US3876950A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Time sequencing apparatus for sequentially activating a plurality of load devices
Assignee: CONNOR DAVID GLEN O
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Filing: 1972-11-16
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Granted: 1975-04-08
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Expires: 1992-11-16
Abstract
Abstract Time sequencing apparatus wherein a time signal generator develops timing pulses at regular intervals that are counted by a digital counter which in turn develops an output signal each time a predetermined multiple of the timing signals are counted. The output signals actuate the first of a series of sequence timing units which causes a first load device to be activated, and which after a predetermined period of time causes a second sequence timing unit to be actuated. When actuated, the second sequence timing unit causes the first load device to be deactivated and a second load device to be activated. At the end of a second period of time, determined by the second sequence timer, the second load device is de-activated and a third load device is activated, and so forth.
Inventors
- 👤 David Glen O'connor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:46
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H43/00; G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices, comprising: a source of electrical energy; a first relay which when actuated connects a first of said plurality of load devices to said source of electrical energy; a second relay which when actuated connects a second of said plurality of load devices to said source of electrical energy; time signal generating means for developing a series of timing pulses; a counting means for counting said timing pulses and developing an output signal each time a predetermined number of said timing pulses are counted; a first sequence timing means responsive to said output signal and operative to actuate said first relay and to thereafter develop a first sequencing signal following passage of a first predetermined period of time; a second sequence timing means responsive to said first sequencing signal and operative to deactivate said first relay, actuate said second relay, and to thereafter develop a second sequencing signal following passage of a second predetermined period of time; and turn-off means responsive to said second sequencing signal and operative to deactivate said second load device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices, comprising: a source of electrical energy; a first relay which when actuated connects a first of said plurality of load devices to said source of electrical energy; a second relay which when actuated connects a second of said plurality of load devices to said source of electrical energy; time signal generating means for developing a series of timing pulses; a counting means for counting said timing pulses and developing an output signal each time a predetermined number of said timing pulses are counted; a first sequence timing means responsive to said output signal and operative to actuate said first relay and to thereafter develop a first sequencing signal following passage of a first predetermined period of time; a second sequence timing means responsive to said first sequencing signal and operative to deactivate said first relay, actuate said second relay, and to thereafter develop a second sequencing signal following passage of a second predetermined period of time; and turn-off means responsive to said second sequencing signal and operative to deactivate said second load device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 1 and further comprising a switching means for selectively coupling various ones of said output signals to said first sequence timing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 2 wherein said switching means includes a sequential switching device having a plurality of output terminals and a plurality of discrete switching elements for selectively coupling individual ones of said output terminals to said first sequence timing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 1 wherein said first sequence timing means includes a first silicon controlled rectifier forming a first series circuit with the solenoid of said first relay, said first rectifier being responsive to said output signal and operative to permit current to flow from said source of electrical energy through said first relay solenoid to actuate said first relay, a second series circuit including a first resistive component, a first capacitive component, and a first switching means responsive to current flow through said first relay solenoid and operative to couple current from said source of electrical energy through said first resistive component into said first capacitive component, and a second switching means responsive to the charge stored on said first capacitive component and operative to develop said first sequencing signal when the charge reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 1 wherein said time signal generating means includes a resistive component and a capacitive component forming a series circuit for receiving current from said source of electrical energy, and a switching means responsive to the charge on said capacitive impedance means and operative to develop one of said timing pulses each time the charge on said capacitive component reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 5 wherein said switching means includes a uni-junction transistor having one of its base-emitter junctions connected in parallel with said capacitive component.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
149 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 4 wherein said second sequence timing means includes a second silicon controlled rectifier forming a third series circuit with the solenoid of said second relay, said second rectifier being responsive to said first sequencing signal and operative to permit current to flow from said source of electrical energy through said second relay to actuate said second relay, a fourth series circuit including a second resistive component, a second capacitive component and a third switching means responsive to current flow through said second relay solenoid and operative to couple current from said source of electrical energy through said second resistive component into said second capacitive component, and a fourth switching means responsive to the charge stored on said second capacitive component and operative to develop said second sequencing signal when said last-mentioned charge reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 7 wherein said turn-off means includes a third silicon controlled rectifier forming a fourth series circuit with a current-limiting resistor, said third rectifier being responsive to said second sequencing signal and operative to deactivate said second relay.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 8 and further including a third capacitive component connected between the respective anodes of said first and second rectifiers, and a fourth capacitive component connected between the respective anodes of said second and third rectifiers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus for sequentially energizing a plurality of load devices as recited in claim 8 wherein the resistance of said first and second resistive components are selectively variable so as to permit the durations of said first and second periods of time to be selected. --
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-10-07 | 1979-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-07 | 1982-10-07 | 1983-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-07 | 1986-10-07 | 1987-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |