Timer device and method of operating

摘要

A method of operating a timer device having means for indicating the remaining operating time during an operating time period selected for the timer device. The timer device includes a gear train having a pair of branches coupled with the indicating means to drive it in different preselected speed modes through the selected operating time period. In this method, the indicating means is driven in one of the preselected speed modes through one of the gear train branches during an operating time period in excess of a predetermined operating time period of the timer device with the sum of the excess and predetermined operating time periods comprising the selected operating time period, and the drive of the indicating means through the other of the gear train branches is obviated during the excess operating time period. At least one of the gears in the one gear train branch is moved to a position disengaged from mesh with at least another of the gears of the one gear train branch interrupting the drive therethrough of the indicating means to terminate the excess operating time period, and thereafter the indicating means is driven through the other gear train branch during the predetermined operating time period of the timer device. Timer devices and other operating methods are also disclosed.