Control circuit for kitchen appliances
US6987250B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05K7/20209
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.