Abstract: A motion sensing device is embedded in a firearm. A processor in the firearm senses the pattern of motion of the firearm, and on sensing a specified sequence of motions, the processor permits operation of the firearm. The operator would move the firearm in a prescribed fashion to “unlock the gun.” For example, the operator might trace out his or her initials with the muzzle of a pistol. Unlocking would stay valid until the operator released the gun handle or squeezed extra hard on the handle.

Abstract: A washing machine for automatically laundering articles of clothing by imparting mechanical actions upon the articles of clothing within a basket of the machine during a washing operation that includes a wash cycle and a preset number of rinse cycles incorporates a control system that functions to alter the mechanical actions imparted upon the articles of clothing during at least the wash cycle, and preferably both the wash cycle and at least one of the rinse cycles, and/or adds a supplemental rinse cycle to the overall washing operation in response to an indication of a high suds level condition in the machine. The control system receives signals indicative of an operating parameter of the washing machine, such as the input torque or operating speed of a motor of the machine, from a detection unit and utilizes these signals to determine the presence of high levels of suds and the need to transfer to a suds reduction mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-test feature for an apparatus utilizing an optical communication link, such as commercial laundry appliances having a data acquisition system for storing information on appliance usage for subsequent transmission to a portable data unit. A signal having at least one known characteristic is applied to the transmitting portion of an optical transceiver, and at least a portion of the resulting transmitted optical energy is coupled to the optical detector of the receiving section of the same transceiver. The characteristics of the resulting output of the receiver elements of the transceiver corresponding to the coupled signal are compared to the corresponding characteristic of the known input signal. Correspondence of these characteristics will confirm valid operation of the transmitting elements and the receiving elements, and thus verify operation of the optical transceiver.

Abstract: A control system for an appliance indicator light includes a timer which times the amount of time the appliance door is open after completion of the operational cycle of the appliance. If the door is opened for more than a predetermined period of time, the indicator light will be deactuated, but if the door is opened for less than the predetermined period of time and then reclosed, the indicator light will be left in its on condition. The timer may be a series of cams attached to a motor, a bi-metal switch located adjacent the indicator light, or a microprocessor connected to and driving the indicator light.

Abstract: The proper adjustment of a potentiometer is achieved through the use of a software routine that detects the output frequency from a thermistor circuit and compares the detected frequency with a predetermined desired frequency. A control signal is sent to either an adjustment means or a display means or both. Thus, there is no need for external frequency meters eliminating the disadvantages associated therewith to properly adjust a potentiometer. The display means will activate the proper light emitting diodes such that said comparison is displayed. The shaft of the potentiometer can then either be turned manually or automatically in the correct direction and to the correct degree so that a proper adjustment is achieved.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based control circuit is provided for an appliance. The appliance includes an access door and an access door actuated switch operated between open and closed postures. The microcontroller monitors the operating condition of the access door actuated switch. If the access door actuated switch has not been cycled between an open and closed posture since the completion of a cycle of operations, a new cycle will not be allowed to start.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical terminal, and particularly to an electrical terminal for mating with a flat tab male terminal and having a receptacle portion comprising a base and a pair of opposed side walls upstanding from the base, free edge portions of the side walls being turned-in over the base whereby the base, side walls and free edge portions together define a passage to receive from one end a flat tab male terminal.