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 automatic load control system for electric utility meters which includes an electric meter monitoring device which converts meter wheel revolutions into electronic digital pulses representing a known quantity of power consumption and a digital circuit which determines meter pulse rate or electric power demand and generates load control commands when predetermined demand levels are exceeded. Commands are transmitted from the monitoring device to a remote load control point by a data link to deactivate specific loads during periods of peak demand. Commands are also transmitted to selected remote locations for the purpose of switching indicator lights and alarms in order to display demand status to the power consumer.
A defrost control system is provided for initiating one or more (defrost) timing cycles each at a preselected different time and for terminating the cycles at the end of their respective predetermined (defrost) periods. The unit generally includes a solid-state, microprocessor based, programmable twenty-four hour timer, and a display panel having an electrooptical digital time display and two sets of defrost status/program indicators. The two sets of defrost indicators are separately or concurrently activated to visually present a display indicative of a plurality of program and operating status events, for example, the occurrence of an automatic or manual defrost initiation.
Programmable alarm clock apparatus includes seven on/off switches, representing each day of the week, which may be selectively turned on or off. Visual indications of the day of the week and the time of the day are also provided. A power failure warning system is included which alerts the user of the apparatus that there has been an interruption of the power and that the entire system needs to be reset.
A time-programming apparatus comprises a central processor which includes at least one recording/readout working memory having addressable registers, computing means with at least one logic circuit connected to the working memory for processing output signals therefrom, and at least one program memory with associated program counter connected to the logic circuit for the generation and distribution of function signals for the central processor. The apparatus further comprises a luminous digital display connected to the processor and divided into subregions with respective display fields for alphanumeric display, input means including manually actuatable keys and switches assigned to the display fields, and output means for selective actuation of a load to be operated, the input and output means being connected to the central processor and all including the luminous display, with a wall provided therefor, being contained in a common housing. Power means in the housing supplies electric power to the central processor, the input means being so connected to the processor as to define hierarchical functioning and including first and second function-selection means and a further selection means.
An electronically actuated system for a control clock device is provided with an instrument panel arranged in such fashion that an operator having virtually no familiarity with the technical aspects of the system can set up a program of activity, such for example as the playing of various melodies on a carillon on different days of the week, and varying them automatically from day to day. The panel is provided with controls in the form of push buttons, dials and lights, appropriately labeled, a digital clock face showing the time of day in hours, minutes and seconds, selectors for the day or days during the week when a program is to be played, and a selector for any one or more of the programs from a bank of programs. Visual displays show what has been set up in the device as a check against errors which the operator may have made during the setting. In the event an error has been made there is a control button for erasing the error so that a correct setting can be substituted and, after all settings have been properly made and entered in the system, another control means makes possible setting the clock to the correct time of day whereafter operation will continue automatically. At any later date by manipulation of another control device the operator can quickly review an entire week's schedule of programs so that desired changes can be made in part or all of the schedule.
