Pre-installed appliance and method for purchasing the same
US7123128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B19/0425
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A limited-use appliance is disclosed which has at least one input device for generating an input signal and a controller associated with the input device and receiving the input signal. The controller initiates at least one limited-use function of the appliance upon receipt of the input signal. A test device is maintained by the controller, and has a predetermined criteria which determines whether the input signal should be sent on to the controller or not. A method for pre-installing an appliance is also disclosed and includes the steps of pre-installing an appliance with a controller, wherein the controller operates the appliance in a limited manner. An input device from a group of input devices is associated with the controller, wherein the input device generates an input signal to operate the appliance. And the pre-determined criteria maintained by the controller is tested such that the input signal from the controller is blocked when the pre-determined criteria is met. The appliance is most likely a garage door operator, but it could be any large appliance that is installed prior to the purchase of a home or facility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.