Abstract: A switch controller for providing on/off timing control of lights including a base unit, an electronic unit, and a cover unit. The electronic unit includes two printed circuit boards, one of which includes an integrated circuit controller for controlling an LCD display and for permitting input of timing information via buttons associated with the LCD display, and the other of which supports a relay, neon lamp, and transistors. The relay includes a pair of reed contacts for connecting a light to a power supply in response to the timing information. The neon lamp is dimmed whenever the switch is in an off status in order to provide a guide to enable location of the switch controller in the dark.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical reed relay in-circuit test fixture switch is inserted onto a wrapped wire pin extending from the bottom of a socket holding a spring-loaded nail inside a bed-of-nails or equivalent testing fixture. The switch is located at the circuit board being tested and is connected between the pin under test and a remote testing unit. Only the switches required to contact specific nodes for a specific test are actuated, i.e. moving the subject pin's reed relay switch to a closed position, during the actual test sequence. All remaining test wires are turned off, i.e. opened, releasing the electrical connection of long test wires from each of the nodes. Alternatively, all switches can be NC and individual switches, or groups of switches, can be opened to disconnect the electrical connections of the long test wires. Additional testing is performed in a similar method by repeating the steps above for various test sequences and nodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker control arrangement that is reliable, accurate and cost-effective to manufacture, install and maintain. This circuit breaker arrangement also provides increased modularity by alleviating the need for installing wires to connect each circuit breaker with the control station. The present invention uses circuit breakers that contain internal control technology for interrupting and establishing an associated current path. At least one coded signal designates each circuit breaker, and a communication bus carries these coded signals to each circuit breaker. Decoding technology located on each circuit breaker determines whether the coded signal corresponds to that circuit breaker. If the coded signal does correspond to that circuit breaker, then the decoding technology responds by sending the appropriate response signal over the communication bus, and the circuit breaker's internal control technology either interrupts or establishes the associated current path.

Abstract: The invention is a dishwasher and a control therefore in which the control comprises multiple parallel loads, including a motor. The motor and the other loads are connected to one side of a power source by a motor relay, which is controlled by a processor. All the loads, except the motor, are connected to the other side of a power source by semiconductor switches with each load having a corresponding switch. The motor has an unswitched connection to the other side of the power source. The power to all the loads, including the motor, is controlled by the motor relay. If one of the switches fails in such a way that the circuit for one of the loads is closed, then the load will be shut off when the motor relay is opened to shut off power to the motor. Thus, it is possible to prevent the failed load circuit from operating during the entire wash cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting an HID light fixture is described in several embodiments. The apparatus is coupled in series with the secondary winding and the HID lamp of the HID light fixture. A first retrofit capacitor replaces the light fixture capacitor of the HID light fixture. A switching device is coupled in series with a second retrofit capacitor and couples the first and second retrofit capacitors in parallel in response to a normal power mode control input so that the HID lamp provides normal intensity lighting at normal power. The switching device uncouples the first and second retrofit capacitors from being in parallel in response to a low power mode control input so that the HID lamp provides low intensity lighting at low power.

Abstract: A solid state relay, suitable for use in a defibrillator or other high voltage application, is disclosed. Upon activation by a switch, the solid state relay switches power from a high voltage power source, such as a capacitor, to a load, such as a patient undergoing defibrillation. The solid state relay has a group of at least two relay sections that share the voltage load such that no one relay section experiences an overvoltage condition due to the parametric variations of each relay section. Each relay section contains a subsection responsible for balancing the off-state voltage between the relay sections, a subsection responsible for controlling the change of voltage over time as the switch is activated, and a subsection for controlling the change of voltage over time as the switch is deactivated. The solid state relay also contains an output section responsible for minimizing the leakage current from the relay group to the load.

Abstract: A high voltage, high current DC switch is shown having a single pole, double throw relay and a solid state power switch such as an IGBT or MOSFET transistor. Voltage is switched by means of the solid state switch while steady state current is conducted through the relay load contact. Several different protector devices are used in the event of circuit malfunction including a combination of thermal and current fuses and resettable thermostats.

Abstract: A modular circuit interrupter is arranged for interrupting current in a three-phase circuit path providing current from a three-phase source to a three-phase motor. The interrupter includes a contactor unit arranged to interrupt the circuit path in response to a trip command; a current inducer circuit for providing a current signal having a magnitude corresponding to the current in the circuit path; a fault detection circuit responsive to the current signal, for detecting and communicating power faults in the circuit path; and start and stop motor modules. Respective housings are provided for each of the contactor unit, the fault detection circuit, the start motor module and the stop motor module. A data/power communication bus provides a data communication link between each of the contactor unit, the fault detection circuit, the start motor module and the stop motor module.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device for use on an electric vehicle has a high-voltage drive power supply for supplying electric energy to a load to drive the electric vehicle, a circuit breaker for cutting off the electric energy supplied from the drive power supply to the load, a sensor assembly for detecting conditions of the electric vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the circuit breaker in response to a detected signal from the sensor assembly. The controller is connected to a low-voltage accessory power supply for energizing accessories on the electric vehicle, and also connected to the drive power supply through a power supply converter for converting the electric energy supplied from the drive power supply, so that the controller can be energized at all times by at least one of either the accessory power supply or the drive power supply.

Abstract: A bridging member extending across a cavity in a semiconductor substrate (e.g. single crystal silicon) has successive layers--a masking layer, an electrically conductive layer (e.g. polysilicon) and an insulating layer (e.g. SiO.sub.2). A first electrical contact (e.g. gold coated with ruthenium) extends on the insulating layer in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the bridging member across the cavity. A pair of bumps (e.g. gold) are on the insulating layer each between the contact and one of the cavity ends. Initially the bridging member and then the contact and the bumps are formed on the substrate and then the cavity is etched in the substrate through holes in the bridging member. A pair of second electrical contacts (e.g. gold coated with ruthenium) are on the surface of an insulating substrate (e.g. pyrex glass) adjacent the semiconductor substrate. The two substrates are bonded after the contacts are cleaned.

Abstract: A circuit which gives a continuous voltage output indication of whether a contact is open or closed. The circuit senses the voltage across the contact to detect whether the contact is open or closed. When there is a significant voltage, the circuit indicates that the contact is open. When the voltage is negligible, the circuit indicates that the contact is closed. Alternatively, the current through the contact can be sensed to provide an indication of whether the contact is conducting or not. The circuit can be used to indicate the welding close of a relay contact in which case power to the load can be turned off or the contact can be opened by other than normal corrective actions. One application is to discontinue closing movement of a garage door when the motor relay switch does not open as desired, but there are innumerable other applications.

Abstract: A fault management apparatus and method are described for a system that includes at least one electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic component, such as a system valve or main discharge pump in a process plant or water transmission line. An actuator is electrically coupled to the component for application of control signals to selectively actuate or de-actuate the component. A standby power supply, in the form of a uninterruptible power supply (UPS) stores sufficient electrical energy to energize the valve and/or the discharge pump to change the states thereof from one operational state to another. The UPS has sufficient electrical capacity to close a system valve to its fail-safe condition. The actuator can be actuated in a number of different ways, including sensing of failure of main power, manual activation or sensing of some emergency condition.

Abstract: A flashing locator switch control includes an audible alert circuit with the switch and flasher to provide assurance to the user that the outside light is operating to flash on and off and by which to test the outside light at any time day or night.

Abstract: An inductive load drive device which has a switch defining an output terminal connectable to an inductive load between the output terminal and a reference potential line is provided. A first current recirculating branch is connectable parallel to the load and a control opens and closes the switch so that the load is supplied with current rising to a first predetermined value in a first increasing phase and falling to a second predetermined value in a first recirculating phase. The device detects a short-circuit between the output terminal of the control device and the reference potential line with a first current sensor for detecting current flow in the first recirculating branch during the first recirculating phase. A fault signaling circuit connected to the first current sensor produces a short-circuit signal in the absence of current in the first recirculating branch during the first recirculating phase.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system for controlling current paths through a plurality of associated circuit breakers, a programmable circuit arrangement operates the circuit breakers by remote control in at least the open and closed circuit positions. The circuit arrangement includes a termination circuit for receiving different kinds of remote control signals, each of which is associated with one of the circuit breakers for commanding that each of the circuit breakers open or close its associated current path. The arrangement also includes a programmable controller, which responds to each of the different kinds of remote control signals and to a user-defined program indicating the kind of remote control signal which commands the associated circuit breaker, for generating control signals. An interface circuit then responds to the generated control signals by controlling the circuit breakers between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A mechanically normally open low voltage switch is connected between ground and the high impedance input of a low voltage electronic circuit fed by a low voltage source through a low impedance resistor. With the switch open, current flows into high impedance input of the electronic circuit to provide the electrically normally closed function. When the switch is actuated to the closed position, the high impedance input is pulled down to ground to provide the switch open function.

Abstract: A circuit breaker system uses a microprocessor for calculating at least one function of a measured current flow.

Abstract: A hybrid analog and electronic cycle timer has a mechanical movement and cam-operated cycle switch driven by a low-RPM synchronous motor. Electronic control logic divides the power line frequency to obtain pulses for pulsing the synchronous motor. The control logic also includes an activation interval timer and a lockout flip-flop which inhibits the activation interval timer. The activation interval timer is otherwise triggered by closure of the cycle switch. The lockout flip-flop is set after a power failure and at the end of the activation interval, and is reset by a manual reset signal. The activation interval timer may include an activation enable flip-flop and an activation interval counter. The state of the control circuit is conveniently indicated by an indicator which is activated continuously during the activation interval, and which is activated intermittently when the activation interval timer is inhibited by the lockout flip-flop.

Abstract: A load control switching system includes a switching element adapted to be coupled between a power source and a load. The switch element is operable in an ON state wherein it supplies power from the source to the load and an OFF state wherein it cuts off power from the source to the load. A control circuit controls operation of the switching element in response to the actuation of one or more short-throw, light-force switches which are each movable between a normally open and a momentarily closed position. The control circuit alternates the state of the switching element each time the short-throw, light-force switch is momentarily closed.

Abstract: The switch includes a cantilevered switch arm including a power contact, first and second switch terminals with the power contact positioned therebetween, the cantilevered switch arm being yieldably biased with the power contact engaging the first switch terminal. A manually operated lever is provided for engaging and disengaging the switch arm and moving the power contact into engagement with the second switch terminal. A pivotable latch arm is provided for latching the switch arm with the power terminal engaging the second switch terminal. A solenoid is actuable in response to removal of power from the power contact for pivoting the latch arm and releasing the switch arm.

Abstract: An electronic switching system, designed to automatically illuminate and delay in extinquishing 115 V 60 Hz outdoor/indoor lights and electrical wall receptacles. The system includes an automatic sensing circuit which detects open and closed circuits, at its input sense terminals wherein sensors are connected. An open detection illuminates lights and energizes wall receptacles connected to the system's input/output screw-type barrier block; and a closed detection thereafter keeps lights and wall receptacles supplied with 115 V 60 Hz for the duration of the delay adjust setting, then exitinguishing power. A regulation pin is incorporated for connecting an electronic clock for regulating the automatic sensing circuit's operation within a predetermined time. A manual power on/off circuit is also included, for operating the system independently of the automatic sensing. When placed in the "OFF" position the manual power on/off circuit initiates a delay in extinquishing 115 V 60 Hz.

Abstract: A pulse receiver for connection in a telephone circuit including two coils connected between a voltage potential and ground further including an external impedance that is alternately connected between the coils. The pulse receiver includes a first impedance connected in series with the first coil and a second impedance equivalent to the first impedance connected in series with the second coil and an input circuit connected across the first impedance for detecting the connection of the external impedance of the telephone circuit. Switching circuitry is provided that is connected to the input circuitry and alters a first output node pair from a normally closed state to an open state and alters a second output pair from a normally open state to a closed state in response to a signal received from the input circuitry indicative of the detection of the external impedance connection.

Abstract: Multi-time delay power controller apparatus for providing time delayed power-up and power-down for associated electrical equipment, such as computer systems, comprises a power stage configured for connecting to a conventional power outlet, a D.C. power supply connected to an internal D.C. voltage bus, an output stage having a plurality of time delayed outputs and a plurality of time delay turn-on timing stages connected in electrical series with one another between the D.C. bus and ground. Each such stage comprises an R-C circuit and a type 555 integrated circuit which together function as a timer. Included in each stage is a control relay. The energizing coils of the relays in odd numbered stages are connected to ground and of even numbered stages to the D.C. bus. The timing stages are connected so that the timing out of one stage starts the timing of the next-in-sequence stage, the timing of the first-in-sequence stage being started when the apparatus is turned on.

Abstract: In a hybrid relay circuit for supplying current to a load with a AC power supply, an electromagnetic relay is provided and the contact thereof is connected in series to the load and the AC power. The electromagnetic relay is driven by a driving circuit in accordance with an input control signal, thereby switching the supply of current to the load.

Abstract: Multi-time delay power controller apparatus for providing time-delayed power or control signals to associated electrical equipment, such as computers and disc drives, comprises a power stage configured for connecting to a conventional power outlet, a D.C. power supply connected to an interval D.C. voltage bus, an output stage having a plurality of time delayed outputs and a plurality of time delay timing stages connected in electrical series to one another between the D.C. voltage bus and ground. Each such timing stage includes a timing means, and a normally open control relay. Coils of odd numbered timing stages are connected to ground and of even numbered stages to the D.C. voltage bus. The timing stages are connected so that the timing out of one stage starts the timing of the next-in-sequence stage, timing of the first-in-sequence timing stage being started when the apparatus is turned on.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the state of a relay comprises an electrical insulation transformer whose secondary winding is connected, through a rectifier, to the output terminals of the relay. The primary winding of the transformer is in series with an oscillator having an impedance greater than that of the primary winding when the relay is closed. A transistor receives a signal from the primary winding and delivers an on-off output signal representing the impedance across the terminals of the relay.

Abstract: A machine controller having start and time delay functions activated and set by a single switch. There is a cycler for activating and deactivating machine functions in a timed sequence. There is a manually operable start/delay-set switch and an electronic circuit responsive to the switch which produces a start signal upon initial closing of the switch, and which produces a delay signal after the switch is held closed for a predetermined time. An electronic control circuit responds to the start and delay signals to store a delay time and activate the cycler after the stored delay time has expired.

Abstract: The timing controller includes a triac, a receptacle, and an AC wall outlet coupled in series. A sensor is coupled across the receptacle to sense when a lamp plugged therein is turned on or off. A microprocessor is coupled to the sensor circuit and stores each time the lamp is turned on and each time it is turned off. After twenty-four hours have lapsed, the microprocessor operates the electronic switch in accordance with the stored temporary program to turn the lamp on and off at the same times on each succeeding day. In the event of a power failure, the subsequent reapplication of power will cause the microprocessor to turn the lamp on and off for four-hour periods.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch can be remotely opened by the interruption of electrical power to the switch for a minimum period of time. The switch includes a power terminal, a first switch (off) terminal, and a second switch (on) terminal. A first spring contact is coupled to the power terminal and spring biased to the off switch terminal. A second spring contact is coupled to the on switch terminal and is configured to receive the first spring contact in yieldable engagement. A lever is coupled to the first spring contact for manually moving the first spring contact to engagement with the first spring terminal and with the second spring contact. A solenoid is actuated in response to the interruption of power from the switch and flexes the second spring contact for releasing the yieldable engagement of the first and second spring contacts.

Abstract: A supervisory control system for microprocessor based appliance controls, the supervisory control system incorporating means for detecting dynamic failure of a microprocessor incorporated in the appliance control, means for disabling the high energy circuits in the associated appliance if the microprocessor is not operating in a normal mode and switch means requiring a physical or mechanical operation to enable energization of the high energy circuits of the associated appliance whereby the high energy circuits of the associated appliance are disabled unless at least two predetermined criteria are met.

Abstract: An electrical control module to provide both remote and wall-operated switching for an electrical device such as a lamp. The control module includes a receptacle for the lamp plug, a remote on/off switch and a plug for insertion into the outlet connected to the wall on/off switch for the lamp. A power input is provided for the control module either from the wall outlet receptacle or from a separate receptacle. There are first and second relays within the control module which are effective to provide for independent on/off switching of the lamp by either the remote switch or the wall switch.

Abstract: A flasher device includes a printed circuit board enclosed in a casing, a B-terminal connected to a battery, an L-terminal connected to a direction indicating lamp, and an E-terminal connected to ground. A fixed contact of a relay section is attached to the L-terminal and a current detecting resistor is connected between the B-terminal and a movable contact of the relay section, so that a main lamp current flows from the battery to the lamp through the B-terminal, the current detecting resistor, the relay contacts and the L-terminal, thus avoiding the flow of main lamp current through copper foils formed on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A power controller determines which of a plurality of possible input voltages is present and configures a load to operate at that present input voltage.

Abstract: An energy saving light switch is disclosed. The light switch includes a human actuable switch and a control circuit responsive thereto. The control circuit operates a light in a first timed mode in which the light is turned on for a predetermined period of time responsive to an initial actuation of the switch and operates the light in a second untimed mode in which the light is turned on for an indefinite period of time responsive to the actuation of the switch during a predetermined time window forming part of the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A microprocessor based recloser control has a microcomputer for causing trip and close operations of a recloser in response to the conditions of the power distribution lines being protected and operator commands. The microcomputer may be overridden by a mechanical switch in the recloser control. If power to the recloser control is lost, the microprocessor will continue to function with power storage means for a limited duration. Towards the end of that duration, this microcomputer will power down the microprocessor in an orderly manner allowing automatic return to its functions when power is restored. After the microprocessor is no longer functioning, a secondary overcurrent trip circuit is relied upon to cause a trip operation of the recloser for extended durations of power outage. The secondary overcurrent trip circuit can be disabled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has an input stage (11) with a binary signal output (19). This signal output is connected to a relay control circuit which deenergizes or energizes the relay (15) in dependence on the output signal (0 or 1). The relay (15) can be held in the energized condition over a wide voltage range, without being overloaded, by a periodically limited energizing current. This is achieved, by way of example, by energizing the relay via a semiconductor switching device (transistor 14) which can be switched on and off by a Schmitt trigger (12) connected to the binary signal output. A capacitor (17) charged in dependence on the energizing current flowing through the relay is used to override the signal from the binary output (19) to switch the transistor (14) via the Schmitt trigger (12) so as to periodically energize the relay (15) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The improved hoist includes a direct current brake and a control therefor. In the brake control, the AC current is rectified with DC current being sent to the brake solenoid. When the hoist is operating, the brake solenoid is energized to hold the brake in the unactivated position. A timer and power reducer are utilized to reduce the power on the solenoid while the hoist is in operation, thus reducing the energy expended while the hoist is in operation. The operating speed of the brake is increased since less power must be dissipated from the solenoid before the brake can be actuated.

Abstract: A switching circuit with a time-delay device comprises a pulse generator, and a counter which receives pulses therefrom. The overflow output of the counter transmits a counter signal after receiving a predetermined number of pulses. The counter is provided with a holding circuit for maintaining the counter signal up to the time of resetting and renewed start of the counting operation. The resetting input of the counter receives a signal either by way of an inverter or directly. The overflow output of the counter is connected with the output of the time delay device, either directly to obtain a delayed start or by way of an inverter to obtain a delayed termination.

Abstract: A switching timer device includes a manual switch having "on", "off" and "timer" positions. When the switch is set in the "on" position a load is supplied continuous power from a source. When the switch is set in the "timer" position, a load-powering power switch is closed for a predetermined length of time determined by a timer that is automatically reset when the manual switch is so actuated, and after elapse of the predetermined time the power switch is opened to de-energize the load. The timer is configured as a direct replacement for existing wall-mounted switch units without requiring access to the low side of the line, and consumes no internal power when in the normal "on" position.

Abstract: A process and circuit arrangement for exciting a solenoid coil to operate an iron core. Power from an AC power source is full-wave rectified, and then allowed to flow to a solenoid coil by a switch element located between the full-wave rectification circuit and the solenoid coil, which coil is made electrically conductive only for each short period of time corresponding to the top and its vicinities of the voltage wave-form of the rectified power so that the current is allowed to flow to the solenoid coil. Therefore, no current flows to the solenoid for each period of time corresponding to the trough and its vicinities of voltage wave-form of the rectified power. Thus, excitation and non-excitation of the solenoid is continuously alternated to give a dither effect to the iron core associated with the solenoid coil.

Abstract: With this circuit, a current may be caused to flow through a contact (K) controlling the voltage supply of an electronic control circuit (24), of sufficient intensity for the reliability of the contact to be good, without the current flowing in the control circuit (24) being too high and this independently of the supply voltage (terminals E, 44) applied to the supply terminals of the user circuit (U). For this, the control circuit (24) is fed with power when the contact (K) is closed, through said contact (K), a first diode (31) and a resistor (32) connected in series, whereas a piloting circuit (11), which is an integrated time delay or memory circuit associated with said user circuit (U), is then supplied through said contact (K) and a second diode (26). When contact (K) is open, said piloting circuit (11) is fed through a third diode (29) and a Zener diode (30), the second diode (26) then preventing the control circuit (24) from being supplied with power.

Abstract: A demand controller uses a sensor to detect the operation of an electric load. The sensor operates a relay which supplies power to a magnetic contactor. The magnetic contactor controls power available to a second electric load so that the total amount of power consumed is held below a predetermined maximum. An auxillary switch operates in conjunction with the magnetic contactor to control power available to other loads. A hierarchy is established so that the most important load always has power available, and loads of lesser importance are controlled.

Abstract: In the disclosed circuit arrangement for operating the load from alternating current lines, an inductance connected to the load serves as a first energy store. A first control switch switches the energy storage on and off in response to a regulator circuit. A second control switch connected across the inductor and a series current sensor responds to the control circuit to supply current to the load through a diode which prevents current from flowing directly from the power lines.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for the formation of a monostable switching behavior in a bistable relay, including a logic circuit for the conversion of binary input signals into control signals for a switching circuit through which the direction of current flow is reversible within the relay, whereby the relay is switchable at each status change of the input signal. The electronic control circuit includes at least one time pulse generating circuit with an at least single-step divider circuit, wherein the input signal is applied to an interrogating circuit through which first control signals can be generated immediately after each status change of the input signal and in synchronism with a predetermined timing pulse, and in which the switching circuit consists of a bridge circuit controlled by the first control signals, through which the relay is supplied with short power pulses whose polarity can be reversed by the control signals.

Abstract: The invention is an improved control for an air conditioner unit in an automobile. The control operates on a time cycle basis instead of using a sensor of air temperatures. The installation is simple, requiring the severing of an electrical lead in the automotive electrical system and making three electrical connections from the invention to the wiring of the automotive electrical system. The invention consists of an adjustable range control, an interval timer, and a relay driver. This combination is connected to the magnetic clutch of the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: The timer switch comprises a setting member for setting a desired period, an escape wheel provided with saw-shaped teeth, a rack interposed between the setting member and the escape wheel for disengaging the setting member from the escape member while the setting member is operated and engaging the setting member with the escape wheel while the escape wheel turns, an anchor provided with a pair of claws, which is disposed so as to be opposed to the escape wheel, an electromagnetic member which begins to rock the anchor intermittently when the setting member is operated, so that the claws of the anchor are alternately engaged with the escape wheel. When the setting member is moved either along or about its axis, the escape wheel is disengaged from the setting member and the electromagnetic member begins to rock the anchor intermittently so that the claws of the anchor are alternately engaged with the escape wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit for a part which is moved in an oscillating manner by an electric drive, particularly for a driving coil of a vibrating piston compressor whose vibrating piston is spring supported.

Abstract: The controller comprises a rear sub-assembly to be mounted in a conventional toggle wall switch opening, a conventional toggle switch cover plate with a vertical toggle switch operating arm-receiving slot, the plate to extend over the rear sub-assembly and being of a size to overlap the wall switch opening, and a front sub-assembly to be mounted over the cover plate. An anchoring screw-receiving opening in the rear of sub-assembly is accessible from the front of the front sub-assembly through the cover plate slot. A screw passing through an opening in the front sub-assembly and cover plate slot anchors at least partially the front sub-assembly and the cover plate to the rear sub-assembly. A rotatable and depressible shaft extends from the rear-sub-assembly and passes through the cover plate slot and the front sub-assembly. A timer and on-off switch operating knob removably fits over the shaft to expose the screw when the knob is removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A digital circuit is described for controlling functions of a camera wherein the circuit is powered by a potential source which is connected to the circuit through a relay actuated switch. The circuit employs a plurality of D-flip flops to regulate functions such as film transport and opening and closing of the camera shutter as a function of the light intensity of the scene being photographed. A reset signal generator is used to provide stable and reliable control over the starting condition of the flip flops and render the circuit insensitive to voltage transients as may occur from contact bounce effects at the relay actuated switch. The reset signal generator employs an inverter delay chain to provide like reset pulses when such contact bounce occurs. Various control features are described.

Abstract: An electrical timer automatically actuates an output electrical load device such as an electric light according to a program stored as markers in a memory unit over a 24-hour interval, whereupon the program is recycled. By actuating one or more electric lights within an empty dwelling, an illusion of occupancy is thus conveyed to an observer. In the preferred form of the invention the memory unit is a recirculating shift register. A daily variability of the timer output is provided to prevent precise daily replication of the load device duty profile. One version causes the program output to be delayed by 15 minutes on alternate days by alternately taking the output from the last or the next-to-last storage element of the shift register. The stored duty profile is in 15-minute blocks.