Systems and methods for providing smart appliances

US9225766B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sears Brands, L.L.C. · US

Inventors

• Philip K. Philip · Schaumburg, US
• Tom DeSalvo · Hoffman Estates, US
• Ellen Tave Glassman · Closter, US
• Betsy Owens · Winnetka, US
• Lori Wood · Cary, US
• John Nicholas Timmons · Urbana, US
• Samuel Monnie · Glenview, US
• Michael Kozlowski · Barrington, US
• Terrilynn Million Short · Oak Park, US
• Mikeil Dcosta · Bolingbrook, US
• Jason Silverstein · Hoffman Estates, US
• Heather Jones · Schaumburg, US
• Michael Saubert · Hoffman Estates, US
• John Lash · Wilton, US
• Christopher Salatino · Arlington Heights, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 2011
• Grant date: Dec 29, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 28, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y04S40/18
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method and system for networking a plurality of appliances. The method and system include providing an appliance on a network, controlling operation of the appliance with a microcontroller, storing on a memory coupled with the microcontroller, computer executable instructions for operating the appliance, sensing the operation of the appliance, displaying information regarding the operation of the appliance, and communicating the operational data on a network. Network connectivity includes communication directly with a network, and with another appliance. A host system is connected to the network and adapted to receive the usage data and to transmit data to the appliance to influence operation of the appliance.