US 6,813,911 B2Granted

Appliance control system with cycle selection detection

AssigneeEmerson Electric Co.

InventorsGregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Claims22

Dependent claims

An appliance control system which is operable in a user cycle selection mode and a cycle operation mode, comprising:

a housing;
a display device supported by said housing;
a user cycle selector at least partially positioned within said housing;
a printed circuit board supported by said housing;
a circuit configured to (i) operate said display device during said user cycle selection mode to indicate position status of said user cycle selector;
and (ii) operate said display device during said cycle operation mode to indicate cycle progression status of said appliance control system, said circuit includes a circuit pattern assembly supported by said printed circuit board;
and
a wiper assembly positioned within said housing;
wherein said user cycle selector is movable from a first selector position to a second selector position in relation to a circuit pattern assembly,
wherein said circuit is configured to operate said display device to indicate a first position status which corresponds to said first selector position when said wiper assembly is positioned in contact with said circuit pattern assembly at a first orientation, and
wherein said circuit is configured to operate said display device to indicate a second position status which corresponds to said second selector position when said wiper assembly is positioned in contact with said circuit pattern assembly at a second orientation.

8 more elements

An appliance control system which is operable in a user cycle selection mode and a cycle operation mode, comprising:

a display device;
a user cycle selector which is movable from a first selector position to a second selector position;
a wiper assembly;
and
a circuit configured to (i) operate said display device during said user cycle selection mode to indicate position status of said user cycle selector;
and (ii) operate said display device during said cycle operation mode to indicate cycle progression status of said appliance control system, said circuit includes a circuit pattern assembly;
wherein said circuit is configured to operate said display device to indicate a first position status which corresponds to said first selector position when said wiper assembly is positioned in contact with said circuit pattern assembly at a first orientation, and
wherein said circuit is configured to operate said display device to indicate a second position status which corresponds to said second selector position when said wiper assembly is positioned in contact with said circuit pattern assembly at a second orientation.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/197,178Filed 17 Jul 2002 · us provisional application
Priority: 6 Aug 2001
Published: US 2003/0024281 A16 Feb 2003
Granted: 9 Nov 2004
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification24 codes

G05B 19/0426
Using digital processors: programming the control sequence
D06F 34/08
Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers: control circuits or arrangements thereof
G05B 19/108
For selecting a program, variable or parameter: characterised by physical layout of switches; switches co-operating with display; use of switches…
H01H 43/106
With timing of actuation of contacts due to a part rotating at substantially constant speed: manual programme selecting means