Tim R Simon

US Patent:

51608537, Nov 3, 1992

Filed:

Aug 8, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/229600

Inventors:

Tim Simon - Burlingame CA
Lee Tong - Causeway Bay, HK

Assignee:

Honeywell Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

H01H 326
H01H 4300
G05B 1101
H05B 3702

US Classification:

307140

Abstract:

A programmable timer for turning a light on and off in response to changing sunset, daylight savings time, and other programmable conditions. The programmable timer includes an input device, a microprocessor, and a switch. The input device provides calendar, geographical, and daylight savings information to the microprocessor, which stores the programming information. The microprocessor computes an effective switching time from the stored information. The microprocessor employs program logic that compares the effective switching time to the current time to generate a timing control signal. The timing control signal, in turn, causes the switch to turn a light on and off. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor and the switch are included within a housing which mounts on a wall in place of a normal light switch. A liquid crystal display is disposed on a face of the housing to provide a read out of the programming information and of the time of day. The input device is disposed on the face of the housing and includes a key matrix having a plurality of finger settable key type programming switches.