Commands system for electronic refrigerator control
AssigneeAmana Refrigeration, Inc.
InventorsBrian M. Midlang, David M. Christensen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An input command system for an electronic refrigerator control wherein dedicated function keys are provided for inputting commands to the processor. The processor will not accept inputs from the dedicated function keys unless an enable key is pressed first. The enable key is hidden on the control panel so as to avoid unauthorized inputting of commands. Once enabled, the processor receives commands for a predetermined time period that is extended when commands are input.
Claims12
An electronic control for a refrigerator, comprising:
- an electronic processor;
- a control panel comprising operator actuable means for inputting commands to said electronic processor, said inputting means normally being disabled;
- and
- said control panel further comprising means for enabling said inputting means for a predetermined time interval wherein said time interval is extended by operator actuation of said inputting means.
An electronic control for a refrigerator, comprising:
- an electronic processor;
- a control panel having at least one switch for inputting a command to said electronic processor;
- and
- means for enabling, for a predetermined time interval, the input of said command to said processor by operator actuation of said at least one switch wherein the enabled time interval is extended by actuation of said at least one switch during the enabled time interval.
The method of inputting commands to an electronic processor of a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:
- enabling the input of operator commands through at least one input command switch for a predetermined time period in response to operator actuation of enable switch;
- and
- extending the predetermined period of enablement in response to operator actuation of said at least one input command switch during the predetermined time period.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.