US2199335A - Time element relay - Google Patents

Description

April 30; 1940. o. s. FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY- -l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed on. 14, 1938 lNVENTO m I MM M H M A HAM J '0. S. FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 FM on. 14, 1938 ATToRNlEY Q. S. FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY April 30, 1940.

10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 14, 1958 ATTORNEY April .30, 1940* o. s. FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN April 30, 1940. o. s. FIELD 2.199.335

TIME ELEMENT RELAY I Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVEN FIG. 8.

AP 1940- o. s. FIELD 2.199.335

nus ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 9.

13 INVENTO l 1940- o. s. FIELD;

TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10' Sheets-Sheet 7 INVE ATTORNE.Y

April 30, 1940. o, 151514; 2.1 99335 TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 .10 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. 11.

INVEN4TOR 0 5, 914%,

April 30, 1940. Q, 5, HELD 7 2,199,335

' mm ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 INVENTO BY 45% MM% ATTORNEY 1Q Sheets-Sheet 10 Patented Apr. 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE eral Railway Signal Company,

Rochester,

Application October 14, 1938, Serial No. 234,930

34 Claims.

This invention relates ingeneral to relays, and has more particular reference to relays of the time element type, which are capable of general use, but are particularly adapted for use in connection with railway signalling systems, andthe like.

The present application is a continuation, in part, of my pending application Ser. No. 85,537, filed June 16, 1936, for Time element relays.

In general, it is proposed, in accordance with the present invention, to provide a time element relay which responds to the energization of its controlling circuit to energize a timed circuit only after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, there being means for readily and accurately adjusting the predetermined time period to be measured.

More specifically, it is proposed to provide a magnetic relay structure of the tractive armature type which is operable, upon energization of one controlling circuit, to move an armature in one direction from a normal biased intermediate position, whereby to start the operation of a rotary contact operating means, or timing 2 gear, by means of a constant speed electric motor, whereby to start measuring of a time interval. After this operation has occurred, a second Winding on the magnetic structure is energized to operate the armature in a different direction. The last operation of the armature operates contacts controlling the external time delay or timed circuits, and also deenergizes the electric motor. The timing gear then returns to its normal position preparatory for a subsequent operation, but the relay armature is held in its last operated position as long as the relay controlling circuit is closed,

In one form of the invention, it is proposed to provide a checking means for preventing an unduly short time of operation from resulting in the above relay, in the event the rotary operating means or timing gear does not return to its starting position. More specifically, it is proposed to prevent the operation of the timing gear by the electric motor unless the gear has fully returned to its initial or starting position, and thus insure that whenever the timed circuit is closed, an accurately predetermined time has first elapsed after the energization of the relay controlling circuit.

It is also proposed, in another form of the invention, to insure that the timed circuit shall not be closed unless a proper time interval has elapsed after energization of the relay, by providing means whereby the timed circuit is held open until not only the motor is deenergized, but until the timing gear has returned to substantially its initial or starting position.

Other objects, purposes and characteristic features of the present invention will appear as the description progresses, reference being made to the accompanying drawings showingthe inven-. tion by way of example, and in-no manner whatsoever in a limiting sense. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view, showing in a simplified and diagrammatic manner, a time element device embodying one form of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevational view of Fig. 1, with circuit connections shown, to illustrate one method of operating this form of the invention.

Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views illustrating a second, and somewhat different form, of the present invention, respectively, in four different operative positions.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic view of a third form of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a partly structural, and partly diagrammatic view, with parts separated for clarity, of the above referred to second form of the invention,

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevational View of an actual commercial device embodying the above referred to second form of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on line ill-40 of Fig. 9, and viewed in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 11 is a sectional view on line ll-H of Fig. 9, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on line l2 l2 of Fig. 9, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view on line l3l3 of Fig. 9, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 14 is a sectional fragmentary view on line [IL-I4 of Fig. 12, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 15 is a sectional fragmentary view on line it's-l5 of Fig. 11, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig, 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of a commercial time element structure, in accordance with the third form of invention.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view on line ITI1 of Fig. 16, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view on line l8-l8 of Fig. 16, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view, on line l9|9 of Fig. 18, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

The time element device, in accordance with the first form of the invention, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by Figs. 1 and 2, and includes a tractive type electro-magnetic structure which has been shown in a much simplified and diagrammatic manner, as comprising two spaced electro-magnetic cores 5 and 6, joined at their upper ends by magnetic straps I and terminating in enlarged pole pieces 8 and 9. The cores 5 and 6 carry main windings l2 and I4 respectively, and an armature Ii) is pivotally carried beneath these pole pieces 8 and 9 by pivot pins I I to operate into a position completing the magnetic circuit between the lower ends of cores 5 and 6. This magnetic structure may be supported by an insulating top plate, and the other mechanical details may be arranged in accordance with the usual practice in railway signalling apparatus. For example, the portion of the magnetic structure thus far described may be constructed as disclosed in my prior Patent, No. 1,824,129, granted September 22, 1931.

In the present magnetic structure, however, the pole pieces 8 and 9 are provided with rearward magnetic extension 8 and 9 which extensions carry downwardly extending cores 5 and I8 respectively, likewise terminating in enlarged pole pieces I6 and I8 and, respectively, carrying auxiliary windings 20 and 2|. The ends of armature 10 are provided with depending lower magnetic extensions, or arms, Ill and H1 extending downwardly in front of the pole pieces I6 and I8- respectively. With this arrangement, it will be clear that armature I0 is operable upwardly from its illustrated position to magnetically interconnect the pole pieces 8 and.9,and is also operable downwardly to magnetically interconnect the pole pieces [6 and I8 through the extensions I0 and I0 Armature [0 also carries a downwardly extend ing fork member, illustrated as two spaced arms 24, suitably attached at their upper ends to the lower face of armature [0. A timing gear wheel 25, is carried between the lower ends of arms 24. This timing gear 25 is illustrated as attached to an enlarged diameter portion of a hub 26, the hub 26 having smaller diameter end portions extending through the arms 24 to form bearings permit ting rotation of gear 25 between the arms 24. The gear wheel 25 is biased in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, by a helical spring 30, attached at its inner end to the hub 25, and at its outer end to the arm 24, by means of a pin 3|. The counter clockwise biased rotation of the timing gear 25, is limited by an insulating pin 34, suitably attached thereto near its outer edge and engaging one of the arms 24, as shown in Fig. 2, whereby to determine the normal, at rest, position, of gear 25.

Suitable contacts are also carried by armature 10, one of which has been illustrated in Fig. 2 as a finger 36, attached to armature II] by insulating spacers 31, and carrying suitable low resistance contacts at its outer end. In addition to the usual circuit controlling function, the ilustrated contact means is also employed to center or determine the normal position of the armature assembly. More specifically, the weight of the armature l0 and the timing gear assembly carried thereby, biases the contact finger 36 downwardly to engage a contact surface of a stationary horizontal spring finger 39, the spring finger 39 being carried at its rear portion by a rigid stop member 40, while the front end portion of spring 39 is bent downwardly and around the end of the stop member 40, whereby to limit the upward travel of finger 39.

The spring finger 39 is provided with a predetermined trapped upward biasing force which is suificient to balance the downward force exerted thereon by finger 36, thus determining the normal position of the armature assembly. The armature finger 35 is also operable upwardly to engage a suitable fixed contact 4|, and it is to be understood that various additional contacts may also be operated by armature In, which additional contacts may be of the usual construction.

The timing gear 25 is movable, by a downward movement of armature l0, into mesh with a pinion gear 45, driven by a suitable constant speed motor M, through reduction gearing means G, but normally gear wheel 25 is held in its illustrated position, and out of mesh with pinion gear 45. In this embodiment of the invention, motor M is operated on alternating current energy, and may be of the self-starting synchronous type, such as used in electric clock mechanism, and the like. The gear mechanism G may also be of the type used in clocks; or any suitable gear reduction arrangement operable to drive pinion gear in a counter clockwise direction at a slower speed than the speed of motor M,may be employed. The present device, however, is not limited to an alternating current motor, or a gear mechanism of this type, as any self-starting means for operating the pinion gear 45 at the desired constant speed may be used, and motor M may be of the constant speed direct current type.

A means is provided for preventing the timing gear 25 from being moved into mesh with pinion gear 45, except when 25 is in its normal illustrated position. This means comprises an arm, or detent, 50, operating about a pivot pin 5|, and normally resting in a horizontal position against a stop pin 52. The free end of detent extends into the path of movement of gear 25, when. moved toward pinion 45, but when gear 25 is in its normal illustrated position, a notch 54, therein, receives the end of detent 50 and allows gear 25 to mesh with pinion gear 45. The operation of gear 25 in a clockwise direction by pinion 45 then lifts the end of detent 50 to a position permitting continued rotation of wheel 25, inasmuch as detent 50 will then ride upon the edge of wheel 25.

The insulating pin 34 of timing gear 25 is employed to operate contacts after rotating in a clockwise direction from its illustrated position, and these contacts have been illustrated, in Fig. 2, as a flexible finger 56 normally contacting with a rigid back finger 51, and operable by pin 34 to disengage back finger 51 and engage a front finger 58. These fingers 55, 51 and 58 are shown in front of timing gear 25 with their supporting means removed. These fingers 56, 51 and 58, however, are actually carried by projections 59 on an insulating drum or dial 60, as shown in Fig. l, and the dial 60 is provided with a hub 60 extending through a stationary member 62,whereby dial 60 can be rotated substantiallyconcentrically with gear 25.

A manually operable means for rotating dial 60 from the top of the present relay, is provided by a vertical shaft 65, operable from its upper end, by a knob 63, and provided with a gear 68 at its lower end, meshing with gear teeth formed around the side of dial 60. In this manner, dial 60 can be conveniently rotated to move contact fingers 5B, 51 and 58 to various points around gear 25, whereby to adjust the travel required for insulating pin 34 to move contact 55 away from contact 51, and into engagement with contact 58. A jam nut 10 is provided on hub 50 of dial 60,

which can be adjusted to provide sufficient friction againstrotation of dial 60, to prevent its movement other than by shaft 65.

The operation of the present device may be explained with reference to Fig. 2, which shows one method of connecting the internal elements. Inasmuch as Fig. v2 is a sectional view 01 Fig. 1, only one half of the magnetic structure, comprising only one main winding 12 and only one auxiliary winding 2% would ordinarily be shown. but in order to show the electrical connections of the various elements in connection with Fig. 2, the other main winding 14, and the other auxiliary winding 2! has been illustrated to the left of windings I2 and 20 respectively, the actual mechanical arrangement of these parts, however, being as shown in Fig. l.

*The present time element device is illustrated as operable from an alternating current source of energy, and is controlled by a switch S, which can be a manually operable switch, or contacts on a relay, or any other device by which the present time element relay is to be controlled. When switch S is closed, motor M is energized to rotate pinion gear 45 in a counter clockwise direction, by current flowing from one terminal of an alternating current source, AC, through switch S, over wires and 16, through contacts 55-51, wire ll, through contacts 36 and 39, wire 68, through the motor M, and back to the other terminal of alternating current source AC over wires 19 and 80.

The main windings l2 and M, are likewise en.- ergized when switch S is closed, but when the relay is controlled from an alternating current source, as illustrated, the windings are energized alternately with undirectional current, through rectifier units 83 and 85 respectively. In other words, current during one half of an alternating current cycle, flows from the source AC, through switch S. over wires 15 and 81, through winding l2, wire 87., rectifierunit 83, and back to the other terminal of the source AC, over wire 84. During the other half of the alternating current cycle, current flows in the opposite direction through this circuit, and consequently is blocked by rectifier 83, but passes through the oppositely arranged rectifier 85, to now flow through wire Sit and winding l4, instead of wire 82 and winding 5'2. The windings l2 and M are arranged, as shown, so that a unidirectional flux in their common magnetic circuit is produced by this alternate energization.

The contacts 35 and 39 of the present device are adjusted to position the armature, as shown in Fig. 2, wherein the air gap separating the armature extensions Hi and 5 from the lower pole pieces H3 and I8 is considerably shorter (or has less reluctance), than the air gap sepa" rating the main portion of the armature Hi from the upper pole pieces 8 and 9. In this manner, a considerably greater portion of the total flux produced by the energization of main windings l2 and i4, flows through. this shorter air gap; that is, the greater part of flux flows, for example, downwardly through core I2, downwardly through core l6, into armature extension li through armature ii], through armature extension Hi and upwardly through cores l8 and 6. Consequently the armature extensions Hi and iii are attacteol toward pole pieces I6 and I8 by the energization of windings l2 and M, which movement of the armature causes finger 36 to overcome the trapped biasing force of finger 39 and thereby engages the timing gear 25 with the pinion gear 45.

The pinion gear 45 now rotates the timing gear 25, slowly, in a clockwise direction, until the insulated pin 34 engages contact 56. When contacts 56 and 5B are closed by pin 34, auxiliary windings 2H and 2| are connected, in multiple with windings I2 and M, respectively. In other words, the joined lower ends of windings and 2! are connected to the joined lower ends of windings l2 and I4, over wire 88, through contacts tit- 56, and over wires '16 and 8|.

I The auxiliary windings 20 and H now being connected in multiple with the main windings l2 and M, respectively, are energized with corresponding directions of current, but these auxiliary windings .29 and 2| are arranged in a manner relatively opposite to their respective multi-- ple windings l2 and 14 so that winding 20 produces a flux opposing that produced by winding iii and winding 2| produces a flux opposing that produced by winding 14. Consequently, it will be clear that the flux previously flowing through the lower cores IE5 and IE will be greatly reduced,

or may be entirely eliminated, if the magnetic" structure is properly proportioned. The armature extensions m and 10 will now no longer be attracted toward the pole pieces I6 and I8 but the flux produced by energization of the main windings l2 and M will now flow between pole pieces 8 and 9, and through the main portion of armature l6, regardless of the increased air gap, thereby resulting in an upward attraction of the armature.

Motor M was deenergized as soon as pin 34" disengaged contact 56 from contact 51, and the upward attraction of armature l0 disengages the timing gear from pinion gear and allows spring M to return gear 25 in a counter clockwise direction to its normal position. En

circuit passing from one terminal of the alternating current source AC, through switch S. wires 75 and 16, contacts 5li-5'l, wire Tl, contacts 365-455, wire 9!, through the windings of relay R, and back to the other terminal of the alternating current source over wires 92 and 8&3.

The windings 28 and 2i are, of course, deenergized, as soon as pin 34 allows contacts 56 and 58 to open, upon the attraction of the armature, but armature, Hi still remains in its upper position against pole pieces 8 and 9, due to the small air gap through which the flux produced by the energization of windings l2 and I l flows, in passing between pole pieces Sand 9. When switch S is opened, windings I2 and M are deenergized and the armature immediately returns to its normal, illustrated, position. Inasmuch the timing gear 25 has previously assumed i s normal position, the operation of the device may be repeated immediately after armature l0 thus assumes its normal position.

A time element device has thus been provided wherein the closing of its controlling circuit starts a constant speed motor, and applies energy to one winding on its magnetic structure. to opcrate an armature in one direction which starts operation of arotary contact operating means, by the constant speed motor. The contacts operated thereby, can also be positioned so that various lengths of time may be required before this rotary operating means completes a circuit energizing a second winding on the magnetic structure, which operates the armature in a different direction, thereby deenerizing the motor and operating the contacts for the external time controlled circuits.

The armature remains in its last operated position as long as energy is applied to the controlling circuit, but energy is only consumed by one of the windings of the magnetic structure, the other winding and the motor being deenergized. The rotary contact operating means also immediately returns to its normal position preparatory for a subsequent operation, but in the event some abnormal condition prevents the return of this contact operating means to exactly the proper starting position, the motor can not again function to close the contacts operated thereby, thus preventing such an abnormal condition from causing a shorter than contemplated operating time.

It will also be clear that the normally made contacts 56 and 51, which are included in the energizing circuit for motor M, as well as the external time controlled circuit, checks the proper return of the movable contact 56 to its normal position, after operation. In other words, if some abnormal condition causes contact 56 to stick in a position engaging contact 58, the external time controlled circuit to relay R cannot be closed and the motor M cannot be energized, due to the open circuit at contacts 56 and 51,, thereby preventing such an abnormal condition from allowing the external time controlled circuit to be closed immediately after closing the control switch S.

In describing this first form of the invention, attention has been directed to one specific embodiment thereof, without attempting to point out the various alternate or optional features of construction, or the different organizations or combinations that may be provided. For example, if the motor M is to be operated from a direct current source, the rectifiers 83 and 85 will, of course. be unnecessary, and the windings of the magnetic structure will be energized directly from the controlling circuit. It will also be clear that in the event the controlling means S is located at a remote point, requiring a long control circuit, the auxiliary windings 20 and 2I may be energized from a separate local source of energy. Likewise under such conditions, the motor M could be energized locally through a contact (not shown), operated by armature I0, to close the motor energizing circuit only when the armature is operated downwardly from its normal position, due to the energization of the main windings I2 and I4 only.

A second form of this invention, which differs slightly both in structure and circuit arrangement, from the form described above, is illustrated in a wholly diagrammatic manner in Figs. 3-6 inclusive. In these figures the parts are shown in various different operative positions.

Referring to Fig. 3, it can be seen that the magnetic structure is substantially identical with that described in connection with the first form. This structure involves two main cores 93 and 94, carrying main windings 95 and 96; and two auxiliary cores 91 and 98, carrying auxiliary windings 99 and I00. The upper ends of the two main cores are interconnected by back straps I00 while the lower ends of the main cores are connected to the upper ends of the auxiliary cores, by laterally extending magnetic members IOI (only one of which can properly be shown in the figure in question).

Likewise, the armature has an upper portion I02 and lower depending portions I03 (only one of which can properly be shown in this figure), for coacting with main pole shoes I04, and aux iliary pole shoes I05, by movement on its pivots I06, in the same manner as in the above described first form of invention.

Carried by the armature, by means of insulating blocks I01, are contact fingers, such as I08 and I09, coacting with front contacts H0 and III respectively, and back contacts H2 and H3 respectively.

The timing gear H4, is pivoted at I I5, to arms I I6, which are carried by the armature, whereby the timing gear can be moved by the armature to mesh its teeth III, with the pinion gear IIO, on the driving motor M which motor, in this particular case, is shown as a constant speed direct current motor, of any desired structure, but preferably of the type as disclosed in the Field application, Ser. No. 198,928, filed March 30, 1938, for Direct current motor.

The timing gear carries an insulated pin II9, which is positioned to operate movable contact fingers I20 and I2 I, to make and break with fixed fingers I22 and I23, by means of a toggle operator. The toggle operator comprises a forked member I24, pivoted at I25, to a fixed part of the relay casing, and carrying a contact operating block I26. The other end of member I24 is pivoted at I21, to a rod I28, slid-able in a fixed support I29, and carrying a biasing spring I30.

While the operation of this form of time element device is very similar to that described in connection with the first form of the invention, the structure and circuits involved are somewhat different, as appear from the above description and the following description, of the operation of the device.

Upon closing a control means, such as the switch S energy is applied to the two auxiliary windings 99 and I00, in series, through contact finger I09 and its back point, to thereby attract the depending armature parts I03, to the pole shoes I03 In this form of invention, the relationship of the air gaps between the armature in its normally biased position, as shown in Fig. 3, and the main pole pieces, and the auxiliary pole pieces, need not be as described in connection with the first form. These gaps are preferably about equal, but regardless of this, it is clear that the energization of the auxiliary windings 99 and I00 can result in the movement of the armature in one direction only, and hence no differential effect need be depended upon.

The movement of the armature, as just described, closes normally open back contact II 3, to thereby energize motor M through a circuit obvious from the drawings, and to mesh the timing gear I I4, with the motor pinion I I8. The pin II9, after a period of time determined by the position of the toggle member I24, operates to snap the toggle to its opposite, and operated, position, whereby to open contact finger I 2| and back point, and close contact finger I20 and back point.

The closure of contact finger I20 on its back point, completes a circuit through one of the main windings; in the particular case in Fig. 3, the winding 96; whereby to produce a flux, as

indicated by the arrows, in a direction to oppose the flux produced by the auxiliary windings, and to overcome this flux and cause the armature to move to position the armature part I02 against the main pole shoes I04. This results in opening the circuit through the auxiliary windings, at contact finger I68 and back point, and close a circuit through contact finger I08 and front point which includes the two main windings 95 andSIi, in series, to thereby stick the armature in its picked up position.

The. movement of the armature to its upper position, deenergizes motor M and moves the timing gear II4 out of engagement with the motor pinion I I8, whereby to permit the spring I3! to return the timing gear to the position shown from point III, whereby to complete thetimed circuit, which passes from through wire I32, contact finger H39 and front point, wire I33, contact finger I23 and front point, contact finge 12!, and wire 534, to

, It will be noted that in this second form of the invention, the initial operation of the armature not dependent upon a differential air gap between the armature and the two pairs of pole shoes. It further will bejnoted that the pick up circuit for the armature includes but one oi the main windings, whereby to include less induct ance in the circuit than would be the case if the two main windings were included in series. This permits the flux to build up more rapidly and hence permits the armature to pick up and complete its stick circuit through back point III), before the return of the timing gear can effect the opening of contact finger I29 and back point, which, of. course, opens the pick-up circuit. Also, after being picked up, the armatureis stuck up through the two main windings in'series, whereby to save energy, since with the resistance greater, the current will be less, and the energy consumption correspondingly less.

In connection with the just described pick-up and stick circuits, it is contemplated that the two main windings will be comprised of the same number of turns, of the same sized wire, whereby the pick-up and the stick circuits will include the same number of ampere turns. If desired, however, in order to obtain a more speedy pick .up, so that it can be more certainly assured that thearmature has picked up and completed its stick circuit before the timing gear has had time .to open the pick-up circuit, themain winding 96 can include the same number of turns as,.or a greater number of turns than, the main winding Q5, and be comprised of wire of a larger cross section, whereby to produce a greaternumber of pick-up ampere turns, than the stick-up ampere turns.

In one commercial application of this relay, the windings on the main cores are so arranged that the pick-up ampere turns, are approximately 50% in excess of the stick-up ampere turns. 4 v

Referring now to figures of drawing 4, 5 and 6, showing different operation positions of the time element during its operative cycle, it can be noted that 3 shows the relay in its deenergized povsition wherein the armature is biased, by means to be described below, to make up contact finger I08 with its back point and to position contact with. the timing gear out of engagement with the motor driven pinion, and with the operating pin IE9 biased by' spring I 3| to its initial position against one edge of the bracket II6.

In Fig. 4 is shown the position assumed by the parts prior to the pin having moved to a position .to operate the toggle, but after switch S has been closed, and the motor has operated the timing gear through a portion of its travel.

In 5 is shown the positions assumed just after the toggle has been operated, and contact fingers 522i and 529 have been, respectively, opened and closed, with respect to their back points, and before the armature has picked up to disengage the drive pinion from the timing gear. In 6 is shown the positions assumed by the parts after the cycle of operation has been completed, and the. timed circuit has been completed, but before the control switch S has been opened. Upon the opening of switch S the parts shown in Fig. 6 will return to the normal positions assumed upon deenergization, and as shown 'in Fig. 3.

Refer now to Fig. 7 in which is shown a third form of the invention, in a wholly diagrammatic manner. In connection with the second form of invention, shown diagrammatically in Figs. 3-6, it can be seen that the timed circuit is completed after the armature has picked up and the timing gear has returned suificiently to cause the pin lit to move the toggle back to its original position. This of course, occurs at a point of form of the invention, there is a check against the timing gear not starting to return, but there is no check requiring that it be fully returned.

In the third form of invention, as shown in Fig. '7, the return of the timing gear to its initial position, is checked, whereby, if, for anyreason whatsoever, the timing gear does not return to its original position, the timed circuit is not completed. I

* While the. schematic showing of Fig. 7 is quite different from the actual structure employed, as

will be readily apparent, as the description progresses, it is believed that a brief consideration of Fig. 7 will aid in an understanding of the manner in which this third form of invention operates to check the complete return of the timing ear.

In Fig. '7 is shown a drive motor M which is of the direct current type, and can be of a construction such as referred to above in connection with the secondform of invention. This motor drives a pinion I35, which at times engages with teeth I35, on a timing gear I31, normally positioned by a biasing spring I38, to assume an initial position against a fixed stop I39. Carried by the timing gear I31 is an arm I40, which, in the initial position, as shown, bears against a detent I4I, on a ratchet member I42, having ratchet teeth I43, and a projecting pin I44.

The ratchet member I42 carries an arm I45,

received in a slot I46, in a contact operator I41. The contact operator has connected to it, at I48 and I49, two movable contact fingers I50 and I5I, coacting with fixed contacts I52 and I53, carried by contact fingers I54 and I55, the contact finger I54 having a pressure arm I56 and a stop arm I51. Contact finger I55 has an inwardly projecting end portion I58, which first contacts, upon movement of member I41, with the side of contact finger I5I, and as the movement continues, slides along finger I5I to finally reach the end and snap thereover, whereby to produce a snap action contact between the finger I5I, and its back contact I53.

The contact fingers, and contact operator I41, are all carried on a dial I59, which has a means for adjusting its initial position, as in the case with the other forms of invention described. This adjusting means includes teeth I60, on the dial, coacting with a pinion I6I, on a stem I62, and operable by means of a head I63. The dial I59,

and the ratchet member I42, are interconnected,

so as to normally move together, but upon a movement of the ratchet wheel, in a downward direction as viewed in Fig. 7, and relative to dial I59, the contact operator I41, is moved against the spring tension of the contact fingers, to first open contact finger I50 and back point, and then later to close contact finger I5I and back point.

While the core and coil structures involved in this third form of the invention have not been shown in Fig. '1, they are the same as in the second form described, so it can be readily understood, from What has preceded, that, as in the second form of invention described, upon energizing the timing element device, the armature is pulled down, to energize motor M and mesh the teeth I36 on the timing gear with the drive pinion I35. Pinion I35 then operates to move the timing gear against the tension of spring I38, to first cause arm I40 to move out from under the detent MI, and hence to engage teeth I43. A short time before the time to be measured elapses, arm I40 engages pin I44, to thereby move ratchet member I42, and with it arm I45, to in turn move contact operator I41, in a downward direction, as viewed in Fig. '7. This movement of the contact operator first opens contact finger I50 and back point, and hence opens the timed circuit, in the same manner as with contact finger I2I, and back point, of Fig. 3.

Shortly thereafter, contact finger I5I and back point snap closed, to thereby complete a pick-up circuit, in the same manner as accomplished in Fig. 3, by contact finger I22 and back point. This results, in causing the armature to pick up, in deenergizing the motor, and in moving the timing gear out of mesh with the motor pinion to permit the spring I 38 to return the timing gear to its initial position.

In the case of this third form (Fig. '1) the return of the timing gear I31, must be practically completed before arm I40 reaches the position where it can raise detent MI, and allow the contact fingers, under the urge of their trapped tension, to return to the positions shown in Fig. '1, and, by way of arm I45, return the ratchet member I42 to its initial position, as shown, and with respect to its interconnected dial I59.

Thus, it can be appreciated, that the timed circuit is not completed, until the timing gear has returned substantially to its initial position. Furthermore, contact I53 which, when closed, completes the pick-up circuit for the armature, remains closed until the timing gear has fully returned to its initial position, and hence remains closed a longer time than in the case of the second form, described above. This permits the armature a longer period for pick up, in order to complete its stick circuit, and hence makes the device less marginal than in the second form. With such an increase in the time during which the pick-up circuit is closed, it is entirely possible that the pick-up circuit could include the two main windings in series, but in order to provide a very possibly redundant operation margin, it is contemplated that the circuit arrangement in connection with this third form of invention, will be the same as that described in connection with the second form of invention.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is here shown in a somewhat diagrammatic, but also in a somewhat structural form, an embodiment of the second form of invention. The circuit arrangement is exactly the same as described above in connection with Fig. 3. In this Fig. 8, it can be readily seen just how the magnetic structure is arranged, and just how the various parts are mounted, and supported, and adjusted.

In Fig. 8 can be seen the main and auxiliary I cores, with the main cores interconnected at their upper ends by the back strap I00 and with the lower ends of the main cores interconnected to the upper ends of the auxiliary cores, by the horizontal extending portions IOI. Carried by the armature is the timing gear II4, supported by a bracket I64. As explained in connection with the diagrammatic showing of this second form of invention, the pin II9, carried by the timing gear, operates toggle I24 to control the sets of contacts I2II23 and I22I20.

The toggle operated contacts are adjustable in position, so as to vary the timing of the device, in much the same manner as set forth in connection with the first described form of invention. These contacts are carried by a dial I65, having teeth I66, that mesh with a pinion I61, carried by an adjusting stem I68, having a thumb screw I69, for turning the same, whereby the position of the contacts can be varied. The stem I68 bears, at its lower end, against a fixed portion I10 of the casing, and carried by this portion I10, is a pointer I1I, adjustable by means of a slot and coacting screw I12, to initially adjust the pointer and care for inaccuracies during the manufacture oi the device. Marked on the dial can be various numbers, coacting with the pointer, to indicate the time to be measured by the device.

Referring now to Fig. 9, which shows the structure of a commercial form of the second form of invention, it can be seen that the pointer I1 I is adjusted, by means of the stem I66, as just described, and the stem I68 can be held in adjusted position, by means of a set screw I13, or the like.

Also, the means for turning the stem I68, can be in the form of a slotted end I14, and this end can be normally protected against misuse by a cap I15, carrying an opening I16, for a sealing means (not shown).

In Fig. 9 can be seen the position of the motor M which is spring mounted on a pivoted bracket 200 by a stem I11, passing through a fixed portion I18, of the device, and receiving a head I13, and a sleeved spring I80, whereby to resiliently support the motor.

The device as a whole, is received within a casgig I8I, which can be made of glass or other thermo-plastic material, and is preferably transparent, whereby to facilitate inspection. Casing 3| is connected to a top plate I82, of insulating material, by means of a threaded stem I83, carrying a tightening nut I84 on its outer end.

In Fig. 10 is clearly shown the position, in the casing, of one of the auxiliary windings, together with the adjusting means for the dial, and the position assumed by the armature I02-I03, with respect to the main pole shoes I04, and auxiliary pole shoes I63 Referring to Figs. 11 and 15, there is here shown, in considerable detail, a means for adjusting the tension of spring I31 which biases and returns the timing gear. As best seen in Fig. 15, timing gear Il4 carries an annular boss I83, fastened thereto by pins I84, to thus form a cup shaped member within which is received spring I3I. Covering this cup is a top plate I85, having a plurality of notches I86, in its periphery, to receive an inturned finger I81, on support arm IIB, whereby to hold plate I85 in fixed position with respect to carrying arm II6. Carried on.

spindle H5, is a hub I88, to which is fixed the top plate I85, and punched inwardly from the top plate is a holding finger I89, to which one end of spring I3I is fastened. The other end of spring I3! is fastened, at I96, to the receiving cup.

With the construction just described, it can be seen that the return spring is fastened, at one end to the timing gear, and at the other end to a member, the carrying arm I16, which is fixed relatively to the timing gear. Further, it can be seen that by pushing or springing the top plate I85 slightly inwardly, to disengage it from detent I81, the plate can be turned to adjust the tension of spring HM, and then allowed to spring back and engage one of its notches I86 with the finger I81, to maintain the adjusted position of the spring.

In Fig. II can be seen the spring support for motor M together with anadjusting screw I9I, for varying the initial position of the motor, it being apparent, when the timing gear is moved by the armature to mesh with the pinion of the motor, that the motor can move slightly, due to its spring support, to readily and accurately interengage the cooperating teeth.

In Fig. 12, and the sectional view thereof, constituting Fig. 14, is shown in detail the toggle operating member having the pivoted toggle portion I24 operated by pin H9, which, in the actual construction employed, is not round, as shown in diagrammatic Figs. 3-6, but, as here shown, is rectangular in section.

Referring now to Fig. 13, it can be seen that the external circuits connected to the time element relay, are connected by way of a plug coupler, having a detachable socket member 1&2, and a plug member I83, which receives the socket member I 94 and which is carried by the top plate I82 of the relay. The plug and socket elements are, respectively, I92 and 93 In this Fig. 13, can be readily seen the biasing means for initially positioning the armature in a midposition, so that contact finger I69 (Fig. 3), is substantially midway between its front and back fixed points III and H3. This biasing means is constituted by a spring I94, received in a socket I85, in the top plate I82, and projecting downwardly to an adjusting screw I96, carried by the armature I132 and a like spring I91, positioned between an adjusting screw I98, carried by a fixed part I99 of the frame, and the depending armature portion I03. By adjusting these two springs, it can be readily appreciated that the armature can be readily biased to the desired position.

In this Fig. 13, can also be seen the actual construction of the movable contact finger I08, coacting with its front point H0, and normally making up its back point I I2 (Fig. 3).

Also in Fig. 13 is shown the fixed frame portion 1 I18, through which passes the threaded bolt I83, and to which frame the bolt is fixed by nuts 21H. In this fixed part I18, is the adjusting screw ISI, whereby the spring mounted motor M as above described, can be adjusted on its pivot support 202.

The third form of invention, as embodied in an actual commercial structure, is shown in Figs. 17-19 inclusive, and is essentially the same as described in connection with the schematic showing of Fig. '7.

In the same manner as in the above description, a motor of the constant speed type, drives pinion I35, which can be engaged with teeth I36, on a timing gear I31, carried by a stop arm I39. and positioned, as by a spring I38, to assume an initial position against the stop arm I39. Carried by the timing gear, is an extending arm I413 which, in the initial position, as shown, bears against a detent I4I, which is anchored, as at 205, to a fixed part of the casing, and bears against a ratchet wheel I42, having teeth I43, and in turn carrying a projecting arm I 44.

The ratchet wheel I42, carries an arm I55, received in a slot I45, in a contact operator I41. The contact operator hasconnected to it, as at MI! and I49, two movable contact fingers I59 and I5I, which coact with fixed contacts I52 and I53, respectively, carried by contact fingers I54 and I55. Contact finger I54 is provided with a pressure plate I56, and a stop plate I51. Contact finger I55 has an inwardly projecting end portion I 58, which first contacts, upon movement of member I41, with the side of contact finger NH, and as the movement continues, this part I58 slides along finger I5I to finally reach the end thereof and snap thereover, whereby to produce a snap-action contact between finger NH and its back point I53...

The contact fingers and contact operator are all carried on a dial I59, which has means for adjusting it initially, as in the case of the other forms of invention described above. justing means includes teeth I60, on the dial, coacting with a pinion I61, on a stem I62, which can be operated manually, as described in connection with the other forms of invention. Dial I59 and ratchet member I42 are interconnected, so as to normally move together. Upon a movement of the ratchet wheel in a downward direction, as viewed in Fig. 16, the contact operator I41 has moved against the spring tension. of the contact fingers, to first open contact I56 and back point, and then later to close contact finger I5! on its back point. 1

Arm I44, which coacts with arm I40, and through which the timing gear drives the ratchet Wheel, is fastened to the ratchet wheel by means of a break-down connection. As shown in Figs.

18 and 19, this arm I44 is pivoted to the ratchet wheel at 254, near its outer end, and at its. inner end, has a depressed inwardly bulging portion 205, which is received in an opening 286 in the ratchet wheel. By means of this structure, if the drive motor should fail to stop driving shortly after having operated the contacts, injury might be done to the various parts if it were not for this break-down connection. In the event the drive continues beyond the time intended, arm I44 will turn on its pivot with This adthe depressed portion 205 moving out of the aperture 205 and thus allow the driving arm I40 to move, free from any hindrance. As can be seen in Fig. 17, there is a mutilated portion 201 in the timing gear, whereby to stop the driving by pinion I35, if the motor should overrun to any extent.

As described in connection with the schematic showing of this form of invention (Fig. '7), the operation is as therein described. Pinion I35 drives the timing gear, and by means of arm I4I striking arm I44, the ratchet wheel is turned relatively to the dial I59, whereby to operate the contacts, as described above. At the start of the driving of timing gear I31, arm I40 moves out from under a cam portion 208, on detent I4I, to permit the detent to engage with its associated teeth. Thus, upon the contacts being operated, and the motor deenergized, and disengaged from the timing gear, the timing gear is returned by its spring to its initial position, but the contacts are held in their operated position due to the detent holding the ratchet wheel in its operated position. It is only upon practical completion of the return movement of the timing gear, that arm I40 cams the detent out of engagement with the teeth on the ratchet wheel, whereupon the contacts which are springy, and biased to the positions shown in Fig. 1'7, rotates ratchet wheel I42 backwardly relative to the dial, and permits the contacts to restore themselves to their initial position.

In this regard, it can be seen, from Fig, 16, that the ratchet wheel is rotatably mounted, at 209, on a hub 2I0, carried by the dial I59. With this construction, on adjusting the position of the dial by means of stem I62, the dial, with its contacts and ratchet wheel, all move together, and hence the distance between the ratchet wheel arm I44 and the drive arm I4I can be varied, and hence the timing can be varied. It can be noted that even though additional parts including the ratchet wheel, etc., for checking the complete return of the timing gear, have been employed, still the means for adjusting the measured time is unchanged from the other forms described above, and lends itself to the same simple type of adjustment as in the other forms described.

The above rather specific descriptions of several forms of the present invention, have been given solely by way of example, and are not intended, in any way whatsoever, to be limiting. It is desired to be understood that all such modifications and variations in construction and arrangement of parts, as may prove desirable, are intended to be covered by the present application, except insofar as they are excluded by the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, I now claim:

1. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure efiective when energized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electric motor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, a time-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated by the time measuring means, and a second winding on the electromagnetic structure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a second direction.

2. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effective when energized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electric motor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, a time-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated by the time-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagnetic structure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a second direction, and means for restoring the time-measuring means to its original position upon operation of the armature in said second direction.

3. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure efiective when energized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electric motor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, a time-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated by the time-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagnetic structure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a second direction, means for restoring the time-measuring means to its original position upon operation of the armature in said second direction, and means permitting subsequent operation of the time-measuring means by the electric motor only when the time-measuring means is restored to its original position.

4. In a time element relay, a pivoted armature, a first magnetic structure above the armature, a second magnetic structure joined to the first magnetic structure and extending below the armature, biasing means normally positioning the armature closer to the second magnetic structure than to the first magnetic structure, a winding on the first magnetic structure effective when energized to attract the armature toward the second magnetic structure, a winding on the second magnetic structure arranged to oppose the effect of the winding on the first magnetic structure and cause attraction of the armature toward the first magnetic structure, front and back contacts operated by the armature, an electric motor energized through a back armature contact, a rotary contact operating means movable by attraction of the armature toward the second magnetic structure into a position operab le by the electric motor, and contacts controlling the'energization of the winding on the second magnetic structure and operated by various degrees of rotation of the contact operating means.

5. In. a time element relay, a pivoted armature, a first magnetic structure above the armature, a second magnetic structure joined to the first magnetic structure and extending below the armature, biasing means normally positioning the armature closer to the second magnetic structure than to the first magnetic structure, a winding on the first magnetic structure effective when energized to attract the armature toward the second magnetic structure, a winding on the second magnetic structure arranged to oppose the effect of the winding on the first magnetic structure and cause atttraction of the armature toward the first magnetic structure, front and back contacts operated by the armature, an electric motor energized through a back armature contact, a rotary contact operating means movable by attraction of the armature toward the second magnetic structure into a position operable by the electric motor, contacts controlling the energization of the winding on the second magnetic structure and operated by various degrees'of rotation of the contact operating means, biasing means returning the contact operating means to a normal position, and a detent for preventing movement of the contact operating means into said position operable by the electric motor except when in said normal position.

6. In a time element device, an armature movable to either of two extreme positions, means biasing the armature to an intermediate position, a substantially constant speed electric motor, a movable timing means carried by the armature, electromagnetic means coacting with the armature for moving the armature to one extreme position and the timing means to be driven by the motor, contacts operated by the timing means,

means for adjusting the travel of the timing termediate position and moving the timing means into drive position with said driver, contacts operated by the timing means, means for adjus ing the travel of the timing means necessary to operate the contacts, electromagnetic means controlled by the contacts and coacting with the armature for moving the armature and moving the timing means out of drive position with said driver, and means permitting movement of the timing means into drive position with said driver only when the timing means is in a predetermined normal position.

8. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a driver driven by a translating device, a movable timing means, means biasing the timing means to a normal position, an armature operable in one direction to move the timing means against its bias so as to be driven by said driver, contacts operated by a predetermined movement of the timing means, and other means controlled by operation of the contacts for operating the armature in a different direction to make the control circuit effective.-

,9. A time element device comprising, a drive member driven by an electric motor, a movable timing means biased to a normal position, an armature operable in one direction to operatively connect the drive member and timing means, contacts operated by a predetermined movement of the timing means, means controlled by operation of the contacts: for operating the armature in a different direction, and means permitting energization of the electric motor only when the contactsare inv a normal position.

10. A time element device comprising a driver driven by a prime mover, a timer biased to a normal position, an armature operable to one position to operatively connect the timer and the driver, contacts controlled by a predetermined operation of the timer, means controlled by the contacts for operating and holding the armature ina second position, and contact means operated by the armature in the second position for opening the circuit for the prime mover.

11. In a time element device, in combination, a

substantially constant speed driving means, an armature, an actuating means connected to the driving means by operation of the armature in one direction, contacts controlled by the actuating meanaand means controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a different direction.

12. In a time element, a translating device, a time measuring means, magnetically controlled means for energizing the device and opcratively connecting the measuring means to the device, contacts operable by the measuring means, circuit means controlled by the contacts when operated to cause the magnetic means to deenergize the device and disconnect the measuring means from the device, and maintain the device and measuring means in such condition after the contacts have been restored to normal, and means for restoring the measuring means and contacts to normal.

13. In a time element device for controlling atiming circuit, an armature biased to an inter mediate position, a drive member driven by a constant speed electric motor, a timing member carried by the armature, electromagnetic means coacting with the armature for operatively connecting the timing member and drive member, contacts operated by the timing member, means for adjusting the travel of the timing member necessary to operate the contacts, electromagnetic means controlled by the contacts, when operated, and coacting with the armature for moving the armature and moving the timing member out of mesh with the pinion gear and initiating control of said timing circuit.

14. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed to provide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either of two extreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing the armature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions, two separate windings on the core, connected to produce opposing m. m. ifs when energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gaps and the other to one side of both air gaps, and timing contacts controlled by the armature.

15. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed to provide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either oftwo extreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing the armature to a position intermediate the two extremepositions, two separate windings on the core, connected to produce opposing m. m. fis when energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gaps and the other to one side of both air gaps, the armature being biased so as to move a shorter distance to close the air gap remote from said other winding than it must move to close the other air gap, and timing contacts controlled by the armature.

16. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed to provide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either of two extreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing the armature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions, two separate windings on the core, connected to produce o1c posir m. m. ifs when energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gaps and the other to one side of both air gaps, whereby the energization of only the winding between the air gaps causes the armature to move to close the remote from the other Winding, and the energization of both the windings, causes the armature to move to close the other gap,

and timing contacts controlled by the armature.

17. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed to provide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to eitherof two extreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing the armature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions to form a longer air, gap between the armature and the core at one gap than at the other, two separate windings on the core, connected to produce opposing m. m. f.s when energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gaps and the other to one side of both air gaps, the air gap between the armature and core and remote from said other winding being shorter than that between the armature and the other air gap, whereby the energization of said other winding causes the armature to move to close the gap remote from the energized winding, and the energization of both of the windings at the same time causes the armature to move to close the other gap, and timing contacts controlled by the armatura.

18. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliary cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned at an angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two sets of cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivoted adjacent the shoes, circuit means to energize the auxiliary coils to attract the auxiliary armature part to the auxiliary shoes, circuit means for energizing a main coil to attract the main armature part to the main shoes, and other circuit means, including a contact closed when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, for energizing the main coils in series.

19. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliary cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned at an angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two sets of cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivoted adjacent the shoes, circuit means including a normally closed contact, which is opened when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, to energize the auxiliary coils in series to attract the auxiliary armature part to the auxiliary shoes, circuit means for energizing one main coil only to produce flux bucking the -fiux produced by the auxiliary coils and attract the main armature part to the main shoes, and other circuit means, including a contact closed when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, for energizing the main coils in series.

20. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliary cores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned at an angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two sets of cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivoted adjacent the shoes, circuit means including a normally closed contact, which is opened when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, to energize the auxiliary coils in series to attract the auxiliary armature part to the auxiliary shoes, circuit means for energizing one main coil only to produce flux bucking the flux produced by the auxiliary coils and attract the main armature part to the main shoes, and other circuit means, including a contact closed when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, for energizing the main coils in series, the ampere turns produced by the one main coil being substantially equal to the ampere turns produced by the main coils in series.

21. In a time element device, an electromag netic structure, an armature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effective when energized to operate the armature in a first direction, a translating device energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, a time-measuring means driven by the translating device when the armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated by the time-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagnetic structure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a second direction, means for restoring the time-measuring means to its original position upon operation of the armature in said second direction, and a timed circuit including a front contact closed only upon movement of the armature in said second direction and a contact closed after movement of the armature in said second direction only if the time-measuring means starts to return to its original position.

22. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effective when energized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electric motor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, a timemeasuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated by the time-measuring means, a second Winding on the electromagnetic structure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in a second direction, means for restoring the time-measuring means to its original position upon operation of the armature in said second direction, and a timed circuit including a front contact closed only upon movement of the armature in said second direction and a contact closed after movement of the armature in said second direction only if the timemeasuring means has returned substantially to its original position.

23. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a pinion gear driven by an electric motor, a gear wheel, means biasing the gear wheel to a normal position, an armature operable in one direction to move the gear wheel against its bias so as to mesh the gear wheel with the pinion gear, contacts operated by a predetermined rotation of the gear wheel, and other means controlled by operation of the contacts for operating the armature in a different direction to make the control circuit effective only if the gear wheel has returned to substantially its biased normal position.

24. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a drive member driven by a translating device, a timing member, means biasing the timing means to a normal position, an armature operable in one direction to operatively connect the device member and the timing means, contacts operated by a predetermined movement of the timing means, other means controlled by operation of the contacts for operating the armature in a different direction to make the control circuit effective, one of said contacts being in the control circuit and being opened by said predetermined movement of the timing means, and

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