Electronic door opening system

A microwave oven comprising:

• a housing;
• a door providing access to the housing;
• a latch system for retaining the door in a closed position with respect to the housing and releasing the door to an open position with respect to the housing;
• a microwave source;
• an interlock switch system for disabling the microwave source when the door is in the open position;
• and
• a door opening mechanism comprising:
• a door opening command interface;
• a resilient member for urging the door from the closed position to the open position, wherein the resilient member is free from contact with the latch system and the interlock switch system;
• a gear member configured to engage with the resilient member to cause the resilient member to urge the door from the closed position to the open position;
• control circuitry configured to electronically activate the gear member upon receipt of a door open command signal.

A system for opening a door of an appliance, the system comprising:

• a door opening command interface;
• a resilient member for urging the door from a closed position to an open position, wherein the resilient member is free from contact with a door latch system and an interlock switch system of the appliance;
• a gear member configured to engage with the resilient member to cause the resilient member to urge the door from the closed position to the open position;
• a motor configured to drive the gear member;
• and
• control circuitry configured to:
• receive a door opening command signal from the door opening command interface;
• activate the motor to drive the gear member;
• receive a door open signal from the interlock switch system of said appliance;
• and
• activate the motor to move the gear member into a reset position.