Controlled duration switch

Abstract

Switches of the kind formed by a controller with an actuator which is automatically restored to its "off" position at the end of a prescribed time interval and provides an indication shortly before the end of the interval. The controller may be manually energized or motor driven.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electrical control system, comprising a housing;   a switch actuator mounted in said housing for movement between a first position and a second position;   .[.an.]. .Iadd.a first .Iaddend.auxiliary switch mounted in said housing for movement between a first position and a second position;   means in said housing and extendable outwardly therefrom for connecting said auxiliary switch to an energy source and a load;   means in said housing for operating said auxiliary switch in accordance with the operation of said .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator.Iaddend.;   regulator means operable during a prescribed time interval;   means for actuating said regulator means in response to the movement of said .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator .Iaddend.from said first position to said second position;   restoring means for returning said .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator .Iaddend.from said second position to said first position;   and means responsive to said regulator means for activating said restoring means at the end of the prescribed time interval of said regulator means.   
     
     
       2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, further including means .Iadd.electrically associated with said first auxiliary switch and mechanically .Iaddend.responsive to the regulator means for operating an indicator before the end of the prescribed time interval. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the indicator operating means is included in said auxiliary switch. 
     
     
       4. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein indicator operating means is operated a plurality of times during each operating cycle. 
     
     
       5. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the indicator operating means includes a dimmer. 
     
     
       6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said .[.actuating.]. switch .Iadd.actuator .Iaddend.is operable during said prescribed time interval. 
     
     
       7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the prescribed time interval of the regulator means is adjustable. 
     
     
       8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the regulator means includes an escapement for controlling said time interval. 
     
     
       9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the regulator means includes a lever arm regulated by said escapement for deactivating the .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator.Iaddend.. 
     
     
       10. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator .Iaddend.includes a toggle which is set in its on position to actuate said regulator means and is automatically returned to its off position at the end of the prescribed time interval. 
     
     
       11. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the regulator means includes an electronic timer that is operated upon the closure of said .[.actuator.]. switch .Iadd.actuator.Iaddend.. 
     
     
       12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said electronic timer is a divider. 
     
     
       13. Apparatus as defined in claim .[.1.]. .Iadd.12 .Iaddend.wherein said divider is transformer coupled to said .Iadd.auxiliary .Iaddend.switch. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said electronic timer energizes a means for deactivating the actuating means at the end of the prescribed time interval. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus as defined in claim 10 further including means for locking said toggle in its on position. .Iadd. 
     
     
       16.  An electrical control system comprising a housing,   a switch in said housing having only fully "ON" and fully "OFF" positions,   means in said housing for connecting said switch to a source and a load,   a regulator in said housing operable for a prescribed time interval,   means in said housing for turning said switch fully "ON" and simultaneously activating said regulator,   means in said housing responsive to said regulator for producing a warning, before the end of said prescribed time interval, that said switch is about to be turned fully "OFF",   and further means in said housing responsive to said regulator for turning said switch fully "OFF" at the end of a prescribed time interval. .Iaddend.