Programmed timing system

Claim 1

A programmed timing system for selective energization of a plurality of control circuits comprising in a cabinet timing means driving day, hour and minute stepping switches which have output circuits successively energized as time progresses wherein the improvement comprises; a panel for the cabinet having receptacle openings therein corresponding to the day, hour and minute stepping switches, one or more matrix modules comprising, a rear panel for one side of the module supporting groups of plug connector terminals in rows and columns corresponding with respective day, hour and minute receptacle openings, said matrix modules adapted for quickly detachable connection to the several output circuits of the stepping switches and a front panel for the opposite Side of the module having receptacle openings formed therein corresponding with plug connector terminals of any other matrix module, to permit the plug coupling of terminals of another matrix module to the terminals of any other matrix module, a plurality of gates mounted on and for each of the matrix modules for delivering outputs to the several control circuits, each of the gates having a plurality of inputs detachably connected to selected connector terminals of the matrix modules for programming selected times for energization of the outputs circuits, whereby programs for the control circuits can be designated in modules before detachably connecting the terminals of that matrix module to the cabinet panel and terminals of any other matrix module such that the module may be detachably stacked one against the other into the cabinet panel for expanding the capability of the system; and said matrix modules further include: a unidirectional device and an auxiliary wire terminal that is connected to detachable connectors to several of the other wire terminals of the associated matrix through said unidirectional device, and an input to one of the gates is detachably connected to the auxiliary wire terminal.