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US 2008/0165509 A1Published application
Host With Multiple Adapters for Coupling Consumer Electronic Devices
AssigneeWhirlpool Corporation
InventorsJames W. Kendall, Richard A. McCoy, Ameresh Viswanathan, John M. Knight, Christopher S. Moes, David A. Weinkauf
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular system of an appliance host with multiple identical host service interfaces. The multiple identical host service interfaces provide a mechanical service and an electrical service for removable consumer electronic devices. Multiple distinct consumer electronic devices or adapters for consumer electronic devices may be coupled alternatively to the multiple host service interfaces.
Claims18
1-52. (canceled)
A system comprising
- an appliance host:
- a compartment in the host appliance for processing at least one consumer article;
- a plurality of identical host service interfaces on the host appliance each capable of providing both a mechanical service and an electrical service any of a plurality of dissimilar consumer electronic devices.
A modular system comprising:
- an appliance conducting a useful cycle of operation, providing at least one service and having a vertical surface;
- a plurality of identical standardized service interfaces adjacent the vertical surface;
- and
- a plurality of adapters, each configured to couple at least one consumer electronic device, with at least one of the multiple adapters coupled tone of the plurality of identical standardized service interfaces and receiving a mechanical service and an electrical service from the standardized service interface and providing a mechanical service and an electrical service to the respective consumer electronic device.
1 more element
A modular system comprising:
- an electrical host comprises a standardized service interface integral with the host providing mechanical support and power and data services from the host;
- and
- multiple adapters, each configured to removably couple at least one consumer electronic device to the standardized service interface, with at least one of the multiple adapters receiving power service from the host, at least one of the multiple adapters receiving data service from the host, at least one of the adapters providing power service to a consumer electronic device and at least one of the adapters providing data service to a consumer electronic device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.