DELAYED EGRESS EXIT DEVICE

A touch bar exit device comprises a retractor element disposed in the housing for substantially rectilinear movement. The retractor element connects the touch bar and the latch bolt such that the retractor element and the latch bolt are moved toward the retracted position in response to movement of the touch bar. An electrically energizable locking mechanism in the exit device includes a reciprocating plunger moving transverse to the retractor element. When energized, the locking mechanism is operative to move the plunger to the projected locking position to prevent retraction of the latch bolt. A time delay circuit is connected to the locking mechanism. A switch actuated in response to movement of the touch bar is connected to the time delay circuit for starting a predetermined time interval for temporarily delaying deenergization of the locking mechanism. When the time delay circuit interrupts power to the locking mechanism, the plunger moves allowing the latch bolt to move to the retracted position.