Patents Assigned to Steven A. Lax
  • Patent number: 5592032
    Abstract: A security electrical interrupt device for preventing unauthorized usage of an electrical appliance such as an electric stove, while retaining operation of auxiliary electrical equipment such as the lights and an electrical clock. The device comprises a relay controlled by a micro-processor based programmable controller which measures the amount of electrical supply current being drawn by the appliance. A software computer program stored in the microcontroller commands the relay to disconnect the supply power if any person attempts to operate any part of the appliance which draws electrical current exceeding a preset limit while the controller is in the interrupt mode. In a preferred embodiment the microcontroller is programmed to enter the interrupt mode by 1) key sequences entered on a detachable key pad, 2) when a selected amount of time has elapsed since the last authorized usage, or 3) by removal of the detachable key pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignees: Daniel J. Keizer, Steven A. Lax
    Inventors: Daniel J. Keizer, Steven A. Lax, Robert K. Muylwyk