US4671668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Timing method and apparatus
Assignee: Toshiba Corp
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Filing: 1985-09-06
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Granted: 1987-06-09
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Expires: 2005-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A timer device, which has at least a load control function, includes a counter, circuitry for setting the counter, a display and a controller. Generally, the display displays a value of the counter. The controller causes the display to flash while the load is being operated, but keeps the display continuous when the setting circuitry is operated even if the load is being operated. This aids in the setting process.
Inventors
- 👤 Ryuuho Narita
- 👤 Masahiro Imai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:32
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H43/00; G; G04; G04F; G04F1/00; G04F1/005; G04G; G04G9/00; G04G9/08; G04G9/087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A timer device for controlling a load comprising: means for counting at a predetermined rate; means for selectively operating said load; means for setting a set value for said counting means; means for displaying a count value of said counting means when said setting means is not operated and for displaying said set value when said setting means is operated; and control means for causing said displaying means to display said count value in a first state when said operating means causes said load to be operated and for causing said displaying means to display said set value in a second state when said setting means is operated while said operating means causes said load to be operated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
A timer device for controlling a load comprising: means for counting at a predetermined rate; means for selectively operating said load; means for setting a set value for said counting means; means for displaying a count value of said counting means when said setting means is not operated and for displaying said set value when said setting means is operated; and control means for causing said displaying means to display said count value in a first state when said operating means causes said load to be operated and for causing said displaying means to display said set value in a second state when said setting means is operated while said operating means causes said load to be operated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A timer device according to claim 1, wherein said setting means includes load operation time setting counter means for storing said set value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A timer device according to claim 2, wherein said display means includes a display memory for storing said set value or said count value to be displayed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A timer device according to claim 1, wherein said first state is a flashing display state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A timer device according to claim 4, wherein said second state is a continuous display state.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of displaying times associated with a timer device controlling a load comprising the steps of: counting operation time that said load is being operated; displaying said operation time in a first state while said load is being operated; entering a set time that said load is to be operated; and displaying said set time during said entering step in a second state even if said load is being operated.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of displaying times associated with a timer device controlling a load comprising the steps of: counting operation time that said load is being operated; displaying said operation time in a first state while said load is being operated; entering a set time that said load is to be operated; and displaying said set time during said entering step in a second state even if said load is being operated.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of displaying times associated with a timer device controlling a load, comprising the steps of: producing a load operation time setting signal with setting means; generating a set count signal with a load operation time setting counter means in response to said load operation time setting signal; applying said set count signal to counter means and display means from the load operation time setting counter means; operating said load for a time indicated by said counter means; transferring said load operation time setting signal to control means; displaying, in response to said control means, a count of said counter means in a first state when said load is operating; and displaying, in response to said control means, a set count signal in a second state when said load operation time setting signal is applied to said control means even if said load is operating.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of displaying times associated with a timer device controlling a load, comprising the steps of: producing a load operation time setting signal with setting means; generating a set count signal with a load operation time setting counter means in response to said load operation time setting signal; applying said set count signal to counter means and display means from the load operation time setting counter means; operating said load for a time indicated by said counter means; transferring said load operation time setting signal to control means; displaying, in response to said control means, a count of said counter means in a first state when said load is operating; and displaying, in response to said control means, a set count signal in a second state when said load operation time setting signal is applied to said control means even if said load is operating.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 7 wherein said first state displaying step is flashing.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 8 wherein said second state displaying step is on continuously.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
FR2156831A1
Cited
US4196582A
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FR2397670A1
Cited
US4379339A
Cited
EP0055144A2
Cited
US4406217A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-06-08 | 1990-12-08 | 1991-06-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-06-08 | 1994-12-08 | 1995-06-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-06-08 | 1998-12-08 | 1999-06-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |