Patent ID: 7133329

Claim:
A timer device, comprising: contact means ( 35 ) operatable between a first condition and a second condition, timer means ( 31 ), means ( 32 ) for storing a first time stamp, a second time stamp, and a first time-period value, control means ( 31 ) adapted for: setting a first time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between the first condition and the second condition, setting a second time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between the second condition and the first condition, calculating the time elapsed between the first and second time stamps, comparing the elapsed time with the first time-period value, and performing a first control action if the elapsed time is greater than the first time-period value; means ( 32 ) for storing a second time-period value, and wherein the control means is further adapted for: comparing the elapsed time with the second time-period value, and performing a second control action if the elapsed time is greater than the second time-period value and further comprising: first actuation means ( 25 ) for cancelling the second control action, and second actuation means ( 26 ), and wherein the second control action replaces a third time stamp with the second time stamp or, in response to actuation of the second actuation means, with the first time stamp.