US3353412A

US3353412A - Mechanical timer

Info

Publication number: US3353412A
Application number: US497976A
Authority: US
Inventors: Humphrey Robert
Original assignee: BAYSIDE WATCH TOOL CO Inc
Current assignee: BAYSIDE WATCH TOOL CO Inc
Priority date: 1965-10-19
Filing date: 1965-10-19
Publication date: 1967-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 1984-11-21

Description

United States Patent ()fitice 3,353,412 MECHANICAL TIMER Robert Humphrey, Pelham, N.Y., assignor to Bayside' Watch Tool Co., Inc., Whitestone, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 19, 1965, Ser. No. 497,976 19 Claims. (Cl. 74-352) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A mechanical timer to effect sequential triggering of a desired mechanism in accordance with a predetermined schedule. An actuating lever is pivotally mounted on each of two side plates. Springs normally bias each of the actuating levers toward their'respective uncocked positions, and releases maintain each actuating lever in its respective cocked position in the preset position of the mechanical timer. A timing mechanism drives the releases to elfect a sequential operation thereof in accordance with the predetermined sequence of operation, which sequence is timed to occur in accordance with a prearranged time schedule. The timing mechanism comprises a drive gear and a gear train which includes a plurality of gear assemblies serially connected in driving relationship with respect to one another and an escapement assembly controls the operation of the gear train. A stop maintains the timing device in a preset, stored position and which stop includes a releasable stop mechanism which renders the time device operative when desired.

This invention relates in general to a timer device, and more specifically to a mechanical timer for triggering a mechanism to elfect a sequential operation of the mechanism in accordance with a predetermined time schedule.

An object of this invention is to provide a mechanical timer that is extremely compact, light in weight, and positive in operation.

Another object is to provide a timer which is constructed to provide the triggering of a mechanism in accordance with a predetermined timed sequence of operation wherein each sequence is timed to occur in accordance with a prearranged time schedule.

Another object is to provide a mechanical timer in which the interval between sequences can be adjustably set to occur between prescribed limits.

Still another object is to provide a mechanical timer for triggering a mechanism in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operation wherein the timing of one of the sequences is fixed and the timing of the next subsequent sequence adjustably varied between prescribed limits.

Still another object is to provide a mechanical timer which can be adjustably set when fully energized.

Another object is to provide a mechanical timer which will always operate at full power capable of furnishing maximum torque.

Another object is to provide a mechanical timer capable of withstanding severe vibrations, corrosion, and temperature changes as may be normally encountered in flight for example.

Another object is to provide a mechanical timer which is capable of being prepared and easily preset in the field.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical timer which is capable of being preset and stored, and which by means of a releasable stop means is rendered readily operable.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a mechanical timer constructed and arranged to effect the sequential trig gering of any desired mechanism in accordance with a predetermined time schedule. The timer comprises a hous- Patented Nov. 21, 1967 ing defined by opposed spaced side plates with an actuating means or lever pivotally connected on each side plate of the housing for movement between the cocked position and an uncocked or released position. Means are provided for normally biasing each of said actuating means or levers toward their respective uncocked positions. Release means are operatively associated with each of the respective actuating means to maintain the respective associate actuating means or lever in its respective cocked position in the preset position of the mechanical timer.

A timing mechanism is operatively associated with each of the respective release means so as to effect a sequential operation thereof in accordance with a predetermined sequence of operations in which each sequence is timed to occur in accordance with a prearranged time schedule. The timing mechanism comprises a main drive assembly and a gear train connected in driving relationship therewith. Accordingly, the main drive assembly comprises a shaft rotatably journalled between the plates of the housing which is powered by a drive spring coiled thereabout. A drive gear is journalled on the shaft to rotate therewith. The gear train in turn includes a plurality of gear assemblies serially connected in driving relationship with respect to one another and an escapement assembly operatively connected to the gear train to control the timed operation thereof. A stop means is pro vided for maintaining the timing device in a preset stored position. The stop means also includes a releasable stop mechanism which renders the time device operable when desired.

Means are further provided for enabling the drive spring to be rewound or tighten upon a run-down of the timing mechanism. In accordance with this invention, this is attained by providing limited axial movement of the drive assembly to effect engagement and disengagement between the driving gear of the drive assembly and the adjacent gear assembly of the gear train.

The operation of the timer is such that the first sequence of operation is timed to occur after a first predetermined or fixed period of time, with the next or succeding operation timed to occur at a settable predetermined time interval thereafter. A means is therefore provided for adjustably setting one of the time intervals within prescribed time limits to vary the same without adversely affecting the setting of the other time interval.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a mechanical timing device having a plurality of actuating means or levers which can be sequentially operated in accordance with a predetermined time schedule for effect ing the'triggering of an associate mechanism in accordance with the prearranged schedule.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provi sion of a mechanical timer wherein the timing interval for effecting the triggering of a device can be varied without adversely affecting the timing of another mechanism operatively associated therewith.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanical timer having a wound spring to power the gear train timing mechanism.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision that the actuating force to power the gear train of the timing mechanism is obtained near the full power of the energized spring instead of at its low energy level.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a mechanical timer having a first release lever which is arranged to operate at the end of a given fixed time interval and a second release lever arranged to operate at the end of a variable time interval which can be adjustably set between prescribed limits. Y

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifications in which: I W

FIGURE 1 is atop plan view of the timing device of the instant invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front end view of the timing device of FIG. 1 with the front wall portion of the housing removed. to illustrate the internal working mechanism;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 2;

FIGURE 4 is a right end view of FIG. 2 taken along line 44' on FIG.. 2.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 the mechanical timing device of the instant invention. As shown, the timing device comprises a housing 11 defined by a top plate member 12 and a spaced lower plate member 13. In the illustrated form of the invention, the lower or bottom plate 13 is formed with upwardly turned

flange portions

13A, 13B, 13C extending along the respective side edges and one longitudinal edge to define an interconnecting side wall extending between the upper and lower plates. Suitable means are provided for interconnecting the upper plate 12 to

side wall portions

13A, 13B of the lower plate 13. In the illustrated form of the invention, the means for securing the

respective plates

12, 13 tog-ether include bent ears or lugs 14 integrally formed with the opposed side wall portions 13A,. 13B of the housing as shown. To accommodate the bent lugs or cars 14, the top plate 12 may be provided with holes 15 adjacent the front thereof to receive the projecting lug 14 therethrough. Accordingly, byb'ending the respective ears or lugs 14 over, as shown in FIG. 1, the respective top and

bottom plates

12, 13 are secured in spaced relationship to define acompartment 17 therebetween.

The front of the housing isclosed by a readily removable wall portion 16. This front wall 16 is defined by a strip of material which is adapted to be fitted in the space between

plates

12 and 13. The ends 16A of the front wall 16 are inwardly bent to frictionally secure the front wall 16 in position between the opposed side walls 13A,. 13B of the housing. Accordingly, a completely enclosed compartment 17 is defined between the top plate 12, and bottom plate 13.

An actuating means or

release lever

18, 19 is pivotally secured to the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 13 respectively. As best seen in FIG. 1, the first actuating means or lever 13 is pivotally connected to the top plate 12 by means of a suitable pivot, such as a rivet or screw 20 and the. like. The arrangement is such that the actuating means or lever 18 is arranged to pivot between a cocked position and an uncocked or release position. A spring 21 normally biases the actuating means or lever 18 toward its released or uncocked position. As shown, one end 21A of the spring 21 is anchored to an anchor pin 22 connected to the top plate 12,'and the other end 218 of the spring 21 is operatively connected to the lever 18.

A second actuating means or lever 19 is pivotally connected to the bottom plate 13 about a suitable pivot 24, as for example a rivet or the like. This lever 19 is also biased towards its uncocked position by means of a spring 26. As shown in FIG. 3, one end 26A of the spring 26 is anchored to a suitable pin 27 on the bottom plate 13, and the other end 2613 of the spring 26 is suitably secured to the lever 19.

In accordance with this invention, a release means 28, 29 is operatively associated with each of the actuating means or release levers 18, 19, respectively to effect the release thereof in accordance with a predetermined timing sequence or period of time. The release means 28 operatively associated with lever 18 comprises a cam member which is rotatably journalled on the side plate 12 of the housing. This cam member 28 is provided with a periphery portion 28A that circumscribes in part an arouate portion of a circle and in another part a flat portion 28B. The arrangement is such that the arcuate portion 28A of the cam 28 maintains the lever in the cocked position thereof as best seen in FIG. 1 for a predetermined time after the device is rendered operable. Accordingly,

4 when the cam member 28 has rotated the predetermined angular amount, as for example 180 degrees, the edge of the lever bearing on the arcuate peripheral edge 28A rides off the cam. Thus, the lever 18, under the forceof the spring 21 acting thereon, is released for movement to.- wards its uncocked position. The arrangement is such that the movement of the lever 18 to its uncocked positi'on effects a triggering of a mechanismtnot shown) which is operatively controlled by the timing and the actuation of the lever 18'.

A second release means or cam member 29 is rotatably journalled to the other side of the housing. As best seen in FIG. 3 the other cam member 29 comprises a disc having a periphery portion which also defines in part an arcuate portion 29A of a circle and in part a flat portion 293. The arrangement is. such that the bearing of the actuating means or lever 19 on the arcuate portion 29A of cam 29 will maintain the lever 19 in its cocked position for a predetermined period of time as determined by the angular movement of the cam member 29. Accordingly, it will be noted that whenever the edge of the lever 19 rides off the arcuate peripheral portion 25A of the cam, i.e. as when the flat portion 29B of the cam is brought around to engage the lever 19, the operating lever 19 is actuated or moved to its uncocked position under the influence of the spring 26 acting thereon. It will thus be noted the angle subtended by the

arcuate portion

28A, 29A of the respective cam members 28, 29 determines the respective release time of associated release levers 18, 19..

A timing mechanism 30 is disposed within the housing to control or determine the relative angular movement of the respective cam means 28, 29 with respect to each other. In accordance with this invention, the timing mech' anism 30 compirses a drive assembly 31 and a connected gear train 32 connected in driving relationship therewith. The drive assembly 31 comprises a tubular shaft 31A which is rotatably journalled between the top and bottom?

plates

12 and 13. A drive gear 313 is journalled to the drive shaft 31A intermediate the ends thereof. The drivemeans for effecting rotation of the drive shaft 31A and connected gear 31B comprises a drive spring 31C which is helically wound about the drive shaft 31A. One end of the spring 31C is connected to the drive shaft and the other end 31D of the spring 31C is anchored to the housing. To effect the drive, the spring is wound so that the stored energy thereof is utilized to effect the drive of the drive assembly 31. To facilitate winding of the spring the drive shaft 31A is mounted for limited axial movement between the top and

bottom plates

12, 13 of the housing as hereinafter described.

Fixed to the end of the shaft 31AB that projects through the tubular drive shaft 31A and the bottom plate of the housing is the release means or cam 29. Accordingly the arrangement is such that the release means or cam 29 will rotate as the drive means 31 is actuated.

Operatively connected in driving relationship to the drive assembly is the gear train 32. As seen, the gear train comprises a plurality of serially connected

gear assemblies

33, 34, 35 and 36 interconnected in driving relationship between the drive assembly 31 and an escapement assembly 37. The gear train 32 interconnected between the drive assembly 31 and the escapement assembly 37 includes a plurality of gear assemblies. In the illustrated form of the invention four

such gear assemblies

33, 34, 35 and 36 are shown. Each gear assembly comprises a

shaft

33A, 34A, 35A, 36A rotatably journalled between the

respective side plates

12, 13 of the housing. Connected to each

shaft

33A, 34A, 35A, 36A is a

pinion

33B, 34B, 35B, 36B and a

gear

33C, 34C, 35C, 36C. The arrangement is such that the gear of one gear assembly is connected in meshing, relationship with the pinion of the next adjacent assem-- bly. The drive gear 31B of the drive assembly 31 in turn is disposed in meshing relationship with the pinion 33B of the first gear assembly 33. As best seen in FIG. 2, the pinion 33B of the first gear assembly 33 terminates at a point spaced above the gear 330 connected thereto. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that the drive shaft 31A when axially displaced with respect to the first gear assembly 33 will effect an axial displacement of the gear 31B journalled thereto and in this manner the drive gear 31B is moved out of engagement with the pinion 33B of the first gear assembly 33. Thus in the axially displaced position of the drive gear 31B, the spring of the drive meansmay be rewound upon a run-down of the timing mechanism. With the spring rewound the drive shaft 31A can be again axially restored to its normal position in which the teeth of the drive gear 31B are again brought into meshing relationship with the pinion 33B of the first gear assembly 33.

The gear 36C of the fourth gear assembly 36 is disposed into meshing relationship with the pinion 39 of the escapement pinion assembly 37. The escapement assembly 37 comprises a shaft 38 journalled between the side plates of the housing which has an escapement wheel 38A journalled thereto. Associated therewith is an escapement and pinion assembly 39. The escapement and pinion assembly 39 includes a shaft 39A journalled between the

side plates

12 and 13 of the housing upon which a pinion 39B and an associated ratchet escapement 39C is fixed. The arrangement is such that the teeth of the escapement ratchet 39C are operatively associated with the escapement Wheel 38A so that the timing of the gear assemblies can be controlled. In accordance with this invention, the cam means 28 operatively engaged with the release lever 18 is fixed to an extended end portion of the shaft 33A of the first gear assembly 33. The angular velocity of the cam 28 is thus dependent upon the rotation of the shaft 33A of the first gear assembly 33. In operation the angular rotation of the cam member 28 effects release of the release lever 18. To assist the operation of the cam 28, a spring 40 is disposed to act on the cam. Accordingly, one end of the spring is biased against the cam 28 whereas the other end of the spring is anchored to a fixed stop 41.

In accordance with this invention, a means is provided for adjustably setting the release time of lever 19. This is attained by securing an adjustment means 42 to the extended end portion of the shaft 31AB. The adjustment or setting means 42 comprises an adjusting disc keyed to the upper end of the shaft 31AB. A set screw 43, threaded into the end of the shaft 31AB is provided to securely attach the setting disc 42 to the end of the shaft 31AB. Accordingly, to effect the adjustment of the release time for the release lever 19, the set screw 43 is loosened to permit the rotation of the shaft 31AB and connected disc 42 a predetermined angular amount to determine the desired time setting required. Since the adjusting or setting disc 42 is keyed to the shaft 31AB, rotation of the adjusting disc 42 will effect a corresponding rotation of the timing cam 29 accordingly. Upon setting the setting disc 42 to an adjusted position, the same may be locked by tightening of the set screw 43.

In accordance with this invention, a stop means is provided for preventing running-down of the timing mechanism 30 in the wound position of the timer. This stop means comprises a pull pin 44 which is extended through aligned opening found in the top and

bottom plates

12, 13. The arrangement is such that when the pin 44 is positioned through the aligned openings, the intermediate portion pin is disposed between a pair of adjacent teeth on the escapement ratchet 39C and in this way blocks the escapement assembly. The escapement assembly 39 is thus prohibited from operating or causing a run-down of the timer.

A releasable stop means 45 is also provided to prohibit actuation of the timing device even though the stop pin 44 may be pulled. In this form of the invention, the releasable stop 45 comprises a spring finger which has one end pivoted to the top plate and has its other end 45A projecting through an opening 46 formed in the top plate 12 to project inwardly of the housing. The arrangement is such that when a pressure is applied to the releasable stop 45, the projecting end 45A of the spring finger is interposed between adjacent ratchets of the escapement wheel to block the same. Accordingly, the escapement wheel is prevented from rotating until the force on the releasable stop 45 has also been removed. Thus, the timer is set in motion only when both the stop pin 44 is pulled and the releasable stop 45 are not in blocking positions. With the spring wound and the respective stop means 44, 45 out of engagement with the ratchet 390, the tension of the spring on the drive assembly 31 effects the rundown of the timer assembly 30.

The arrangement is such that the cam 23 will first effect the release of the actuating lever 18 afte a fixed predetermined time interval which is determined by the respective gear ratio of the gear train and the arcuate cam portion of the cam 28. The other actuating lever 19 is released upon a second predetermined time interval also determined by the gear ratio of the gear train and associated drive assembly and the periphery arcuate portion of the cam disc 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is such that the arcuate peripheral distauce of cam 29 is greater than the arcuate periphery of cam 28. Accordingly, the second actuating means 19 will not operate until after a predetermined fixed interval of time after the actuation of the first actuating lever 18.

By way of example, the first lever 18 may be actuated, as for example, at the end of a IO-second interval whereas the second actuating member 19 may be actuated at any time thereafter within a given time limit ranging between 2 to 10 minutes, depending upon the adjusted angular setting of the setting means 42 and associated cam member 29. From the foregoing it will be apparent that the fiat coil spring 31C furnishes the energy essential to rotate the gear members, so that the respective release levers 18, 19 are alternately tripped at specified times as determined by the gear ratio of the timer 30 and the associated cam release devices. With timer fully energized, it can still be set by means of the setting 42 to vary the setting time of the second release lever 19.

Once the timer has been placed in operation, the respective cam is placed in operation. As the cam 28 reaches a predetermined point, which in this case is designed at the flat portion, the spring operation on the lever release 18 pulls the same to its uncock position to eject a holding mechanism which (not shown) etfects the operation of a given mechanism.

The same applies to the lever 19. When the flat portion 293 of cam 29 is moved around to engage the lever 19, the release lever 19 is actuated and in doing so ejects a holding mechanism (not shown) to effect a sequential operation of the given mechanism.

An important feature of this invention resides in the arrangement wherein the adjustment of the cam 29 may be effected even though access thereto cannot be had, as for example wherein a particular arrangement requires the bottom plate 13 be disposed so as to be inaccessible. The time interval controlled thereby can nevertheless still be readily adjusted, since the adjustment is effected by means of the adjusting disc 42 disposed on the op posite or accessible side of the housing.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanical timer for sequentially triggering a mechanism after a lapse of a predetermined time interval comprising:

(a) a housing including a top plate and a bottom plate spaced therefrom,

(b) means for maintaining said plates in spaced relationship,

(c) an actuating means pivotally connected to one i of said plates for movement between a cocked position and an uncocked position, (d) a second actuating means pivotally connected to the other of said plates for movement between a cocked position and an uncocked position,

(e) means for normally biasing each of said actuating means toward their respective uncocked positions,

(f) release means for maintaining each of said actuat ing means in their respective cocked positions,

(g) and timing means operatively associated with each of said release means to effect a sequential operation thereof whereby one of said release means is actuated after a first predetermined time interval and the other of said release means is actuated afte a second predetermined time interval.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said I timing means includes:

(a) a main drive assembly including a shaft rotatably journalled between said plates, I

i (b) a main drive spring wound about said shaft to effect the drive thereof,

(c) a drive gear journalled on said shaft,

((1) an escapement assembly, and

(e) a gear train including a plurality of serially disposed meshing gear assemblies interposed between said main drive assembly and said escapement assembly to effect sequential operation of said release means in predetermined timed sequence;

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said gear train includes a first gear assembly,

(a) said first gear assembly including a gear and pinion journalled' between said plates,

("b) and one of said release means being operatively connected with said first gear assembly to effect the release of the first mentioned actuating means.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein the other release means is operatively connected to one end of the shaft of said main drive assembly to effect the release of said second actuating means.

5 The invention as defined in claim 4 and including means connected to the other end of the shaft of said main drive assembly to vary the setting of said time interval controlled by said other release means.

6. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein each of said gear assemblies includes a pinion and connected gear rotatably journalled between said plates, the gear of one assembly being disposed in meshing relationship with the pinion of the next adjacent gear assembly.

7. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said other release means includes a cam disc-shaped member having a peripheral edge defined as a segment of a circle for maintaining said associated second actuating means in its cocked position for said predetermined time interval.

8. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said first mentioned release means includes a member having a periphery defining a sector of a circle for maintaining said first actuating means in itsrespective cocked position.

9. The invention as defined in claim 2 and including a stop means for preventing the drive of said timer means.

it). The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said stop means includes a removable pin arranged to release said escapement mechanism when said pin is pulled.

11. The invention as defined in claim 10 including a releasable stop, said releasable stop including a spring finger having one end fixed to said housing and having the other end adapted to releasably engage said escapementmeans when said stoppin is pulled.

12. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said actuating means includes a lever pivotally mounted to the respective plates of said housing.

13. A mechanical timer for sequentially triggering a mechanism after a lapse of a predetermined time interval comprising:

(a) a housing including opposed side plates,

(b) means for maintaining said plates in spaced relationship,

(c) a first release lever pivotally mounted on one side plate for movement between a cocked position and a release position,

(d) a first cam means rotatably journalled on said one side plate,

\(e) saidfirst cam means including means for maintaining said first release lever in its cocked position for a predetermined time interval,

(f) a spring acting on said first release lever for normally biasing the same toward its release position,

(g) said cam means being operative to effect release of said first release lever after a lapse of a first predetermined time interval,

(h) a second release lever pivotally mounted on the other side plate for movement between a cocked position and a release position,

(i) a second cam means including means for maintaining said second cam release lever in its cocked position,

(j) a spring acting on said second release lever for normally biasing the same toward its release position,

(k) said second cam means being operative to effect release of said second release lever after a lapse of a second predetermined time interval,

(1) and, a timing means disposed within said housing for effecting the operation of said respective cam means to effect the sequential release of said respective first and second cam lever.

14. The invention as defined in claim 13 and including means for adjusting the setting of one of said time intervals.

15. A mechanical timer comprising:

(a) a housing having opposed side plates,

(b) an actuating lever pivotally mounted on each side of said housing, each of said levers being movable between a cocked position and a release position, said levers when released being adapted to trigger a mechanism, a

(0) means for independently biasing each of said levers to their respective release positions,

(d) cam meanson said housing operatively associated with said respective levers for maintaining the same in their respective cocked positions for a predetermined time interval,

(e) and, a timing mechanism disposed within said housing and operatively associated on said cam means for effecting individual operation of the respective cam means sequentially whereby one cam means is rendered operative to effect the release of its associated lever before the other cam means is rendered operative to effect the release of its associated lever.

16. The invention as defined in claim 15 and including means operatively associated with one of said cam means to adjustably set the time interval controlled thereby.

17. The invention as defined in claim 15 wherein said timing mechanism renders one of said cam means operative to release said associated lever after a predetermined fixed time interval, and means operatively connected to said other cam means to vary the time interval in which the cam is rendered operative.

18. A mechanical timer comprising:

(a) a housing having opposed side plates,

(b) an actuating lever pivotally mounted to each side plate for movement between a cocked position and a release position,

(c) spring means normally biasing each of said levers toward its respective release position,

(d) a first cam rotatably journalled on one side of said housing operatively associated with one of said levers to maintain it in a cocked position,

(e) a second cam rotatably journalled on the other side of said housing for maintaining the other lever in cocked position,

(f) a timing mechanism operatively connected to each of said cams for controlling the sequential operation of said cams,

(g) said timing mechanism including,

(h) a drive assembly including a shaft rotatably journalled between said plates,

(i) a wound spring for driving said shaft,

(j) a drive gear mounted on said shaft,

(k) a plurality of timing gear assemblies,

(1) said assemblies being serially connected in meshing relationship with each other and in driving relationship with each other and in driving relationship with said drive assembly,

(m) an escapement assembly operatively connected to said gear assemblies,

(n) and, a releasable stop to prohibit the operation of said timing mechanism.

19. A mechanical timer for sequentially triggering a mechanism after a lapse of a predetermined time interval comprising:

(a) a housing including a top plate and a bottom plate spaced therefrom,

(b) means for maintaining said plates in spaced relationship,

(c) an actuating means pivotally connected to the other of said plates for movement between cocked and uncooked positions,

(d) a second actuating means pivotally connected to the other of said plates for movement between cocked and uncooked positions,

(e) means for normally biasing each of said actuating 10 mechanisms toward their respective uncocked positions,

(f) release means for maintaining each of said actuating means in their respective cocked position,

(g) and timing means operatively associated with each of said release means to elfect a sequential operation thereof whereby one of said release means is actuated after a first predetermined time interval and the other of said release means is actuated after a second predetermined time interval,

(h) said timing means including a drive assembly,

(i) said drive assembly including a shaft journalled between said plates,

(j) a drive spring coiled about said shaft,

( k) a drive gear journalled to said shaft,

(1) a gear train disposed in driving relationship with said drive assembly wherein said drive gear is normally disposed in driving relationship with said gear train,

(In) said drive shaft being axially movable to effect disengagement of said drive gear from said gear train to effect rewinding of said spring.

OTHER REFERENCES Marich, Frederick, Product Engineering, Mechanical Timers, July 11, 1961, pages 54-56, vol. 32, No, 29.

MILTON KAUFMAN, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A MECHANICAL TIMER FOR SEQUENTIALLY TRIGGERING A MECHANISM AFTER A LAPSE OF A PREDETERMINED TIME INTERVAL COMPRISING: (A) A HOUSING INCLUDING A TOP PLATE AND A BOTTOM PLATE SPACED THEREFROM, (B) MEANS FOR MAINTAINING SAID PLATES IN SPACED RELATIONSHIP, (C) AN ACTUATING MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID PLATES FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN A COCKED POSITION AND AN UNCOCKED POSITION, (D) A SECOND ACTUATING MEANS PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE OTHER OF SAID PLATES FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN A COCKED POSITION AND AN UNCOCKED POSITION, (E) MEANS FOR NORMALLY BIASING EACH OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS TOWARD THEIR RESPECTIVE UNCOCKED POSITIONS, (F) RELEASE MEANS FOR MAINTAINING EACH OF SAID ACTUATING MEANS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COCKED POSITIONS, (G) AND TIMING MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID RELEASE MEANS TO EFFECT A SEQUENTIAL OPERATION THEREOF WHEREBY ONE OF SAID RELEASE MEANS IS ACTUATED AFTER A FIRST PREDETERMINED TIME INTERVAL AND THE OTHER OF SAID RELEASE MEANS IS ACTUATED AFTER A SECOND PREDETERMINED TIME INTERVAL.