US3306996A - Wrap-around plug-in timer - Google Patents

Description

1967 H. T. SIMMONS ETAL.

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS HAROLD T SIMMONS STEPHEN F MURRAY ATTORNE V/im 1967 H. T. SIMMONS ETAL 3,30

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 4 INVENTORS HAROLD 7. S/MM STE PHEN F MURRAY ATTORNE F 6 v H. 'r. SIMMONS ETAL 3,

WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Filed March 22, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS HAROLD 7.' SIMMONS STEPHEN F MURRAY ATTORNEY of switches at programmed United States Patent Office 3,306,996 WRAP-AROUND PLUG-IN TIMER Harold T. Simmons and Stephen F. Murray, Indianapolis, Ind., assignors to P. R. Mallory & Co. Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., a corporation of Delaware Filed Mar. 22, 1965, Ser. No. 441,678 15 Claims. (Cl. 200-38) The present invention relates to a control timer, more particularly to a novel plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging the contacts of a plurality intervals of time during a selected cycle. The plug-in timer is designed so as to be used with commercially available multiple cavity receptacles. The plug-in terminal assemblies, that is, modules means of the control timer are located thereon so as to insure a minimum sacrifice of space yet provided the means for making plug-in connections with the commercially available multiple cavity receptacles.

Control timers, sometimes known as sequential timers, are known and have received commercial acceptance in the control of the sequence of operations used to actuate electrical appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers and the like. As refinements are introduced in the electric appliance field thereby making the appliance more commercially acceptable by the public at large, the need arises to modify the presently available control timer so as to provide a control timer capable of actuating increased numbers of electrical circuitry operatively associated with the appliance. However, it is desired that the control timer be physically small and compact. It is seen the need arises for a more accurate, simple, etficient, and effective sequential timer capable of handling increased numbers of electrical circuits. In addition, if the control timer could be easily removed from the appliance, repair thereof is facilitated thereby substantially reducing the cost of maintaining the appliance on an operational basis.

If the control timer must occupy a physical space less than that of the several presently available prior art timers and yet incorporate therein a plug-in characteristic, design problems of magnitude are encountered. One of the foremost design problems being to locate a plurality of external terminals providing the plug-in feature and still provide a control timer having a thin outline. By the accompanying drawings and specifications the novel means and method whereby the present invention fulfills the required purpose will be disclosed.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control timer with a module means so that the control timer may be used with commercially available multiple cavity receptables. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel control timer wherein springs and terminals are integral to substantially eliminate the problem of loose connections.

A further object of the present inventionis to provide a control timer wherein all bussing between follower switch means may be accomplished after assembly of the control timer.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a control timer wherein a drive means is positioned between module means so as to be readily serviceable without removing the control timer from the appliance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, eflicient, effective, and accurate plug-in control timer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable drum-shaped switch actuating means that is of unitary construction thereby facilitating fabrication thereof.

3,306,996 Patented Feb. 28, 1967 A further object of the present invention is to provide a control timer having optimum reliability characteristics afforded by a compact construction having a minimum number of parts.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel plug-in control timer usable in shallow depth locations.

The present invention in another of its aspects, relates to the novel features of the instrumentalities of the invention described herein for teaching the principal object of the invention and to the novel principles employed in the instrumentalities whether or not these features and principles may be used in the said object and/ or in the said field.

With the aforementioned objects enumerated, other objects will be apparent to those persons possessing ordinary skill in the art. Other objects will appear in the following description, appended claims, and appended drawings. The invention resides in the novel construction, combination, arrangement, and cooperation of elements as hereinafter described and more particularly as defined in the appended claims.

The appended drawings illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention constructed to function in the most advantageous modes devised for the practical application of the basic principles involved in the hereinafter described invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the novel plug-in control timer of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the plug-in control timer with selected parts removed to illustrate the location of the escapement means and the follower switch means of the plug-in module means.

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the control timer of FIG- URE 1 partially cut away illustrating the follower switch means cooperatively associated with the drum-shaped, unitary rotatable switch actuating means.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional side view of the control timer taken across the lines 44 of FIGURE 3 illustrating the cooperative relationship of various components of the timer.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the follower arm of the follower switch means used as a component of the present invention.

FIGURE 6 illustrates the means and method utilized to join the components of the follower switch means to a terminal block 'means of the module means.

FIGURE 7 illustrates the modue means wherein various terminals of a plurality of follower switch means are bussed therebetwee f FIGURE 8 is a cross sectional view of the module means taken across the lines 8-8 of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 illustrates the module means of FIGURE 7 wherein the bus wires have been fabricated so as to bus between other. follower switch terminals.

FIGURE 10 shows the'means and method by which the drum-shaped switch actuating means and the actuator shaft are joined.

Generally speaking, the means and methods of the present invention relate to a control timer. The control timer is used for sequentially engaging and disengaging the contacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle. An intermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means includes a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship. The channels include coded indicia, preferably rise and fall contours. A plurality of plug-in module means, that is, plug-in terminal assembly means include a plurality of follower switches. Each of the follower switches includes contact carrying blade means and a contact carrying follower arm means. Each of the follower arm means rides in its respective channel and is biased into engagement with or disengagement with the contact carrying blade means in accordance with the contours of the channel. An axially positionable shaft is rotatably coupled to the drum-shaped means. A line switch actuating means is cooperatively associated With the shaft for electrically connecting the plug-in control timer means to the line switch means as the shaft is depressed axially.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel plug-in control timer. A drive means having a constant rotary motion output has its output coupled to an escapement means. The escapement means translates the constant rotary motion output of the drive means to an intermittent rotary motion. A unitary, drum-shaped switch actuating means is coupled to and intermittently driven by the escapement means. The drum-shaped switch actuating means includes a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship- Each of the channels includes rise and fall contours. A plug-in module means, that is, a plug-in terminal assembly means, is mounted on each side of the drive means. The module means comprises a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures, a pair of projections and a plurality of follower switches. The follower switches have a contact carrying blade means which includes a terminal means and a contact carrying member and the terminal means interfits with the U-shaped apertures so as to bias the contact carrying member against the cooperatively associated projection. The contact carrying follower arm means includes a terminal means and a contact carrying member. The terminal means is at an angle with the contact carrying member. Interfitting with a U-shaped aperture is the terminal means. The terminal means is biased toward the contact member of the blade means. A figure 4-shaped follower is carried by the follower arm and the follower rides in a channel of the drum-shaped means. The follower arm is biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with the contours of the channel. An axially positionable shaft is rotatably coupled to the drumshaped means. The shaft carries a splined actuator means. A line switch actuating means is cooperatively associated with the splined actuator means for electrically connecting the plug-in control timer means to a line switch means as the shaft is depressed axially.

Referring now to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is seen that the plug-in control timer means is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The control timer in cludes a drive means such as electric motor 11 or the of the electric motor to an intermittent or step-by-step rotary motion output. The escapement means utilized in the present invention is substantially the escapement means disclosed in US. Patent No. 2,916,923 issued to Smith et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. Since the escapement means is described in a prior patent and since other suitable escapement means-may be used, a detailed illustration and description of the escapement means has been omitted from the disclosure in the interest of a clearer showing of the inventive portion of the plug-in control timer. Suffice it to say that the escapement means utilized in the present invention translates the constant rotary motion output of the electric motor to'an intermittent'or step-b'y-step rotary motion output.

Stud 19 includes a sleeve 20 that is fixedly coupled to the main mounting frame by any suitable means such as by welding or the like. The stud serves as a seat for the escapement means. A first cam 20 and a second cam 21 are fixedly coupled to main gear 18 so as to be rotatably displaced therewith.- A first T-shaped arm 22 is pivotably coupled to the main mount ing frame by any suitable means such as rivet 24. A first extremity (not shown) of the T-shaped arm 22 rides on the periphery of cam 20, thereby following the rise and fall contours of the cam. It is seen that a fall contour of the cam would cause the T-shaped arm to be displaced toward stud 19 whereas a rise contour of the integral therewith, is

cam would cause the T-shaped arm to be displaced away like which is mechanically coupled to a pinion (not shown) by any suitable means such as by force fitting with a shaft (not shown) of the motor or the like. The pinion is displaced in the clockwise direction with a substantially constant rotary motion. The electric motor is fixedly mounted on main mounting frame 12 by a plurality of spacer posts 13 of the electric motor. The spacer posts are coupled to the main mounting frame by any suitable coupling means such as threaded nuts or the like. The spacer posts and a raised stamped portion 14 of the main mounting frame predeterminately locate the drive means so that the pinion of the drive means meshes with and rotatably drives a speed reduction gear 15 mounted on the main mounting frame. The speed reduction gear is rotatably driven by the pinion in the counter-clockwise direction at a substantially c0nstant speed. Post 16, fixedly coupled to the main mounting frame, serves to rotatably seat the speed reduction gear on the main mounting frame.

An escapement means 17 has a main gear 18 that meshes with and is rotatably driven in the clockwise direction by the speed reduction gear. The escapement means is utilized 'to translate the constant rotary speed from the stud. A second T-shaped arm 23 is pivotably coupled to the main mounting frame by means of rivet 24. The second T-shaped arm includes a first extremity '25 that rides on the rise and fall contours of the second cam 21. It is seen that the fall contour of the can would cause the T-shaped arm to be displaced toward stud 19 whereas the rise contours of the periphery of the cam would cause the T-shaped arm to be displaced away from the stud. The first T-shaped arm has connected to its opposite extremity an actuator block 26 and the second T-shaped arm has connected to its opposite extremity an actuator block 26. The rise contour of the cam causes the respective actuator block to be displaced out wardly from stud 19 so as to engage with and there after bias a follower arm 27 of the follower switch 2@ to the desired position to thereby achieve the desired subinterval actuation. The fall contour of the cam causes the T-shaped arm and its cooperatively associated actuator block to be displaced toward stud 19. As a result thereof, the actuator block disengages follower arm 27. It is seen that the rise and fall contours of the cam may be designed soas to accommodate the required sub-interval sequences. FIGURE 1 illustrates a single fall and a single rise contour on the cam but it is to be understood that any number of rise and fall contours may be utilized to achieve the desired sub-interval sequence.

Ratchet wheel 29 of the escapement means has a plu rality of fingers 30 extending upwardly which slid-ably interfit with apertures 31 of the unitary, drum-shaped switch actuating means 32. It is seen that the intermittent, clockwise displacement of the ratchet wheel in the horizontal plane is transmitted to the drum-shaped switch actuating 'means such that the switch actuating means is also rotationally displaced in the clockwise direction with an intermittent motion. The drum-shaped switch actuating means includes on the periphery thereof, a plurality of circumferential groove or channels 52 having rise and fall contours. Each circumferential groove is in spaced paralled relationship with an adjacent circumferential groove. The switch actuating may be molded as a unitary means or a plurality of individual cams joined by any suitable means such as by glue or the like. The switch actuating means includes an axial bore 34. The bore surrounds and receives shaft 35.

An'a'pertured end plate 36 is maintained in spaced parallel relationship with the main mounting frame by side walls 37 and 37. The side walls are stamped from the apertured plate and are at right angles therewith. The side walls are coupled to the main mounting frame by any suitable means such as a plurality of tabs 38 force fitting with apertures 39 of the main mounting frame. A centrally located aperture 40 in the end plate includes press fitted therewith a sleeve 41. The sleeve has the dual purpose of providing support for the shaft and of providing a seat for a hair spring index means 42. The opposite extremity of the shaft is slidably sea-ted in recess 43 of stud 19. It is seen that the recess of the stud substantially prevents deleterious horizontal oscillations of the shaft yet provides a seat within which the shaft may rotate.

As disclosed herein before, end plate 36 and sleeve 41 provide a forward support for shaft 35. Sleeve 41 also serves as a means for retaining a means for axially positioning the shaft. The hairpin spring index means 42 is fixedly mounted to said sleeve. The hairpin spring index means is mounted in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. One extremity or finger 44 of the hairpin spring index means interfits with a slot cut into the sleeve means whereas the other extremity or finger 44' engages the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve means. Extremity or finger 44 of the hairpin spring index means engages one of the plurality of circumferential grooves 45 cut in the periphery of the time-r shaft. The finger 44 is biased against the shaft thereby maintaining the shaft in a desired axial position. To alter the axial position of the shaft, the shaft is pushed or pulled, depending on the desired result or the initial axial position of the shaft, to thereby alter or change the axial position of the shaft. It is seen that the resilient finger 44 rides up the side of the circumferential groove as the shaft is axially depressed. The finger being displaced from its initial position, stores energy as a result of the displacement. Upon reaching the apex between two adjacent circumferential grooves, the spring releases some of its stored energy as it slides down into the adjacent groove. Resting in the adjacent groove, the cooperative relationship between the finger and the groove serves to axially position the shaft.

A suitable line switch actuating means 46 is slidably retained to the underside of end plate 36 by any suitable means such as rivets 24 or the like. Each rivet is cooperatively associated with a slot of predetermined length which permits the line switch actuating means to slide along its longitudinal axis within limits as determined by the length of the slots and the placement of the rivets 24" within said slots. The line switch means (not shown) includes a contact carrying follower arm that is biased to the engaged position with a contact of a contact carrying blade if the shaft and the line switch actuating means are positioned as illustrated in FIGURE 4. When shaft 35 is pulled outwardly a hollow splined actuator means 47 fixedly carried by the shaft and including a flange portion 48 that in turn engages with a ramped portion 33 of the line switch actuating means to thereby displace the line switch actuating means in the direction of arrow 49 so as to bias the contact carrying follower arm of the line switch to an open or electrically nonconducting position. The contact carrying follower arm stores energy therein as it is displaced in the direction of arrow 49 so that when the shaft is depressed to again assume the position as illustrated in FIGURE 4, the energy stored in the follower arm is released thereby returning the follower arm to its initial or open position.

FIGURE illustrates the cooperative relationship between the hollow splined actuator means 47 and one of the cams of the switch actuating means. It is seen that a plurality of ridges 50 extend along the outer periphery of and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the splined actuator means. The ridges interfit with slots 51 spaced about the periphery of the bore 34. Rotational displacement of the splined actuator means causes the ridges 6 thereof to engage with the slots of the switch actuating means thereby rotationally displacing the switch actuating means. Axial displacement of the splined actuator means does not cause axial displacement of the switch actuating means for the ridges slide along the slots rather than engage the slots of the switch actuating means thereby allowing the switch actuating means to remain in its predetermined axial position.

A plurality of circumferential channels 52 are cut into the periphery of the switch actuating means. It is seen that each circumferential channel contains therein rise and fall contours which determine the state of activation of a cooperatively associated follower arm riding thereon. The follower arm is biased so as to be riding on the contour or coded indicia of the channel at all times during the operation of the control timer. Each channel is bordered by a circumferential spline 53. The circumferential splines serve to retain the follower arm in riding engagement with the desired channel in the vertical plane. The follower arm is thereby prevented from losing riding engagement with the appropriate channel as a result of abusive handling or the like. The contours of the channel determine the state of activation of the follower switch means 28 associated therewith.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a side view of the follower switch means 28. The follower switch means includes a con tact carrying follower arm 27 and a first contact carrying blade 54 adjacent one side of the contact of the contact carrying follower arm and a second contact carrying blade 54' adjacent the other side of the contact of the contact carrying follower arm. Assuming the follower switch is in the neutral or disengaged position, displacement of the follower arm toward the shaft due to a fall contour causes the contact of the follower arm to engage the contact of the contact carrying blade 54. As the follower arm engages a first rise contour and thereafter rises therealong as shown in FIGURE 3, the follower arm is biased to the neutral or open position as illustrated in FIGURE 3. Further clockwise rotation of the switch actuating means causes the follower arm to engage a second rise contour which biases the contact of the follower arm into engagement with the contact of contact carrying blade 54'. It is emphasized that the foregoing sequence of operations of the follower switch of the present invention is merely descriptive and as such intended to facilitate the description of the present invention. The sequence of operations of the follower switch is deteroperation of the program at a particular interval of time.

FIGURE 5 shows the construction of the follower arm of the follower switch. The follower arm 27 includes a Therefore, vertical displacement of the figure 4-shaped follower is transmitted to the contact carrying member so as to displace the member in the vertical direction. At the end of the contact carrying member opposite the contact, the member has a terminal 60 cut therein. As a result of cutting terminal 60 in the member, shoulders 61 and 61' are formed on the contact carrying member. The terminal carries thereon two nodes 62. The purpose of the shoulders and the nodes will be disclosed hereinlater. It is seen that the terminal is at a slight but predetermined angle with the main longitudinal axis of the contact carrying member.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a plug-in terminal assembly 63. The plug-in terminal assembly includes block means 64 and follower switch 28. The block includes a plurality of U-shaped apertures 65 cut therein and having a width and length sufiicient to accommodate blades 54 and 54 and follower arm 57 in a frictional interfitting relation such that under normal conditions the components of the 7 follower switch are fixed in position. The nodes of the follower arm and the blades interfit with the C-shaped apertures so as to substantially frictionally lock them to the block. FIGURE 6 shows the nodes just prior to en gaging the block and the position of the nodes when in the substantially locked position with the block.

The block 64 includes a plurality of backbones 66 and a pair of projections 67 that are in spaced parallel relationship with each other and the follower arm. It is seen that the slight angle of the terminal of the follower arm is sufficient to cause the figure 4-shaped follower to be spring biased against the appropriate channel of the switch actuating means. In a like manner the terminal portion of each of the contact carrying blades are at a slight angle with the main blade portion of their respective blades. The contact carrying blade is placed within the U-shaped aperture of the block so that the block portion is biased against a surface of its respective projection 67 of the block. In this manner the contact carrying blades and the follower arm are retained in .a predetermined position so as to substantially eliminate the problem of loose terminals yet allow accurate control of the alignment and of the spacing of the contacts.

The backbones of the block interfit with furrows 68 of the main mounting frame and furrows 68 of the end plate 36 so as to seat and predeterminately locate the plug-in terminal assembly or module means with rapect to the switch actuating means. The plug-in terminal assembly is so constructed that the assemblies located on either side of the drive means may be interchanged by merely inverting the respective assembly so that the figure 4-shaped follower rides in the appropriate channel of the switch actuating means.

FIGURES 7 and 9 show a means where-by a strip of wire 69 may be used to bus selected terminals to thereby provide an easy and convenient means of interconnecting terminals of the plug-in terminal assembly. The configuration of the plug-in terminal assembly all-owing substantially external bussing between terminals of selected follower switches permits bussing after construction of the plug-in terminal assembly.

Having described the structure of the present invention, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

The control timer 10 has the plug-in terminal assemblies or modules placed in mating engagement with presently available cavity receptacles (not shown). To initiate the programmed cycle, shaft 35 is manually depressed. The inward axial movement of the shaft serves to activate a plurality of electrical and mechanical functions. The line switch actuating means disengages the line switch (not shown) thereby allowing the contacts of that switch to engage. In so doing, electrical energy is supplied to the plug-in control timer. The drive means is activated by the flow of electrical energy therethrough so as to rotate its pinion (not shown) in the clockwise direction. The pinion meshes with and drives speed reduction gear at a constant speed in the counterclockwise direction. The speed reduction meshes with and rotatably drives at a constant rate of speed the main gear 18 of the escapement means 17. The escapement means is utilized to translate the constant speed output of the drive means to an intermittent or step-by-step rotary motion output. The rotary motion output of the escapement means is transferred to ratchet wheel 29 by the means described hereinbefore. It is seen that the intermittent motion of the ratchet wheel is transferred to the switch actuating means 32 by means of the cooperative relationship between fingers 30 and apertures 31. The figure 4-shaped follower of each respective follower switch is biased so as to be riding in its respective channel of the unitary drumshaped switch actuating means.

Intermittent motion of the switch actuating means causes either the figure 4-shaped follower to ramp up a rise contour of the channel or to fall along the fall contour of the channel. The initial condition of actuation of the follower depends on the position of the switch actuating means when the control timer is actuated. The position of the respective follower arm of the follower switches is determinative of the portion of the program called for by the plug-in control timer.

While the invention is illustrated and described in its preferred embodiment, it will be understood that modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of this invention and as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging contacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plurality of module means, each of said module means including a plurality of follower switches including contacts, said follower switches riding in said channels andhaving said contacts biased to engagement or disengagement in accordance with said contours of said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam means driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall contours, arm means including actuator block means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said contacts thereby reopening and delaying closure of said contacts in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said shaft closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

2. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven apertured drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plurality of plug-in module means, each of said module means including a plurality of follower switches, each of said follower switches including contact carrying blade means and a contact carrying follower arm means, said follower arm means riding in said channel and biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; a shaft projecting through said aperture of said drum-shaped means and axially displaceable independent of said drum-shaped means; a splined actuator means carried by said shaft connecting said shaft to said drumshaped means during rotation of said shaft thereby rotationally displacing said drum-shaped means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

3. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle com prising: a drive means having a constant rotary motion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drive means, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motion output of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; a unitary switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently driven by said escapement means, said unitary switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plurality of plug-in module means placed on both sides of said drive means, each of said module means including a plurality of follower switches, each of said follower switches including contact carrying blade means and a contact carrying follower arm means, said follower arm means riding in said channel and biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam means connected to said drive means and driven thereby at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall contours, displaceable arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said arm means, another extremity of said arm means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage at least one of said follower arm means thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm means with said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

4. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging contacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven unitary switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including coded indicia; and a module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carry ing member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said coded indicia of said channels; and sub-interval actuating means including cam means driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall contours, arm means including actuator block means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm with said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

5. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging contacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including coded indicia; and a module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U- shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said 'U-shaped'apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, anda figure 4-shaped fol- It) lower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said coded indicia of said channels.

6. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging contacts of a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a module means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; subinterval actuating means including cam means driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fail contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T- shaped arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm with said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said shaft closing to said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

7. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: an intermittently driven drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; subinterval actuating means including cam means driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm means including L-shaped actuator block means connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means,

another extremity of said T-shaped arm means offset and riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm with said contact carrying blade in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a line switch means; and 'a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially. a l V I i 8. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaginga plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: a drive means having a constant rotary motion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drive means, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motion output of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; an apertured unitary switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently driven by said escapement means, said unitary switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; a shaft projecting through said aperture of said switch actuating means and axially displaceable independent of said switch actuating means; a splined actuator means carried by said shaft connecting said shaft to said switch actuating means during rotation of said shaft thereby rotationally displacing said switch actuating means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

9. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: a drive means having a constant rotary motion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drive means, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motion output of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; a drum-shaped switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently driven by said escapement means, said drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module means comprising a block means including a plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-sl1aped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam meansdriven by said drive means at a constant speed, said earn means including rise and fall contours, arm means including actuator block means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm with said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

10. A plug-in control timer for sequentially engaging and disengaging a plurality of follower switches at selected intervals of time during a programmed cycle comprising: a drive means having a constant rotary motion output; an escapement means coupled to and driven by said drive means, said escapement means translating said constant rotary motion output of said drive means to an intermittent rotary motion; a drum-shaped switch actuating means coupled to and intermittently driven by said escapement means, said drum-shaped switch actuating means including a plurality of circumferential channels in spaced parallel relationship, said channels including rise and fall contours; a plug-in module means mounted on each side of said drive means, said module means comprising a block means includinga plurality of U-shaped apertures and a pair of projections, a contact carrying blade means including terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with said U-shaped apertures to bias said contact carrying member against said projections, a contact carrying follower arm means including a terminal means and a contact carrying member, said terminal means at an angle with said contact carrying member, said terminal means interfitting with a U-shaped aperture to bias said contact member of said follower arm toward said contact member of said blade means, and a figure 4-shaped follower carried by said follower arm and riding in said channel, said follower arm biased into engagement with or disengagement with said contact carrying blade means in accordance with said contours of said channel; sub-interval actuating means including cam means connected to said drive means and driven at a constant speed, said cam means including rise and fall cont-ours, pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm thereby reopening and delayng closure of said follower arm with said blade means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming; an axially positionable shaft rotatably coupled to said drum-shaped means, said shaft carrying splined actuator means; a line switch means; and a line switch actuating means operated by said splined actuator means closing said line switch means as said shaft is depressed axially.

11. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising a rotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, said escapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittent fashion at determined intervals, switch means opened and closed by said indexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating means including cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fall contours, arm means including actuator block means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said switch means thereby reopening and delaying closure of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

12. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising a rotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, said escapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittent fashion at determined intervals, switch means opened and closed by said indexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating means including cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fall contours, pivotally displaceable arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said arm means, another extremity of said arm means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said switch means thereby reopening and delaying closure of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

13. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means by said indexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating means including cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means 14. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising a rotatably driven gear, an escapement means gonnected to said gear, said escapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittent fashion at determined intervals, follower switch means including displaceable contact carrying follower means and fixed contact carrying means, said fol-lower arm means opened and closed with said fixed cont-act carrying means by said indexing of said switch actuating means, and subinterval actuating means including cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm means including actuator block means connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means, another extremity of said T-shaped arm means riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm means thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm means with said fixed contact carrying means of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

15. A mechanism for advancing switch actuating means comprising a rotatably driven gear, an escapement means connected to said gear, said escapement means indexing said switch actuating means in an intermittent fashion at determined intervals, follower switch means including displaceable contact carrying follower means and fixed contact carrying means, said follower arm means opened and closed with said fixed contact carrying arm means by said indexing of said switch actuating means, and sub-interval actuating means including cam means connected to said gear and rotatable therewith, said cam means including rise and fall contours, a plurality of pivotally displaceable T-shaped arm means including L- shaped actuator block means connected to one extremity of said T-shaped arm means oifset and riding on said contours of said cam means, said arm means pivotally displaced in accordance with said contours of said cam means causing said actuator block means to engage and disengage said follower arm means thereby reopening and delaying closure of said follower arm means with said fixed contact carrying means of said switch means in response to the rotation of said cam means so as to provide sub-interval programming.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MAIER, E SPRINGBORN,

' Assistant Examiners,

Claims (1)

1. A PLUG-IN CONTROL TIMER FOR SEQUENTIALLY ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING CONTACTS OF A PLURALITY OF FOLLOWER SWITCHES AT SELECTED INTERVALS OF TIME DURING A PROGRAMMED CYCLE COMPRISING: AN INTERMITTENTLY DRIVEN DRUM-SHAPED SWITCH ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF CIRCUMFERENTIAL CHANNELS IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP, SAID CHANNELS INCLUDING RISE AND FALL CONTOURS; A PLURALITY OF MODULE MEANS, EACH OF SAID MODULE MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF FOLLOWER SWITCHES INCLUDING CONTACTS, SAID FOLLOWER SWITCHES RIDING IN SAID CHANNELS AND HAVING SAID CONTACTS BIASED TO ENGAGEMENT OR DISENGAGEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID CONTOURS OF SAID CHANNEL; SUB-INTERVAL ACTUATING MEANS INCLUDING CAM MEANS DRIVEN AT A CONSTANT SPEED, SAID CAM MEANS INCLUDING RISE AND FALL CONTOURS, ARM MEANS INCLUDING ACTUATOR BLOCK MEANS RIDING ON SAID CONTOURS OF SAID CAM MEANS, SAID ARM MEANS DISPLACED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SAID CONTOURS OF SAID CAM MEANS CAUSING SAID ACTUATOR BLOCK MEANS TO ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE SAID CONTACTS THEREBY REOPENING AND DELAYING CLOSURE OF SAID CONTACTS IN RESPONSE TO THE ROTATION OF SAID CAM MEANS SO AS TO PROVIDE SUB-INTERVAL PROGRAMMING; AN AXIALLY POSITIONABLE SHAFT ROTATABLY COUPLED TO SAID DRUM-SHAPED MEANS; A LINE SWITCH MEANS; AND A LINE SWITCH ACTUATING MEANS OPERATED BY SAID SHAFT CLOSING SAID LINE SWITCH MEANS AS SAID SHAFT IS DEPRESSED AXIALLY.

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