US2541257A

US2541257A - Time signal selector switch

Info

Publication number: US2541257A
Application number: US704668A
Authority: US
Inventors: Clare G Judd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1946-10-21
Filing date: 1946-10-21
Publication date: 1951-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1968-02-13

Description

Feb. 13, 1951 c. G. JUDD TIME SIGNAL SELECTOR SWITGH 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed 001;. 2l, 1946 INVENTOR.

CLARE G, JUDD 5 l( Iva ATTORNEYS Feb. 13, 1951 c. G. JUDD 2,541,257

TIME SIGNAL SELECTOR SWITCH Filed Oct. 2l, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

CLARE G. J UDD ATTOR NEYS Patented Feb. 13, 1951 TIME SIGNAL SELECTOR SWITCH Clare G. Judd, Highland Park, Mich.

Application October 21, 1946, Serial No. '704,668

(Cl. ZOO-37) 19 Claims.

The invention relates in general to time control apparatus and more particularly to a device for automatically transmitting a signal to an apparatus, instrument or machine at predetermined time intervals.

An essential object of this invention is to provide a time control mechanism for closing any desired one of several circuits at predetermined periods. Such circuits may operate mechanism used forgiving signals at various locations at predeterrnned times, may be used in connection with radios to turn a set on, select stations and/or. turn a radio off at any desired period of time, r may be used with any other device whereinl it is desirable to periodically receive an electrical signal.

A further object is to provide a simple and economical structure for effecting these functions.`

A` feature of this invention is to provide a switch device for controlling an electrical circuit having in combination a motor having a plurality of driving shafts, an element movable with one of the shafts and having a plurality of electrical contactors, a body having a plurality of electrical contactors and a member movable with a second shaft of different speed, and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each the element and body respectively.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a switch device having in combination a clock including hour and minute mechansim, a disc movable with the minute mechanism having a plurality of electrical contactors, a shell having a plurality of electrical contactors, an annular ring movable with the hour mechanism and having a single circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each the discand shell respectively, a plurality of dstribution rings carried by the shell, and separate means on each of the conta/tors of the shell for selectivelycontacting one of the distribution rings.

Ano-ther feature is to provide a means for altering the relationship of the movable members to the stationaryshell, therebyl altering the period of contactbetween the contactcrs and the circuit closing conductor.

The foregoing, aswell as other obiects, will be more apparentv as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompa-nying drawings, wherein:

Figureel.A is a perspective view of the time signal selector embodying the features of the presentk invention;

2 Figure 2 is a sectional View taken substantially on the plane, indicated by the line 2 2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 3-3 of Figure 4 Figure 4 is a sectional View taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line 4 4 0f Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is a side elevational View of the time signai selector with portions broken away for clarity; and

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line 6 6. of Figure 1.

In the several figures oi the drawing the numeral Ill indicates the time signal selector having a body Il including a casing or shell i2 and an inner housing i3. The casing i2 compriss a base portion i4 for mounting the selector le, an upwardly extending cylindrical portion l5 and a cover or crystal i6. The cylindrical portion l5 is provided on its upper surface Il with circumferentially spaced hour indicia HS which may be painted, etched, printed or otherwise produced thereon so as to indicate the hour of day. A plurality of electrical contactors Eil, herein shown as equal to 48 in number, are imbedded in the inner surface of the cylindrical portion l5, as shown in Figure 2, and have a relatively narrow horizontal rdge portion 2li exposed to the interior of the cylindrical portion l5. These contactors I9 are preferably molded integral with the casing l2 but, if desired, may be inserted in any suitable manner. Each of the contactors l are provided with an extending strip 2l which is preferably twisted, as at 22, to provide a maximum bearing surface 23 for electrical contact, to be described later. The strips 2l are also molded integral with the casing l2, or otherwise secured thereto, and each has its bearing surface 33 substantially flush with the inner surface 2d of the cylindrical portion E5 of the casing l2. Slots '15 are provided in the cylindrical portion l5 adjacent each eX- tending strip 2| of the contactors i9.

The inner housing i3, comprising a tubular wall 26, an annular flange portion 2l at the top of the tubular wall 2t, and a bottom flange portion 28; is screwed or otherwise secured within the casing l2, such as by screws 29 engaging a clamping ring 2% which bears against the bottom 28, and is provided on its outer surface 3l? with a plurality of longitudinally spaced conducting rings or distributors 3i adjacent the slots 25 in the casing i2. The fiange 2l is adapted to receive screws 32 for securing the motor or clock mechanism 33 thereto.

The contactors I9 are constructed of a conducting material such as copper, brass or aluminum, and the casing I2 and inner housing I3 are preferably made of an insulating material such as plastic or wood. However, the casing I2 and inner housing I3 may obviously be con* structed of a conducting material such as metal when provision is made for insulation of the same from the contactors I9.

Separate movable selectors 34 are provided to electrically connect each contactor I9 with any one of the rings 3|, including a tab or handle 35 extending outwardly through the slots 25 and a Spanner 3E between the casing I2 and inner housing I3. The spanners are provided with

curled portions

31 and 38 on respective ends thereof adapted to electrically contact the strips 2I and the conducting rings 3I respectively, and to provide sufficient resilience to remain in any selected position. It will be noted that the rings 3| are inset or concave slightly to insure a positive connection with the adjacent curled portion 38 of the selector 34. The Spanner may be constructed of any conducting material such as copper, brass or aluminum, and should preferably be of a resilientmaterial.

In operation, it will be seen that by moving any one of the tabs 35 and therefore the spanners 35, it is possible to electrically connect any of the strips 2I and contactors I9 with any one o1 the rings 3I on the inner housing I3.

The element or disc 39 comprises an insulating body portion 49 and a plurality of electrical contactors 4I, herein shown as equal to 43 in number, spaced from the axis of rotation of the l disc 39 and imbedded in the periphery thereof. The contactors 4I have a relatively narrow edge portion 42 in vertical alignment with the contactors I9 on the casing I2. A conducting plate 43 is provided in the insulating body 40, in elec* trical contact with the contactors 4I, having a recessed center portion 44 journaled with the minute mechanism of the clock 33. The plate is preferably molded integral with the insulating body 40, but may be inserted in any desired manner. The disc 39 is secured to the shaft or minute mechanism by means of a screw 45 or any other suitable means. A minute hand 4B is provided on the upper surface of the disc 39 for indicating the position thereof in relation to the indica I8 on the casing I2.

An annular ring 41 is rotatably supported between the disc 39 and the casing I2, and includes a ring portion 48 preferably of insulating material, and a plate 49 suitably connected to the shaft or hour mechanism of the motor or clock 33. A single circuit closing conductor 50 is pro* vided in the annular ring 41 in vertical alignment with the contactors on the casing I2 and the disc 39 respectively. The plate 49, if of conducting material, is insulated from the circuit closing conductor as shown, as by molding the plate integral with the ring 48 in spaced relation to the circuit closing conductor 50. An hour indicating member 5I is provided on the annular ring 41 above the circuit closing conductor 59 for indicating the position of the annular ring relative to the hour indicia I8. Member 5I may be raised as indicated in Figure 2, if hand 45 is elevated to clear it, or it may be merely a suitable indicia on ring 41.

In operation, it will be seen that the annular ring 41, moving with the hour mechanism of the clock, will contact all 48 contactors on the casing I2,each twelve hour period, or will be in contact with one of the contactors on the casing l2 once every fifteen minutes. The disc 39 revolving with the minute mechanism, will have each of its contactors 4I opposite each of the 48 contactors on the casing I2 once in each one hour period, or twelve alignments of the respective 48 contactors each fteen minute period. However, due to the width of the contactors on the casing I2, and of the circuit closing conductor 50 on the annular ring 41 and the relative movement thereof, alignment of the conductors I9, 59 and 4I will be maintained only long enough for assurance of completion of the func tion of the accessory bells, lights, relays or such other devices as may be used to perform the end result desired. Moreover, the time period of this single alignment can be increased or de creased by utilizing either the complete or incomplete period of contact of a disc contacter 4I, while one contactor I9 in the casing I2 is synchronized with the conductor 59 in the annular ring 41. To accomplish this, a dowel 52 is positioned in the bottom 28 of the inner housing I3 extending into an enlarged opening 53 in the base portion I4 of the casing I2. The screws 29 engaging the clamping ring 29h are loosened and the opposing set

screws

54 and 55 threaded in the base portion I4 and bearing against the dowel 52 are adjusted to shift the inner housing I3 in relation to the casing I2. Since all the moving parts are mounted on the inner casing I3, the relationship of the contacts I9 and 4I can be adjusted and altered to produce a varied length of signal, or accomplish accurate timing of the initial contact between the conductors I9, 50 and 4I.

The plate portion 43 on the disc 39 is in electrical contact with the minute mechanism shaft 55 which is in turn grounded on the housing of the clock 33. Leads 51 are provided from each of the rings 3I and individually may be connected to any desired circuit to directly operate .mechanism lights, etc., or preferably, to operate a relay or solenoid which, in turn, controls a circuit. Moreover, leads 51 are also provided for the selector ground circuit on the clock housing as well as the clock circuit, should it be desired to employ an electric clock.

Due to the size of the contactors and the possibility of damage thereto, it is desirable to use a relatively low voltage for operation of the time signal selector. This may be accomplished by utilizing the conventional line voltage of or 220 connected through a step-down transformer or any other suitable means such as by the use o one or more dry or wet cells. It has been found that particularly advantageous results may be obtained without arcing or other damage to the contactors by using approximately 6 volts.

Although vertically spaced distribution rings 3I have been shown, it is obvious that other means such as a radial distribution could be employed without departing from the invention. Moreoverl any number of distribution rings may be used, depending on the specific conditions.

As shown in the drawings, 48 contactors are utili zed on each the casing and the disc respectively. However, this number may be increased or decreased to give a corresponding increase or decrease of signals per unit time. For example, with the 48 contactors shown, a signal is produced each fifteen minute period, whereas with 24 contactors, a signal would be produced each thirty minute period, and with 12 contactors, the signals would be .one hour apart. Likewise, an .increase in the number of contactors, such as from 48 to 96, would produce the signal each seven andronehalf minutes. It should be noted that by merely reducing the number of contactors on the disc, the time signal is Asimilarly reduced. Moreover, the contactors on the casing may have irregular spacing, such as combinations of iifteen minute and one hour timing, described above, to `obtain more rapid or slower rates of signalling at vany period of the day.

Twenty-four hour operation, or greater, vmay be accomplished by using a twenty-four hour clock mechanism and correspondingly arranging the contactors for the desired time interval. Moreover, it is possible to employ a conventional twelve hour clock and still obtain twenty-four hour operation yby doubling the number of distribution rings and employing a trip switch inthe clock mechanism to utilize half of the rings for one twelve hour period and the other half for the other twelve hour period.

Ordinarily it is desirable to use a single circuit closing conductor in the annular ring operating with the hour mechanism. However, should it be desirable to receive a series of signals, such as three signals five minutes apart to the same distribution ring, this could be done by having three circuit closing conductors within a space less than the contactor spacing on the casing. Multiple signals to the same distribution ring could also be accomplished by increasing the width of the contactors on the casing or the width of the circuit closing conductor so as to allow a longer contact between the circuit closing conductor and the casing contactors and, therefore, permit two or more contactors on the disc to contact each time the contacts on the casing and annular ring align.

Only one selector or switch is shown in yeach slot in the drawings. However, it is obvious that if desired a plurality of switches, such as plug-in or bayonet type switches, may be employed to distribute the signal to a number vof distribution rings.

What I claim as my invention is:

l. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a pair of shafts, means for rotating the shafts at different rates of speed, a disc movable with one of the shafts and having a plurality of electrical contactors spaced circumferentially around its periphery, a stationary shell having a plurality of circumferentially spaced electrical ccntactors,

and an annular ring movable with the other shaft tween the contactors on said disc and shell respectively and having a circuit closing-conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect sin le contactors on each said disc and said shell rea spectively.

3. In a switch device for an electrical circuit,

the 'combination of a clock including hour .and minute mechanism, an element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electrical contactors, a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contacter-s, a member movable with said hour mechanism and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactcrs on each said element and said body respectively, and means for varying the length of contact between the contactors of said element and body respectively and the conductor on said member.

4. A switch comprising a stationary housing, a lirst set of circumferentially spaced contacts carried thereby in a circular array, a clock including hour and minute mechanism in said housing, a second set oi circumierentially spaced contacts disposed in a circular array and driven by said minute mechanism in spaced concentric relationship to said first set of contacts, a bridging conductor driven by said hour mechanism intermediate said rst and second set of contacts in concentric relation thereto and adapted to interconnect single ones of said llrst set of contacts with single ones of said second set of contacts in a patterned sequence.

5. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a clock, including hour and minute mechanism; an element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electrical contacts about its outerl circumference; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contacts about its inner circumference; and a member movable with the said hour mechanism embodying a circuit closing conductor interposed betr een the contacts on said stationary body and the contacts on said moving element and adapted to contact progressively with single coincident contacts on each of said element and body respectively.

6. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a clock, including hour and minute mechanism; a rotatable element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electrical contacts spaced about its axis of rotation; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contacts in the same plane with those of the rotatable minute element; and a circuit closing conductor interposed between the contacts on the stationary body and the contacts on the rotatable minute element and adapted to contact progressively with single radially coincident contacts on each of the said element and body respectively.

7. In a time controlled switch device ior an electrical circuit, the combination of a pair of shafts; a clock for rot the shafts at dinerent rates of speed; an ement movable with one of the shafts and hat' g a plurality of electrical contacts radiating from it* axis of rotation; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors in plane with the contactors radiating from the moving element; a member movable with the other shaft and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to contact progressively with a pair of coincident contacts on the said body and element respectively; a clock support in said body, a plurality of concentric parallel annular rings around the clock support; and a separate adjustable conductor member engaging each contacter on the said body and adjustable to connect with the desired distributor ring for selectively distributing the electric current from a supply source through the contacts of the movable element, the closing conductor and the contactors on said stationary body to the desired electrically operated mechanism.

8. In a time controlled switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a pair of shafts; means for rotating 'the shafts at different rates of speed; an element movable with one of the shafts and having a plurality of electrical contactors; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors; a member movable with the other shaft and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to contact progressively with specic single contactors on each said element and said body respectively; a plurality of distributors and separate adjustable means for selectivelyT electrically connecting each contacter on said body with one of said distributors.

9. In a time controlled switch device, the combination of a clock, including hour and minute mechanism, mounted in a suitable support; an element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electrical contacts radiating from its axis of rotation; a stationary body concentrically surrounding the clock support and having a plurality of electrical contacts in plane with those on the movable element of the minute mechanism; a member movable with the said hour mechanism interposed between the said body and minute mechanism, and having an electric contact thereon adapted to bridge coincident pairs of contacts on said body and said element; a plurality of parallel distributor rings spaced along the outside of the clock support and concentric with the center of rotation of the shafts of the minute and hour mechanism; and a plurality of adjustable connectors adaptable to selectively connect the electrical contacts of the body to any desired distributor ring.

l0. In a switch device, the combination. of a clock including hour and minute mechanism; an element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality of electrical contactors; a stationary body having` a plurality or" electrical contactors; a member movable with said hour mechanism and having a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each said element and said body respectively; a plurality of distributors and separate adjustable means for selectively electrically connecting each contacter said body with one of said distributors.

11. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a clock including hour and minute mechanism; an element movable with the minute mechanism and having a plurality or? electrical contactors; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors; a member movable with said hour mechanism and having oircuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each said element and said body respectively; a croc support concentrically located within said body; a plurality of spaced rings about said clock support and adjustable means for selectively elect4 cally connecting each contacter on said body with one of said rings,

12. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a clock including hour and minute mechanism; a stationary body haing a plurality of electrical contactors; a housing in said body for supporting the clock; an element movable with the minute mechanism the clock and having a plurality of electrical contactors; a member movable with said hour mechanism and having a circuit closing conductor, the contactors on said body and element and said conductor being mounted for concentric relative movement and positioned in relative wiping relation such that said conductor is adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each said element and said body respectively, and means for adjusting said housing relative to said body.

13. In a switch device for an electrical circuit, the combination of a pair of shafts; means for rotating the shafts as different rates of speed; an element movable with one of the shafts and having a plurality of electrical contactors; a stationary body having a plurality of electrical contactors; a member movable with the other shaft having a circuit closing conductor adapted to periodically electrically connect single contactors on each said element and said body respectively; and means for varying the period of connection between the contactors of said element and said body respectively and the conductor on said member.

14. In a time controlled switch, a stationary body having a set of spaced contacts arranged in a circular array; a pair of shafts disposed concentrically with said contacts; means for rotating said shafts at different speeds; a set of spaced contacts driven by one of said shafts and movable in spaced relation to said rst mentioned set of contacts; and a spanning conductor driven by said other shaft, movable between said sets of contacts and constructed and arranged to progressivcly connect single contacts of one set with single contacts of the other set.

15. A switch comprising a stationary housing; a first set of circumferentially spaced contacts carried thereby in a circular array; a clocl; including hour and minute mechanism in said housing; a second set of circumferentially spaced contacts disposed in a circular array and driven by said minute mechanism in spaced concentric relation to said first set of contacts; a bridging conductor driven by said hour mechanism intermediate said first and second set of contacts in concentric relation thereto and adapted to progressively connect single ones of said first cf contacts to single contacts of said second set of contacts in a predetermined order in which connection to said first set is progressive from one to the next adjacent in continuous sequence, and to the second set is in predetermined, non-consecutive order.

16. A switch comprising a stationary support; a clock carried by said support, said clock having hour and minute mechanism; single coaxial circular series of circumferentially spaced contacts carried respectively by said support and said minute mechanism; a contact driven by said hour mechanism coaxially with said series of contacts and disposed to have wiping contact with both series to interconnect single contacts of one series with single contacts of the other series.

17. A switch comprising a stationary support; a clock carried by said support, said clock having hour and minute mechanism; single coaxial circular series of circumferentially spaced contacts carried respectively by said support and said minute mechanism; a contact driven by said hour mechanism coaxially with said series of contacts and disposed to have wiping contact with both series to interconnect single contacts of one series with single contacts of the other series; said clock being angularly adjustable with respect to said support to adjust the duration of dwell of the electrical connection through the contact driven by said hour mechanism with the simultaneously coincident contact of each of said series oi contacts.

18. In a time controlled switch device for an electric circuit, the combination oi a clock including hour and minute mechanism; a stationary member having a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in a circular array; a rst rotary member driven by said hour mechanism; a second rotary member driven by said minute mechanism;

a plurality of electrical contacts carried by one of said rotary members and disposed in a circular array concentric with the contacts on-said stationary member; an electrical contact on the other of said rotary members; said members being disposed such that a single contact on one of said members makes simultaneous contact with single contacts on said other two members so as to periodically establish electrical connection slides slidable axially in the space between the inner surface of said shell and the outer surface of said member, said slides each having a first contact portion continuously engageable with a strip of one of said contacts and a second contact portion engageable with a selected one of said rings; clock mechanism in said shell including hour and minute mechanisms; a circular series of contacts disposed c'oncentrically with said rst mentioned contacts and driven by one of said mechanisms, a contact driven by said other mechanism, said contacts being disposed in wiping relation such that electrical connections are completed sequentially from single contacts of said circular array through single contacts driven by said hour and minute mechanisms respectively.

CLARE G. JUDD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number