Abstract: A circuit for providing controlled switching of power applied to a load is adapted for actuating and deactivating a power switching circuit in response to a command signal. The circuit employs a switching circuit having a time delay section operable to terminate application of power immediately upon the cessation of a control signal and to conduct current after a predetermined delay interval after receipt of a command signal. The circuit is adapted for use with pyrotechnic ignition systems in which it is desired to quickly discharge capacitive elements connected to a load for prevention of undesired and possibly hazardous build-up of heat in a resistive ignition element.

Abstract: An improved disconnect/ground switch assembly for use in conjunction with a high voltage DC power supply is disclosed. High voltage rectified DC power is provided on a conductor through an insulating bushing. An electrically conductive contacting mechanism mounted on the end of the bushing and in electrical contact with the conductor serves as a source of power for driving a pair of loads through respectively associated switching contact members. Actuating mechanisms for switching either or both of the switch contacts to associated grounded contacts are shown. Opposed apertures in the switch housing are adapted for receiving load driving conductors positioned in conductor conduits. A transparent covering of a viewing aperture for observing the positions of the switch contacts is shown.

Abstract: A power switching device especially for use by handicapped persons for remote power switching by an operator of available appliances, comprising a touch sensor producing a first signal and a second signal with a successive touch, cycling control means including a clock oscillator responding to the first signal to cause identified display of the appliances in continuing sequence, and a circuit responding to the second signal to halt identifying the sequence at a selected display and to switch power to the appliance corresponding to the selected display either on if not already on or off if already on.

Abstract: A power throw circuit is provided within a keyboard-equipped apparatus such as an electronic calculator, an electronic timepiece etc. for determining whether a battery or batteries are connected between supply terminals therefor, whereby a power supply controller is not enabled to disconnect said power supply unless a power throw detection signal is developed from the power throw circuit. In response to the occurrence of the power throw detection signal from the power throw circuit power energy is automatically supplied from the power source to a power utilization circuit. In a preferred form, once the power utilization circuit has been enabled, and placed into the stable condition, the power throw detection circuit will no longer have any influence on the utilization circuit. In such stable conditions, the subsequent actuations of any key of a keyboard can control the power supply from the power source to the power utilization circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit provides full range power control to a pair of electrical loads via a single two-wire power cable by controlled switching of a bidirectional solid state switch during each consecutive half-wave cycle to supply power to one load during each positive half-wave cycle and to the other load during each negative half-wave cycle. The switching during each half-wave cycle is controlled by a respective trigger circuit. Interference by power supplied to one load with the operation of the other load is prevented by removing any residual voltage from the respective trigger circuit at the end of each half-wave cycle.

Abstract: A switching circuit provides multi-way control of the connection of a relatively high current load to a source of power by the momentary closing of any one of a number of switches at remote locations. A control current in the milliampere range is fed to the remote switches at a voltage having either one of two levels, depending on whether the load is connected or not. An indicator which is sensitive to the voltage levels at each remote location shows the on/off status of the load connection.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly consists of a conductive yoke which has two insulation housings connected thereto which carry respective subassemblies for the dimmer switch. The first insulation housing contains a rotatable push shaft. Shaft rotation rotates a resistor plate having a resistive pattern on its surface relative to fixed resistor contacts. A biasing spring biases the shaft to an outward position relative to the conductive yoke. A cavity in the first housing receives a main power semiconductor device of the dimmer switch. The power semiconductor device is thermally connected to the yoke through a thin electrically insulative tape and has an active, non-electrically isolated, heat sink. A biasing spring within the first housing presses the power semiconductor device toward mechanical engagement with the yoke. The first housing assembly is fastened to the yoke by conductive eyelets which are insulated from the power semiconductor by the first insulation housing.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a circuit for controlling an electric device in a motor vehicle such as a light. The circuit has a control switch, a door switch and a semiconductor switch. The control switch activates the device either directly, or through the door and semiconductor switches. The control switch also has a neutral position in which the device is deactivated and the semiconductor switch is off reducing the current drain of the device on the motor vehicle battery.

Abstract: An electrical control system controls an electrical load device, particularly an inductive load such as the ballast of a gas discharge lamp which generates a back EMF when power is removed therefrom. The control system includes a first electronic switch for controlling the application of power to and withdrawal of power from the load and a second electronic switch which controls the first electronic switch. The second switch is responsive to a command signal preferably occurring between 90.degree. and 180.degree. of the AC power half wave to turn on and thus switch off the first switch which in turn withdraws power from the load. The circuit remains in this state until a predetermined circuit condition occurs at which point the potentials on the load and the AC power supply are at predetermined levels. The equal potential turns the second switch off, whereupon power is reapplied to the load by the first electronic switch.

Abstract: A power management system for a recreational vehicle which operates automatically to disconnect a major electrical appliance, such as an air conditioner, heater or water heater, from power when the current drawn by additional appliances exceeds a preset current threshold. When the current drawn by these additional appliances falls below the threshold, the major appliance is automatically reconnected. A preferred embodiment operates to alternate between two or more air conditioners, heaters, or the like, to ensure that only one is connected to power at any given time, but that both are activated alternately and in sequence to provide efficient use of both air conditioners. In addition, preferred embodiments operate to interrupt operation of the air conditioners whenever the power voltage falls excessively low, and to ensure at least a preselected time delay between the time an air conditioner is stopped and restarted.

Abstract: A switching circuit in a power supply for switching between a main power source and a standby power source includes gating device operated at the time failure of the main power source occurs to disable the operation of a plurality of MOSFETs which are switched by high frequency clock signals to couple the main power source to a load. When the main power source returns, the gating device switches the MOSFETs in synchronization with the power signals supplied by the main power source. The circuit includes a transformer operated by the high frequency clock signals to switch the MOSFETs, enabling the transfer of the power signals from the main source to the standby source to occur at the time the main power source fails.

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: The specification discloses an electronic circuit which allows selective energization of electrical loads from a remote location by successive momentary interruptions of a common power source.In one embodiment, a ceiling fan and an attached light fixture are controlled from a single wall switch position, such that the first application of power energizes only the light circuit, a second application (following a momentary interruption) energizes only the fan circuit, and a third such application energizes both circuits at the same time.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off device for a recording apparatus such as a copying machine has a commercial power source for powering the machine during an ON-state, charging means connected to the power source for charging a battery, control means for providing a first signal for an ON-state and a second signal for an automatic shut-off state, first means responsive to said first signal to effect charging of said battery, and second means responsive to said second signal to electrically disconnect the commercial power source, and to supply an output power from said battery for selected operational control functions for the period of said automatic shut-off state. Thus, in the automatic shut-off state, the machine maintains certain operational control functions, such as low power displays, powered by the battery but is disconnected from the commercial power source, thereby reducing the risk of an accident such as a short circuit.

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: A novel control device for switches fitted onto an automobile steering wheel including a rotary sensor and a rotation discriminating circuit to detect the turning angle of the steering wheel when changing the running direction of the automobile to the right or left and prevent the load of the switch from being actuated even when another switch fitted onto the center of the steering wheel is maloperated while operating a turn signal lamp.This control device makes the turning operation of the steering wheel easier and at the same time, it can contribute to the safe driving of the automobiles.Furthermore, the device can be constructed with simple parts and mounted readily on the existing automobiles.

Abstract: An automatic power shut-off circuit for a wide variety of electrical appliances, such as hand-held hair dryers, razors, irons, hair curlers, etc. which pose a risk of electrocution when used around water. Thus, said circuit avoids the risk of dangerous shocks or even death, if the appliance should fall into a tub of water in which someone is bathing or if someone reaches or steps into water containing a plugged-in appliance, regardless of whether the switch of the appliance is on or off.

Abstract: In a pump drive circuit, a power source voltage signal supplied to the pump is phase-controlled by a triac connected between the pump and the power source. The period of triggering the triac is determined by a time constant circuit of a UJT, a capacitor and a resistor circuit. The power source voltage signal has its frequency determined by a frequency discrimination circuit. The resistance value of the resistor circuit is selected in accordance with the result of the discrimination. Accordingly, the pump is applied with a voltage signal the phase of which is controlled in accordance with the power source frequency, and is thus driven to maintain a predetermined output.

Abstract: An automatic battery charging circuit for use with battery powered vehicles such as golf carts includes an automatically timed charging switch which is connected in parallel with the conventional manually timed charging switch of the battery charger. The automatically timed charging switch includes an electrical clock connected across the power line of the charger. When the charger is plugged into the power line, the clock closes the terminals of the automatically timed charging switch for a brief period of time on a periodic basis. This prevents the batteries of the vehicle from becoming substantially discharged during extended periods of non-use, thereby increasing the life of the batteries.

Abstract: Apparatus for a monitoring and signalling system such as a home health care system. The monitoring and signalling system includes a plurality of ac-based sensors powered by an ac voltage and operative to monitor the occurrence of activities performed by an individual in his or her residence and to produce signals indicative of the occurrence of the monitored activities. Signals produced by the sensors during the presence of the ac voltage are processed by a microprocessor. A loss or absence of the ac voltage and the subsequent restoration of the ac voltage causes the ac-based sensors to produce signals falsely indicating the occurrence of monitored activities. In accordance with the present invention, the microprocessor operates to monitor the state of the ac voltage to detect a loss or absence of the ac voltage and a subsequent restoration thereof and, upon detecting the restoration of the ac voltage, to refuse to accept for processing, for a two-second interval, signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: In a switch device for connecting an AC power source to a load, a phase detector circuit detects the phase of a peak-volt point of the AC voltage. In response to the phase detector circuit, a trigger circuit triggers a semiconductor switching element into conduction at the peak volt point of the AC voltage to supply the AC voltage to the load. The surge current is significantly reduced even if the load is an inductive load.

Abstract: An audio component coupler connects to separate components in an audio system through their power terminals and integrates the components into a unified system in which the components are, at the selection of the user, responsive to either the automatic shut-off of a "master" component having internal automatic shut-off capability or to the operation of a slave component in a predetermined sequence. Control in either case is effectuated wholly from the components themselves and not from the coupler which may thus be placed remote from the components and even in a location not conveniently accessible to the user.

Abstract: An electrical switching device having an actuator reciprocable between two extreme positions, the switch being open and closed, respectively, when the actuator is in its two extreme positions. An electrical operator, such as a solenoid having a movable armature, responds to successive momentary energizations by moving the actuator first to one extreme position and then the other. The actuator is mechanically held in each extreme position by a spring-biased element which also serves to transmit movement of the actuator to the switch contacts. The actuator may have a cam surface shaped to cause opening and closing of the switch contacts, the cam surface also cooperating with the spring-biased element for urging the actuator toward each of its extreme positions. The switching device may be used for interrupting electric power to a customer of a utility by being located between a watt-hour meter and the customer's load, or in other similar applications.

Abstract: An electrical timer switch for determining the times of day at which electricity is to be supplied to a load has different seasonal timing schedules and includes a selector circuit which selects the correct schedule in accordance with the season of the year. The timer switch may be mounted between the contact elements of an adapter which is arranged to be located between a supply of mains electricity and an electricity meter. Initial time and calendar information are supplied to the time switch by a separate monitor unit comprising a battery-fed set-up box.

Abstract: A load resistance control circuit compares the actual value of a non-zero temperature coefficient load resistance to a desired load resistance magnitude, and generates a control signal varying as a function of the deviation of the actual load resistance from the desired resistance. A fixed portion of each of the load voltage and load current are sampled and compared to references, set such that the sampled portions will each be equal to an associated reference value, at the same time, if the load resistance is of the desired magnitude. An analog comparator can be used to add or remove charge to or from an integrating capacitor responsive to the actual load resistance being different from the desired load parameter. In a digital embodiment, a counter is incremented or decremented responsive to the actual load resistance differing from a desired value. The capacitor voltage or digital count then is used to affect a load resistance change, as, e.g.

Abstract: A single-ended switching circuit is constituted by a primary winding of a transformer, a switching circuit connected between the primary winding and a DC power supply and on-off operated with a predetermined cycle and also with a predetermined "on" period and a resonance capacitor connected in parallel with the primary winding. A magnetic amplifier, a rectifying element and a choke coil are connected in series between a secondary side circuit of the transformer and the load. The magnetic amplifier includes a saturable reactor which is held saturated during a half cycle of the voltage induced in a secondary winding of the transformer and remains unsaturated during the other half cycle of the voltage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for communicating over electric power lines in a direction from load to source is disclosed. The power line voltage wave is loaded in a predetermined pattern to produce a corresponding pattern of signaling currents at a receiving site. Detection of the signaling current is accomplished in the preferred embodiment by integrating the current in the phase or the neutral of the feeder that serves the signaling site during predetermined time windows which are synchronized with the power line voltage wave. The current integration is performed in accordance with a detection algorithm to accumulate principally the current differences that are attributable to the signaling currents while in the presence of steady and transient currents on the feeder.

Abstract: An electronic latching circuit is described for incorporation into an electronic equipment which includes a battery, a load and a power supply. During shipment or storage of the equipment, the electronic latching circuit electrically isolates the battery from the load. The first time that the equipment is put into operation and turned on after shipment or storage, the electronic latching circuit automatically permanently connects the battery to the load. Once connected to the load the battery remains connected to the load, even when the equipment has a power failure, the power supply fails or the equipment is turned off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power circuit-breaker with remote-controllable operation threshold.The switching out of the circuit-breaker 1 being provided by an electro-magnetic release 2, there is foreseen at least one captor 9a to 9f for detecting a predetermined position of the control element 3 of the release sensitive to the intensity consumed, and said captor sends, when said position is reached, and under the control of a centralized remote-control receiver 11, the control current to the release 2.The invention is applicable to the modulation of the consumable power by the users and its adaptation to the production capacity.

Abstract: A time-of-day watt-hour meter shifts sensitivity whenever the utility transmits an audio tone over the power line to the watt-hour meter. Via an integrated circuit receiver, the tone causes a solid state switch to close, thus increasing the meter sensitivity by increasing the effective number of turns of a voltage coil across the 240 volt line. The effective sensitivity of the meter can be adjusted as desired by varying the duty cycle of the tone transmitted over the power line.

Abstract: Circuit for the delayed switch-on of a supply voltage in an electric apparatus which has at least a first and a second supply terminal, the series arrangement of the emitter-base path of a first transistor and the collector-emitter path of a second transistor being arranged between the first and the second supply terminals, the base of the second transistor being connected to a voltage divider provided between the collector of the first transistor and the second supply terminal.

Abstract: An AC switching device includes a switch element associated with the primary side of a transformer so that the switching element is turned on or off always at a zero-crossing point where the alternating current shifts from predetermined one of the positive and negative phases to the other. The switching element is turned off at a zero-crossing point which occurs immediately after the arrival of a turn-off command signal while it is turned on at a zero-crossing point which occurs after the arrival of a turn-on command and at the same phase of the alternating current as the turn-off phase.

Abstract: A current control device for connection in series with an AC load where it is not convenient to make connections in parallel with the load. The device comprises a pair of terminals for connection in series with an AC load, a triac for controlling the flow of current through the load, and a control circuit for controlling the triac. A circuit for supplying current to power supply rails when current is flowing through the load comprises a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with the terminals, and a secondary winding connected across the input of a rectifier, the output of which is connected across the supply rails. A circuit for supplying power to the rails when the flow of current through the load is prevented comprises a resistor bridged by a capacitor connected in series with a zener diode between the terminals, a rectifying diode and a smoothing capacitor.

Abstract: A sensing circuit is disclosed for simultaneously and continuously monitoring the impedance of a trip coil of the type used to actuate synchronously operated circuit breakers, and the charge on a capacitor used to power the trip coil. The sensor comprises a circuit including the trip coil, the capacitor, a large resistance and a photo-diode connected together in series. A d.c. voltage is continuously applied across the capacitor, maintaining it charged and causing a constant direct current to flow through the other three components. The magnitude of the current will fall below a predetermined threshold value if either the capacitor voltage, which is proportional to the charge stored on the capacitor, falls below a certain level or the resistance of the trip coil rises above a certain level. The photo-diode produces a light signal representative of the current therethrough.

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.

Abstract: A timer system includes a power switch operable to power circuit closing and opening conditions, timing means for identifying various timing segments over a 24-hour period and marker storage means having respective power turn on and off marker storage locations assigned to the time intervals encompassing a 24-hour period. An on-off push button or other on-off control operates the power switch and may act as an aid in setting the markers in the storage means. The timer system may also include a rotatable present time setting dial, also adjustable to different positions representing the different time intervals, and a manually operable timer on-off setting member. For real time programming, control means respond to normal operation of the on-off control during a first 24-hour period, initially to set said markers in the storage locations.

Abstract: Control signals are transmitted through a.c. mains supply lines to control operation of electrical equipment powered from the supply lines. A near short-circuit condition is introduced across the a.c. mains supply lines, for example, by firing a thyristor connected in series with a fuse across the supply lines, for the final portion of positive half cycles of the mains supply voltage, thus holding the voltage to a near zero value for this length of time. A receiver coupled to the mains supply lines includes a zero crossing detector circuit which responds to the near zero voltage conditions across the supply lines to perform a particular control operation on an associated appliance connected to the receiver. Different control operations may be effected by defining the control signals over a group of half cycles of the a.c.

Abstract: One form of the timer is designed to be mounted over and behind a conventional wall switch cover plate and includes a two position timer condition-setting arm, a rotatable and depressible time setting dial knob and an indicator on the front of the cover plate. When the arm is moved to a timer-on position, the indicator flashes to indicate that timer programming is needed. This may be achieved in real time over the first twenty-four hours after a 30 minute play period by depressing the knob acting as an on and off power switch control push button to turn the light circuit on and off in a normal manner. Fast normal programming is achieved by rotating the knob to various time settings and depressing the knob to set ON or OFF markers in timer memory.

Abstract: A transmitter (12) has an output (13) adapted to be connected across an alternating current power line (AC1, AC2) at a point remote from an appliance (24) to be controlled. The transmitter generates one pulse per cycle of the alternating current. The pulse phase has a predetermined value with respect to the alternating current. A receiver (21) is adapted to be connected across the power line to couple the line to the appliance. When the receiver detects transmitter generated pulses during phase windows occurring each alternating current cycle, power is applied from the line to the appliance for the remainder of such alternating current cycle. The transmitter has an adjustment (14) that permits the phase of the transmitter generated pulses to be modulated and the receiver has an adjustment (26) that permits the position of the phase windows relative to the alternating current to be changed. The transmitter generated pulses and the phase windows occur only on every other half cycle of the alternating current.

Abstract: A remote control for the control of AC power uses the AC power wave of an existing AC power line for the transmitting control signals from a control location to a remote location. A transmitter at the control location provides a predetermined number of control pulses to the AC power line and includes at least one breakdown device and at least one capacitor in series across the AC power line.

Abstract: An electrical power sharing device comprising a single power inlet feeding two power outlets alternately for periods of time as determined by the ambient temperature, the device including a bimetallic strip contacting the profile of a continuously rotating cam and opening and closing the electrical connections between the power inlet and the power outlets during each revolution of the cam for periods determined by the profile of the cam at the point contacted by the bimetallic strip as determined by the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A single circuit breaker housing containing a circuit breaker to disconnect the line terminal from the load terminal for a current overload and means to disconnect and reconnect the line terminal from the load terminal for power management. The power management means, activated by an internal or external timer or remote modulated signal, may include a switch in series with circuit breaker contacts or fusible element or electromechanical device to set and reset the circuit breaker contacts. The external timer or other remote activation signals are provided via external terminals on the housing or via a wireless or powerline modulated signal. Electro-optical isolator functionally interconnects and electrically isolates the power management means and the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A control circuit for a power threshold switch, like a power triac, to be connected in series with a load device, at a situs where only one AC power conductor and a conductor extending to the load device is available, is energized from a DC power supply energized from these conductors. The power supply includes a rectifier connected in series with an energy storage means, such as a capacitor, the terminals of which constitute the DC output terminal of the DC power supply, an impedance of much greater resistance than that of the load device and through which the capacitor is charged when the triac is in its non-conductive mode, and preferably a low power control triac shunting the high impedance and triggered momentarily into conduction each half cycle as the applied AC voltage goes through zero when the power triac is to be in its conductive mode, to effect charging of said energy storage means and subsequently the triggering of said power threshold switch into conduction.

Abstract: A control circuit for a refuse compactor having a compacting ram driven by a reversing electric motor for compacting refuse placed in a receptacle in the compactor. A tilt switch is associated with the receptacle and a control circuit for plug reversing the ram drive motor as a result of the tilt switch sensing a tilted condition of the receptacle during the compaction operation so as to return the ram to a retracted position as a result of such sensed tilted condition. The plug reversal operation is effected during novel utilization of the normal motor direction reversing switch of the control with the tilt switch being connected selectively in series with or in parallel with the reversing switch in different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A compact electronic assembly operable to control the energization of an electrical appliance is adapted for convenient mounting in an existing, standard electrical wall-switch box. A disconnectable electronic control means is mounted on the outside of the switch face plate and communicates with circuitry inside the wall-switch box by means of a plug-in connection through the aperture of the switch face plate. According to one aspect of the invention, a programmable electronic timer-switcher comprises a mounting plate which is secured to the opening of the wall switch box. A multiple-conductor receptacle is secured to the mounting plate, which also preferably serves as a heat sink for a switching means such as a triac. The receptacle is aligned behind the rectangular aperture of a standard switch face plate to permit plug-in connection to a programmable electronic timer disposed exteriorly of the face plate.

Abstract: The control portion of a television receiver includes a flip flop which when supplied with operating power stores a binary signal having either an "on" level corresponding to the on condition of the receiver or an "off" level corresponding to the off condition of the receiver. In addition to a user responsive input arrangement for selectively controlling the level of the binary signal, a switching circuit is coupled to the flip flop to return the binary signal to its prior level after power line dropouts having less than a predetermined duration, and otherwise causing the binary signal to have its "off" level. The switching circuit is rendered operative at the end of power line dropouts to cause the binary signal to have its "on" level if an enabling signal selectively developed by a circuit including a capacitor and a diode connected between the flip flop and capacitor during the presence of operating power is still stored in the capacitor.

Abstract: A controller which can be set to operate a group of sprinkler control valves, which can be easily set and tested for proper automatic operation, and which can operate a sprinkler system in a variety of ways. The controller includes a clock, a series of dividers for dividing down the frequency of the clock, and a group of controls that can be operated to begin sprinking cycles at predetermined times and close the sprinking control valves after predetermined durations. A selector control can be utilized to effectively increase the frequency of the clock, as by bypassing a divider stage, to operate the system at a very rapid rate, which is useful in testing the system for automatic operation after it is set and for repetitive short duration sprinkling cycles. The controller has a cascade input that enables the beginning of a cycle of operation by an external signal, to permit repeated cycling of the system, and to synchronize a group of controllers.

Abstract: A compact electronic assembly operable to control the energization of an electrical appliance is adapted for convenient mounting in an existing, standard electrical wall-switch box. A disconnectable electronic control means is mounted on the outside of the switch face plate and communicates with circuitry inside the wall-switch box by means of a plug-in connection through the aperture of the switch face plate. According to one aspect of the invention, a programmable electronic timer-switcher comprises a mounting plate which is secured to the opening of the wall switch box. A multiple-conductor receptacle is secured to the mounting plate, which also preferably serves as a heat sink for a switching means such as a triac. The receptacle is aligned behind the rectangular aperture of a standard switch face plate to permit plug-in connection to a programmable electronic timer disposed exteriorly of the face plate.