An electronic timer is provided of the type used for producing command signals to initiate and discontinue the operation of external devices such as pool pumps, lights, and the like. The timer is organized to adapt it to a modular arrangement whereby modules are easily added to increase the number of different command signals provided. The timer includes a common bus to which there are applied a plurality of parallel pulse signals that in combination define a timing interval divided into a sequence of time slots. A plurality of independently operable decoders are connected to the common bus so that all the decoders continuously monitor the parallel pulse signals. Preferably, the plurality of parallel pulse signals are generated in a control center module and applied to the common bus which propagates them to one or more other modules each of which contains at least a pair of the independently operable decoders. Each such decoder includes gating circuitry operable to produce a command signal and further includes a manually adjustable input for completing a plurality of signal flow paths from the common bus to the gating circuitry to cause the gating circuitry to produce the output command signal during a selected one of the time slots.

An electronic programmable clock timer permits a program of times to be set so that certain electrical functions either AC or DC, can be operated responsive to the times set. A high and low range temperature selector can be set to turn ON or OFF thus operating certain electrical functions such as heating, cooling, lights, etc. When in the selected operating time range, means are provided to eliminate operation of the device on certain days or within certain time periods. Extensive use is made of I.C. circuitry, including memory circuits, comparator circuits and the like.

A sequence control apparatus including a counter which sequentially designates memory areas of a sequence memory to read out respective sets of operation commands to represent respective events of operation of a controllable device. The counter also sequentially designates memory areas of an interlock condition memory to read out respective sets of interlock conditions that should be satisfied for the corresponding events of operation to be performed. When each event of operation is completed, the counter is incremented or decremented, and the conditions of the controllable device are checked to determine whether the set of interlock conditions for the currently designated event of operation are satisfied.

Programmable television receiver controllers which may be manually programmed by a user to select or to limit the viewing selections for random times, typically in one-half hour intervals, throughout a predetermined time period such as a one week time period. Program selections may be made by setting suitable controls for the day, AM or PM, the half hour of the day and the channel desired, and entered into a memory by a push-button control. Thereafter a digital control clock automatically selects the pre-entered information at the appropriate times and provides a control signal to the channel selector of the television receiver. This signal may be used to automatically select the identified channels to the exclusion of all others, or in the alternative, to exclude the selected channel from selection manually at the receiver. Alternate embodiments include means for controlling other functions such as the ON-OFF function of the receiver.

A time-keeping device for issuing reminders at predetermined times and including a computer with a memory for receiving and storing information and a processor for processing the stored information. A clock provides timing signals to the processor and an audio system records and reproduces messages on distinguishable tracks of a recorder. Information identifying a plurality of specific future times each associated with one of the tracks is introduced into the computer memory by a programmer and a selector selects and prepares any of the tracks for operative coupling to the audio system. In response to the occurrence of a specific time preset into its memory, the computer energizes a signalling device to alert an individual that activation of the audio system will produce a message reminder previously recorded on a track associated with the occurred time and automatically selected by signals from the processor.