Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining power from reciprocal motion, particularly for waves, are presented.

Abstract: A secondary timer mechanism for controlling a secondary program function independently of a first program function. A main timer mechanism controls the first program function and is operatively driven by a motor. A second timer mechanism can be set independently of the main timer mechanism and engages the motor through a drive gear in a first axial position and is in non-engaging relation with the drive gear in a second axial position. The second timer mechanism includes a peripheral cam surface that cooperates with a cam follower to advantageously control selective electrical connection between contact portions. The contact portions regulate the secondary program function. Pins are operatively included in the second timer mechanism for maintaining an engaged relationship with the drive gear.

Abstract: The latch is of the type comprising a case 1 for the latch mechanism 6 and a keeper 4 which is movable relative to this case. The latch mechanism 6 comprises a forked bolt 7 for hooking onto the keeper, a shifting lever 16 for, in a first position thereof, retaining the bolt 7 in its hooking position and, in a second position thereof, releasing this bolt so as to permit the opening of the latch, and an electric actuating device which is adapted, by means of a motor 34 and a transmission 31, 33, to determine the two positions of said shifting lever 16. There are provided a device 29 for accumulating mechanical energy and loaded by the transmission 31, 33, a retaining device 22, 23 for retaining the shifting lever 16 in its first position and a striker device 28 adapted to retract the retaining device 22, 23 when the mechanical energy accumulating device 29 is controlled for releasing its mechanical energy and thus allow the movement of the shifting lever 16 to its second position for releasing the latch 7.

Abstract: A mechanical thruster for positively separating two releasably joined components under a controlled time delay. The thruster is particularly useful for mechanically opening canisters containing survival kits as they are being dropped from an airplane to a target. The thruster comprises an adjustable mechanical timing means which is actuated when a pin is pulled from it. After a predetermined time delay, the timing means actuates a plunger mechanically associated with it, which plunger dislodges a locking piston. This locking piston in locking position mechanically holds a thruster body about a barrel of the device. Once the locking piston is displaced, the thruster body is propelled away from the barrel.

Abstract: A cycle control timer unit in which a rotatable annular program carrier is provided having two opposed sides, each formed with a different range program scale and having a different drive coupler means. The unit includes two different rotary drive transmission wheels facing in one direction and rotated at dissimilar speeds respectively adapted for drive connection with the drive coupler means. By flipping over the sides of the program carrier in the unit and connecting the appropriate drive coupler and drive wheel, an operator may easily switch between the different program ranges for control of the unit.

Abstract: The device controls an actuating device having a linear displacement and a sudden action, for example a device actuating a latch. The actuating device is disposed in a case provided with an aperture through which it is capable of emerging under the action of a spring after the release of a locking device until it abuts against an element connected to the case. Provided inside the case is a wheel actuated by an electric motor and a device for driving under the action of the wheel the displacement of the actuating device in opposition to the action of the spring at least until the return movement of the actuating device is locked by the locking device. A device is also provided in the case for unlocking the locking device upon the subsequent rotation of the wheel. A device is provided in the case for interrupting the supply of current to the motor and consequently stopping the rotation of the wheel after the locking of the operating device by the locking device but before the unlocking of the locking device.

Abstract: A timer controlled container inverting apparatus is constructed and arranged to commence timing out for container inversion only after setting of proper inversion time and reception of the container in the apparatus e.g. a vial containing a contact lens in sterilizing solution and oriented for sterilizing process commences process timing only upon application of the vial to the timing apparatus. Shortening of proper sterilizing time is prevented and inversion is effected rapidly at completion of the sterilizing process.

Abstract: A knock detecting apparatus for internal combustion engines is provided with a vibrating rod of a magnetic material having a resonance characteristic in a knock frequency hand of an engine, a free end of the vibrating rod is inserted in a round through hole of a core to form an air gap between the inner surface of the round through hole and the outer surface of the vibrating rod, and the air gas constitutes a portion of a magnetic path between the core and the free end of the vibrating rod. The vibrating rod is allowed to vibrate in more than one directions and air gaps are also formed in respective vibrating directions thereby enabling to detect vibrations due to knock in more than one directions.

Abstract: When with the manual operation device of this invention, a selected one of many push buttons provided for a cassette tape recorder is depressed, then an insertable actuating member lying below that depressed push button is brought down between a common transmission member and an operation member corresponding to the insertable actuating member, causing the transmission member to be previously rotated slightly in a direction opposite to that in which said transmission member is subsequently rotated for actuation. The slight previous rotation of the transmission member in said opposite direction disengages an engagement member from a large gear. As a result, the large gear is slightly rotated by the elastic force of one of the fixed contacts of a leaf switch to be engaged with a pinion. As a result, the leaf switch is actuated to drive a motor, which in turn rotates the pinion to drive the large gear.

Abstract: The gearing for motor driven timing relays comprises an appropriate number of gear pairs which are in continuous engagement with each other and are rotatably mounted on a turntable which is driven by a setting shaft.

Abstract: In a time-delayed device for opening a parachute, a spring-loaded cable is coupled to a cylindrical translational gear for conjoint movement. When the cable is released from a cocked position and spring-driven to a release position at which it opens the parachute, the translational gear is driven past the input gear of a gear train. As it moves, the translational gear engages and rotates the input gear along and through an effective gear engagement length which may be selectively varied by rotating the translational gear with respect to the input gear. An adjustable escapement contacts the gear train output gear and retards rotation of the input gear, and thus retards the rate of movement of both the translational gear and the cable, during engagement between the input gear and the translational gear through the selected effective engagement length.

Abstract: An improved movement for a time delay relay cooperates with an electromagnet and a timer to provide either "On Delay" or "Off Delay" operation of the relay contacts. The movement has an elongated operating plunger that is movable in forward and backward strokes, a latch, and a contact actuator coupling the latch to the relay contacts. A pair of springs are disposed in a spring cage formed in the actuator and at least one spring-compressing flange is carried by the plunger and disposed between the springs. In the on delay mode of operation, one spring is loaded against the actuator upon a forward stroke of the plunger. In the off delay mode of operation, the other spring is loaded against the actuator upon a backward stroke of the plunger. The latch is restrained upon the movement of the plunger to load one of the springs, and is subsequently released from its restraint after a time delay to operate the relay contacts with spring action.

Abstract: Contact lens sterilizer has a timer operating a catch for holding a capsule containing contact lenses in sterilizing solution in a sterilizing position. In this position, the capsule is inclined toward inversion. When the timer releases the catch after a predetermined period of time, the capsule swings to a substantially inverted position. In this position, a catalyst contained in one end of the capsule contacts the sterilizing solution to neutralize the same. Optionally, a lock mechanism prevents removal of the capsule from the sterilizer until neutralization is complete.

Abstract: A kinematic solar heliostat for reflecting solar energy onto a fixed target which uses a single drive to position reflected solar energy onto such target during daytime hours at any latitude and having a capability of automatically returning eastwardly each day to reflect such energy on the target the following day.

Abstract: A chemical sterilization process for contact lenses, and apparatus for practicing said method, wherein the lens are subjected to the anti-microbial action of a sterilizing solution, with said solution being decomposed by a catalytic agent. The apparatus of the present invention concerns primarily a capsule in which the lens are mounted, and an inverter-timer. Initially the sterilizing agent is introduced into the capsule and the catalytic agent positioned above and out of contact with said solution. The capsule is assembled to said inverter, and after expiration of a preset period, said capsule is inverted to establish contact between the catalytic agent and said solution and thereby commences the decaying reaction.

Abstract: In a timing relay including an indexing gear wheel driven by a clutched gear wheel which is driven by an electric motor and in which an actuating element is controlled by means of a cam coupled to the indexing gear wheel with the actuating element being used to operate contact elements on displacement thereof, the actuating element is disposed parallel to the indexing gear wheel and is also arranged to control engagement and disengagement of the clutched gear wheel with the indexing gear wheel.

Abstract: An automatic reset timer includes two separate switches having operators held in timed out position by individual latches. A clutch is released by one operator when the timer is timed out. A solenoid also controls the latches for the two switches and also controls the clutch directly. A clutch mode selector is accessible outside the case and may be set for on delay, off delay, or neutral. In neutral the clutch is not controlled by the solenoid and is released only when the timer is timed out. Other mode selectors outside the enclosure control solenoid operation of the switches. They may be caused to transfer from timed out to timing position by either solenoid energization or deenergization. A third position provides for instantaneous operation of one switch by the solenoid. Selection of clutch and switch modes of operation makes a single unit field adjustable in many different combinations, simplifying application to a given problem and reducing models required to be stocked.

Abstract: A multiple switch automatic reset timer in which the switches are located in the back of the timer and have operators angularly spaced about a main bearing axis. A clutch operator is also angularly spaced from the switch operators. A spring return timing gear on the main bearing axis drives a spring tensioner also carried on the main bearing axis. This stores power in the spring which is released at the timed-out point for driving a cam wheel carried on the main bearing axis. This actuates the switch operators and also releases the clutch allowing the timing gear to reset. The cam wheel is maintained in the timed-out position by a latch engaging the spring tensioner. This latch is released by a solenoid operated wheel carried on the main bearing axis. This wheel may also operate the clutch and one or all of the switches. The wheel configuration determines the type of action given by the timer. Provision is made for on delay, off delay, interval, instantaneous switch operation and many other combinations.

Abstract: An expanded scale timer has means adapted to be driven for indicating the operating time of the timer, and a pair of means are conjointly and relatively movable for respectively driving the indicating means at different predetermined speeds. Means is provided for effecting actuation of the driving means conjointly to drive the indicating means through one of the driving means at one of the speeds and for effecting actuation of the other of the driving means relative to the one driving means to also drive the indicating means at another speed with the one driving means being overridden by the indicating means.