Importance

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Abstract

A time delay switch for use with an electrical load and a source of electrical power, including a multiple-position toggle switch and a user-programmable microchip. The toggle is movable among three positions: an 'OFF' position, an 'ON' position on one side of the OFF position, and a 'TIMER' position on the other side of the OFF position. The toggle is biased from TIMER to OFF so that, whenever it is moved to TIMER, it returns to the central OFF position. When the toggle is moved to TIMER, an electrical signal is sent to the microchip that (1) starts a clock for a preselected period of time and (2) permits electricity to flow through the switch as though the toggle was in the ON position during that time. Alteratively, the microchip can be programmed to start passing current after the preselected period elapses. Thus, the device can be used to turn a light or other electrical load off after a user-determined period of time, or to turn the load on after a preselected time. The duration of the clock interval can be adjusted by means of dip switches or the like, and the duration of the time delay can be adjusted simply by toggling to the TIMER position to program the microchip for as many clock intervals as are desired. A transducer generates an audible or visible signal, or both, in response to movement of the switch to the TIMER position.

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First Claim