US2232519A - Timing device - Google Patents

Description

R. W. GOF F TIMING DEVICE Feb. 18, 1941,

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Deo.

Wm 9 g3 Inventor: Robert W. of?,

b dwa yHis Attorrwey.

R. w. GOFF TIMING DEVICE Feb. 18, 1941.

Filed Dec. 30, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 :f7 Y mf e m nwd if@ mi@ lom n y vPatented Feb. 18, 1941 PATENT OFFICE 2,232,519 'mimo Davies Robert W. Goff. Schenectady, N. Y., assignmto General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application December 30, 1938, Serial No. 248,499

10 Claims.

My invention relates to timing devices, more particularly to electrical controllers for performing a switching operation after a predetermined time interval, and has for an object the provision o of rugged and reliable device of this character which affords great precision in timing over a broad range cf time intervals.

The timing device embodying my invention has 10 a wide variety of uses inthe control of electrical apparatus which require precision timing control, such as, X-ray machines, knitting machines, heat-treating furnaces, and vother industrial equipment. Precision timing of intervals from a few seconds to twenty minutes with accuracies within on the order of a iifth or a second variance have been obtained with a timer incorporating the features of my invention. A dial-operated time setting mechanism having amicrometer calibrating adjustment is provided to obtain such precision timing in a manner to be explained hereinafter.

A magnetic coil and armature are provided for actuating both a contact-actuating structure and a clutch interposed between a synchronous driving motor and aI timing element driven thereby. A single link connects the armature with the contact-actuating structure; this link is arranged to be connected to either of two points on the contact-actuating structure sov that the timing'device may be operated withv either a normally energized or a normally deenergized magnetic coil. simple manually adjustable means whereby the 25 timer may be operated so that if a power failure occurs during a timing cycle, the timer will automatically reset, ready for the subsequent -initiation of a new timing cycle after the power is returned. Or, by connecting the link to the other point, the timer may be operated so that upon the occurrence of aA power failure, the timing period is interrupted until power is again applied; thereafter, the timing cycle automatically continues, and the time interval is timed out. In the latter case, the duration of the timing cycle is increased by an amount equal to the duration of the power failure.

My invention also contemplates the provision of a shock-free contact and contact-actuating 10 structure, as more fully described hereinafter,

particularly advantageous when the timing device is subjected to severe mechanical shocks and the like which would tend to affect the disposition of the contacts and interrupt the timing cycle. Further advantages and features of the In addition the link aiords al timing vdevice embodying my invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

For a more complete understanding of my invention, reference `should be had to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a side elevational view of the timing device embodying my invention mounted on a panel; Fig. 2 is a side elevational View partly in section of the timing element and dial-operated setting means therefor; Fig. 3 is an elevational view oi a section of 10 the right-hand end of Fig., 2 taken along the line 3-3 looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 4 is a simplified perspective View of the timing device embodying my invention; Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of the timing device connected l" for operation with a normally energized magnetic operating coil; and Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the timing device connected for operation with a normally deenergized magnetic operating. coil.

Referring to the drawings, the timing device embodying my invention in one form comprises a compact unitary structure which includes a frame I0 fabricated from a number of metallic stampings for supporting the various operating parts of the timer as shown in Fig. l. The frame- 25 Work I0 may be mounted on a suitable panel Ii.

A rough outline of some of the operating parts of the timing device is now given to facilitate the understanding of a more detailed description hereinafter. As best illustrated in Fig. 4, driving 30 means including a suitable timing motor I2, such as a constant speed synchronous capacitor motor, is provided for driving a traveling pinion timing element i3, which operates a latch I4 at the end of a predetermined time interval for actuating a pair of timed contacts I5 and i6. A manually adjustable setting means including a dial Il is provided for adjusting the starting position of the timing element I3, the length of the path of travel of the element I3 being a determinant of the timing interval. A contact-actuating structure I8 actuates an interlock contact I9 and also biases the timed contacts I5 and I6 for movement upon release by the latch I4. In addition, a magnetic operating means 20 is provided for actuating the contact-actuating structure I8 as well as for actuating a clutch 2l interposed between the timing motor I2 and the timing element I3.

The three movable contacts I9, I5 and I6 are each supported in an identical manner on resilient strips 22, 23 and 24, respectively, which are fixed at their lower ends on a support member 25 and suitably insulated since the resilient strips also act as conductors for the movable contacts. As shown in Fig. 1, the resilient strip 22 consists of a vertically extending portion interposed between two spaced-apart fixed contacts 26 and 21 and an additional portion above these contacts bent over at substantially a right angle with the rst position and extending to the left to form a connecting arm having a hooked end 28 which is attached to a rocker member 29 of insulating material by insertion into a slot or recess 3U therein. Although I prefer to form the resilient support and connecting arm for the movable contacts as a unitary strip of conducting material, I do not intend to be limited thereto, since it will be obvious that the support and arm may be made in separate parts of nonconducting material without departing from the spirit of my invention. The movable contact I9 is mounted on the resilient strip 22 having a portion extending at either side thereof in cooperating relation with the spaced-apart xed contacts 25 and 21 for making contact with one or the other of the fixed contacts in accordance with the rotary movement of the rocker member 29 on its pivot 3 I. The xed contacts themselves are only relatively xed in that they are each mounted on suitable resilient mountings 32 and 33 attached to the supporting terminal members 34 and 35 to which circuit conductors may be connected. Each of the resilient strips 22, 23 and 24 is identical in construction as are the movable contacts I9, I5 and I6 and the respectively cooperating xed contacts 26 and 21, 35 and 31; 38 and 39, each resilient strip being attached to its own rocker member 29, 48 and 4I, respectively. Insulating walls 42, such as shown in Fig. l, may be provided between the several resilient strips 22, 23 and 24 to coniine and insulate the contact sections from each other.

In addition to the rocker members 29, and 4|, the contact-actuating structure I8 for the movable contacts I 9, I5 and I5 includes the shaft 3| supported by a portion IIIa of .the frame I0 and the spaced-apart rods 43 and 44 which are carried by a pair of links or spreaders 45 for rotation about the shaft 3| as a center. The 'rods 43 and 44 are in parallel-spaced relation tothe shaft 3|, one at either side thereof, and are fastened together by the links 45 so that the pairs of rods and links may be rotated as a unit on the shaft 3|. The rocker members 29, 40 and 4|, themselves loosely mounted for rotation on the shaft 3i, each has a pair of arms extending transversely over the rods 43 and 44 sc that rotation of the rods will cause like rotation of the rocker members.

To provide a resilient connection between the rockers and parallel rods, a substantially U- shaped spring 45 is mounted between the left hand arm'of each of the rocker members and the rod 43, the lower leg of the U resting on the rod and the upper end of the U being fastened to the arm of the rocker by means of a screw 41. In this manner, the right-hand arms of the rockers are biased against the rod 44. Since all of the members directly connected to the fixed and movable contacts are either resiliently supported or resilient strips in themselves, severe mechanical shocks will be withstood'by the structure without causing the contacts to disengage and the circuits interrupted.

The right-hand extending arms of the rockers 40 and 4I, besides resting o n the rod 44 are also disposed in abutting relation with the ends of the upstanding portions 48 on the latch member I4. Ifthe latch I4 is in a latching position as shown, rotation of the rod-and-link structure I5 in a clockwise direction will bias the right-hand legs of the rockers 40 and 4| against the upstanding portions 48 of the latch I4 by means or the spring-compression forces developed as the left-hand rod 43 moves upwardly against the springs 45. In the normal position of the rockers and rods as shown in Fig. 4, the movable contacts I9, I5 and I6 are biased by the resilient supporting strips 22, 23 and 24 into engagement with the back row of fixed contacts 25, 35 and 38, the rockers each pulling the corresponding supporting strip to the left in this position.

When the rod-and-link structure I8 is moved in a clockwise direction from the normal position shown, movement of the first rocker 29,

which is free to move, and corresponding movement of `the attached resilient strip 22. to the right will cause the interlocking contact I9 to move from its first position of engagement with the fixed contact 26, to a position of disengagement, and then to a second position of engagement with the front fixed contact 21, thereby again making circuit. Simultaneously, the upstanding portions 48 of the latch I4 will maintain the rocker members 40 and 4I in their normal position so that the back xed contacts 35 and 38 will continue to be engaged by the movable contacts I5 and I5, although the rockers and movable contacts will be biased for movement into engagement with the front fixed contacts 31 and 39 by the U-shaped springs 45 on the rockers which will be compressed as the rod 43 moves upwardly. Movement of the latch I4'in a clockwise direction on its pivot shaft 49 which is supported by portions 50 of the frame I0 will, of course, release the last two rockers for rotation in a clockwise direction by the springs 46 and cause the movable contacts I5 and I5 to disengage from the back xed contacts 35 and 38 and engage the front fixed contacts 31 and 39. The operation of the latch member I4 in conjunction with the timing element I3 will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Control of the clutch 2| is also eifected by 4the contact-actuating rods 43 and 44, namely, the front rod 44 is connected by means of a link 5I to a rotatable member 52 pivoted on a shaft 53 supported by a portion 54 of the frame III. The rotatable member 52 has a bifurcated portion y which cooperates with a collar 56 on one end of a sleeve 51 which is slidable on a shaft 58 xed to and supported at its left-hand end on the frame I0. The sleeve 51 and collar 55 is normally biased for movement on the shaft 58 in a direction from left to right by means of a helical spring 58 which encircles the shaft 58 and is seated on Ithe left-hand face of the collar 55 but is restrained in position by the bifurcated portion 55 of the member 52. The right-hand end of the sleeve 51 carries a pinion 58 and at the extremity a serrated clutch face 5I adapted to cooperate with a mating serrated clutch face 52 supported o? a shaft 53 which is driven by the timing motor In the normal position of the contact-actuating mechanism I8 as shown, the serrated clutch faces 5I and 52 forming' the clutch 2| are held in a spaced-apart relationship and -the clutch 2| is disengaged, the bifurcated portion 55 of the member 52 cooperating with the collar 55 on the sleeve 51 to hold the sleeve in a left-hand position on its shaft 58 against the bias o! the helical spring 59. Clockwise rotation of the contactactuating structure I8 moves the rod 44 and link 5| downwardly and causes the member 52 to rotate in a clockwise direction about its suDPOrting shaft 53. Simultaneously, the bifurcated end 65 of the member 52 moves in a clockwise direction and permits the collar 56 and sleeve 51 to move to the right on the shaft 58 under the bias of the spring 59 for` engaging the clutch 2|. In this manner, the contacts I9, I and I6 and the clutch 2| are simultaneously actuated by the rodand-link structure I8.

The contact-actuating and clutch-controlling mechanism is actuated by a single link 64 which is normally connectedto the back rod 43. when the timer is operated with the magnetic means 29 normally energized. The lower end of the link 84 is connected to another rod 65 which in turn is fastened to a movable armature 66 of the magnetic operating means 20. The magnetic means 29 comprises the movable armature 86 and a cooperating energizing winding B1 therefor which when energized attracts the armature upwardly further into the winding. The rod 65 secured to the movable armature 66 and the lower end of the actuating link 64 is mounted for rotational movement about the shaft 99 by means of the pivoted links 89, the shaft 68 being carried by the supports on the frame I9. A helical spring 1I encircling the shaft 68 is provided for biasing the movable rod 65 and armature 66 to the lower or normally unattracted position shown. Another spring 12 is stretched between the upper and lower rods 43 and 65 connected by the link 64 merely for the purpose of providing a conveniently detachable means for securing the link on the upper rod, the link 64 b'eing interchangeable from the rod 43 to the rod .44, when the timer is operated with the magnetic means 20 normally deenergized.

As shown in Fig. 4, the link 64 is connected from the lower rod 65 to the back rod 43 of the contact-actuating mechanism I8 so that the helical spring 1I acting on the armature 66 biases the rocker members 29, 4|) and 4| in a counterclockwise direction, thereby pulling the attached resilient strips 22, 23 and 24 to the left causing the movable contacts I9, I5 and I6 to engage-the back xed contacts 26, 36 and 38. In order to operate the timer and enable it to perform its switching functions, the winding 61 must be energized to move the armature 96 and the link 64 upwardly for rotating the rocker-actuating structure I8 in a clockwise direction to actuate and bias the movablecontacts to the forward position. In other Words, with ythe link 64 connect--I ed to the rod 43 as shown, the timer operates only when the magnetic means 28 isin an energized condition. By merely unfastening the spring 12 and link 64 from the rear rod 43 and attaching them to the front rod 44 of the contact-actuating structure I8, the timing device is arranged for operation with a normally deenergized magnetic coil in a manner to be explained more fully hereinafter. I

As mentioned above, the timing motor is utilized to drive the shaft 63 and cooperating clutch 2| when engaged, and therethrough the pinion 60 which is meshed with a large gear' 13 in turn meshed with lthe traveling pinion I3 which constitutes the timing element. The gear 13 is mounted on a suitable shaft 14 supported 'by the frame I9 and has adjacent thereto a conventional helical spring-resetting means (not shown) enclosed in a casing 14a which serves to return or reset the large gear 13 and also return the traveling pinion I3 to a starting position against a stop 15 on the time adjustable mechanism, as shown, after the clutch 2| is disengaged.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the time adjustable mechanism which is driven by the timing motor I2 and which is here shown set for a time interval of seven minutes comprises the timing pinion I3, the left end of which is provided with an axial tooth 16 for engaging a tooth 11 on a disk 18, the pinion I3 being mounted on a stationary threaded shaft 19 and internally threaded for axial movement on the threaded shaft 19 when the pinion I3 is rotated. Also mounted on the threaded shaft 19 and internally threaded for movement with respect thereto is the stop 15 in the form of a sleeve which is provided with a projection 99 similar to the tooth on the disk 18 for engaging a like tooth or stop projection 8| on the right end of the timing element. The disk 18 is loosely mounted on an unthreaded portion at the left end of the stationary screw shaft 19 and has a notch or cam recess 82 on its periphery into which one end of the latch member M is inserted. A helical spring 93 (shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4), having one end xed to projecting stop pin 94 on the frame I0 and the other end attached to a pin 85 on the disk 19, normally biases the disk in a counterclockwise direction thereby maintaining the latch I4 in the latched position shown. The edges of another recess 84a in the disk 19 cooperate with the stop pin 84 disposed therebetween to limit the extent of rotation of the disk and so limit the rotational movement of the latch member I4 on its pivot shaft 49 between the latched and unlatched positions.

As hereinbefore indicated, the. time interval provided by the timer is determined lby the length of the path of travel of the timing pinion I3 as it is threaded with a clockwise rotation from itsstarting position shown to its position of engagement with the tooth 11 on the disk 18. Immediately upon engagement of the disk 18 and timing pinion I3, the disk is also revolved clockwise against the bias of its spring 83, and vconsequently, the end of the latch I4 is moved up-l i pinion I3 is accomplished by the micrometer'v mechanism, best shown in Figs. 2 and 3, which comprises a large rotatable dial 86, a similar ro-v tatable dial 91 and a lock nut 81a, the smaller` dial 81 having a pair of spaced rods 99 connected thereto, which slidably extend parallel to the-J threaded shaft 19 through suitable apertures in a disk 89 mounted on the stop sleeve 15 and secured by the set screw 90. The small dial 81 is divided into divisions, each of which corresponds to one second of time, and the large dial 96 is divided into 20 divisions, a suitable Geneva sary isorelease the lock-nut 91a and then tu'rn the small dial 91 through one complete revolution in a counterclockwise direction which will effect movement of vthe large dial in a clockwise direction through one division from the seven to the eight minute setting.. 'I'he dials 99 and 91 may then be locked in this position by tighten- 5 ing the lock nut 91a. Movement of the dial 81 counterclockwise rotates the disk 99 in a similar direction and effects movement of the disk and stop sleeve 15 in a right-hand direction about the screw shaft 19. This movement tends to back the stop sleeve 15 away from the pinion I3 but since the reset-ting gear 13 is spring biased for rotation in a clockwise direction, as' hereinbefore described, the timing pinion I3 will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction and ac- 15 cordingly will follow the stop sleeve 15 and its disk 99.

Special means are provided for adjusting the relative position of the stop sleeve 15 with respect to the disk 89 which rotates it in order to calibrate the dial settings and time interval originally and afford a convenient factory adjustment for the timing device. By merely loosening the set screw 99 which fastens the disk 99 to the stop sleeve 15, the stop sleeve may be screwed forward or backward on the threaded shaft 19 independently of the disk 89 and the appended dials 86 and 81. In this fashion, very fine adjustment of the position of the stop sleeve 15 is secured so that extremely accurate correspondence of the dial readings and time interval is achieved. After this fine adjustment is made, it is fixed by tightening the set screw 99.

It is believed that the operation of the timing device will be easily understood when studied in connection with the circuit diagrams of Figs. 5 and 6. The Wiring connections of the circuit diagram of Fig. 5 are identical with those illustrated in Fig. 4 and the numerals applicable in these figures have been made to correspond.

Fig 5 is an identical but simplified representation of the timing device, as shown in Fig. 4 in the off position, normally operable with an energized magnetic coil 61, the interchangeable link 64 being connected to the rear rod 43 of the contact actuating structure I8 so that the interlock contact I9 and the timed contacts I5 and I6 are in engagement with the fixed contacts 29, 39 and 38 and with the clutch 2| disengaged. "The timing device is supplied from a suitable source of alternating current LrLa. The conductor L; is connected in series circuit with a normallyclosed switch 92 and a conductor 93 to the fixed interlock contact 21. Anorrnally open push button switch 94 is connected to the con- 53 ductor 93 at one side and at the other side through a conductor 95 and .the resilient strip 22 to the movable interlock contact I9 which is in engagement with the fixed contact 29 not connected. A conductor 99 tapped from conductor 60 35 leads to the energizing winding 91 of the armature 99 and by a conductor 91 to the line La; The motor I2 is fed from the conductor 99 by a conductor 99 and a shunted capacitance element 99 through a conductor I 99 to the fixed 69 contact 39 which is in engagement with the timed contact I9 connected by the resilient strip 24 to the line La.

The time controlled circuits which may, if desired, be independent load circuits are here 7 shown as a pair of independent load leads L1. and Lib, respectively, connected with the main source conductor L1 through a circuit from L1, the switch 92, alternatively, either the pmh button 94 and conductor 99. or the conductor 99,

19 contacts 21 and I9, and strip 22. to the common conductor 99, a lead IIH, the strip 23, and the contact I9 which is engaged with the contact 39 to the lead L1. but which engages the contact 31 to the lead Ln. after operation of the timed contact. The lead L1. may supply current to 5 any desired load as soon as the timer is energized by the pressing of the start button 94 of the timer while the lead Lib may do so after a predetermined time interval, as will be explained hereinafter. 10

With the timing device reset and ready for starting as shown in Fig. 4L and Fig. 5, the start button 94 is pressed to energize the winding 91 in a circuit including the conductor L1, the switch 92, the switch 94, the conductors 95 and 99, the 15 winding 91, and the conductors 91 and Lz. The armature 99 moves upwardly to engage the contacts I9 and 21 of the interlock circuit from the switch 92 through the conductor 93, the contacts 21 and I9, the strip 22 and the conductors 95 20 and 99 to the winding 61 thereby maintaining the armature G9 in its upper position. Movement of the armature 99, of course. causes the contact actuating structure to rotate clockwise on the shaft 3l and biases the rockers 40 and 4I 25 against the latch projections 48 ready for tripping. Simultaneously the normally disengaged clutch 2| is engaged and the timing motor I2 energized by a circuit from the conductor 95 including the conductor 98, the motor I2, the con- 30 ductor |09, the normally engaged contacts 38 and I9, the strip 24, and the line L2. Operation of the motor I2 in a clockwise direction drives the timing pinion I3 clockwise through the engaged clutch 2| and the gears 60 and 13 causing it to 35 l thread to the left on the screw shaft 19.

After a predetermined time depending upon the initial setting of the stop 15 and pinion I3, the axial teeth 19 and '11 engage and turn the disk 19 clockwise, the latch I4 also turning clock- 40 wise on the shaft 49 to release the spring biased rockers 49 and 4I which move clockwise to disengage thetimed contacts l5 and I9 from the fixed contacts 39 and 39. Consequently, the motor I2 is disconnected at the contact 38 and the 45 load lead Lia is disconnected at the contact 36 a predetermined time after the initial energization of the timing device by the momentary closure of the start button 94. The timed contacts I5 and I6, of course, immediately engage 50 their respective fixed contacts 31 and 39 upon release of the latch I4 to connect the load lead Lib at the contact 31, the contact 39 not being in circuit. In other words, the load lead Ln is energized a .predetermined time after the intial energization of the timing device. It'should be understood that although I have shown and described both the timed load 'circuit L1. and the time delayed load circuit L1, they are only intended as representative of some of the types of control which can be obtained with a timing device embodying my invention and I do not wish to be limited thereto.

When the timer is connected as described above with the link u attached to the rod u of 05 the contact-actuating structure I9, the magnet .winding 91 will continue to be energized until the switch 92 is opened or until a power failure occurs on the lines L1 and La. Therefore, the clutch 2l will remain in engagement preventing 70 resetting of the timer until the switch 92 is opened. Thereafter, the resetting gear 19 will return the timing pinion to its starting position, as hereinbeiore described, and the contact-actu- Aating structure I9 will return the contacts I9 to 19 the initial position shown by the force of the mrlng 1|. Should a .power failure occur at any time, the magnetic winding 31 will be deenergized, and the timing device will reset as described, Should a power failure occur during a timing cycle, deenergization of the magnet winding 6l will cause the timing cycle to cease and the timer will reset. A new timing operation then can only be initiated by pressing the start button 94.

Referring now to Fig. 6, the timing device is shown connected to operate with a normally deenergized magnetic winding 61, the link 64 being connected tothe rod 44 so that the spring 'II now normally biases the contact-actuating structure I8 in a. clockwise direction. The timer is connected to the supply Lila, the conductor L1 leading to the switch 92 and through the conductor 93 to the contact 2I as before. The push button 94 is connected from the conductor 93 through a conductor |02v to the contacts 29 and I9, the strip 22 and aconductor |03 to the motor I2 and by a conductor |04, the contacts 33 and I6, and the strip 24 to the line La. A conductor |05 from the line'Lz is connected to the winding 61, and a conductor |06 back to the conductor |02. The load leads Lib and L1* are connected respectively to the contacts 39 and 3'I as before,

the timed contact I5 and the strip 23 being connected to the conductor |03 by a conductor |01.

The normally open start-button 94` is shown as pressed closed in the present instance in order to complete the circuit to the magnetic winding 61 for maintaining the armature 60 in the attracted position, which. because of the connection of the link 64 to the rod 44, now maintains the contact-actuating structure I8 biased in the counter-clockwise direction so that the movable contacts I5, I6 and I9 are held by the pull of the resilient strips-supporting them against the back row of contacts 36, 38 and 26 with the clutch 2| disengaged. In other words, the starting position is reached by energizing the amature winding 61 since the link 64 is reversed with respect to the contact-actuating structure I9. During the time that the start button 94 is manually held closed, the motor I2 will operate, but the clutch 2| is disengaged so the timing mechanism is unaffected. However, disengagement of the clutch 2| gives the resetting gear I3 a. free hand to reset the timing pinion I3 from an operated position reached in the last previous timing cycle.

After the timer is reset, as shown in Fig. 6, the push button 94 is released, the armature winding 61 deenergized, and the timing operation initiated. The spring II moves the contactactuating structure I8 clockwise engaging the contacts I9 and 2l, compressing the springs 46 and engaging the clutch 2|. The motor I2 then operates, being connected at one side from the line L1 through the interlock contacts 2l and I9,

the strip 22, and the conductor |03 and at the other side to the conductor |04, the contacts 33 and I6, the strip 24 and the line In.

'I'he load lead Ln which in this instance is energized by closure f the start button 94 during the period of res ng is momentarily deenergized by release of the start-button 94, before again being `energimd from the line L; through the switch 92, the conductor 93, the contacts 21 and I9, the strip 22, the conductors |03 and |01. the strip 23, and the contacts I5 and 33. Thereafter, i. e., from the initiation of the timing cycle by release of the start button 94, the load lead Li.. is energized until the predetermined interval is timed out and the contacts I5 and 36 disengaged by release of the'latch I4. The load lead Ln, is then energized by closure of thecontacts I5 and 31 after a time delay equal to the duration of the timing cycle. Operation of the timed contact I6 at the end of the timing cycle disengages the contacts I6 and breaking the circuit to the motor I2 and it stops, the clutch 2|, however, remaining in engagement under the force of the spring 1| until resetting occurs by manual closure of the push button 94 as hereinbefore described.

Should a power failure occur, at anytime during the timing cycle, it merely interrupts the operation of the motor l2, the clutch 2| remaining engaged under the force of the spring 1|. Upon the return of power, the timing cycle is continued and the time interval timed out. In such case, the timing cycle is extended by a time equal to the duration of the power failure.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not Wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made, and I therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. A contact actuating mechanism having a rocker actuating structure comprising a shaft, an operating member rotatable on said shaft having lateral portions extending on opposite sides of said shaft, a. rocker operated by said lateral portions mounted on said shaft having extending arms cooperating with said lateral portions for rotation in either direction thereby, a fixed contact and a cooperating movable contact, a resilient strip fixed at one end supporting said movable contact, connecting means between the free end of said strip and said rocker for actuating said movable contact when said rocker is rotated, magnetic means including an operating coil and a movable armature for operating said rocker, and means including a link connected at one end to said armature and at the other end to said operating member, said other end of said last mentioned link being arranged for connection to said operating member at one side of said shaft for actuating said movable contact in a predetermined manner when said coil is deenergized and arranged for connection to said operating member at the other side of said shaft for actuating said movable contact in said predetermined manner when said magnetic means is energized.

2. A shock-free contact-actuating mechanism comprising a rocker actuating structure including a shaft supported at each end, a pair of spaced apart operating members mounted for rotation on said shaft and a pair of rods connecting said operating members and supported thereby, said rods extending on opposite sides of said shaft in parallel spaced relation therewith, a rocker mounted on said shaft having extending arms cooperating with said rods for rotation in either direction thereby, a spring mounting between one of said arms and its adjacent rod biasing the other of said arms of said rocker toward the other of said rods, a fixed contact and a cooperating movable contact. a resilient strip fixed at one end supporting said movable contact, connecting means between the free end of said strip and said rocker for actuating said movable contact when said rocker is rotated. magnetic actuating means for said rocker including an energizing winding, a movable armature and a spring biasing said armature to an unattracted position, and means including a single link arranged for connection between said armature and either one of said rods whereby said movable contact may be operated in a predetermined manner with said winding energized o1' deenergized.

3. A timing mechanism including a driving motor, means driven by said motor adapted to initiate a switching operation after a predetermined time interval comprising `a gear train and a travelling pinion driven thereby, a threaded member mounting said `travelling pinion along which said pinion moves axially for a predetermined distance, a cam wheel operable by said pinion at the end of its path of travel, a tripping lever actuated by said cam wheel and adjustable means including a dial for presetting the length of the path of travel of said travelling pinion, means connecting said motor to said driven means operable to be engaged and disengaged including a clutch interposed between said motor and said travelling pinion, means including a pair of interconnected rods mounted for pivotal movement about an axis substantially parallel with said rods for operating said clutch, magnetic actuating means for imparting a rocking motion to said means, a spring biasing said magnetic means to its unattracted position, a link transmitting the movement of .one of said rods to said clutch, said rods also forming a portion of a contact-actuating mechanism, a plurality of pivoted rockers having extending arms cooperating with said rods, a spring mounting between the other of said rods and the adjacent arms of said rockers for biasing the other arms of said rockers toward said iirst rod, a pair of spaced apart xed contacts for each o! said rockers, a resilient strip interposed between each of said pairs of iixed contacts having a iixed end and a movable end attached to its adjacent rocker for movement by rotation thereof, a pair of movable contacts on each of said strips cooperating with said pairs of xed contacts, said tripping lever cooperating .with at least one o1' said rockers to maintain said movable contact operated thereby in a given position even after said rods have been rocked by said magnetic actuating means, and a link cooperating with said magnetic actuating means and said rods for transmitting the motion of said magnetic actuating means to said rods, said link being adapted to be connected alternatively with either of said rods for operation of the timing mechanism in a predetermined manner with said magnetic means in a normally energized and in a normally deenergized condition.

4. A timing mechanism comprising a iixed threaded member, a pinion having a threaded bore mounted on-said threaded member for travel along said threaded member, a projection at each end of said pinion, means engaged by one of said projections to initiate a control function, a stop member threaded on said threaded member and engaged by said second projection in a starting position of said pinion, an adjusting member mounted for rotation substantially on the center line of said threaded member as an axis, a rod secured to said adjusting member in spaced relation with said .axis and extending in parallel spaced relation with said threaded member, an annular member mounted on said stop member for rotation on said stop member about the center line of said threaded member as an axis, a slidable connection between said annular member and said rod, and a releasable connection between said annular member and said stop member providing for rotation of said stop member on said threaded member by 'said adjusting member for adiustment of said starting position, said connection being releasable .to release said stop member from said annular member for rotation of said stop member and adiustment of said starting position independently of said adjusting member, and spring means for returning said pinion to said starting position.

5. A contact. actuating mechanism comprising a shaft, a member rotatably mounted on said shaft having portions extending at each side of said shaft, a rocker member pivotally mounted on said shaft ata point intermediate its ends and having its ends engaging said portions of said first member for rotation of said rocker member in either direction by said iirst member, a flexible strip bent into two portions substantially at right angles with each other, a support securing one end of said strip, a connection between the other end of said strip and said rocker member at a point spaced from said shaft so that movement of said rocker member moves the portion of said strip adjacent said rocker member longitudinally and thereby tlexes the other portion of said strip about said fixed end, a stationary contact mounted adjacent said other portion, and a movable contact carried by said other portion and movable into and out of engagement with said stationary contact by said flexing of said other portion. I

6. A timing mechanism comprising. three switches each provided with a stationary contact and a movably mounted contact, one of said contacts being biased to an open circuit position, a second of said contacts being biased to a closed circuit position, and the third of said contacts being biased to a predetermined position, an operating coll having an armature biased to an unattracted position and resiliently connected to said movable contacts so as to operate said contacts to other positions when said coil is energized, a latch for holding said second and third contacts against movement to said other positions when said coil is energized, a driving motor, a manually operated switch for closing a circuit for said motor, said motor circuit connections including said second contact in said motor circuit, connections connecting said first switch across said manually operated switch for shunting said manually operated switch when said coil moves said rst contact to its closed position, connections connecting said coil across said motor so that said coil is energized simultaneously with said motor, timing means driven by said motor for operating said latching means to release said second and third movable contacts after a predetermined time interval whereupon said contacts are moved to said other positions by `said resilient connecting means, said second contact in said other position opening the circuit ot said motor.

7. A timing mechanism comprising three switches each provided withv a stationary contact and with a movably mounted contact, one of said contacts being biased to an open position, a second of said contacts being biased to a closed position, and the third o! said contacts being biased to a predetermined position, an operating coilhavinganarmaturebiasedto anunattracted position and resiiiently connected to said movable contacts so as to operate said contacts to other positions when said coil is energized, a latch f or holding said second and' third contacts against movement to said other positions 'when said coil is energized, a driving motor, a normally open push button switch for closing a circuit for said motor, said motor circuit including said, second contact, connections connecting said rst switch across said push button for shunting said push button when said coil moves said iirst contact to its other position, connections connecting said coil across said motor and said second switch so that said coil is energized simultaneously with said motor, timing means driven by said motor for operating said latching means to release said second and third movable contacts after a pre'- determined time interval whereuponv said con` tacts are moved to said other positions by said resilient connecting means, said second contact in said other position opening the circuit of said motor, and an auxiliary switch movable todeenergize said operating coil whereupon said armature moves to an unattracted position.

lim

8. A timing mechanism comprising a shaft, a contact actuating structure pivotally mounted on said shaft having operating members on opposite sides o! said shaft, three rocker members pivotally mounted on said shaft, each of ,saidv rocker members having one end engaging one of said operating members, resilient connecting means connecting the other end of each of said rocker membersv and the other operating member, a movable switch contact operatively connected to each of said rocker members, a stationary contact for each of said movable contacts, an operating coil ior operating said actuating structure having an armature biased to an unattracted position, a link having one end connected to said armature and its other end arranged for connection to one or the other oi said operating members for actuation of said rocker members to one or the other of two predetermined positions when said coil is deenergized, said rocker members when in one of said predetermined positions actuating one oi said movable contacts to an open circuit position, a second ,of said movable contacts to a closed circuit position and the ,third of said movable contacts to a predetermined position, means for holding the rocker members for said second and third movable con-` tacts against movement to the other of said predetermined positions when said coil is controlled to move said movable contacts to other positions. said resilient connecting means being thereby compressed, a driving motor, a manually operated switch for controlling a circuit for saidcoil thereby to operate said rst movable contact to close a circuit for said motor in series with said second movable contact, timing means driven by said motor for operating said holding means to release said locker members for said second and third movable contacts after a predetermined time interval whereupon said contacts are moved to said other positions by said resilient connecting means, said second contact in said other position opening the circuit of said motor.

9. A timing mechanism comprising a shaft, a

76 contact sctuatingstructure plvotally moimted on saidsbaithavingoperatingmembersonopposite sides of said shaft. three rocker members pivotally mounted on said shaft, each of said rocker members having one end engaging one of said operating members, resilient connecting means connecting the other end oi' each of said rocker members and the other operating member, a movable switch contact operatively connected to each of said rocker members, a stationary contact for each of said movable contacts, an operating coil for operating said actuatingr'structure havingan armature biased to an unattracted position, a link having one end connected to said armature and its other end connectedto one of said operating members for actuation of said rocker members to predetermined positions when said coil is deenergized thereby to actuate one oi.' said movable contacts to an open circuit position, a second of said movable contacts to a closed circuit position and the third of said movable contactsV to a predetermined position, means for holding the rocker members for said second and third movable contacts against movement to other positions when said coil is energized to move said movable contacts to other positions, said resilient connecting means being thereby compressed, a driving motor, a normally open manually operated switch for closing a circuit for said motor, said motor circuit including said second contact, connections connecting said coil across said motor so that said coil is energized simultaneously with said motor, connections connecting said first movable contact across said manually operated switch for shunting said switch when said coil moves said first movable contactv to said other position, timing means driven by said motor for operating said holding means to release salid second and third movable contacts after a predetermined time interval whereupon said contacts are moved to said other positions by said resilient connecting means, said second contact in said other position opening the circuit of said motor.

10. A timing mechanism comprising a xed threaded member, a pinion having a threaded bore mounted on said threaded member for travel along said threaded member when said pinion is rotated, means engaged by said pinion upon travel of said pinion'in one direction to initiate a control function, a stop member threaded on said threaded member and engaged by said f pinion 'to determine a starting position forvsaid pinion, an adjusting member mounted for rotation at least substantially on the center line of said threaded member, a connecting member secured to said adjusting member and extending in parallel relation with said threaded member, an annular member rotatably mounted on said stop member, a slidable connection between said annular member and said connecting member, a releasable connection between said annular member and said stop member providing for rotation of said stop member on said threaded member by rotation of said adjusting member for adjustment of said starting position. said con* nection being releasable to provide for rotation of said stop member and adjustment of said starting position independently of said adjusting member, and means for returning said pinion to said starting position.

ROBERT W. GOFF.

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