GB1591298A - Control apparatus - Google Patents

Description

(54). IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CONTROL APPARATUS (71) We, DUPORT LIMITED, a British Company of, Tipton, West Midlands, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- The present invention relates to control means for controlling the functioning of various items of associated apparatus.The invention has been developed primarily, but not exclusively, for use in a bedroom and may be mounted on, or incorporated as part of, a headboard assembly or other furniture associated with, for example partly surrounding, a bed, the control means being adapted to control various items of apparatus primarily, but not exclusively, apparatus associated with the bed or present in the bedroom for use by the occupier, such as an electric blanket, alarm clock, tea maker, room heater and radio receiver. The control means may also include a communication device such as a telephone which may be for use internally and/or externally of the premises containing the apparatus.

The use of the alarm clocks, both mechanical and electrical, in a bedroom and in proximity to the bed is of course well known as is also use of machines for making beverages such as tea which can be pre-set to come into operation at a predetermined time.

However, as the number of items of apparatus increases there is increasing complexity due to the multiplication of timers provided as respective parts of the individual items of apparatus, and when, as in most cases, these are operated electrically, individual electrical leads and connectors are present, with the result that errors can be made due to failure to plug the correct connector into a power socket, proliferation of the number of electrical leads giving rise to an untidy condition.

From one aspect the present invention resides in the provision of a control means for controlling operation of a plurality of items of apparatus comprising: a. clock means for providing a coded electrical output representing a se quence of successive times, b. a plurality of pre-settable means pro viding respective coded electrical out puts representing pre-set times, c. means operable manually to vary the settings of the pre-settable means and hence to vary said outputs thereof as required, said manually operable means having operatively associated therewith indicator means providing an indication of the setting applied, d. comparator means for comparing the outputs of the pre-settable means with the output times of the clock means, e. multiplexing means for time-dividing the comparison effected by the com parator means into comparison inter vals in which the comparison is between the output of respective ones of the pre-settable means and the output times of the clock means, the comparison intervals being of such duration that each of the presettable means is subjected to comparison a plurality of times for each time output of said clock means, f. a plurality of outlet means responsive respectively to coincidences occurring during respective ones of said com parison intervals for controlling oper ation of respective ones of the items of apparatus.

The invention is further concerned with provision of an alarm or wakening facility, herein termed "snooze" control, which provides for repeated awakening of the user.

In accordance with this feature of the invention there is provided a control circuit wherein a. one of the outlet means is connected to an alarm device providing an audible and/or visual output for wakening the user, b. settable control means connected be tween the outlet means and the alarm device is settable in a first state for bringing the alarm device into operation upon enablement of the outlet means, and a second state for inhibiting oper ation of the alarm device although the outlet means is enabled, c. manually operable switch means is pro vided for changing the settable control means from its first to its second state, d. timing means is provided for causing the settable control means to revert to its first state after a predetermined interval from having been set by said switch means in its second state.

Yet another feature of the invention is concerned with the provision of beveragemaking facilities, for example the bringing into operation of an electrically energised tea-making apparatus.

The control circuit for the alarm device may thus include a comparator for comparing time signals, said comparator may be connected to said clock means and to that one of the pre-settable means controlling the outlet means for bringing the alarm device into operation, such control circuit further including a further outlet means connected to said comparator for bringing beveragemaking apparatus into operation, and means being provided for changing the relation between the clock means time and the pre-set time for operation of the alarm device to produce parity in said comparator means of the control circuit earlier than would otherwise occur, so that the beverage is produced at substantially the same time as the alarm device is operated.

Yet another feature of the invention is concerned with the control of an item of apparatus providing a service in common to two oersons, more especially, but not exclusively, the level of illumination in the bed area.

It is usual for an electrical lamp to be situated adjacent to each side of a double bed and for switch means to be provided to enable the occupant to switch their own lamps on and off, i.e. the lamps situated adjacent to the side of the bed occupied. However, it sometimes occurs that the level of illumination provided by such individual lamps at the left and right-hand sides of the bed is less than that desired by one of the occupants, and then another lamp (which may be the main source of illumination in the room in which the bed is situated) has to be brought into operation.

In accordance with this feature of the invention one of the outlet means is connected to an item of apparatus providing a service in common to two persons, through a control circuit comprising: a. first and second control means located at respective stations respectively within the operating ranges of the persons sharing the service, each of said control means including: i. a switch means for turning the apparatus on and off, ii. an adjustment means for adjusting the manner of operation of the apparatus, b. bistable means responsive to operation of the switch means of both the first and second control means to render that one of said control means operable to con trol the apparatus and to disable the other one of said control means in respect of the apparatus.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided, in combina tion:- a. a headboard assembly for a bed, and b. control means as hereinbefore generally defined for controlling the operation of a plurality of items of apparatus pro viding functions applicable to the use of the bed.

From a further aspect the present invention resides in a method of controlling energisation of a plurality of outlet terminals for respective items of apparatus with respect to the times of operation of such items, such method comprising the steps of: a. manually setting each of a plurality of presettable means providing coded time data, b. comparing coded time data representing a sequence of successive clock times provided by clock means with the time data provided by each of said pre-set table means, and repeating said com parison a plurality of times during each of said clock times, c. generating respective signals in response to parities occurring in said com parisons, d. sequentially enabling respective outlet means connected to respective ones of said pre-set means and feeding respec tive ones of the outlet terminals.

Embodiments of the present invention for carrying out the method thereof will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a first embodiment of control means in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the application of the circuit of Figure 1 to the control of items of apparatus associated with a bed headboard assembly; Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of a headboard assembly having the control means mounted in drawers on each side of the assembly; Figure 4 is a view of the front panel of the first embodiment of the control means; Figure 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control means for controlling operation of a main lamp selectively from either side of the headboard assembly; ; Figure 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a second embodiment of control means in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic circuit diagram showing in greater detail certain of the units incorporated in the second embodiment and which are concerned with pre-setting or reading into the presettable means and with multiplexing of these operations to store preset times or other data relative to the items of the apparatus to be controlled; Figure 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing in more detail certain of the units of the second embodiment which are concerned with reading or obtaining a response from comparison between real time and the preset data and concerned also with multiplexing of this operation to segregate the various comparisons pertaining to individual items of apparatus;; Figure 9 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a control circuit for an electrically heated blanket suitable for control by outlet circuits of either embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a control circuit for an alarm device to be operated in a "snooze" mode and suitable for control by the outlet circuit of either embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a schematic circuit diagram for an auxiliary beverage making device such as a tea maker suitable for control from outlet circuits of either embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit for an alarm device such as a radio set used in this mode and suitable for control by an outlet circuit of either embodiment of the invention;; Figure 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit for air conditioning apparatus suitable for control by an outlet circuit of either embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit for controlling the drawing of curtains or blinds suitable for control by an outlet circuit of either embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a schematic circuit diagram for controlling television receivers; Figure 16 is a view of a control panel for the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a bed and associated headboard assembly to which the second embodiment of the invention is applied.

Referring first to Figure 1, a timing means which may be in the form of a solid state clock pulse generator 10 has a first input at terminal to from a mains supply (240 volts 50 Hz). A higher frequency oscillator 11 typically operating a suitable frequency in the region of 4 KHz.

The oscillator 11 provides signals to control illumination of a seven segment display means and. also to effect a time-division multiplexing operation of the control means to enable a single comparator means to operate sequentially in relation to the separate items of apparatus to be controlled.

The clock generator 10 provides a first output group of pulses which are fed through a seven core output 12 to a seven segment driver 13 which in turn drives a seven segment numerical display means 14. These pulses are applied to all of the seven segment units of the display means so that at any given instant all of such units would display the same digit and each unit cycles through the sequence 0 to 9.

A second output from the clock generator 10 derived from oscillator 11 is connected through a four-core line 16 to a digital driver 15 which in turn applies pulses to respective cores of two four-core lines 17a, 1 7b at the same frequency, successive pulses being applied to respective cores so that at any given instant only one core is energised, the frequency of the pulse on each core being typically 150 Hz. Respective cores of line 1 7a apply gating pulses to individual display units of the display means 14 so that the units thereof are enabled in the proper sequence to display respective digits signifying a four-digit present time, e.g. 19.55.

The frequency of the gating pulses on each core of the line 17a is sufficient for the visual display 14 representing the time over a particular one minute duration to provide persistence of vision.

The light emitting diode display could if required be replaced by any other suitable display such as a liquid crystal display or a filament display.

Three pre-settable means 19, 20, 21 may each comprise a bank of switches which can be pre-set to any required combination of open (low) or closed (high) contact states by a manually operable member such as a thumb wheel. The switch may be of the matrix type having typically 4 sets of "vertical" wires or channels and 16 "horizontal" wires or channels providing 16 output terminals connected to respective cores of 16-core line 22, 23, 24 as the case may be. The outlet terminals on each switch carry a binary coded four-digit number representing a pre-set time.

Each group of four successive terminals is settable by its individual thumb wheel to a number shown on the thumb wheel or on a dial rotated thereby to display the number in a window.

The groups of four terminals (making up the 16 terminals) of each switch are enabled by signals from respective cores of line 17b.

Considered collectively the sixteen outlet terminals of each switch are thus enabled within a time equal to 1/150 Hz, there being successive enabling of the sets of four output terminals (contained in the sixteen) within a time of 1/600 Hz. As hereinafter referred to, the switches 19, 20, 21 are individually gated in sequence by sequential pulses generated in circuit 28 so that the outputs from their sixteen terminals are successive rather than contemporaneous.

These outputs, in sequence, from the switches are fed through lines 22, 23, 24 respectively to a comparator means 25. These outputs are compared with an (present time) input from the clock generator 10 on fourcore line 26. The input from line 26 consists of four successive binary coded digits, each digit being presented over a time equal to 1/600 Hz synchronised with the enabling of a particular one of the sets of four terminals (in each sixteen) of the switches.

When a group of four successive digits expressed in binary code on line 26 by successive presentation of these digits corresponds to any of the four-digit combinations presented by the sixteen output terminals taking successive groups of four in turn at the terminals of any of the switches 19, 20 or 21, an output signal is developed on line 27 of the comparator.

To achieve multiplexing the switches 19, 20 and 21 require, as mentioned, to be enabled in sequence and for this purpose a switchbank selector circuit 28 is provided. This comprises a shift register having a number of outputs equal to the number of switches 19, 20 and 21. It will be understood that for simplicity only three devices 19, 20 and 21 are shown and used in Figure 1 but any number could be provided.

The outlets 30, 31, 32 of circuit 28 supply gating pulses to the four input terminals connected to the "vertical" wires of the switches, each such pulse being of a sufficient duration, 1/150 Hz, to embrace the four sequential enabling pulses fed by respective cores of line 17b, and are derived from one core of line 17a, which will carry pulses at 150 Hz.

This results in each switch, such as 19, being 150 enabled and gated at a frequency of - Hz n where n is the number of switches. The gating interval is sufficient to ensure that a coincidence established in the comparator circuit 25 will not be missed during the one minute interval for which a particular time is displayed. Effectively the comparisons taking place in comparator circuit are time-division multiplexed by operation of units 11, 15 and 28.

The control means further comprises outlet means such as terminals tl, t2, t3 connected to AND gates 33, 34 and 35 each of which is opened only when it receives concurrently an input signal from comparator output line 27 of the comparator means and a gating pulse from the appropriate outlet 30, 31 or 32 of circuit 28.

Figure 2 illustrates the application of a control means, as shown in Figure 1, to the control of various items of apparatus which may be used in relation to a bed. Certain of these forms of apparatus may be incorporated in the headboard assembly as hereinafter mentioned and others may be present on the bed itself. Others may merely be present in the bedroom, e.g. mounted in or on some article of furniture or appliance in the bedroom, all of which however may be required to be controlled by a person occupying the bed or, in the case of a double bed, by one or either of two persons.

In Figure 2 the circuitry shown in schematic form in Figure 1 is contained in unit 1, subject, however, to the modification that the unit 1 is shown as including both left and right-hand displays 14L, 14R instead of a single display 14 and is shown as provided with six, instead of three, outlet terminals tl to t6.

The outlet terminal t3 is connected to a blanket control circuit 39. In the case of a double bed two electrically heated blankets may be provided, and these may be controlled from terminal t3 through respective current regulators 40 and 41, each of which may comprise a triac circuit with a manually operable control to set the conduction angle and hence the mean current.

Auxiliary control circuit 42 controlled from outlet terminal t2 may be utilised for energising any- of a number of items of apparatus, such as a tea maker, or a room heater.

A further item of equipment may comprise a radio receiver controlled from outlet terminal t4.

It may be required that, after each of these items of equipment has been brought into operation at a predetermined time, switching off should be effected at a second (later) predetermined time, this being effected automatically. For this purpose auto "off" control circuit 47 is provided controlled from outlet terminal t5 which would be energised at a time pre-set on a switch similar to 19, 20 or 21.

The output from circuit 47 can be utilised to switch off the blanket or blankets, the auxiliary apparatus connected to the auxiliary control circuit, and the radio receiver, or any selection of these items of apparatus. Manually operable override switches in each of circuits 39, 42 and 45 may be provided to render the signal from 47 inoperative in relation to any one of these circuits.

Alarm control circuits 43L and 43R for the left and right-hand sides of the bed may be connected to respective alarm apparatus such as loudspeakers and may be programmed to come into operation at different times by connection to respective outlet terminals, e.g. tl and t6. As shown, one of the alarm control circuits has associated therewith a "snooze'? control circuit 44. This includes a manually operable switch for switching-off the alarm upon initial energisation thereof by the alarm control circuit 43L and a re-activation circuit for re-activating the alarm after a predetermined short interval, for example 10 minutes.

The re-activation circuit may, if desired, be arranged respectively to come into operation repeatedly at these short intervals of time after each such switching-off by the manually operable switch, unless or until the alarm is finally inhibited by operation of another switch preferably mounted at a distance from the bed. Although a "snooze" control circuit is shown as provided only in association with circuit 43L, a further "snooze" control circuit could be connected to circuit 43R if desired.

The control means also includes circuits for controlling illumination in relation to the bed.

Thus bedside lights 49L, 49R may be provided on the headboard assembly or adjacent thereto, and controlled by respective control circuits 48L, 48R each of which may include a dimmer circuit, e.g. a triac circuit and a variable resistor or the like to change the conduction angle, and also a switch operable separately or by movement of the triac circuit control knob to an "off" position.

A main lamp 51 may be mounted on the headboard assembly, although more usually on some other item of furniture or some part of the room structure. This lamp may be controlled on the left and right-hand sides of the bed by units 50L, 50R.

Control of energisation of the main lamp 51 may be effected by the circuit shown in Figure 5 in which a triac controller 80 providing variable conduction angle and hence controlling the mean value of current to the lamp 51 is controllable selectively by circuit elements contained in channel A pertaining to the right-hand side of the headboard assembly, or circuit components in channel B pertaining to the left-hand side of the headboard assembly. The operator's controls in channel A comprise a normally open pressbutton switch SA and.dimmer control DA which may be a variable resistor and for channel-B similar switch SB and dimmer DB.

It will be understood that SA and DA, in combination, act as the main lamp control 50R as shown in Figure 2 and SB and DB the main lamp control 50L.

The nature of the circuit is best understood by describing its manner of operation.

Starting with the condition in which lamp 51 is extinguished, the triac controller 80 is not supplied with power from either of the channels A and B. In this condition a flip-flop circuit 81 has a high output ("1") at its output terminal connected to reset line 82 and a low ("0") output at its terminal connected to enable line 83. The reset line connected to both latch circuits 84A, 84B inhibits these so that they present "0" outputs to NAND gates 85A, 85B which produce "1" outputs to relay units.RA, RB. In this condition the relays remain de-energised thereby preventing energisation of triac controller 80.

If now switch SA is pressed, NAND gate 86 receives a "1" output from channel A causing the flip-flop circuit 81 to change state producing a "1" on enable line 83 and a "0" on reset line 82. Concurrently latch 84A energises producing a "1" at its output and into NAND gate 85A which thus receives two "1" inputs and produces a "0" output. Relay RA is energised and dimmer control DA becomes operative to control the current to the lamp 51. Energisation of latch 84A holds the circuit in this state until either switch SA or switch switch SB, both of which are spring loaded to the open position, is again operated.

When either of these switches is again operated the resultant input to NAND gate 86 causes the flip-flop circuit 81 to change state producing "1" on reset line 82 to deenergise latch 84A (or latch 84B if that had been energised in the preceding cycle) and producing "0" on line 83 so that both channels are switched off as is the lamp 51.

Whichever switch SA or SB is next operated it will energise the appropriate channel A or B and render the dimmer control DA or DB operative to control energisation of the lamp 51. The channels A, B are supplied from a low voltage supply, e.g. 12 volts, at terminals tl, t2 and the triac controller is energised from a 240 volt power supply.

Dimmer controls DA, DB are ganged or coupled mechanically to their respectively associated switches SA, SB. For example, the rotary control knobs of DA, DB, represented by the arrows, may be movable axially against the spring loading to close switches SA, SB respectively.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the control means may be mounted on or in a headboard assembly for a bed indicated generally at 60. Such headboard assembly is provided with à base part 61, the upper part of which has a foam covering 62.

On each side of the headboard 60 are shelf and drawer units 63L and 63R. The drawers 64L and 64R serve to contain the control means already described with the panels of such control means presented upwardly.

The left-hand control pane., exemplifying both, is shown in more detail in Figure 4.

At the top of the control panel is the visual numerical display 14L which gives a constant visual display of present time. Two switches 65 and 66 enable the pulses provided to the visual display unit 14L to proceed respectively slower and faster than normal time. In order to set the clock the fast push switch providing rapid time elapse should first be pressed to allow the displayed time to be set to a time slightly in advance of actual time then the slow switch 65 providing time elapse a little slower than normal would be pressed until the actual time and the time shown by the visual display are the same.

The circuits associated with the presettable switches 19, 20 and 21 include supplementary controls as follows. For each of these devices there is a controlling switch.

Thus, switch 19a is a two-position on/off switch serving in its "off" position to override energisation of the output terminal tl controlled from the switch 19. Switches 20a and 21a are three-position switches which in their "on" and "off" positions override the timing function provided by devices 20 and 21 effective when the switches are in the "auto" position.

The switches 19, 20, 21 may further have indicator means such as lamps 19b, 20b, 21b which may be filament lamps or light emitting diodes preferably visible through differently coloured windows so that the user can see at a glance which devices are in operation.

The setting of the switches 19, 20 and 21 is effected by thumb wheels as already mentioned, there being four for each switch, one of which is indicated for each switch at 19c, 20c, 21c. The particular setting is indicated by the numeral visible through a window adjacent to the thumb wheel concerned in an escutcheon member of the device.

Loudspeakers forming part of the alarm equipment may be mounted behind the panel 62. The form of the alarm signal may be varied as required. It can, for example, be pre-recorded material on a tape or disc forming the input to an amplifier. Alternatively the radio receiver may be connected to the alarm circuit so that, at the time set for the alarm to be operative, a radio signal is transmitted through the appropriate loudspeaker. Alternatively, the alarm apparatus may include an oscillator having an output of a frequency selected to be particularly effective to wake sleeping humans.

The loudspeakers, besides functioning as part of the alarm apparatus, may also be utilised to effect stereophonic reproduction from a record or tape player, or from the radio receiver.

Current regulation for the heating element of the electric blanket is preferably effected by a slider control 70.

Rotary. knobs such as 71 and 72 respectively control dimmers as already mentioned for regulating the current to the main and bedside lamps.

A press button 74 for bringing the "snooze" circuit into operation may be provided shown at the bottom of the panel.

Where the control means is required for use with a double bed, left and right-hand control panels would be provided each arranged generally as shown in Figure 4 (with the exception of omission of the "snooze" button where no "snooze" circuit is provided at one side of the bed).

It will, of course, be understood that in any case where separately timed alarm devices are not required on both sides of the bed, the output circuit which, as previously described, would control one of the alarm devices may be used for some other purpose, e.g. controlling a second auxiliary circuit into which a room heater or other item of apparatus can be plugged.

Referring now to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6, the presettable means in the present embodiment comprises a random access memory (RAM) unit 110 providing a large number of addresses (typically 256) each able to accommodate in B C D form a four letter byte, e.g.

four numerals representing a pre-set time although certain addresses may be programmed or written with numerals representing some other parameter such as temperature for controlling the operation of appliances such as heating means, electric blanket or air conditioning apparatus. During writing into the RAM unit the proper address is first located, and then the four digits are written in sequence into four successive loc tions following the address. During reading the addresses are scanned in sequence and the binary code representing a single character, e.g. a numeral at each of the locations (four), at that address is compared with the binar code representing the corresponding digit of present time.

The appropriate data is written into the RAM unit from a keyboard 111 having keys numbered 0 to 9, and to ensure that the data arrives at the correct address, address codes in B.C.D. form (corresponding to four decimal digits) can be applied to an eight bit comparator unit 112 by operation of an identified operating member such as a press-button switch to activate any of a plurality of encoder units 113, of which one only is shown for convenience in Figure 6.

A multiplexing crystal oscillator unit 114 operating at frequency in the region of 4 KHz scans the addresses of the RAM unit at a rate determined by scan rate unit 115, and when the already written-in address code coincides with the generated code fed into the comparator unit 112 from unit 113, RAM input enable unit 116 is cleared to permit a code to be entered into the address from the keyboard 111 (representing a pre-set time or other pre-set data depending upon the item of apparatus pertaining to that particular address).

Writing in of this code from other units similar to 113 is prevented for a predetermined duration, e.g. one minute, by unit 117.

During a subsequent reading operation of the control means, real time in B.C.D. form is supplied from a clock circuit unit 118 to a comparator unit 119 to which an input is also fed from the RAM unit, the addresses of the latter being continuously scanned by the multiplex means comprising units 114 and 115.

When a coincidence occurs an output is furnished from comparator unit 119 to selector unit 120. The latter is stepped on continuously at a rate synchronised with the scan rate of the RAM unit so that each outlet channel of unit 120 is enabled only at the time that a comparison is being effected in unit 119 between real time and whatever pre-set time has been coded into the RAM at the address pertaining to that particular one of the outlet channels of unit 20.

The outlet circuits of the outlet channels are shown in a block 121 and lead respectively to individual outlet terminals t1 to t9. The outlet circuits contain function switches collectively indicated respectively at 122 and 123 to enable the user to set the outlet circuits for auto operation (i.e. the outlet terminal to be energised at a pre-set time), or manually, bymeans of reset switches 123.

For a better understanding of these functions reference is now made to Figures 7 and 8. In these Figures references corresponding to those appearing in Figure 6 have been applied to units which functionally correspond, but, where several units incorporated in Figure 7 or Figure 8 correspond functionally to a single block shown in Figure 6, these units are enclosed in a broken line boundary to which the single block reference is applied. In certain cases, notably in respect of unit 115, some individual units comprised therein appear in Figure 7 and some appear in Figure 8.

Referring now to Figure 7, the units contained therein are those which are concerned with the operation of writing data into the various addresses afforded by the RAM unit 110.

For convenience Figure 7 cdntains, by way of example, only one of the units providing a predetermined coded address, for example that associated in a radio touch switch 124a.

Other switches may be provided pertaining to different forms of apparatus, for example air conditioning 125, a first television receiver 126 and others not shown, such as curtain operation motor, blanket heater, first alarm, second alarm, second television receiver and watchmen (master off).

Upon operation of switch 124a the upper input terminal of AND gate 127 changes state, e.g. from low ("0") to high ("1"), and simultaneously the upper input of OR glad 128 goes "1" to produce a 1 at its output and start the one minute timer unit 129 running.

Unit 129 furnishes an output on line 132 to all other units inhibiting the delivery of a "1" from their touch switches. Unit 129 also furnishes concurrently a "1" state to the lower terminal of AND gate 127 thereby enabling an encoder unit 113, which may be of the diode type, and which provides an eight-bit code to an eight-bit pre-settable counter 131.

This latter is common to all units 124, 125, 126 etc.

Other inputs to OR gate 128 of the other units 125, 126 etc., will initially be at "0" and will be held in that condition by an output on line 133 from the one minute timer 129 as soon as it is enabled, thereby blocking out or inhibiting outputs from AND gates such as 127 of all other units 125, 126 etc. for the duration of one minute. The AND gate 127 of unit 124 will already have enabled unit 113.

When the timer 129 times out, the input to the lower terminals of AND gates, such as 127, revert to "0" and the output from terminal 132 reverts to a value which no longer inhibits a "1" being developed at the output of switches such as 124 upon manual operation. The "1" on line 133 of timer 129 also enables a display circuit pertaining to the particular switch which has been operated such as illuminating circuit for the switch.

The "1" output from switch 124 resets the eight-bit pre-settable counter 131 through OR unit 134, and the address code provided by unit 113 is encoded into unit 131.

The multiplexing crystal oscillator 114 drives a seven stage binary counter 135 forming part of the scan rate unit 115, and this provides a succession of address codes on a seven-core line 130 which are fed in at terminal w (seven inputs) of the RAM unit and simultaneously to the eight-bit comparator 112, which latter is enabled by pulses supplied direct from the multiplexing oscillator.

When a coincidence occurs in the comparator 112 between the address code applied from the counter 135 (which is continually cycling through all the address codes available), and the address code which has been set into counter 131, an output is applied from comparator 112 to five stage counter 136. Such counter, when incremented, counts from 1 to 4 and then reverts to its initial state by a reset signal applied along line 137 from OR gate 124. This will occur on termination of the one minute period already referred to.

Coincidence in the eight-bit comparator 112, also produces an output therefrom on line 138 incrementing the preset counter 131 to a count of one more than the original address code set in from diode encoder 113 and corresponding to the first location in RAM 110 following the address.

Upon arrival of the next count (one more than the address code) from seven stage binary counter 135 at comparator 112 there will then be a further coincidence in 112, and the operations will repeat until the five stage counter 136 reaches the fifth stage when an output generated by 136 on line 139 will reset counter 131 through OR gate 134 to the value originally encoded from diode encoder 113.

These operations will be repeated each time the continually cycling seven stage binary counter 135 reaches the pre-set address code set into counter 131.

For pre-setting data, e.g. time, to be written into the RAM unit at the address located (i.e. corresponding to that furnished by diode encoder 113), the data, e.g. a pre-set time, is generated by sequential operation of the keys of keyboard 111. Operation of the first key applies the binary coded signal representing a single digit to terminal x (four inputs) of RAM unit 110 along (four-core) line 140.

Concurrently an output from the keyoperated switch increments a further five stage counter 141 in the input enable unit 116 and operates a counter enable circuit 142 so that the count to which 141 has been set is delivered along lines 143, 164 to a four-bit comparator 145.

When the count furnished by counter 136 has the same value as that furnished by 141, for example 1 (expressed in B.C.D. form), a coincidence will occur in 145 and this will provide an output on line 146 to the write (enable) terminal y of RAM unit 110 whereby the input at terminal x (a B.C.D. code representing the number of the key pressed) is applied to the first storage position after that carrying the address which is characteristic of the radio touch button 124. This operation will be repeated for operation of the remaining three keys that produce a four digit number representing time, five stage counters 141 and 136 incrementing for each of these operations, and counter 136 resetting counter 131 carrying the address code on the fifth count.

As a possible alternative, the appropriate number of keys (four) of the keyboard may, upon sequential operation, apply their respective digits in B.C.D. code to an intermediate store unit. The output of the latter, namely the four codes, may then be applied sequentially to terminal x and corresponding pulses may be applied to the five stage counter 141 by operation of a unit for reading the intermediate store brought into operation by operation of an "accept" key on the keyboard.

Upon depression of another switch in a unit such as 125, 126 etc., counter 131 is cleared through OR gate 134, and the operation of encoding the RAM unit at another address with further data, such as another pre-set time, can be carried out in a manner similar to that already described.

The output on line 147 of five stage counter 136 can also provide a signal to display means showing pre-set time to be encoded, such display means signalling how many of the digits of the time to be encoded have been written in to the RAM unit at any given stage.

Referring now to Figure 8, the seven stage binary counter 135 is driven from the multiplexing oscillator 114 and its output is applied (on a seven-core line) to terminal w of the RAM unit 110 to read the address locations therein cyclically, and read the codes written in at the four locations at each address. The output from the RAM unit at terminal z (other terminals being omitted in Figure 8 for convenience) is applied to the four-bit comparator 119 which also receives real time in B.C.D. form from clock generator 118. The latter is controlled by the multiplexing oscillator 114, the output of which is divided by an appropriate factor in divider unit 149 so that clock circuit 150 provides outputs which are incremented each minute.

As the seven stage counter cycles through the addresses and data locations of the RAM, output will be read on four-core line 157 and when the B.C.D. code on 157 representing 1 digit coincides with the code on line 158, an output will be developed on line 151 and applied to four stage counter 152.

This will occur at a time when an enabling pulse is delivered to the four-bit comparator along lines 155 and 156 from the multiplexing oscillator 114.

If for any address there are, thereafter, four successive coincidences, i.e. if the four coded digits representing real time correspond to a preset time written into the four locations at any address of the RAM, then counter 152 will provide an output on line 153.

A further four stage counter 154 receives pulses from line 155 from the multiplexing oscillator 114 and delivers an output on line 1 60a at every fourth pulse to nine stage shift register 159.

The output from counter 154 also resets counter 152 so that this is cleared to receive output from comparator 119 in respect of the next four consecutive comparisons in which coincidences occur.

Each output pulse from the four stage counter 154 also increments shift register 159, the latter having nine outlets which are connected to lines such as 159a leading to respective channels of the outlet means 121.

The incremel ting of the shift register 159 thus occurs in coordination with the time division multiplexing in which each address and the four-consecutive locations following thereon in the RAM unit 110 are sampled for coincidence of the data written into these locations for coincidence with currently generated data such as real time. The outlet channels are gated by outputs on lines such as 1 59a to ensure that a given coincidence produces an output signal at the outlet terminal tl to t9 of the proper outlet channel.

As now described in relation to one of the channels seen in Figure 8, coincidence for a time set into the RAM in respect of the radio touch switch will produce an output "1" on line 153 and a "1" on line 159a and cause AND gate 160 to produce a "1" on line 161.

The normal state of line 162 is "1" and consequently AND gate 163 will produce a "1" on line 164. The normal state of line 165 is "1" and AND gate 166 will, therefore, produce a "1" on line 167. If switch 122 (auto) has been operated, a "1" will be present on line 168 and AND gate 169 will produce a "1" on line 170.

Assuming that on/off touch switch 123 is in the "off" position, then line 171 will carry a "0" but the "1" on line 170 will produce a "1" on line 172 through OR gate 173. This will tura over flip-flop (bistable) circuit 174 to produce a "1" at outlet terminal tl enabling this terminal.

When a "1" is produced at the output terminal tl the operator may wish to turn the item of apparatus off manually and for this purpose a manually operable on/off switch 123 is provided. Operation of this switch will convert a "1" at terminal tl to a "0". To prevent a "1" being restored at terminal tl in the next multiplex cycle occurring during the one minute persistence of the output from the clock means, a monostable timing unit 175b providing feed-back responds to a "0" at terminal tl to establish a "0" on line 165 for a period of just over one minute. No further "1" pulses can appear on line 167 through AND gate 166 for this period and after the end of this period such "1" pulses will not occur because the time output from the real time clock will have advanced by one digit.This effectively prevents the multiplexing operation cancelling the switching off effected by the use of switch 123.

A further feed-back path is provided through inverter 175a to ensure that if the bistable circuit has been activated to produce a "1" at terminal tl by operation of the manual switch 123, a further "1" signal will not appear on line 172 as a result of a coincidence occurring in comparator 119 with resultant pulsing of line 153.

Referring now to the several items of apparatus which may be connected to the control means and which are shown schematically in Figure 6, certain of these are shown in further schematic circuits of a more detailed character. The following description takes these in sequence and deals firstly with the schematic elements shown in Figure 6 followed, where appropriate, by a reference to the more detailed schematic circuit diagram.

Referring firstly to Figure 13, the air conditioning apparatus controlled from terminal tl of the group, a temperature comparator 1 receives -inputs from a temperature sensor 2, a temperature "set" unit 3 and a temperature "override" unit 4, and provides an output on line 5 to a driver, for example a triac circuit, for energising the apparatus. A display means such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) 6 (Figure 6) is arranged to provide a four digit read out of sensed temperature or, when required, set or override temperature through line cores 179a, 179b shown as 179 (Figure 6).

The temperature sensor 2 produces a coded B.C.D. output for each increment temperature change, for example in degrees centigrade. The temperature "set" control 3 including a touch switch 176, a counter 177 feeding temperature in B.C.D. form to an encoder 178 can be brought into operation by pressing the touch switch 176 continuously to raise the encoded temperature which will be indicated on the temperature display 6 (Figure 6) through OR gate 180, the operator ceasing to hold the touch switch in the operated condition when the desired temperature is displayed. The counter 177 responds to a short operation of the- touch switch followed by continued pressure to reduce the encoded temperature.

The temperature override circuit similarly comprises a touch switch 181, a counter 182 and an encoder 183 which can be encoded to a different temperature either higher or lower and which again can be pre-set by the operator using the temperature display 6 (Figure 6). The latter is arranged to display sensed temperature and is automatically set to display set temperature or override temperáture on either touch switch 176 and 181 reverting to its unoperated position.

The four-bit temperature comparator 1 is enabled by an input from line 184 when the pre-set time in RAM 110 coincides with real time. Encoder 178 or 183 is enabled selectively by an output from flip-flop (bistable) circuit 185. In the reset condition achieved by the output on line 184, a high "1" output is fed to encoder 178 which is thereby rendered operative, whereas if override operation is required an output on line 186 from touch switch 181 changes the flip-flop circuit 185 over to produce a "1" on line 187 and a "0" on line 188 so that the encoder 185 is enabled.

For whichever encoder is in operation, the B.C.D. temperature signal of sensor 2 is compared with the pre-set value, and when parity occurs, or is achieved, output from 1 to the drive circuit at terminal tl becomes "0", i.e. the apparatus is turned off.

Referring now to Figure 14 relating to the curtain operating apparatus, this may comprise a curtain drive motor for drawing the curtain to cover or expose an associated window. The control circuit 190 for such motor comprises an OR gate 191 which receives a "1" input on line 192 from terminal tl (Figure 6) at a pre-set time in RAM 101.

A trigger circuit 193 can also produce a "1" on line 194 if a "1" has been produced on line 196 by a light sensing means 197 having a light sensing element exposed to day light on the window side of the curtain, and subject to touch switch 195 having been operated to override the normal time function on line 192. The trigger circuit latches "on" to complete motor drive to energise the motor drive circuit, e.g. a triac circuit, to draw the curtain but is arranged to be overridden by the time function on line 192 at a time when a predetermined light level is normally restored, e.g. in the morning.

Referring now to the control circuit 198 for an electric blanket and which is connected to terminal t3, this is shown in more detail in Figure 9.

The control circuit 198 comprises a variable phase controller, i.e. controlling conduction angle and supplying an output on line 200 to a drive circuit, e.g. a triac circuit. The phase controlling circuit 199 is enabled from terminal t3 (Figure 6) by an input from line 201 and also receives an input on line 202 from a digital-to-analogue converter means 204. The input to 204 can be derived either from a heat code written into RAM 110 and fed therefrom on line 205a, or from an override circuit comprising a touch switch 209, counter 210, and encoder 211 which can be encoded by operation of the touch switch to- any desired value indicated on part of the display means 6 (Figure 6), e.g. an LCD display, through line 212. The OR gate 203 is a multi-channel gate (four channels) to accommodate the B.C.D. code from encoder 205 or encoder 211.Encoder 205 receives a heat code input from RAM 110 and is enabled by a pulse from line 159b of shift register 159.

Referring now to the alarm apparatus shown in Figure 12-in which alarm 1 and alarm 2 would be located on opposite sides of the headboard. or bed, reference will be made to one only since these devices can be identical.

Alarm device 21 3a (Figure 6) is controlled from "snooze" circuit 214a via line 218a when there is an enabling output from line 216a of terminal t4.

As seen in more detail in Figure 10, an OR gate 215a receives an enabling input at - a predetermined time from line 21 6a (the times being possibly different for alarm 1, 213a and alarm 2, 213b). Output from 215a sets a flip-flop (bistable) circuit 217a providing a high "1" output on line 218a to the associated alarm to bring this into operation, such alarm may be a loudspeaker unit incorporating an amplifier and oscillator or tape reader to generate the requisite alarm signal. Upon operation the user would operate a touch switch 219a to set the flip-flop circuit 217a to its original condition via line 220a, and concurrently to start a timer means 221a run ning.This timer means may provide any desired time interval, for example 10 minutes, and upon timing out would reset the flip-flop circuit 217a to produce once again a "1" on line 21 8a to energise the loudspeaker unit; On re-energisation of the loudspeaker unit the touch button 219a would again be operated and the cycle repeated one or more times. A switch controlling the loudspeaker unit directly is provided at a station sufficiently remote from the bed to require the user to get up to effect operation of this switch.

A beverage-making apparatus, such as a tea-making apparatus, may be connected to the main control means to be brought into operation at a predetermined time earlier than one or the other of the alarm devices. A control circuit to enable this to be done is shown at 224 controlling a tea maker 237.

Referring to Figure 11 in which the control circuit 224 is seen in more detail, a comparator 222 receives real time input plus an advance of a selected amount, e.g. 10 minutes from line 225 connected to the clock means 118 through a time add circuit 224 and line 223.

Comparator 222 also receives pre-set alarm time from RAM 110 through a multichannel (for channels) gate circuit 226 which receives input on line 205a from RAM 110 and a gating pulse from output 1 59c of shift register 159 developed during scanning of the selected alarm time. If touch switch 229 has been operated this will produce a "1" on line 230, and a "1" will be passed to OR unit 231 and will set flip-flop (bistable) 233 to produce a "1" on line 234 and energise the drive circuit for the tea maker 10 minutes earlier than alarm time. The tea maker may incorporate a temperature sensor for sensing water temperature, which upon boiling of the water will produce a reset signal on line 235 to switch the tea maker off.

Referring now to operation of a radio by a control circuit 238 (Figure 6), this is shown in more detail in Figure 12.

An input to OR gate 239 is obtained from line 240 connected to terminal t6 which will achieve the "1" state at a preset time written into RAM 110. This will produce a "1" ori line 241 to energise a drive circuit for the radio receiver. Alternatively, "1" states may be established on lines 242 or 243 ,by operation of touch switches 244, 245 receiving inputs respectively on lines 246, 247 fittedrto alarm terminals t4, t5. The radio will then be brought into operation at one or the other of the predetermined times at which the alarm terminals go to the "1" state.

A television games control circuit 248 of conventional form is energised by "1" states on lines 249, 250 connected respectively to terminals t7, t8 which become energised at times set into RAM 110. A touch switch provided in circuit 248 enables the television dis play units to be operated for the game to be played.

Referring to Figure 15 showing circuit 248 in 'more detail, line 250 is 'enabled at a predetermined time to energise. a drive circuit for the television receiver which is connected to an antenna 285 through switch 286. A games module 287 provides an alternative input two .the receiver via switch 286 and is enabled by operation of touch switch 288 through AND gate 289. Input from the module to switch 286 serves to block input from the antenna.

Certain further facilities are provided- in association with the main control circuit.

-Thus real time (local time at the place of use of the control means) may be displayed on a display means 259 incorporating- a four digit LCD display unit. The input for this purpose is provided from clock unit 118 through line 260, 261, 262.

Local times at other places may be displayed temporarily instead of real time. For this purpose a pre-settable counter 263 is provided into which can be set delays of local time from an encoder 264 having a plurality of inputs 265 encoded with delays appropriate to the various places. Normally real time would be displayed, but if the user operates an appropriate touch switch designated for the particular place concerned, the time local to that place will be displayed and held for a predetermined time, for example approximately five seconds, after which this time is faded out and the display means 259again shows real time.

.In respect of the displays 6, 159 and 266, in each of which different time data may be displayed at different times, such data may be fed to -the displays in each case through a circuit which would provide for normal display of a selected time, or temporary display of the alternative time or times, the circuit providing for persistence of the alternative display for a predetermined perion of appropriate duration. Thus, for example in the display 6, the normal display may comprise-firstly room temperature which can be replaced by the- set temperature and the override temperature used in setting up the air conditioning control circuit.Also in display 6 the normal display may be the preset blanket temperature coded into RAM 110 and the alternative display may be the override value coded in unit 211 (Figure 9).

In respect of display means 259, the normal display-may be local- time at the place of use of the control means and the alternative times may be world times at various places, i.e.; local times at these places.

ln respect of the display means 266, -the normal display will be the date, either in numerals or-alpha-numeric notation, and the alternative display can be of pre-set times stored in RAM 110 for the times of operation of the various items of apparatus and, where appropriate, other data such as heat settings for such apparatus.

- In addition to these facilities, Qdisplay 266 may be utilised to display time settings for other purposes, e.g. short duration reminders in respect of telephone calls and in respect of operation of an audible alarm device for eulinery or similar: purposes. 'Thus, delay times in the range 0 to 59 59 minutes may be made available from a delay encoder 277 and fed to.a pulse counter 278 providing an output at termination of the preset time for energising an audible alrm 279. The pre-set time stated may temporarily be displayed on display means 266.

A further .facility' which may be provided comprises an encoded lock means for a safe deposit such as a jewel box.

The predetermined B.C.D. code is stored in unit 281, and a comparator 280 8addressed from unit 281 is also addressable from the keyboard 111, the unit 280 provides ari output to energise the lock release device, e.g. a solenoid, when there is parity between the codes.

Figure 16 illustrates one form of control panel for the control apparatus.

On this is shown a typical layout of control members. For simplicity only some of those required for operation of the second embodiment of control means are illustrated.

Two groups of touch switches are provided at 300, 301. In each horizontal row reading from left to right the first touch switch button is the auto set, i.e. "on" button, which when operated sets the particular channel allocated to the item of apparatus concerned to automatic operation, i.e. .programmed to be enabled at the time, or in accordance with other data, as appropriate, which may be set into RAM 110. When a "set" button has been operated illuminating means associated with it, 'such as an LED visible through the button, will be energised. The second button in:each row is an auto/off button to cancel program- ming of the particular item of apparatus from data set into RAM 110 and upon operation will cause the first button - illumination to be extinguished.This button is not illuminated. The third (rectangular) button in each row carries a legend identifying the particular apparatus. controlledj - and -its illuminating means is energised when the outlet terminal pertaining to this-apparatus is enabled.

The fourth. button in each row provides a function particular to the form of apparatus.

controlled. For example, in the case of radio, the fourth button may be touched to estab-.

list the alarm link which will switch on the radio at the time set for the alarm circuit.

In the case of TV, the fourth button may be touched to bring the games facility intooperation. For tea the ,button marked ,.A/L.

may bring an alarm link in to programme the tea maker for operation at a predetermined time before the alarm time set.

The fourth buttons associated with "air con" (air conditioning) and "blanket" provide for setting the temperature level as already described, and the fourth button in the row containing "curtain" would be touched to utilise the light responsive facility for drawing the curtain, as distinct from the timing facility. In the row containing "lights" buttons 1, 2 and 3 would be touched to control separate zones of lighting and, where two panels are provided on each side of the bed, and any of the lights are common to both occupants, e.g. a main room light, the circuit of Figure 5 may be utilised to determine control as between left and right-hand occupants of the bed.

For the group of buttons for the keyboard encoder, illuminating means such as LEDs would be provided behind each button responsive to touching thereof to become illuminated. An accept button may be pressed to effect coding of RAM after a sequence of operation of the keyboard buttons as already mentioned. In the event of an incorrect operation, the clear button C would be operated.

In the case of controls such as the temperature controls for "air conditioning" and "blanket", these controls may include means providing that a single continuous pressure will cause the data to be set into RAM 110 to increase numerically, and a short initial pressure followed by continuous pressure will cause it to decrease numerically to enable a user to attain the required setting without the use of two buttons.

The large button designated "panic" controls a circuit which would immediately energise the alarm devices, e.g. the loudspeaker units 213a, 213b, and possibly other alarm devices situated at positions in the premises and is intended to be utilised if a situation requiring such alarm develops, e.g.

actual or attempted entry by an intruder.

Besides controlling respective lighting zones, buttons 1, 2, 3 for lights may be arranged to control intensity of illumination, increasing for continued pressure on the button and decreasing for momentary pressure followed by continuous pressure.

Conveniently telephone facilities may be provided on the panel. Thus, a telephone handset 302 may be provided together with dialing means 303, preferably of the pressbutton type.

Figure 17 shows, by way of example, a typical mounting arrangement for panels on the headboard of a double bed. Thus, the bed proper 400 extends forwardly from a headboard assembly 401 provided at each side with storage compartment/table units 402a, 402b. The panels such as that shown in Figure 16 may be mounted on extensions of the headboard proper above the units 402a, 402b as seen at 403a, 403b.

If, however, desired a single panel mounted more or less centrally of the headboard assembly on the front face thereof above the bed may be provided. In the event of two panels being provided, the first operated touch switch or button would have precedence, subject to the arrangements for lighting as herein mentioned.

It will, of course, be understood that the items of apparatus described as controlled by the second embodiment of the control means shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 may be controlled by the first embodiment of the control means, it being merely necessary to provide a sufficient number of thumb wheel switches to furnish the pre-set times and other data which in the second embodiment are stored in RAM 110.

Likewise, items of apparatus described in connection with, and controlled by, the first embodiment of the control means may be controlled by the second embodiment.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A control means for controlling operation of a plurality of items of apparatus comprising: a. clock means for providing a coded electrical output representing a sequence of successive times, b. a plurality of pre-settable means providing respective coded electrical outputs representing pre-set times, c. means operable manually to vary the settings of the pre-settable means and hence to vary said outputs thereof as required said manually operable means having operatively associated therewith indicator means providing an indication of the setting applied, d. comparator means for comparing the outputs of the pre-settable means with the output times of the clock means, e. multiplexing means for time-dividing the comparison effected by the comparator means into comparison intervals in which the comparison is between the output of respective ones of the pre-settable means and the output times of the clock means, the comparison intervals being of such duration that each of the presettable means is subjected to comparison a plurality of times for each time output of said clock means, f. a plurality of outlet means responsive respectively to coincidences occurring during respective ones of said comparison intervals for controlling operation of respective ones of the items of apparatus.

2. A control means according to claim 1 wherein the pre-settable means comprises: a. a plurality of switches each having at least one bank of outlet terminals energisable to present a binary code signifying the pre-set time,

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (36)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. may bring an alarm link in to programme the tea maker for operation at a predetermined time before the alarm time set. The fourth buttons associated with "air con" (air conditioning) and "blanket" provide for setting the temperature level as already described, and the fourth button in the row containing "curtain" would be touched to utilise the light responsive facility for drawing the curtain, as distinct from the timing facility. In the row containing "lights" buttons 1, 2 and 3 would be touched to control separate zones of lighting and, where two panels are provided on each side of the bed, and any of the lights are common to both occupants, e.g. a main room light, the circuit of Figure 5 may be utilised to determine control as between left and right-hand occupants of the bed. For the group of buttons for the keyboard encoder, illuminating means such as LEDs would be provided behind each button responsive to touching thereof to become illuminated. An accept button may be pressed to effect coding of RAM after a sequence of operation of the keyboard buttons as already mentioned. In the event of an incorrect operation, the clear button C would be operated. In the case of controls such as the temperature controls for "air conditioning" and "blanket", these controls may include means providing that a single continuous pressure will cause the data to be set into RAM 110 to increase numerically, and a short initial pressure followed by continuous pressure will cause it to decrease numerically to enable a user to attain the required setting without the use of two buttons. The large button designated "panic" controls a circuit which would immediately energise the alarm devices, e.g. the loudspeaker units 213a, 213b, and possibly other alarm devices situated at positions in the premises and is intended to be utilised if a situation requiring such alarm develops, e.g. actual or attempted entry by an intruder. Besides controlling respective lighting zones, buttons 1, 2, 3 for lights may be arranged to control intensity of illumination, increasing for continued pressure on the button and decreasing for momentary pressure followed by continuous pressure. Conveniently telephone facilities may be provided on the panel. Thus, a telephone handset 302 may be provided together with dialing means 303, preferably of the pressbutton type. Figure 17 shows, by way of example, a typical mounting arrangement for panels on the headboard of a double bed. Thus, the bed proper 400 extends forwardly from a headboard assembly 401 provided at each side with storage compartment/table units 402a, 402b. The panels such as that shown in Figure 16 may be mounted on extensions of the headboard proper above the units 402a, 402b as seen at 403a, 403b. If, however, desired a single panel mounted more or less centrally of the headboard assembly on the front face thereof above the bed may be provided. In the event of two panels being provided, the first operated touch switch or button would have precedence, subject to the arrangements for lighting as herein mentioned. It will, of course, be understood that the items of apparatus described as controlled by the second embodiment of the control means shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 may be controlled by the first embodiment of the control means, it being merely necessary to provide a sufficient number of thumb wheel switches to furnish the pre-set times and other data which in the second embodiment are stored in RAM 110. Likewise, items of apparatus described in connection with, and controlled by, the first embodiment of the control means may be controlled by the second embodiment. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A control means for controlling operation of a plurality of items of apparatus comprising: a. clock means for providing a coded electrical output representing a sequence of successive times, b. a plurality of pre-settable means providing respective coded electrical outputs representing pre-set times, c. means operable manually to vary the settings of the pre-settable means and hence to vary said outputs thereof as required said manually operable means having operatively associated therewith indicator means providing an indication of the setting applied, d. comparator means for comparing the outputs of the pre-settable means with the output times of the clock means, e. multiplexing means for time-dividing the comparison effected by the comparator means into comparison intervals in which the comparison is between the output of respective ones of the pre-settable means and the output times of the clock means, the comparison intervals being of such duration that each of the presettable means is subjected to comparison a plurality of times for each time output of said clock means, f. a plurality of outlet means responsive respectively to coincidences occurring during respective ones of said comparison intervals for controlling operation of respective ones of the items of apparatus.

2. A control means according to claim 1 wherein the pre-settable means comprises: a. a plurality of switches each having at least one bank of outlet terminals energisable to present a binary code signifying the pre-set time,

b. the manually operable means for setting said pre-settable means comprises respective operating members on said switches, c. the indicator means includes means for correlating each position of each of the switches with a particular decimal numeral.

3. A control means according to claim 2 wherein the multiplexing means includes switch selector means having a plurality of output terminals, means for generating enabling signals respectively at such output terminals sequentially, said output terminals of the selector means being connected respectively to the banks of output terminals in a configuration to 'provide sequential enabling of the terminals of these banks.

4. A control means according to claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of outlet means comprises an outlet gate connected to said comparator means, and an outlet terminal connected to and controlled by said gate, and and each of said gates is connected to a respective one of said output terminals of said switch selector means whereby said gates are each enabled for a comparison interval corresponding to that for which a respective one of said switches is enabled.

5. A control means according to claim 1 wherein: a. the presettable means comprises a RAM means having a plurality of addresses and at each address at least one location able to receive a binary code representing one of said pre-set times, and a plurality of writing means pertaining to respective ones of said items of apparatus for writing-in a pre-set code at each of said addresses, including a plurality of pre-coded address means allocated to respective ones of the outlet means for respective items of apparatus to be controlled and for addressing the RAM means to identify the appropriate address for entry of said pre-set code, b. the manually operable means comprises coding means for writing the code to be preset in the RAM means at said location or locations accessible at an address when identified, c. and the apparatus includes reading means including means for sequentially scanning said pre-set codes in the RAM means to produce an output code, or sequence of output codes, for feeding to said comparator means.

6. - A control means according to claim 5 wherein; a. at each of the addresses of the RAM means a plurality of locations are accessible for respectively carrying a binary code repre senting a digit of a multi-digit pre-set time, b. said writing means includes means for presenting a sequence of binary codes representing respective digits sequentially to the RAM means for entry into respective locations at each of said addresses.

7. A control means according to claim 5 wherein a. the multiplexing means comprises:- i. scanning means for sequentially enabling the data locations of the RAM means at the succession of addresses thereof at a first frequency, ii. address selector means for generating gating signals at a second frequency equal to the first frequency divided by the number of locations divided by the number of locations at each of the addresses, said address selector means having a plurality of respective outlet terminals on which said gating signals are presented successively, b. each of the outlet means includes res 'pective gate means connected collectively to said comparator means and connected individually to said outlet terminals of said address selector means.

8. A control means according to claim 1 wherein each of the outlet means includes :- a. an outlet terminal, b. outlet gate means having an outlet connected to said terminal and inlets connected respectively to said comparator means and said multiplexing means to be enabled only over said comparison interval for the particu lar outlet means, c. holding means for holding the outlet terminal in an enabled state when once enabled for a predetermined time period extending over a plurality of successive comparison intervals.

9. A control means according to claim 8 wherein a. said clock means has increments at one minute periods, b. said holding means hblds the associ ated outlet terminal in an enabled state for a period of substantially one minute.

10. A control means according to 'claim I wherein each of the outlet means includes manually operable means for enabling the outlet means, irrespective of response of this outlet means to said comparison in the interval applicable to that outlet means.

11. A control means according to claim 5 wherein: a. said coding means comprises keyboard means having a plurality of manually operable keys providing binary codes corresponding to indicated digits in response to operation of said keys, b. incrementing means are provided responsive to operation of each of said keys to increment the RAM means to successive locations at each address whereby each such location carries a binary code corresponding to that furnished in response to operation of respective key.

12. A control means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein: a: one ofthe outlet means is connected to an alarm device providing an audible and/ or visual output for wakening the user, b. settable control means connected between the outltet means and the alarm device is settable in a first state for bringing the alarm device into operation upon enablement of the outlet means, and a second state for inhibiting operation of the alarm device although the outlet means is enabled, d. manually operable switch means is provided for changing the settable control means from its first to its second state, e. timing means is provided for causing the settable control means to revert to its first state after a predetermined interval from having been set by said switch means in its second state.

13. A control means according to claim 12 wherein the settable controls means comprises a bistable circuit.

14. A control means according to claim 13 wherein: a. the control circuit for the alarm device includes a comparator for comparing time signals, b. said comparator is connected to said clock means and to that one of the pre-settable means controlling the outlet means for bringing the alarm device into operation, c. the control means includes a further outlet means connected to said comparator for bringing beverage-making apparatus into operation, d. means are provided for changing the relation between clock means time, and preset time, for operation of the alarm device to produce parity in said comparator means of the control means earlier than would otherwise occur.

15. A control means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the outlet means is connected to an item of apparatus providing a service in common to two persons, through a control circuit comprising: a. first and second control means located at respective stations respectively within the operating ranges of the persons sharing the service, each of said control means including: i. a switch means for turning the apparatus on and off, - - -11. - an adjustment means for adjusting the manner of operation of the apparatus, b. bistable means responsive to operation of the switch means of both the first and second control means to render that one of said control means operable to control the apparatus and to disable the other one of said control means in respect of the apparatus.

16. A control means according to claim 15 wherein: a. the apparatus controlled comprises lamp means, b. the adjustment means of, the first and second control means comprises respective adjustable lamp dimmer means.

17. A control means according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein: a. at least one of the pre-settable means is, set to provide pre-set data representing an operating parameter other than time for a particular one of the items of apparatus b. said item of apparatus is connected to the control means through a control circuit, c. said control circuit includes gate means having an input connected to said one of said pre-settable means and an input connected to said multiplexing means to confine output from said gate means to said pre-set data, d. said control circuit includes means responsive to said pre-set data to control the manner of operation of said item of apparatus.

18. A control means according to claim 17 wherein: a. said item of apparatus is a blanket means having an electrical heating element, b. said parameter is the average current to be passed through said element, c. the responsive means of said control circuit is a current controlling means providing an output signal varying with the output signal from said gate means.

19. A control means according to claim 17 wherein: a. said item of apparatus is an air conditioning apparatus, b. said parameter is the temperature to which the air conditioning apparatus is to be set to establish in the environment, c. the responsive means of said control circuit is a comparator inputs of which are connected to said gate means and to an environmental temperature sensing means, and the output of which controls a drive circuit for the air conditioning apparatus.

20. In combination: a. a headboard assembly for a bed, and b. control means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for controlling the operation of a plurality of items of apparatus providing functions applicable to the use of the bed, c. at least one control panel including operator's controls and display means for displaying data related to operation of said control means, said control panel being mounted on or in said headboard assembly.

21. A method of controlling energisation of a plurality of outlet terminals for respective items of apparatus with respect to the times of operation of such items, such method comprising the steps or or a plurality of:- a. manually setting each of a plurality of presettable means providing coded time data, b. comparing coded time data representing a sequence of successive clock times provided by clock means with the time data provided by each of said pre-set table means, and repeating said comparison a plurality of times during each of said clock times- c. generating respective signals in response to parities occurring in said comparisons, d. sequentially enabling respective outlet means connected to respective ones of said pre-set means and feeding respective ones of the outlet terminals.

22. A method according to claim 21 wherein: a. respective ones of the pre-set means are subjected in sequence to an enabling signal providing a plurality of cycles of scan of the pre-set table means in each of said clock means to provide said plurality of comparisons, b. successive comparisons are made between the time data of the clock means and the time data of respective ones of the pre-set table means during respective ones of the enabling signals to produce output signals when a parity occurs, c. the outlet means are enabled successively so that each passes only the output signals produced by said comparisons applicable to a particular one of said presettable means.

23. Control means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

24. Control means according to claim 23 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.

25. The combination of control means according to claim 23 or claim 24 and a headboard assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.

26. A control circuit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

27. Control means for controlling items of apparatus, said control means being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

28. A control circuit for electric blanket control substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A control circuit providing "snooze" facilities substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings.

30. A control circuit for use in controlling operation of a beverage-making apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 11 of the accompanying drawings.

31. A control circuit for energising a radio apparatus for use as a wakening or alarm device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.

32. A control circuit for controlling operation of an air conditioning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings.

33. A control circuit for controlling operation of curtain means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 14 of the accompanying drawings.

34. A control circuit for controlling operation of a television receiver alternatively from a broadcast input or from a games module substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings.

35. The combination of a control means as claimed in claim 27 and one or more of the items of apparatus claimed in claims 28 to 34.

36. The combination of control means as claimed in claim 27 for claim 35 with a headboard assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 16 and 17 of the accompanying drawings.