Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
262 words
An electronic controller for periodically controlling the operation of a plurality of devices comprising: a clock circuit means for providing at least a first timing pulse once a day at the same time at a first clock output thereof, and a second timing pulse at a preselected time at a second clock output thereof; a first counter means, having a first input connected to said first clock output and an output, for counting the input pulses and providing an output signal representative of the count therein at said output thereof; a second counter means, having a first input connected to said second clock output, a second input, a clock input for advancing the count in said second counter means, and an output, for counting the input pulses and providing an output signal at said output representative of the count therein; an output control circuit connected to said second counter means output and having a plurality of operating circuits each adapted to control the operation of a device and each selected and controlled in turn in a timed sequence based on the count in said second counter means; means for selectively applying the output signal of said first counter means based upon said first count to said second input of said second counter means for controlling the operation thereof; and means for providing a pulse to said clock input of said second counter means after a variable preselected time delay from the selection of the device, said provided pulse thereby advancing the count in said second counter and changing the selected control circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
262 words
An electronic controller for periodically controlling the operation of a plurality of devices comprising: a clock circuit means for providing at least a first timing pulse once a day at the same time at a first clock output thereof, and a second timing pulse at a preselected time at a second clock output thereof; a first counter means, having a first input connected to said first clock output and an output, for counting the input pulses and providing an output signal representative of the count therein at said output thereof; a second counter means, having a first input connected to said second clock output, a second input, a clock input for advancing the count in said second counter means, and an output, for counting the input pulses and providing an output signal at said output representative of the count therein; an output control circuit connected to said second counter means output and having a plurality of operating circuits each adapted to control the operation of a device and each selected and controlled in turn in a timed sequence based on the count in said second counter means; means for selectively applying the output signal of said first counter means based upon said first count to said second input of said second counter means for controlling the operation thereof; and means for providing a pulse to said clock input of said second counter means after a variable preselected time delay from the selection of the device, said provided pulse thereby advancing the count in said second counter and changing the selected control circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
An electronic controller as claimed in claim 1 and further including means for causing said timed sequence to repeat after the completion thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An electronic controller as claimed in claim 1 and further including means responsive to rain for inhibiting the operation of the plurality of controlled devices when rain is detected.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
An electronic controller as claimed in claim 1 and further including means for delaying the operation of the next device to be operated for a predetermined, selectable time delay after the operation of the previous device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
An electronic controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pulse providing means comprises a pulse generator, the output of which is connected to said clock input of said second counter means and control logic means for causing said pulse generator to produce an output, said control logic means comprising a plurality of time delay means and means for selecting a particular time delay means based on the count in said second counter means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
119 words
An electronic controller as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pulse providing means comprises a plurality of switch means corresponding to the number of devices being controlled so that the individual operation of each device can be separately determined, said switch means having a plurality of selectable outputs, a logic circuit connected to the outputs of said switch means for producing a first number signal; counter means connected to said clock for receiving periodic timing therefrom and for producing a second number signal; and comparator means for comparing said first and said second number signals and for producing an output signal at a predetermined comparison, said output signal being delivered to the clock input of said second counter means.