Appliance combination lock for special modes
AssigneeMaytag Corporation
InventorMitchell Corbett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An appliance is provided with special software modes for diagnostic or testing purposes. The appliance includes an electronic control panel with a rotary dial for actuating the special modes. The dial operates like a combination lock. The dial is rotated clockwise so as to twice pass a reference point, then rotated counterclockwise to pass the reference point once, and then again rotated clockwise to the selected special mode, as indicated by a plurality of LED lights extending around the dial.
Claims14
An appliance, comprising:
- a plurality of special software modes for diagnostic purposes;
- electronic controls for actuating the special modes, including a rotary dial to select one of the modes and LED extending around the dial to indicate the selected mode.
A method of actuating special software modes in an appliance, comprising:
- rotating a dial on the appliance in a first direction past a reference point;
- then
- rotating the dial in an opposite second direction past the reference point;
- and then
- rotating the dial in the first direction to a desired mode indicated around the dial, whereby the selected mode is actuated.
A control panel for an appliance, comprising:
- a rotary dial which is rotated in opposite directions past a reference point before being rotated to select from a plurality of operational modes of the appliance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.