Electric timer

An electric timer comprising:

• a rotatably mounted operating member movable from a datum position to any one of a plurality of angular positions respectively corresponding to periods of time for which it is desired to set the timer;
• means cooperative with the operating member for indicating the setting of the operating member to a desired angular position;
• means for urging the operating member to rotate in a predetermined direction from the desired angular position back to the datum position;
• a rotatably mounted toothed member having a plurality of teeth;
• means connecting the toothed member to the operating member when the operating member is rotated by the urging means;
• a pivotally mounted escapement member having a magnetic portion and being engageable with the teeth of the toothed member to control the rotation of the toothed member and thereby the operating member;
• a signal generator for producing time reference pulses;
• and electro-magnetic means including a permanent magnet disposed adjacent the magnetic portion of the escapement member for exerting a magnetic force to normally magnetically attract the escapement member, and at least one winding receptive of the time reference pulses and configued to reduce the magnetic force exerted by the permanent magnet when energized by the time reference pulses to permit the pivoting of the escapement member and thereby the rotation of the toothed member and the operating member under the action of the urging means.