the first offset position when the first circuit blade is positioned at the first actuated position. The third circuit blade is moved from the first offset position to the second offset position when the first circuit blade is moved from the first actuated position to the first neutral position.

Abstract: A rotary cam actuated sequence switch assembly having a reversible electric drive for forward and reverse movement to selectively position the cam for actuating a plurality of switches in a desired sequence under electronic control of the motor. Reverse rotation of the cam causes a flip-over follower to lift the blade contacts of the switch controlling line power to the remaining switches thereby preventing the reverse rotation from causing damage to the device being controlled by the switches.

Abstract: A cam switch mechanism comprises a drive source, such as a motor, a cam driven by the drive source, a switching device responsive to contacting the cam surface of the cam for switching its electrically conducting state and a control unit, such as a microcomputer, for controlling the drive source. Control of the drive source by the control unit makes it possible to set positions of the cam as desired and permits the electrically conducting state of the switching means to be freely set. The control unit controls the drive direction, stopping and drive speed of the drive source.

Abstract: A timer for controlling an appliance includes a camstack which is continuously rotated during a portion of an entire operation cycle of the appliance. The camstack is rotated in either a slow mode of operation or a fast mode of operation. The timer further includes a first slow pawl which is advanced in a first path of movement. Movement of the first slow pawl in the first path of movement causes the camstack to be rotated in the slow mode of operation. The timer also includes a first fast pawl which is advanced in a second path of movement. Movement of the first fast pawl in the second path of movement causes the camstack to be rotated in the fast mode of operation. A method of controlling an appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-mechanical programmer/timer having a plurality of switches actuated by a rotating program cam with each of the switches tracking a separate cam track on the cam. The program cam is indexed by a pawl which engages ratchet teeth on the program cam. The pawl is oscillated by engagement with a sub-interval cam driven by a motor drive. At least one of the switches following the program cam is a single-pole double-throw switch with the center blade thereof actuated by a cam follower lever operated by a separate track on the sub-interval cam.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: An appliance timer has features to facilitate automated assembly or manual assembly. A timer housing base accepts timer components from two directions, and installation of components in either direction is along a straight axis. A motor in the timer engages a gear train which runs a drive cam. The drive cam imparts motion to a camstack which then engages timer blade switches, and the blade switches operate the appliance. A subinterval is also supplied on the timer to allow periodic operation of a switch without the use of the camstack. The timer also features a quiet manual advance which removes the blade switches from communication with the camstack to allow an operator to select various timer programs without any of the clicking noises that are usually associated with timer program selection. Furthermore, a detent slider is positioned in communication with the camstack to provide a tactile feel for the operator of the timer when selecting between various timer programs.

Abstract: A cam disc has a dual row of ratchet teeth on the periphery for dual rate of advancement by either of two oscillating motorized advance pawls. The disc has alternating high and low concentric cam tracks formed on one face. A plate is registered on the cam disc hub and has integrally formed plural resilient cam follower arms with each arm having a plastic cam track follower tip molded over the tip. The molded tips make contact with a stationary portion of the plate to limit follower travel when the cam is retracted by user movement of the shaft for setting the cam position. The high and low cam tracks engage adjacent follower arm pairs to effect a drop-to-make and drop-to-break action to each of a plurality of SPDT switches disposed for actuation by the cam followers.

Abstract: A plug-in timer has a set of input terminals and a set of output terminals as well as a contactor operable to make and/or break electrical connection between these sets of terminals in accordance with a pre-setable 24 hour program. The timer is powered from a small built-in battery, and comprises its own quartz clock and programming-and-control means. The contactor is actuated by a miniature DC motor through a gear and cam arrangement. The operation of the DC motor is controlled by the programming-and-control means, which provides power from the battery to the motor in accordance with a pre-set program; which pre-set program may be modified at any time by way of a keyboard and a numeric display means.The contactor operates by way of hard metal contacts and very little power dissipation occurs within the timer. The timer can be plugged into a special wall switch receptacle and then operates to programmably control the flow of power to the load controlled by this wall switch.

Abstract: A plug-in timer has a set of input terminals and a set of output terminals as well as a contactor operable to make and/or break electrical connection between these sets of terminals in accordance with a pre-setable 24 hour program. The timer is powered from a small built-in battery, and comprises its own quartz clock and programming-and-control means. The contactor is actuated by a miniature DC motor through a gear and cam arrangement. The operation of the DC motor is controlled by the programming-and-control means, which provides power from the battery to the motor in accordance with a pre-set program; which pre-set program may be modified at any time by way of a keyboard and a numeric display means. The contactor operates by way of hard metal contacts and very little power dissipation occurs within the timer. The timer can be plugged into a special wall switch receptacle and then operates to programmably control the flow of power to the load controlled by this wall switch.

Abstract: An anti-rotational device for a cam-operated timer is used in appliances with timer control knobs that recess when the appliance is operating. A spring biased axially displaceable shaft that carries a circular disc having teeth peripherally disposed around its circumference is provided. When the shaft is axially displaced by pressure on the timer control knob, the teeth on the circular disc engage raised tabs on the timer's housing, and the engagement prevents the shaft from rotating.

Abstract: A electromechanical programmer with smooth program preselection having a rotating main cam unit for executing several operating programs, a first cam for allowing step passage with the main cam unit driven in rotation by a micromotor through a speed reduction system, and a second cam for smooth program preselection. The programmer comprises a retractable mechanical drive device for assuring a mechanical connection between the rotating main cam unit and first cam for allowing step passage under a control of the second cam for smooth program preselection.

Abstract: A timing mechanism having electrical switches opening and closing in response to power driven rotating cams. The electrical switches are composed of fixed and movable electrical contact blades which include electrical contacts carried on the blades. For those blades which are switching currents of two amperes or less (120 VAC) a protuberance on one and/or both the fixed and movable blades may form the contact.

Abstract: A timing mechanism has cams operating switches which control the functions of an appliance and another cam operating another switch supplying short pulses to a separate function such as a warning buzzer. A PTC thermistor is in series with the switch supplying the short pulses.

Abstract: A programmer for an appliance having a line power switch and a plurality of program switches sequentially actuated by a cyclic cam mechanism. The program switches are latched to the actuated condition and uplatched independently of the cyclic mechanism by electrically energized release mechanisms, individually controlled by an electronic controller having a microcomputer which employs a user selected programmed sequence.

Abstract: Control device for microwave ovens comprising a timer whose movement (1) drives a periodic actuating mechanism of the actuator (2) of a switch (3), mounted in the electric supply circuit of the oven, as well as a selector (4) of operating modes manipulable by the user and adapted to influence the actuation mechanism so as to modify the open and closed periods of the switch (3) so as to obtain different modes of cooking. The periodic actuation mechanism comprises an actuator (5) which is movably mounted against a spring (6) with reciprocatory movement and which carries a cam (7) adapted to act on the actuator (2) of the switch (3). A cylinder (8) is driven in rotation by the timer and is slidably axially along its axle (9) of rotation by a transmitter (10) in contact with the mode selector (4). A toothed region (11) carried by the actuator (5) temporarily engages at least one toothed region (12) on the side surface of the cylinder (8).

Abstract: A u-shaped timer housing body has a pair of elongated legs, a closed end, an open end, and a pair of open sides. There are a plurality of electrical switches, each switch including a pair of contacts, one of which comprises a terminal-switch blade combination passing through and secured to the closed end of the housing body. A cylindrical cam assembly, including a cam shaft, is rotatably supported by a pair of side panels, one end of the shaft mounted in a bearing in each of the panels. The panels and the housing body have a tongue and groove construction which permits the panels to be slid into the housing body along the legs, the panels closing the open sides and the cam assembly entering the housing through the open end, in a direction along a radius of the cam axis. A cover plate snaps onto the housing body, closing the open end and locking the panels and the cam assembly in place.

Abstract: An electromechanical programmer assembly for controlling electrically operated appliances having a rotatable cam drum operable upon motorized advancement to actuate and deactuate plural program switches for controlling appliance functions. A user actuated shaft is rotated to select the desired cam drum position for program selection. Axial movement of the shaft causes a cam thereon to lift a slider for opening a line power switch for controlling the motorized cam drive and engaging a friction detent on the cam drum for resisting rotation of the drum and to provide a tactilely sensed position indication to the user. Axial movement of the shaft to effect dropping of the slider closes the line power switch and disengages the detent.

Abstract: An electromechanical timer includes a motor-driven cam, and electrical switches responsive to the cam supported in a housing. An array of rows and columns of electrical terminals are connected to the switches and extend from one end of the housing. First electrical busses of corrugated form fit into similarly shaped first channels parallel to each row of terminals and c-shaped second electrical busses fit into similarly shaped channels connecting the first channels and the terminals. The first and second busses are compressed between opposing walls of the first and second channels to provide a first bias force which holds the busses in place. The second busses are also compressed between their corresponding terminal and an opposing wall of the corresponding second channel to provide a second bias force in a direction perpendicular to the first bias force, which second bias force provides the force for electrically contacting the terminals.

Abstract: An electromechanical timer includes a motor-driven cam and electrical switches responsive to the cam supported in a housing. An array of rows and columns of electrical terminals are connected to the switches and extend from one end of the housing. First electrical busses of corrugated form fit into similarly shaped channels parallel to each row or column of terminals the corrugations being arranged so that the portions of the busses between the terminals is closer to a line passing through the row or column of terminals than the portion adjacent the terminals. Second C-shaped second busses fit into similarly shaped channels between the first busses and the terminals to connect the terminals to each other. The corrugated shape of the first channels and the C-shape of the second channels result in the air paths between a first bus and an adjacent terminal is not connected to it being three or more times as long as the straight-line distance between them.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a motor-driven cam, a plurality of electrical switches responsive to the cam, and a plurality of electrical terminals electrically connected to the switches, all of which are supported in a housing. The terminals are arranged on one end of the housing in n rows, and bussing between the terminals is provided so that all terminals to which external electrical connection is to be made are in one of m rows, with m being less than n. An insulating maze structure is provided in the housing within which the terminals are mounted so that the air path distance between terminals connected to differing electrical polarities is greater than the straight line path. The terminals to be connected to are longer than the other terminals. A terminal cover is snapped onto the housing and covers all of the terminals in the rows other than the m rows while leaving the longer terminals in the m rows exposed for connection to an external connector.

Abstract: A timer includes a motor-driven cam, switches responsive to the cam, and terminals connected to the switches, all supported in a housing. The housing includes slots to receive the terminal blades and cavities communicating with the slots. The blades of the terminals include a notch with one side perpendicular to the axis of the blade to form a stop and the other side forming a first ramp at an acute angle to the perpendicular. The first ramp is bent out of the plane of the blade to form a second ramp. As a blade is inserted into a slot, the second ramp forces the first ramp into the plane of the blade as it passes through the slot. After passing through the slot, the first ramp snaps into the cavity along a scissoring intersection until the stop engages the housing, at which point the housing is gripped between the first ramp and the stop, thus securing the blade in the housing.

Abstract: A combination programmer and line switch for an appliance having a rotary program cam and a timing motor connected for advancing the cam. An upper line power contact blade is moved between high and low positions by a manual actuator. A lower contact blade is maintained stationary and is adapted for connection to certain appliance load functions. An intermediate program contact blade series connected to the timing motor has a follower biased against the program cam and is adapted for connection to all appliance functions. With the upper contact in the high position, the motor circuit is open for all positions of the program and in the low position the timing motor is energized. Alternatively, the program cam may include a line contact switch override to maintain the intermedaite blade in contact with the upper blade for both positions of the manual actuator.

Abstract: A clutch assembly permits a manual setting of a timing mechanism camstack by an appliance operator and at the same time insures that the camstack cannot be manually set during the time that electrical power is being supplied to the timing mechanism. The assembly includes a support and a camstack, a shaft and a bearing mounted in the support for rotation about a common axis. First clutch teeth are integrally formed within the bearing and second clutch teeth are integrally formed within the shaft. The bearing is mechanically coupled to the camstack via tangs on the camstack which pass through channels in the bearing. The shaft is axially movable from a first position in which the first and second teeth are engaged to a second position in which the teeth are disengaged.

Abstract: An appliance timer includes a motor driven cam carried in a housing. A switch blade carried in the housing is responsive to the cam to selectively activate one of a pair of switch circuits, each of which provide a different operating level for an appliance function, e.g. several different heat levels in an automatic dryer. Each switch circuit includes a contact, a contact support spring, and an electrical feed-through which connects to a terminal strap on the exterior of the housing. A resistor that is an integral part of one of the switch circuits provides the level differentiation between the circuits. In one embodiment a carbonaceous organic resistor chip replaces the circuit contact. In another embodiment an inorganic ceramic resistor slug replaces the circuit feed-through.

Abstract: The hub of a camstack is in the shape of a cone. There are ribs carried on the cone surface with the ribs having cam surfaces that are substantially parallel to the cone surface. The camstack is particularly adaptable for actuating a plurality of individual switches in a direction at an angle to the central axis and to the lines normal to the central axis. The individual switches are carried by a single common support member. The camstack permits the building of less expensive, smaller and more reliable appliance timers.

Abstract: A timing mechanism comprising a camstack having a hollow hub rotatably mounted between support plates, electrical switches actuated by the camstack as it rotates, a bearing having a bore in it and rotatably journalled in one of the support plates, and a shaft mounted axially in the camstack with one end rotatably supported in the bearing and the other end in the other of the support plates. The shaft is axially movable between a first position and a second position, which positions are determined by a detent assembly comprising two grooves in the shaft and spring fingers located in the bore of the bearing. The fingers engage one groove when the shaft is in the first position and the other groove when the shaft is in the second position.

Abstract: A plastic cylindrical camstack has different inside diameters. This leads to the problems of maintaining concentricity and elimination of excessive warpage during molding of the plastic. These problems have been substantially overcome by removing selected portions of the camstack in the area where the inside diameter is smaller, so that the net thickness of unbroken hub wall in this area is equal to the thickness of the hub wall in the areas where the diameter is larger. The material is removed to form serrations in the hub exterior surface, the serrations having a width slightly smaller than the length of a hub follower which rides on the hub surface.

Abstract: A electrical programmer (10, 120) is provided that features a first gear (18) that is rotated at a uniform rate by a drive source (16) and operative to rotate a driven gear (30) and an intermediate member (20) which, in turn, respectively operate to rotate a second cam (38) uniformally and a first cam (52) intermittently to open and close a first switch as a function of its uniform rotation; and, cam (52) is operative to open and close a second switch as a function of its intermittent rotation. Programmer (10, 120) preferably includes a rotary drum (110) operable to engage a plurality of electrical contacts in conjunction with the operation of the first and second sub-interval switches.

Abstract: An electric appliance control system is disclosed in which a logic controlled, solid-state, electronic system is used in conjunction with a mechanical switching device in the form of a cam disc operating a plurality of cam-operated switches. The control system combines the capabilities of performing complicated and numerous operational programs with the reliability of the cam-operated mechanical switching device.

Abstract: A timer having switches are responsive to a cam, the cam being driven through a timer motor through a clutch. The cam and the switches are disposed within a housing. The switches include electrical contact blades with cooperating electrical contacts. Electrical terminals are mounted in the housing and extend through the housing and are unitarily constructed with the switches to form a one piece combination. The electrical terminals are held within slots in a wall of the housing through a pair of projections lanced from the terminals which engage notches opening to the slots. The projections are individually in planes that are at an angle to each other such that their distal ends are directed away from each other and which are spring biased to act as cantilevered spring members and made to squeeze inwardly between sides of the notches.

Abstract: A programmer timer for an appliance, such as microwave cooking oven, having a magnetron power switch positioned by a control selectively moved to one of three power level settings by user rotation of the single rotary knob to a selected position on one of three separate cooking program interval range scales on the dial. Selection of a knob position on the first scale provides a 100% magnetron duty cycle, or full "ON", cooking mode for the desired cooking interval, selection of a knob position on the second scale provides a first predetermined fractional duty cycle for "MEDIUM" power level magnetron operation for the desired cooking interval; and, selection of a knob position on the third scale provides a second predetermined fractional duty cycle for "LOW" or "DEFROST" power level magnetron operation for the desired cooking program interval. A single timing motor drives a cam advance mechanism for effecting time-out of the selected program interval for the three power levels of operation.

Abstract: A rotatable cam operated switch having a cam whose peripheral surface constitutes a cam surface. A guide groove is formed along the entire periphery of the cam surface. A first contact plate closer to the cam and a second contact plate farther from the cam are provided on the peripheral side of the cam. The first contact plate has a first part which extends towards the cam which has a flat surface which is formed such that the dimension thereof in the direction parallel to the axis of the cam is made small, while the dimension thereof perpendicular to the axis is larger, to increase rigidity and preclude bending of the plate towards the cam, thereby resulting in more stable electric contact. Additionally, a second part of the first contact plate projects away from the cam and has a flat surface which is rotated by 90.degree. with respect to the flat surface of the first part, and which serves as a terminal for a plug-in connector.

Abstract: A delay arrangement for a program timer having a rotatable timing cam member (monoblock) including a delay ratchet wheel having a pin which engages an abutment inside the monoblock at one relative position of the delay ratchet to the monoblock. The monoblock ratchet ring has a gap at the desired delay position so that when the delay ratchet wheel is set to a desired delay, and the drive pawl is at the delay position, the drive pawl extends into the gap to only move the delay ratchet wheel until the pin engages the monoblock. The monoblock is then advanced along with the delay ratchet wheel until such time as the gap in the monoblock ratchet ring has advanced past the drive pawl. From then on, the regular monoblock advance takes over.

Abstract: A timer housing has a single compartment. The cams and electrical switches, that are responsive to the cams, are carried in the compartment as well as the motor that drives the cams without any physical electrical barrier separating them. Electrical bussing bars are carried on the outer surface of the housing to provide connections of selective ones of electrical terminals that are electrically connected to the electrical switches. Electrical bussing pins electrically connect the motor to selected ones of the electrical bussing bars so as to electrically connect the motor to selected electrical terminals.

Abstract: An intermittent drive includes a pair of reciprocating drive pawls which individually and alternately drive a camstack in a step by step maneuver. Electrical switches open and close in response to the camstack. One of the drive pawls includes a lost motion connection between it and a rotating member. There is a sub-interval switch having a cam disposed within the intermittent drive and a cam follower which operates a switch.

Abstract: There are three spring blades held in working relationship to a camstack which provide the making of two different and distinct circuits simultaneously by substantially simultaneously closing electrical contacts carried by the blade. Of the three blades a lower level blade engages cam contours of the camstack, a middle level blade includes a follower which engages a hub portion of the camstack, while the upper level blade extends freely above the middle blade.

Abstract: A switch assembly to provide snap action switching on a cam rise in a program timer includes a follower assembly on the free end of a first blade to engage the program member to reference the first blade relative to the program member. A cam follower for actuating a second blade has a relatively high coefficient of friction between it and the follower assembly so that when a steep cam rise is encountered the horizontal force from the cam rise forces the cam follower tightly against the follower assembly, to lock the cam follower to the follower assembly. At the end of the cam rise, the horizontal force is released and the snap action occurs.