This is a very commonly used IC for making simple timing circuits and oscillators.
http://homepages.westminster.org.uk/electronics/555.htm
This circuit uses some hardware and BASIC program to make a PC based slotcar lap counter. The circuit has alsso a relay control option.
http://members.cox.net/jkemege/lapcounter.html
simple, low-cost analog timer exploits the parasitic input-bias current of op-amp to achieve long time delays even though it uses only low-value, inexpensive ceramic chip capacitors
http://www.e-insite.net/ednmag/archives/1994/072194/15di4.htm
http://www.texasarchery.org/Documents/Timer/archerytimer.htm
R/C Timer switch adjustable from 20 - 80 seconds.
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/rc-sw2.htm
http://www.designnotes.com/CIRCUITS/ls-timer.htm
A max. delay of 20 hours is achieved by this relatively simple circuit.
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/5185/circuit2.html#LONG
Your washing machine lacks this useful feature? This special timer will power it only when you want to.
http://www.nutchip.com/progetti/delaystart/delaystart_en.htm