Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.

Abstract: A solid state appliance controller includes circuitry formed on a circuit board, the circuitry defining a voltage trace in communication with a voltage source, a first state trace, and a second state trace. The first and second state traces are in communication with a processor. A user selection knob is operative to allow a user to select an operating mode of the appliance by rotating the user selection knob. A wiper assembly is coupled to the user selection knob for rotation therewith. The wiper assembly has a voltage finger operative to be in contact with the voltage trace so as to continuously receive a voltage therefrom during rotation of the selection knob. A first finger is operative to intermittently contact the first trace in accordance with a first pattern thereof wherein contact provides the voltage to the first trace during rotation of the selection knob.

Abstract: An optical communication probe enables a diagnostic tool to optically communicate with an external device, such as an appliance, through a low intensity indicator light of the external device. The communication probe is powered by a battery that is selectively coupled to the communication probe through a switch. The switch is coupled to a diagnostic tool to receive a power status signal from the diagnostic tool. In response to the power status signal indicating user inactivity at the diagnostic tool, the switch de-couples the battery from the communication probe to conserve battery life.

Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a first winding switch, a first switch driver circuit, and a current sense circuit. The first winding switch has a control input and is operable to activate a first motor winding. The first switch driver circuit is coupled to the control input. The current sense circuit is operably coupled to a second winding. The current sense circuit includes a sense resistor, the sense resistor comprising an etched trace in a printed circuit board. The etched trace has a geometry defining a resistance of the sense resistor.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state. The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.

Abstract: An appliance includes a rotating position switch and a selector switch. The rotating position switch has a first position associated with a first appliance function and a second position associated with a second appliance function. The second appliance function modifies the first appliance function. The selector switch has an actuated state configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the first appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the first position. The actuated state is further configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the second appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the second position.

Abstract: An appliance control system includes a housing and a user cycle selector which is movable in relation to the housing between a first selector position and a second selector position. The appliance control system further includes a first spring secured to the housing, the first spring being configured to retain the user cycle selector at (i) the first selector position during a first period of time, and (ii) the second selector position during a second period of time. Additionally, the appliance control system includes a mode switch positioned within the housing, the mode switch having an actuated state and a deactuated state: The appliance control system also includes a second spring having a spring arm which is movable between a first arm position and a second arm position. Movement of the user cycle selector from the first selector position to the second selector position causes the spring arm to move from the first arm position to the second arm position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the temperature in an oven includes a circuit and software algorithm that reads the voltage across a standard resistive temperature device (RTD) or thermistor to determine temperature measured by the device. Using an unregulated high voltage supply to increase the gain and resolution, it overcomes the problems of small changes in resistance with respect to temperature. An additional input to measure the unregulated supply voltage is used as a reference voltage input. The apparatus includes resistor dividers for both the temperature sensor and reference voltages, a microprocessor having analog inputs, and additional components for noise suppression and open sensor protection.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller for controlling operation of an appliance, an indicator light coupled to the controller to provide a visible indication of an operator selection in response to the controller energizing the indicator light, and a driver coupled to the controller and the indicator light so that the controller may communicate data through the indicator light by controlling the driver. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode or a segment of an alphanumeric display of an appliance control panel. A detector LED may also be coupled to the controller so the controller may receive data from an external device that communicates by flashing light on the detector LED. A terminal for communicating with the appliance may include a detector LED and a conductor that couples the detector LED to a diagnostic tool. The detector LED may receive data from an optical transmitter of the appliance control panel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appliance control panel and a controller. The appliance control panel is disposed on an appliance. The appliance control panel has first and second optical communication devices that are in communication with an external surface of the appliance control panel. The controller is secured within the appliance. The controller is operably connected to the first and second communication devices to provide communication signals thereto, the communication signals including diagnostic information.

Abstract: An appliance includes a rotating position switch and a selector switch. The rotating position switch has a first position associated with a first appliance function and a second position associated with a second appliance function. The second appliance function modifies the first appliance function. The selector switch has an actuated state configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the first appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the first position. The actuated state is further configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the second appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the second position.

Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a first winding switch, a first switch driver circuit, and a current sense circuit. The first winding switch has a control input and is operable to activate a first motor winding. The first switch driver circuit is coupled to the control input. The current sense circuit is operably coupled to a second winding. The current sense circuit includes a sense resistor, the sense resistor comprising an etched trace in a printed circuit board. The etched trace has a geometry defining a resistance of the sense resistor.

Abstract: A power controller for an appliance, especially a washing machine, is operative to place the appliance into a hyperspin mode. When in the hyperspin mode, the washing machine rotates its washing basket at a higher speed in relation to a traditional spin mode for the washing machine. In order to prevent damage to the washing machine that could result from spinning heavier, unbalanced loads at higher speeds (i.e. hyperspin speeds), a controller detects vibration of the washing machine basket while the items are being spun at a lower speed (i.e. at the speed of the traditional spin mode). If the washing basket vibration is less than a predetermined threshold vibration value, the washing machine controller operates to cause the washing machine to rotate its washing basket at a higher speed. This results in removal of more water from the clothes being spun dried.

Abstract: A transformerless power controller provides low standby power (milliwatts) for standby circuitry/logic of an appliance when the appliance is not in use. The power controller also provides gradations of power for the appliance based on need of the appliance and/or appliance component(s). In one form, a signal from a processor of the appliance provides control of the power controller. Particularly, a control signal from the processor operates a switch for the gradations of available power. The control signal may further provide timing for application of the power to the appliance and/or appliance component(s).

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a control knob assembly and detection mechanism having various mechanical and electrical components that are configured to detect the position of the knob assembly and produce a position signal indicative of the knob assembly position. The position signal is provided to the appliance controller that produces a control signal in response thereto. The control signal is used to initiate various appliance functions based on the specific position of the knob assembly. In one form, the detection mechanism includes a variable resistor assembly that is comprised of a wiper and resistor pad arrangement. In another form, the detection mechanism includes a shaft encoder mechanism that is comprised of a light transmitter and receiver, and an associated apertured disc secured to the knob assembly.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes memory that stores program instructions for operation of the various operating characteristics, modes, states, cycles, and/or the like of the appliance. The memory is accessible through a network, either public (i.e. the Internet) or private via an integral interface. The program instructions may be provided to the memory via the network to modify, exchange and/or alter existing program instructions and/or provide new program instructions. The network and/or program instructions may also provide diagnostics and communication capabilities.

Abstract: A solid state appliance controller includes circuitry formed on a circuit board, the circuitry defining a voltage trace in communication with a voltage source, a first state trace, and a second state trace. The first and second state traces are in communication with a processor. A user selection knob is operative to allow a user to select an operating mode of the appliance by rotating the user selection knob. A wiper assembly is coupled to the user selection knob for rotation therewith. The wiper assembly has a voltage finger operative to be in contact with the voltage trace so as to continuously receive a voltage therefrom during rotation of the selection knob. A first finger is operative to intermittently contact the first trace in accordance with a first pattern thereof wherein contact provides the voltage to the first trace during rotation of the selection knob.

Abstract: An appliance controller simulates the user operation of electro-mechanical appliance controllers that are currently on the market. The present control knob is configured to allow a user to turn the control knob to a particular wash operation to be selected, and thereafter pulls outwardly on the control knob thereby commencing an appliance mode. The control knob is provided with a shaft extension. When the control knob is pulled outwardly, the extension actuates a master power switch, placing the appliance in a run mode. To return the appliance to a stop mode, the user pushes the knob inwardly. This de-actuates the master power switch thereby placing the appliance in the stop mode.