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: An electrical timer having scales for setting switching times and time-of-day. A window exposes only a portion of one of the scales thereby helping a user to set the time-of-day of the timer. In one aspect, the window is located in a cover that hides all but a portion of the time-of-day scale. According to a further aspect, the switching-times scale and the time-of-day scale are located on a dial rotatably mounted on a timer housing that includes a suitable electrical plug, an electrical receptacle, and an electrical switch operable with the scales.

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 electric controller for selectively activating a plurality of solenoid water valves in a irrigation system and on a pre-selected recurrent time basis. The controller features a molded chassis and a printed circuit board construction to provide a more rugged and simplified unit as compared with the prior art controllers of the same general type.

Abstract: The invention is a weather resistant container in the nature of a box with tightly fitting cover for a timer unit controlling operation of an irrigation system and associated transformer and electrical plug. The container also houses an electrical receptacle and wiring. Such container is adapted to receive electrical power from an outside source through conventional electrical conduit. Within the box are provided supports for a removable, broad partition wall defining a relatively shallow wiring compartment between the back wall and the partition wall and a relatively deep compartment between the partition wall and open front of the box for housing the timer components.

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: An electrical appliance switch has a switchable contact assembly and a switch controller. An actuator is in contact with the switch controller and has detent toothing on at least a portion thereof. A longitudinal adjustment cam has at least one notch for frictionally engaging the detent toothing. The adjustment cam has an oblong tubular configuration for surrounding a portion of the actuator and has a closed bottom end. The adjustment cam contacts the switchable contact assembly. Adjustment of the adjustment cam substantially sets a lead path of the actuator. The actuator cam has at least one cam face which has a slanting plane configuration for contacting the switchable contact assembly. Adjusting the actuation cam causes the cam face to change a transmission ratio of a longitudinal displacement path of the actuation cam to a cam spread displacement.

Abstract: An arrangement for the support of a program plate, preferably for a timer, including a bottom plate with a support sleeve fastened thereto and which is preferably integrally formed with the bottom plate; in which the outer surface of the support sleeve forms a rotary bearing for a hub of the program plate. The bottom plate includes a hole breakthrough which forms a guide for a drive take-off pinion of a driving mechanism for the program plate which is located below the bottom plate, and wherein the bottom plate is so recessed in the region of the support sleeve in a direction towards the driving mechanism, as to form a hollow depression. The support sleeve is constructed as a guide conduit whose outer surface, in connection with an inner surface of a tubular hub of the program plate which is open towards both sides thereof, forms a rotary bearing; wherein an inner surface of the guide conduit is provided for the receipt of a locking bolt.

Abstract: A control system provides slow and fast defrost cycles for a heat pump by providing an auxiliary manual switch to select different cams of a timing means for cycle operation. Selective ones of the cam switches are connected in parallel to permit two different defrost time cycles utilizing four cams rotating at the same speed.

Abstract: A multi-range timer switch device has a rotatable switching disc or drum carrying a number of programmable switch actuators for actuating a stationary switch and has a dial face with two scale divisions thereon for designating elapsed time, and has a coupling device interconnected between the time disc or barrel and at least two drive trains for respectively rotating the disc or barrel at different speeds. When said coupling is shifted from one drive speed to the other, the corresponding dial face having appropriate scale divisions is made visible. The scale divisions of the dial face can assume only one position relative to the switching disc or drum so that the divisions can be unambiguously and easily set to the appropriate time when a shift is made from one drive speed to the other.

Abstract: A switching control device having a plurality of displaceable fingers programmable for controlling a sequence of switching operations in a time-controlled system has a magnetic element for exerting a magnetically retentive force on displaced fingers to hold the displaced fingers in displaced or programmed position, and permitting easy release of a displaced finger upon cancellation of a program so that the finger can return to an unprogrammed neutral position. The fingers may be mounted in a control disc having a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, the control disc functioning as a magnetic yoke, or the fingers themselves may be magnetic.

Abstract: A time switch driven by an electric clock motor is disclosed. The time switch has a base plate above which a time dial with on and off-trippers are rotatably mounted. Disposed below the base plate are other components including input and output terminals, switch means electrically connected between the terminals, switch activating means for closing and opening the switch means in accordance with the positions of the on- and off-trippers on the rotating time dial, and gear train leading from a rotor of the motor to the time dial. The motor comprises the rotor which is a bipolarized permanent magnet and an electromagnet in the form of a ring interrupted by a gap in which the rotor is located. In the base plate there is formed a generally annular groove for receiving the electromagnet, such that the electromagnet, a constituent of the motor, is received within the thickness of the base plate to reduce the depth required for the motor disposed below the plate.

Abstract: A program plate for a timer with setting means preferably arranged about the circumference of the program plate for the determination of a switching program, wherein the program plate is rotatably connected with a clockwork drive mechanism for operation of the program plate. An additional time display is operable through a further drive mechanism, which evidences a higher timewise resolution than the program plate, and which is integrated into the program plate. Within the circumferential surface area of the program plate, there is rotatably supported a preferably centrally positioned display disc for the higher resolved or defined time display, in which the further drive is supported within the program plate, and wherein the display disc is actuated by the further drive by means of the differential speed between the program plate and a housing component of the clockwork mechanism.

Abstract: This invention operates in combination with a cradle supported telephone handset. It includes an electric switch operated by a variable timer which is set to operate at various times of a period of absence and for lengths of time selected by the occupant of a dwelling prior to vacating or leaving his dwelling. The electric current which is controlled by the switch energizes an electromagnetic coil periodically as preselected on the timer. The energizing of the electromagnetic coil operates to lift a shaft the end of which is formed to support the telephone handset and by which means the telephone handset is lifted from its cradle position on the telephone to close the telephone switch and thereby render the telephone in operating condition producing a busy signal indicative of occupancy.

Abstract: An interval timer has a cross-shaped cam with elongated arms and is interposed between a slot moving disc and a micro-switch. Adjustable pins are disposed on the outer extremities of the disc and engage the inner ends of the cross-shaped cam arms. The outer ends of the arms rotate with increased velocity causing rapid momentary actuation of the switch.

Abstract: Cyclic electric time switch means has a housing with an electrical clock therein and trip contact means comprising a toothed gear wheel coupled to a drive gear of the clock and mounting gear wheel. The disc mounts an electrical switch having contact terminals slidingly engaged with conductive tracks of a further settable disc and connection means are provided to connect a device to be supplied with power under the control of the time switch means. A trip arm is provided on the gear wheel to operate the electrical switch in one position of rotation of the gear wheel according to the setting effected by a manually settable control knob. A delay circuit provides, at the end of a delay period following operation of the electrical switch, restoration of the electrical switch via electromagnetic means for repetition of the operation by the trip arm when the gear wheel again reaches said one position of rotation.

Abstract: Switch actuating mechanism for use in a timing device. The mechanism is simple, easy to manufacture, and is reliable in operation. The mechanism is selectively adjustable to maintain the switch continuously ON, continuously OFF, or ON and OFF in response to time setting pins on a rotating time dial.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a stationary frame carrying an electrical switch provided with different operating conditions and an actuator pivotally mounted directly in the frame and operatively associated with the switch for operating the switch to the different conditions thereof in accordance with the pivot position of the actuator about its pivot point in the frame. A timer member is operatively associated with the actuator for repetitively pivoting the actuator about its pivot point to cause the switch to be repetitively in one condition thereof a certain percentage of a certain increment of time and for being in another condition thereof for the remainder of the certain increment of time. An adjustable member is operatively associated with the actuator for changing the pivot point thereof in the frame and in relation to the switch and thereby selecting the amount of the certain percentage of the certain increment of time within certain limits.

Abstract: The apparatus may be embodied as a self-contained unit associated with the television set or integrated into the television set. The control is basically in two functions, one which is set for programming the availability of use of the television set at predetermined time intervals of the day, and the other which is set for controlling total usage of the television set over a given period such as a 24-hour period. In the preferred embodiment the two functions are set and repeated automatically every day. In another version different settings are allowed for both control functions for weekdays and weekends. In still another version each day of the week may be set separately with regard to both control functions.

Abstract: A programmable timer for selectively controlling the operation of a lamp or the like comprises a housing having a face plate with a plurality of movable buttons and engaging slots arrayed in a circle. A motor-driven shaft includes a cammed switching mechanism for engaging a spring contact switch. A spring biased bell crank activated by a selected button cams a lever operating the switch mechanism. A separate cam lever is provided to selectively override the automatic feature of the switch. The timer has a plug for a power source and a plug receptacle for receiving a lamp or other electrical device controlled by the cam-operated switch of the timer.

Abstract: An electric power supply operated switch clock comprises a housing with a synchronous motor in the housing which is adapted to drive a rotatable switch ring for timed rotary movement so as to cause riders positioned at selected one or ones of a plurality of switch rider receiving elements on the ring to engage and actuate a quick-break switchgear in the housing. The construction includes a plug head which is engaged on one end of the housing and a plug socket which is engaged on the other end with a pin bushing block being disposed therebetween. A synchronous motor mounted between the plug head and the plug socket is connected through a timing mechanism disposed around the pin bushing to drive the drive ring which is rotatable over a rib formed in a housing partition wall and on a socket cup which engages through the adjacent end wall.

Abstract: A snap-action camming means for use in controlling a double throw electrical switch. The switch may be biased to a first condition and substantially instantaneously thrown to a second operating condition by a spring associated with the cam. A single cam and cam follower are utilized to provide substantially positive throwing of the switch in both directions so as to avoid a dead break condition wherein the switch is maintained in an intermediate position between the two operating conditions. In one embodiment, the spring is formed integrally with the cam. The spring may be arranged to position the cam follower suitably to be maintained by subsequent engagement thereby with a portion of the cam.

Abstract: A selectable cycle defrost timer having two timing cams and two timing switches that are switched from first to second switch positions by the respective cams. The two cams rotate different numbers of times in a given time period, but the two switches are simultaneously in their second switch positions just once each given time period. Interconnection means between the two switches permits the timer to be connected into a defrost control system in such a manner that a selectable switch permits a normal defrost operation of several defrost cycles per day, or alternatively, just one energy saving defrost cycle per day.

Abstract: The timing apparatus includes timer motor means having a rotatable output shaft rotatable through a revolution in a prescribed period of time, switching means adapted to be alternately switched between at least two discrete positions for respectively operating corresponding electrical output devices, indicating means operatively connected to the output shaft for movement in unison with the output shaft and for selective independent movement with respect to the output shaft in response to manual adjustment for adjustably setting the times at which the switching means will be operated to effect such switching between the electrical output devices, and actuating means operatively connected to the switching means and adapted for periodic movement between opposed first and second positions in response to displacement of the indicating means.

Abstract: A program control device is described having a rotatably driven program control body and a plurality of stationary actuatable programming members. These members are positioned adjacent a periphery of the body at different locations transverse to the direction of rotation of the body. One or more tabs each having a plurality of selectively removable contact segments are provided and demountable means support the tabs on the program control body adjacent its periphery for transport past and engagement of the programming members.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having an electrical switch provided with different operating conditions, the construction having a timer moved actuator operatively associated with the switch for causing the switch to be repetitively in one condition thereof a certain percentage of a certain increment of time and in another condition thereof for the remainder of the certain increment of time. The actuator is adapted for selecting the amount of the certain percentage of the certain increment of time within certain limits.

Abstract: A program expander for a sprinkler valve timer, alternates a pair of valve selector switches each having a plurality of sprinkler valves connected thereto. The expander includes a star wheel attached to the shaft of a double wafer rotary switching arrangement and a lug on a motor driven timing disk which engages the star wheel once at the end of each revolution thereof, thereby advancing the switching arrangement one position. The expander further includes a bank selector switch which connects valve actuating power alternately to one valve selector switch and then the other, and a disk motor switch which delays disconnecting the disk motor until the end of every other revolution of the disk in cooperation with a motor stop switch actuated by the timing disk and operative to disconnect the disk motor switch at the end of each revolution of the disk.

Abstract: A simple electrical timer switch control for consumer users is described. It provides automatic time control of outdoor appliances such as lawn sprinklers. A simple, novel, and unique hermetically sealed outdoor casing provides protection from electrical shock hazzard while maintaining the portable characteristics of the control. Means are provided for selecting any one, or more, time interval(s) in any given 24 hour time period; and, for automatically overriding the selected time interval(s) within any 24 hour period, or combination of 24 hour periods, within any given 14 day period.

Abstract: A timing device has a day dial and a time dial which rotate to control an electrical output in a programmed manner for a predetermined day period. The time dial and day dial operate a pivotally mounted lever to actuate a switch which is connected between electrical input and output, or load, connectors. The time dial operatively contacts one end of the lever and the day dial operatively contacts the other end of the lever when the dials have been preset to do so by the use of actuating pins which can be positioned in the dials. When both ends of the lever are contacted, the switch is actuated. The pins can be held in their respective time dial or day dial in an operative or inoperative position. Manual means are also provided to bypass the time dial and day dial by directly connecting the input connectors to the output, or load, connectors.

Abstract: A miniature timer device having a housing divided into a plurality of chambers for housing a reduction gear system, a motor and an electrical contact system and wherein bearing means for support of these items are formed integrally with the housing structure.

Abstract: An electrical timer-switch has a clock motor which closes and opens a switch, the two contact points of the switch being wired to external contacts which can be plugged into a wall switch receptacle to establish a shunt around the latter switch.

Abstract: A timer switch includes a snap acting switch blade moved by an operating member which is biased against a side of a guideway which has inclined camming surface portions for camming the operating member under the bias force to respective opposite ends of the guideway.