Abstract: A remote control mechanism for controlling electricity from a non-interruptible electric supply, and for optionally and simultaneously controlling electricity from a second, but interruptible electric supply like that provided by a clock-actuated switch in series with a continuous electric supply. The mechanism is useful as an actuating means for electrical apparatus plugged-in to its outlet.

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 circuit device which is connected to an existing clocked memory circuit to provide additional clocked memory circuitry for a plurality of substantially independent switches within the parameters and constraints established at the main control station for an existing switch.

Abstract: A high DC current switch includes a pair of annular, conductive rails with a pair of brushes mounted for rotary movement therebetween. DC current is conducted by the rails to and from the brushes in directions to electromotively accelerate the brushes into a switching cycle. The rails incorporate a switching gap through which the brushes move. Beyond this switching gap, the rails are split into inner and outer arcuate sections into which current is commutated by the brushes. The directions of commutated current flow to and from the brushes is now such as to decelerate the brushes to a stop.

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: The accumulated number of cycles of an alternating current power supply are counted and a first signal is generated when the count reaches a number representing a desired time lapse and a second signal is generated when a desired multiple of a number have been counted. The timing motor of an electro-mechanical appliance programmer is switched off by said first signal and remains off for a time interval of twice that represented by a second signal.

Abstract: An electronic switching system for inductive loads in A.C. circuits, comprising a triac switch in series with an inductive load such as transformer or motor, etc. across an A.C. voltage. The control voltage for the triac switch is provided by a smaller, lower power triac driver, which has a light emitting diode controlled by an optically isolated transistor. The optically isolated transistor is provided with electrical pulses each a half cycle of voltage by means of a zero crossing detector. Since it is impossible to know precisely what the power factor of the load is, the triggering of the triac driver is provided at zero voltage on both the upward and downward crossing. These pulses, amplified by the transistor, control the triac driver. The load current will lag the voltage by some angle, dependent on the power factor, and the current will stop at its zero point.

Abstract: A switching system for commutating high DC current from a first to a second pair of conductors comprising a switching armature slidably engaging the first pair of conductors, insulating inserts disposed on the first pair of conductors adjacent the second pair of conductors and means for drawing two series arcs between the armature and the first pair of conductors as the current is commutated to the second pair of conductors.

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: 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: A silencer adapted to suppress the audio output of a radio or television set during commercial breaks in a program. The silencer which requires no wiring changes in the set includes a probe insertable in the existing earphone jack. The probe is constituted by a truncated tubular plug whose length falls short of the flexible switch arm of the jack that normally engages a contact arm to connect the audio signal line to the loudspeaker, the plug having a retractable plunger therein. When the plug is advanced by a local actuator, it engages the switch arm of the jack to flex it away from the contact arm to cut off loudspeaker sound, the sound being restored when the plunger is retracted. The local actuator of the plug is coupled to a remote actuator which when manually-activated acts selectively through the local actuator to advance or retract the plunger to cut off sound at the outset of a commercial break and to restore it at the conclusion thereof.

Abstract: A remote receiver for decoding and responding to control pulses imposed on the power lines of a power transmission system. A large number of receivers can be connected to the power lines in, for example, a centralized load management system and can switch associated loads as commanded by coded messages generated at a central station and injected onto the power lines for distribution. The receiver responds to a code which must have properly timed start, preselect and operate pulses in that order. Provision of the preselect code feature greatly increases the possible number of code groups in the system.

Abstract: A detection circuit for detecting discrete states of multiple capacitive sensing devices in a continuum provides an output which is linearly variable with respect to changes in the states of the sensing devices. The circuit uses either a time interval measurement or voltage measurement which has a magnitude which linearly corresponds to changes in the states of the sensing devices. By continuously monitoring these outputs, a continuous indication of discrete changes in the states of the sensing devices is detectable. In accordance with the present invention, a single drive electrode and a single sense electrode in combination with a plurality of sensing devices capacitively transmit electrical pulses in accordance with the various states of the sensing devices whereby the detection circuit detects discrete changes in a state of the sensing devices in a continuum.

Abstract: A bi-directional silicon controlled rectifier forms an electric switch arranged to be connected in an alternating current supply circuit in series with an electric load to be controlled. The gate electrode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected across the alternating current supply through the input of a full wave rectifier the output of which is connected across a unidirectional silicon controlled rectifier and the gate electrode of which is connected to the output of an oscillator which is controlled by the positive output pulses of a bistable multivibrator. The multivibrator is activated to each of its states by an electric trigger pulse which is generated when a person touches an electrically conductive proximity member connected to one plate of a capacitor, the other plate of which is connected through pulse shaping circuitry to the multivibrator. The output of the rectifier also supplies direct current for operation of the oscillator, multivibrator, proximity plate and shaper circuitry.