US 4,580,061 A · Time switches

Abstract

A time switch (100) comprises terminals (110) spaced around a slip ring (108) connected to a voltage source (V). A motor (104) drives a brush (102) to sequentially connect the terminals (110) to the slip ring (108) to energize the terminals in sequence. Each terminal (110)--as shown for one of them designated 112--is connected via a respective transistor (116) and manually operable switch (124) to a pair of common output conductors or bus-bars (130, 132), whereby for each successive period of time corresponding to each successive terminal (110) being energized the conductors (130, 132) are energized in accordance with the setting of a respective one of the switches. Thus, a desired time-varying pattern of energization of the conductors (130, 132) to accomplish a control function, e.g. the control of a central heating system to provide different heat outputs at different times of the day, can be set up at will simply by adjusting the various switches (124).

Claims7

Dependent claims

Means for controlling the operation of a central heating system, said means comprising a time switch having a set of terminals and means for energising said terminals in sequence, a plurality of output conductors for separate connection to means for providing different levels of heat output in said system and a plurality of switches at least equal in number to said terminals and individually operable to selectively connect a respective one of said terminals to a respective one of said output conductors or to disconnect said one terminal from all said conductors, whereby for each successive period of time corresponding to each successive terminal being energised, one or none of said output conductors is energised in accordance with the setting of a respective one of said switches.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Time switches

Life of this patent

Time switches

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims7