US2175864A - Multicircuit timing switch - Google Patents

Description

c. L. ANDERSON 2,175,864

MULTICIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Oct. 10, 1939.

Original Filed June 1, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Hal @ bvsumrmc:

FEM/NA 1. BL ocK msumn fuz m4 517 a2 4 I36 :ggfi-JkLG msuumou 82 I36 we Chm. LAvauiuo/v BY p I ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. v c. 1.. ANDERSON 2,175,864

MULTIGIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Original Filed June 1935 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 lNSULATION ZNVENTOR. 5 009:. L. Animswv' z BY ATTORNEY.

Oct. 10, 1939. c. L. ANDERSON MULTICIRCUIT TIMING SWITCH Original Filed June 1, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 206 ZIO M m u m 6 5. W ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 10. 1939 PATENT OFFICE 2,175,864 MULTICIRCUIT 'rnunsc swrrcn Oar] Ludwig Anderson, Moline, 111., assignor to Eagle Signal (hrporation, Moline, 111., a corporation of Massachusetts Application June 1, 1935, Serial No. 24,489 Renewed August 9, 1939 25 Claim.

This invention relates to multi-circuit timing switches, and more particularly to switches embodying facilities for opening or closing a plurality of circuit controllers in a preadjusted timed sequence which may be conveniently and quickly revised.

Muiti-circuit timing switches heretofore available for services such as those just referred to have embodied features intricate and complicated in character and have been found to be of insuillcient reliability as to accuracy of timing, un-- wieldy as to adjustment or setting, as well as undesirable in respects of design, bulkiness and genll cle, starting the time cycle by closing a control switch and resetting the timer when the switch opens, or starting the time cycle by opening the control switch and resetting the timer when the switch is closed. 80 Another object is to provide such a switch in which electromagnetically controlled means may be utilized, at any desired stage of the operating cycle, for causing return to a predetermined cycle starting point of the various parts of said as switch as well as of the current paths governed thereby.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the foregoing objects and others ancillary thereto are accomplished as follows:

40 A motor, acting through a train of gears, a clutch and a gear raclaefl'ects movement of a plate in'a direction opposite to that urged by a spring bias associated with said plate.

A plurality of adjustable arms each having a 4; projection for engaging said plate but which assume, according to their preadjusted positions, a.

non-engaging relation withsaid plate'as it is driven by said motor. A contact member is associated with each of said adjustable arms to 60 open or close its respectively controlled circuit when the plate has moved to permit the arm to assume its non-engaging relationship with said plate.

Electromagnetically operable mechanism is it provided for lifting the projection of said adjustable arms free from said plate and, a... the same time, opening said clutch so as topermit said plate to return to a normal home" or reset" position responsive to urge of its spring bias.

Additional parts maybe provided as desired 5 to eilect actuation of contacts responsive to-such return movement of said plate and, still other parts may be provided to permit exceedingly accurate adjustment of said adjustable arms, whereby said contacts will be actuated at precisely the desired time.

In the accompanying drawings, like parts are designated by the same reference characters throughout the several views in which Figure l is a plan view of a multi-circuit timing switch embodying this invention, showing circuit controllers and associated adjusting means for two current paths and provision for two additional pairs of circuit controllers and their respective adjusting means; a

Fig. 2 is a distorted isometric view of the mechanism of theswitch of Fig. 1, in which, for the sake of clarity, the various elements are shown displaced axially much further than is necessary in a physical embodiment;

Figs. 3 and 4 are fragmentary plan views of the gear train clutch mechanism of Fig. 2;

Figs. 5 to 13, inclusive, are fragmentary views of various embodiments and functional stages of the circuit controlling mechanisms of Figs. 1 and 2; and

Figs. 14 and 15 are diagrammatic representations of certain circuit controller arrangements and electrical connections therefor.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the motor M comprises a stator having a coil for driving the rotor disc 32, which disc, in turn, drives the pinion 34.

The crown gear 36, acting through the pinion it, drives the gear 40. The pinion l2, acting through the gear 44, pinion 48 and gear 48, drives the wide pinion ill.

The gears 52, 52 are journaled upon the shaft 54 for rotation independently thereof, and for movement axially thereon (see also Figs. 3 and 4). The pinion 56 is carried by the shaft 54 and is situated between the gears 52, 52. The discs 58, 58 are in fixed relation -,with the pinion 56, and are situated in close proximity to the ad- .jacent faces of the gears 52, 52;

The grooved hubs 60, 60 are associated with the gears 52, 52, respectively, for causing axial movement of said gears relatively to the discs 58, 68. The springs 62, 62 are so applied to said hubs as to urge movement thereof to carry the gears 52, 52 into frictional engagement with said discs.

The gears i0 and it are fixed upon the shaft I4; said gear i0 meshing with the pinion 56, and said gears I0 and I2 meshing with the racks iii and 18, respectively. a

A spring 86 is so applied to shaft l4 as to ten to rotate same clockwise and thereby to move the racks l6 and 18 from left to right; the direction of rotation imparted to the rotor disc 32 by excitation of the stator coil 3!) being such as to rotate gears I0 and 12 counterclockwise, and thereby move the racks I6 and it from right to left.

A reciprocating plate 82 slides freely in the ways 84, 84 (best shown in Fig. 1); the racks l6 and I8 being fixed upon the under surface of said plate. The ways 84, 84 are so positioned and the racks I6 and I8 are of such length that said racks will be maintained in mesh with the gears I0 and 12 throughout intended movement of said plate 62.

Said plate 82 presents a discontinuous surface having a length extending from one to the other of the ways 84, 84, and a width which terminates abruptly at the edge 86 and extends substantially parallel with its path of movement a distance preferably approximating or somewhat exceeding its intended range of movement.

Circuit controlling mechanism C comprises pairs of contacts for a desired number of current paths, each of which contacts is functionally associated with the plate 82. As an example of such controlling mechanism, the contacts I02, I04 are shown in Fig. 2, which contacts are biased by gravity toward circuit closing and circuit opening positions, respectively; which gravity bias should preferably be supplemented, as by the spring I06 shown in association with contact I04. I

As shown, each contact is journaled upon a bar or shaft I08 and carries a downwardly projecting actuating strap IIO upon which is mounted an insulating block II2. This block, in turn, has secured thereto a contact of the desired/form, such as I02 or I04.

In actuating relationship with each contact, an arm II4 extends in the path of the strap IIO. Each of said arms is arranged for attachment of one end thereof to a hinge-like support and extends from such end substantially parallel with the path of the movement of said plate 82. A projection I I6 is carried by each arm for support by engaging the upper surface of the plate 82; such projections being suitably spaced intermediate the ends of said arms and at a distance from the free ends thereof somewhat in excess of lengthwise movement which may be imparted to said arms as and for a purpose which will be hereinafter more fully explained.

Setting means S ,isprovided for establishing timed relationship between functional actuation of the contacts C and movement of the plate 82; a separate and independently adjustable setting device being provided for respective ones of said contacts.

'In the interests of clearness of disclosure of other features, Fig. 2' shows only parts of that setting device which is associated with contact I 04. It will be there seen that the right-hand end of the arm I I4 is hinged in a slot at the lower end of the post I I8, such post carrying'a threaded extension (not shown) which projects through a slot I20 in the index plate I22. Post II6 may be clamped, in various set positions, bymeans arr/aces of the thumb nut I24 and the friction block I26.

As best shown in Fig. 1, each block. I26 carries a reference marl; associated with a dial strip I28 marked with divisions representative of the time required for the indicated movement of the plate 62 by the motor M.

The plate I22 is disposed substantially parallel to the path of movement of the plate 82 and the slots I20 are so formed in said plate I22 that movement of any post II8 along its associated slot will effect corresponding lengthwise movement of the associated arm H4.

The upper or contact actuating surface I32 of each arm H4 is so formed that movement of any of said arms lengthwise thereof, as by sliding its post H6 along its slot I20, will not affect the positioning of its associated contact so long as the elevation of the free end of the arm remains unchanged.

A shaft I34 extends across and below the paths of the arms II4 between their projections H6 and the free ends of said arms. Said shaft I34 carries raised portions I36 for cooperation with the under surfaces I38 of the arms II4. As indicated in Fig. 2, such raised portions may be associated with the shaft I34 by fixing thereon sleeve members I40 which are cut away in the path of associated arm H4, H4, for a portion of their circumference, as at I42.

Thus, when the shaft I34 is in one position, the associated arm I I4 will be permitted to swing on its hinge mounting in the post II8 so as to bring its projection II6 into the path of (and therefore into what may be termed obstructing relationship with) the plate 82; permitting movement of its associated contactto its nonactuated position, Correspondingly, when said shaft I 34 is rotated so as to bring raised portion I36 into engagement with the associated arm I I4,

. such arm will be lifted, thereby carrying the projection II6 above the path and into what may be termed non-obstructing relationship with the plate 82; causing the associated contact to move, to its actuated position against its bias resultant from gravity and/or the spring I06.

The under surface I38, of each of the arms H4 is substantially parallel with its contact actuating surface I32, so that, during support of any of the arms II4, either by the shaft I34 or by a raised portion I36 carried thereby, lengthwise movement of said arm due to shifting of its associated post II8 along its slot I 20 will not cause functionally significant movement of its associated contact.

A guide plate I44 is mounted adjacent to the shaft I34 and has a series -of slots I46, I46, etc.,

formed therein for guiding the arms H4 and maintaining same in alignment with the cuts 2 thereto for swinging said arm in the opposite .di-

rection.

The gears I10, I12 are fixed upon theshafts I66 and I34, respectively, for transmitting to said shaft I34 such movements as may be imparted to said shaft I66 bythe link I 60 and bythe spring I68.

, to excitation of the coil I56; Said arm is fixed upon the shaft I66 and has the spring I68 applied Anend cam I'll lsiixedupon the shaft Ill and has axially effective cam faces I'll, I'll at respective ends thereof, as best shown in Figs; 2, 3 and 4.

Clutch bars 1.,1'" may-be carried by ton ue and grooved supports Ill as indicated in Fig. 2, or by trunnion supports Ill as indicated in Figs. 3 and l. a

Each of said bars has, atone end thereof, an upwardly extending slotted arm Ill, situated within the groove of a respective one of the hubs ll, ll and having, at the other end thereof, an upstanding arm Ill, the free end ofwhich is bent over for functional engagement with a respective one of the cam faces I'll of the cam I'll.

From the foregoing it will be evident that when the shaft Ill is moved to a certain position (as, for example, the position which it assumes during effective energization of the coil I56) the bars I'll will be so moved by the projecting portions of the cam faces I'll, I'll that the gears 52, ilwill be moved out of frictionally driving engagement with the discs ll, ll.

correspondingly, when said shaft Ill is moved to another position (as, for example, the position 2' to which it is moved by-the spring Ill during deenergization of the coil Ill), the projecting portions of the cam faces I'll, I'll will be withdrawn from the paths of the bent over ends of the arms Ill, thus permitting the springs l2, l2, acting through the hubs ll, ll, to move the gears l2, 82 into frictionally driving engagement with the discs ll, ll. 7

For certain classes of service, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, the cam I'll should be so positioned on the shaft Ill as to disengage the gears 52, 52 from the discs ll, ll during deenergization of the coil Ill, while permitting termination of such disengagement during energization of said coil.

In any event, the gears I'll, I'll should so connect the shafts Ill, Ill, and/or the cam I'll should be so ilxed on shaft Ill relative to said gears, that whenever the cam Ill is positioned for causing disengagement of the clutch gears 52, 52 the raised portions Ill will be positioned by the shaft Ill to cause the arms I to withdraw their projections I ll from the path of. the plate l2.

Contacts, similar to the contacts Ill, Ill, may be mounted upon any pair of the insulating blocks III in relationship for accomplishing any one of several functional cycles. For example, such contacts may be so assembled that, when their associated arms I, Ill are supported either by the shaft Ill (see Figs. 5 and 12) or by the plate 82 (see mg. 8), they will be separated.

With such an assembly. ,a normal setting of the arms Ill, IIl associated with said contacts would be such that, during the movement of the plate l! by the motor M, said plate will be withdrawn from support of the projection Ill associated with the closing biased contact ll! before it is withdrawn from the path of the projection Ill associated with the opening biased contact Ill. With this setting, said contacts will be closed only during the time occupied by the movemerit of the plate I! from the podtion where it is withdrawn from the first named projection Hi to the position where it is withdrawn from the last named projection Ill (see Fig. 'l) Should it be desired to prevent closure of a pair contacts, incidental to functional cycle of the mechanism, while leaving other pairs of tacts "nditioned for eifective opening and adjustment of-the arms m, m aswithdrawn from the path of the projection I ll associated with the closing biased contact Ill.

with this setting, the contacts will remain open, as indicated in Fig. 8, throughout the movement of the plate II from the pointwhere it is withdrawn-from the path of the projection III associated with the opening biased contact Ill to the point where it is withdrawn from the path of the projection Ill associated with the closing biased contact Ill. In other words, such contacts would not close at anytime during the cycle.

Instead of employing a contact assembly as just described, similar contacts may be so assembled that, when their associated arms ill, I are supported either by the shaft Ill (see Figs. 5* and 12') or by the plate l2 (see Fig. 6), such contacts will be closed.

With such an assembly, a normal setting adjustment of said arms ill, I is as indicated in Fig. 8, wherein said contacts will be opened only'during the time occupied by the movement of the plate 82 from the position where it is withdrawn from the path .of the projection Ill associated withthe opening biased contact Ill to the position where itis withdrawn from the path of the projection Ill associated with the closing biased contact I02.

Contacts so arranged may be correspondingly caused to remain closed throughout the operative cycle by reversing the relationship of the projections Ill, Ill, so that, as indicated in Fig. '7, the projection Ill associated with the closing biased'contact II! -will have the support of the plate 82 withdrawn therefrom at all times when the support of said plate is withdrawn from the projection Ill associated with the opening biased contact Ill.

If it is desired that any pair of contacts shall be actuated by the plate 8! whenever 'said plate assumes its' reset position, a piece such as the finger Ill, shown in Fig. 13, may be applied to a desired one of the insulating blocks H2. Said linger Ill is shown so applied to the block II2 Operation of, mechanism of Fig. 2

In Fig. 2, the various parts are shown as positioned pursuant to a certain setting of the means 8, the plate 82 being shown somewhat removed from its "reset positionand the coil Ill assumed to be deenergized.

As a result of the deenergization of coil Ill, the cam 'I'll is so positioned as to permit the springs l2, H to act through the hubs ll, ll to move the gears 52, 52 into engagement with the discs ll, 58; and the shaft Ill is so positioned that its raised portions I36 are withdrawn from the path 'of their respectively associated arms IIl. Inasmuch as the plate 82 is positioned'as indicated, its support is 'withdrawn from the arm I associated with the closing biased contact Ill, while said plate continues to support the arm Ill associated with the opening biased contactv I04. The current path between contacts I02 and B04 .is therefore closed.

If, now, the stator coil 30 of motor M is energized, said motor will act through the train of gearing to move the edge 86 of said plate 82 away from the projection II8 of the arm H4 associated with the closing biased contact I02 and toward the corresponding projection associated with the opening biased contact I04.

When, in the course of such movement, said edge 86 is withdrawn from the path of said second named projection Ii 6, the contact I04 will be moved by gravity (supplemented by its spring I06) away from the contact I02; further downward movement of contact I02 being restrained by, the co-engaging arm II4 which then rests upon the shaft I34.

Thereafter, energization of coil I56 will cause such rotation of the shafts I66 and I34, as herelnbefore more fully explained, as will cause the arms II4 to be lifted by the raised portions I36 moving with the shaft I34, and will cause the gears 52, 52 to be moved away fromthe discs 58, 58 through the engagement of the projecting portions of the cam faces I16, 116 of the cam I14 with the bars I18, I18. As a result; the spring 80 will rotate the shaft '14 and thereby cause the gears 10, 12, acting through the racks 16, 18 to move the plate 82 to its reset position, thus bringing the surface of said plate under the projections H6, H6 of the arms H4, II4.

At the time of the commencement of such rotation of the shaft I34, both of said arms H4, II 4 were supported by said shaft, and the contacts I02, I04 were in open circuit relationship; hence, the simultaneous lifting of said conta'bts responsive to the rotation of said shaft will maintain them in disengaged relationship.

Upon deenergization of the coil I56, the raised portions I36, I36 moving with the shaft I34 will be withdrawn from the arms I I4, I I4 and said arms will move a short distance toward the-surface of the plate 82, whereupon the projections H6, H6 will rest upon said plate, thereby maintaining the contacts I02, I04 in open circuit relationship..-

Such deenergization of the coil I56 will also result in the rotation of cam I14 by the spring I68 so as to withdraw the projecting portions .of the cam faces I16, I16 from the bars I18,

I18. Such withdrawal permits said bars to rock with. the axial movement of the hubs 60, 60 resulting from the urge of the springs 62, 62, and the gears 52, 52 are thus carried into en; gagement with the discs 58, 58. Thereafter the motor M will move the plate 82 away from its reset position at such speed as is established by the running of said motor, acting through the train of gearing hereinbefore described.

During the ensuing movement-of said plate 82 from its resetposition, the edge 86 of said plate 'will be withdrawn from the projection II6 associated with the closing biased contact I02, whereupon said contact will move to closed relationship with contact I04. Such relationship-will thereafter continueuntil said edge86 is withdrawn from the path of the projection II6 associated withthe opening biased contact I04, as

-hereinbefore just described.

From the foregoing'it will be evident that the time of establishment of closed circuit conditioning between the contacts I02 and I04 may be established with relation to the movement of said plate 82 by moving the setting means post lllassociated with contact I02 (see Fig. 1) to such position that the index line marked upon its friction block I26 registers with the desired time symbol on its associated dial strip I28.

Correspondingly, the time of open circuit conditioning of said contacts, with relation to the movement of said plate 82, may be established by the setting of the friction block I26 associated withthe opening biased contact I04.

In conditioning a timing switch such as that shown for a large proportion of the uses to which it is suited, it will be understood that the energization of the coil I56 may be controlled by one or more pairs of the circuit controller contacts to the end that, when the plate 82 has been moved arequired distance, the energization of the the coil I56 as would permit the plate 82 to move to its reset position.

Furthermore, for meeting various service conditions, the relative positionings of the slotted arm I 64, the cam I 14, and the raised portions I36 moving with the shaft I34 may be so varied that the gear train clutch will be opened and the arms II #3, H4 will be raised either responsive to energization or to deenergization of the coil I56, as

may be desired.

Electrical, connections and operation For convenience in representation, Figs. 14 and 15 diagrammatically represent illustrative examples of connections which may be established between various parts of the relay mechanism shown in Figs. 1 to 13, inclusive. In these views, a series of cams are used to indicate the relationship exemplified by plate 82 and arms II4, with their fingers II6. These cams are shown as cooperating wiih associated contacts for effecting positionings thereof. In these figures, the bar actuated by spring I68 represents shaft I34, and the projections on the bar represent the projections I36 on sleeves I40. The spring 80 represents spring 80 of Fig. 2. Since the coacting relationships of the various parts have been previously described, the following explanation will, for purposes of clarity in understanding, refer only to the functioning of the chief elements.

to switch 208 and from switch 208 through conductor 2" to the other side, 202, of the power source. The motor M (coil 30) is directly connected to one side, 202, of the power source, and to the other side, 200, of the power source through conductor 2I2, contact b, and switch. 204.

Contact b represents one pair of contacts I82.

I88 and is for energizing the timer motor during the timing cycle. It is arranged to be positioned as illustrated in Figs. 5, 7, and 12. The adjusting means S for the arm Ill for the closing biased contact member is set so its reference mark on block I28 is at the O calibration on the dial strip I28. This will cause the contact b to close, as in Fig. 7, when the raised portions I36 are withdrawn from their actuating relation with surfaces I38, even though the plate 82 is in its home or reset position, since the ways 88 are arranged to stop plate 82 in its reset position so that its edge 86 is slightly removed from the projection II6 when the adjusting means associated with the arm I I4 is set at zero. The arm I I4 may thus assume its unobstructed relationship and contact member I82 may assume its biased position. The adjusting means S, associated with arm Ill for the opening biased contact member, is set so its reference mark on block I26 is at the calibration on the dial strip I28 corresponding to the maximum duration of the timing cycle desired. It will be assumed for this explanation that contact d is arranged as shown at C in Fig. 2 and as illustrated in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 13. It is evident that this contact or any of the other contacts for controlling an external circuit maybe arranged to operate in any one of the several ways described heretofore.

The normal condition of the timer is in its timed out" position with the plate 82 driven backward against the bias of spring 88 and with contact 11 open, deenergizing the motor. The static friction of the gears andshafts is large enough to maintain the plate in this position even though the motor is not energized.

I I6 on arms I I4 to assume their non-obstructing position in respect to the platg 82, also causing the release of the frictional drivingengagement between the gears 52 and the discs 58 and also causing contact b to assume the open circuit relationship, illustrated in Fig. 12. The plate 82 is then restored to its reset position by spring 88.

The opening of switch 288, deenergizing coil I58, initiates the timing cycle. The faces of gears 52 and discs 58 are thus restored to-fric tional driving engagement. 'I'he raised portions I86 are now removed from the surface I38 of 'arms I, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Contact b closes, 'as illustrated in Fig. '7, because of its setting which has been hereinbefore described. The motor coil 38, being energized through the' closed contact b, drives the plate 82 away from its reset position against the bias of the spring".

During the ensuing movement of said plate 82, the edge 86 of said plate will be withdrawn from beneath the projection II6 associated with the closing biased contact I82 of d, whereupon said contact will move to closed relationship with contact I88. Such relationship will thereafter con tinue until said edge 86 is withdrawn from the path'of the projection II6 associated with the opening biased contact I88.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the time of establishment of closed circuit conditioning between contacts I82 and-I84 may be established with relation to the movement of said plate 82 by moving the setting means post II8 associated with contact I82 to such position that the index line marked upon its friction block L26 reg- I isters with the desired time symbol on its associated dial strip I28. correspondingly, the time of open circuit conditioning of said contacts, with relation to the movement of said plate 82, may be established by the setting of the friction block I26 associated with the opening biased-contact I88.

Further movement of the plate 82 withdraws the edge 86 from the path of the projection II8 on the opening biased contact member of b and permits it to assume its biased position. The motor stops through the opening of the b switch. The timer is now in its normal or timed out condition and another cycle of operation may be repeated by again closing and opening switch 288.

If it is desired to reset the timer during the timing period and thus extend the timing interval, switch 288 may be closed momentarily and plate 82 will instantly return to its reset position.

Fig. 15 illustrates diagrammatically the positioning of the parts so that the timing interval occurs while the coil I56 is energized. Spring I68 is positioned to lift the contact members to their non-obstructing relation with the plate 82 as well as releasing the frictional driving engagement between gears 52 and discs 58 when the coil I56 is deenergized. A momentary closure of the switch 288 starts the timing cycle by energizing the coil I56 which remains energized by a holding circuit through .contact b. When contact b opens at the end of the cycle, the coil I56 becomes deenergized and the timer immediately resets. Power failure or a. momentary opening of a control circuit (illustrated' by switch 2) during the time cycle will cause the timers to reset before the cycle is completed.

In the foregoing, I have described the functioning of one type of contact assembly associated with the relay mechanism in two different operating arrangements. It will be understood that various other functionings may be produced by other settings of the adjustment means S or by using other contact assemblies with any one of those described or other arrangements of the relay mechanism, but a detailed description thereof has been cancelled upon request by the Examiner. The various contact assemblies are illustrated in Figs. 5 to 13, inclusive, intheir various position relationships.

It will of course be understood that the specific description of structure and operation set forth 'above may be departed from without departing from the spirit of this invention as set forth in this specification and the appended claims.

Having now described my invention, I claim: 1. In a timing switch,pairs of circuit controlling contacts for a plurality of current paths,

oneof the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a reciprocating plate having an abruptly terminating surface extending substantially parallel .with its path of movement; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, in operable relationship' with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated coxvtact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formedand having such a path of movement with relation to said arms that it will, when its surface is positioned in certain relationships with said arms, cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in said actuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between such arm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate in one direction, said train operatively connected to said plate through a rack and pinion and including a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate and a portion of said train independently of the remainder of said train; spring means urging movement of said train portion to cause movement of said plate in the opposite direction;

and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

2. In a timing switch-pairs of circuit controlling contacts for a plurality of current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a reciprocating, plate having a surface extending substantially parallel with its path of movement; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed and having such a path of movement with relation to said arms that it will, when its surface is positioned in certain relationships with said arms, cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in said actuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between such arm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; a motor driven'gear train for moving said plate in one direction, said train operatively connected to said plate and including a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate and a portion of said train independently of the remainder of said train; spring means urging movement of said train portion to cause movement of said plate in the opposite direction; and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

3. In a timing switch,pairs of circuit controlling contacts for aplurality of current paths,

one of the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a reciprocating )plate biased for movement in one direction; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable. relationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate responsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to nonobstructing relationship with said plate, causing its associated contact'to assume an actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed and having such a path of movement with relation to said arms that positioning of said plate in certain relationships with said arms will cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in said actuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between such arm and said plate whereby actuatedpositioning of the associated contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against its said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate independent of said train; and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

4. In a timing switch,-pairs of circuit controlling contacts for a plurality of current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a reciprocating plate biased for movement in one direction; electromagnetic controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, each of said arms so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate responsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said plate, causing its associated contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed and having such a path of movement with relation to said armsithat positioning of said plate in certain relationships with said arms will cause them to retain their respectively associated contacts in said actuated position, each arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between such arm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of the associated contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against its said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movementv of said plate responsive to its said bias; and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

5. In a timing switch,a circuit controlling contact biased for movement toward a predetermined position; a. reciprocating plate biased for movement in one direction; controlling mechanism; an arm associated in actuating relationship with said contact, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, said arm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate responsive said arm will cause said arm to retain said contact in said actuated position, said arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between said arm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of said contact will, be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against its said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate responsive to its said bias; and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

6. In a timing switch,a circuit controlling contact biased for movement toward a predetermined position; a reciprocating plate biased for movement in one direction; controlling mechanism; an arm associated in/actuating relationship with said contact, in operable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said plate, said arm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said plate responsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of said contact and may be moved by said. controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said plate, causing said contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said plate being so formed and having such, a path of movement with relation to said arm that positioning of said plate in a. certain relationship with said arm will cause said arm to retain said contact in said actuated position, said arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between said arm and said plate whereby actuated positioning of said contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said plate; and a motor driven gear train for moving said plate against its said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said plate responsive to its said bias.

7. In a timing switch,pairs of circuit controlling contacts for a pluralityof current paths, one of the contacts of each pair biased for movement toward circuit closing position and the other contact of each pair biased for movement toward circuit opening position; a movable part biased for motion in one direction in a path parallel with a discontinuous surface thereof; controlling mechanism; arms associated in actuating relationship with the respective ones of said contacts, inoperable relationship with said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said part, each of said arms so formed and sup- 1 ported that it may assume obstructing relationship with bias urged movement of said part while permitting bias urged positioning of its associated contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said part, causing its associated contact to.assume an actuated position against its clutch releasable to permit movement of said part responsive to its said bias.

8. In a timing switch,a-circuit controlling contact biased for movement toward a predetermined position; a movable part biased for motion in one direction in a path parallel with a dis:- continuous surface thereof; controlling mechanism; an arm associated in actuating relationshipwith said contact, in operable relationship with said mechanism-and in retainable relationship with said part, said arm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said part responsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of said contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relationship with said part, causing said contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said 4 part being so formed and having such a path of movement with relation to said arm that positioning of said part in a certain relationship with said arm will cause said arm to retain said contact in said actuated position, said arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between said am and said part whereby actuated positioning of said contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said part; a motor driven gear train for moving said part against its said bias and involving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said part responsive to its said bias; and means responsive to said controlling mechanism for releasing said clutch.

9. In a timing switch,-- a circuit controlling contact biased for movement toward a predetermined position; a movable part biased for motion in one direction in a path parallel with a discontinuous surface thereof; controlling mechanism; an arm associated in actuating relationwith said mechanism and in retainable relationship with said part, said arm so formed and supported that it may assume obstructing relationship with movement of said part responsive to its bias while permitting bias urged positioning of said contact and may be moved by said controlling mechanism to non-obstructing relation-v ship with said part, causing said contact to assume an actuated position against its bias, said part being so formed and having such a path of movement with relation to said arm that positioning of said part in a certain relationship with said arm will cause said arm to retain saidcontact in said actuated position, said arm having setting means associated therewith for establishing various relationships between said arm and said part whereby actuated positioning of said contact will be maintained throughout correspondingly diverse portions of the movement of said part; and a motor driven gear train for moving said part against its said bias and in volving a clutch releasable to permit movement of said part responsive to its said bias.

10. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for a plurality of current paths, each controller having independently operable circuit opening and closing members, a motor, actuating means for said members comprising an actuator biased for movement in one direction, means associated with said motor for moving said actuator in the opposite direction to effect operaship with said contact, in operable relationship tion oi" said members in a predetermined sequence duringthe movement of said actuator by the motor, an electromagnet, mechanism controlled by said magnet for simultaneously rendering all of said parts unresponsive to said actuator, and further means responsive to said electromagnetically controlled mechanism for disassociating said motor from said actuator moving means whereby to permit biased movement of said actuator. i

11. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for a plurality of current paths, each controller having independently operable circuit opening and closing members, a member having actuating relationship with said controller and biased for movement in one direction, motor driven means for moving said actuating member in the opposite direction, said driven means involving clutch mechanism for freeing said actuating member from the driving efiect of said motor to permit movement thereof responsive to its said bias, and setting devices for diversely establishing times of actuation for respective controllers measured by movement of said actuating member responsive to said motor driven means.

12. In a timing switch-the combination of circuit controllers for a plurality of current paths, each controller having independently operable circuit opening and closing members, actuating means for said members comprising a motor driven actuator, parts for rendering respective ones of said members responsive to said actuator, setting devices for establishing diverse operable relationships of respective ones of said parts with said actuator, and an electromagnetically controlled mechanism for simultaneously holding all of said parts out of line with the actuator on the return movement thereof.

13. A timing switch comprising a plurality of independently operable circuit controller members, in combination with actuating means for said members including a motor operated actuator, and setting devices for independently governing the timing and relative order of actuations of respective ones of said members, each of said devices including a part for rendering its associated member responsive-to operation of said actuator.

14'. In a timing switch, the combination of circuit controllers for a plurality of current paths, each controller having independently operable circuit opening and closing members, actuating means for said members comprising an actuator, means, including a motor, for eifecting movement of said ,actuator in opposite directions, parts for rendering respective ones of said members responsive to positionings of said actuator, setting devices for independently establishing diverse operable relationships of respective ones of said parts with said actuator to render said parts and their controlled members responsive to the positionings of said actuator during the motor controlled movement thereof in a presettable sequence, mechanism for simultaneously rendering all of said parts unresponsive to said actuator, and further means responsive to said mechanism for returning said actuator to the starting position of its motor controlled movement independently of said motor.

15. In a timing switch, the combination of, circuit controllers for a plurality of current paths, actuating means for said circuit controllers comprising an actuator, means, including timecontrolled mechanism, for effecting movement of said actuator in one direction at a uniform rate of speed, parts for rendering respective ones of said circuit controllers responsive to positionings of said actuator during the time controlled move v ment, a plurality of operable means each for operation after the lapse of a diversely preestablished period of time, means governable by movement of said movable member for controlling the instant of operation of respective ones of said operable means, said governable means being adjustable to control the operation of said operable means in a presettable sequence during the time controlled movement of said movable member.

17. A circuit timer comprising an electrically operated timing device for actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operative engagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a plurality of switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of said timing device and one or more switches for controlling external circuits, means for actuating said switches including a member movable from a normal position upon driving of said driven member by said driving member, means for returning said movable member to normal position upon operative disengagement of said driving and driven members, and means for moving and holding said switches in a position non-responsive to actuation by said actuating means and for operatively disengaging said driving and driven members, said actuating means effecting opening of said interrupting switch following timed actuation of said circuit switches.

18. A circuit timer comprising an electrically I operated timing device for actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operative engagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a plurality of switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of said timing device and one or more switches for controlling external circuits, means for actuating said switches including a member movable from a normal position-upon driving of said driven member by said driving member, means for returning said movable member to normal position upon operative disengagement of said driving and driven members, and means for controlling said driving and driven members and said switches, movable to either of two positions, in one of which said driving anddriven members are in operative engagement and said switches are in position responsive to saidactuating means and in the other of which said driving and driven members are in operative disengagement and said switches are held inposition non-responsive to actuation by said actuating means, said actuating means effecting opening of said interrupting switch following timed actuation of said circuit switches. I

19. A circuit timer comprising an electrically operated timing device for actuating a driving member, a driven member arranged for operative engagement with and disengagement from said driving member, a plurality of switches including a switch for interrupting the circuit of said timmeans to hold said elements members and 6, tioning of said pairs controlling means to raiity of cooperating pairs ing device and one or more switches for control ling external circuits, means for actuating said switches movable from a normal position upon driving or said driven member by said driving member, spring means for returning said actuating means to normal position upon operative disengagement of said driving and driven members, means for controlling said driving and driven said switches, movable to either of two positions, in one of which said driving and driven-members are in operative engagement and said switches are in position responsive to said actuating means and in the other of which said driving and drivenmembers are in operative disengagement and said switches are held in position non-responsive to actuation by said actuating means, said actuating means electing opening of said interrupting switch following timed actuation of said circuit switches, and electromagnetic means for actuatin said controlling means, said interrupting switch and said timing device being in series with each other and in parallel with said electromagnetic means. '20. A switching mechanism comprising a plurality oi cooperating pairs of switch elements, controlling means to control the circuit conditloning of said pairs 0! elements and upon actuation of said controlling means to change the circuit conditioning of at least one of said pairs, holding means to hold said elements ina position non-responsive to said controlling means and to control the circuit conditioning of said pairs while in such position, "a driving means, and common means to initiate controlled actuation of said driving means and to render said holding means inelective for holding.

, 21. A switching mechanism comprising a plupairs of switch elements, control the circuit condirality oi cooperating controlling means to change the circuit condisaid pairs, holding in a position nonresponsive to said controlling means and to control the circuit conditioning of said pairs while in such position, anelectric motor, and common means, electromagnetically operated in at least one direction to initiate motor controlled actuation oi said controlling means and to render said holding means'inelective for holding.

22. A switching mechanism comprising a pluof switch elements, controlling means to con 1 the circuit conditioning of said pairs and upon actuation oi said controlling means to tioning of at least one of said pairs, said controlling means including adiustable means to vary the time from initiation of actuation thereof untionin'g 01 at least one oi til the actuation elects such change of circuit conditioning, holding means to hold said elements in a position non-responsive to said controlling means and to control the circuit conditioning or saidpairs while in such position, an electric motor, and common means, electromagneticallyoperatedinonedirectionandspringoperated in the opposite direction, to initiate motor controlled movement oi said controlling means and upon actuating of said change the circuit condiand to render said holding means inelective for holding.

23. A time-controlled switching mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating pairs of switch elements, controlling means to control the circuit conditioning of said pairs and, upon actuation of said controlling means, to change the circuit'conditioning of at least one of said pairs, holding means to hold said elements in a position non-responsive to said controlling means and to control the circuit conditioning of said pairs while in such position, a motor, and common means to initiate motor controlled actuation of said controlling-means and to render said holding means inelective for holding, said controlling means including relatively movable portions, one portion being adjustable to vary the time from initiation of actuation of said controlling means until the actuhtion elects the change 01' circuit conditioning and the other portion being driven by said motor and cooperating with the adjustable portion in determining the time of change of said circuit conditioning, said driven portion including spring means ior return of the driven portion to an initial position from which it is driven by said motor.

24. A switching mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating pairs of switch elements,- controlling means to control the conditioning of said pairs and upon actuation of said controlling means to change the circuit conditioning of said pairs, holding means to hold said elements in a position non-responsive to said controlling means and to control the conditioning of said pairs while in such position, a motor,'common means to initiate motor controlled actuationoi said controlling means and to render said holding means inelective for holding, said common means including a solenoid which upon energization renders said common means elective to produce such results, and a circuit including said solenoid and at least one of said pairs of switch elements for energizing said solenoid until change in the circult conditioning of said one of said pairs elected by said controlling means.

25. A time-controlled switching mechanism comprising a plurality of cooperating pairs of switch elements, controlling-means to control the circuit conditioning oi said pairs, and, upon actuation of said controlling means, to change the circuit conditioning of at least one of said pairs,

holding means to hold said elements in a pomtion non-responsive to said controlling means and to control the conditioning of said pairs while in such position, a motor, common means to initiate motor controlled actuation of said controlling means and to render said holding means ineriective tor holding, said actuation, alter lapse of a predetermined time, electing motion or said controlling means whereby said change of circuit conditioning is elected, said common means including a solenoid and opposing spring means, and a circuit including said solenoid and at least one or said pairs of switch elements for maintaining constant circuit conditioning in said solenoid until said circuit is interrupted.

CARL LUDWIG ANDERSON.

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