Abstract: Multiple microcontrollers are used in controlling operation of an appliance thereby providing enhanced safety. User input deactivating the appliance is received and processed by a first and second microcontrollers, which separately and independently act to remove power from the appliance upon receipt of user input. Failure of one microcontroller in processing user input does not result in the appliance entering into an unsafe mode. Further, a third processor in a power supply module is used to control power into, and out of, the power supply module, so that under certain conditions, power may be remove from the system entirely or to certain components.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention uses an on-board microcontroller of a household appliance to receive signals from a directionless encoder attached to a knob for receiving user input and processing the signals from the direction encoder according to a control algorithm. The microcontroller may increase the output to an electric heating element on the appliance based on a variety of criteria, including either direction of rotation, current heating element setting, or a change in directional rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the microcontroller may provide various types of graduate visual or aural feedback to the user regarding the output provided by the microcontroller.

Abstract: Multiple microcontrollers are used in controlling operation of an appliance thereby providing enhanced safety. User input deactivating the appliance is received and processed by a first and second microcontrollers, which separately and independently act to remove power from the appliance upon receipt of user input. Failure of one microcontroller in processing user input does not result in the appliance entering into an unsafe mode. Further, a third processor in a power supply module is used to control power into, and out of, the power supply module, so that under certain conditions, power may be remove from the system entirely or to certain components.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention uses an on-board microcontroller of a household appliance to receive signals from a directionless encoder attached to a knob for receiving user input and processing the signals from the direction encoder according to a control algorithm. The microcontroller may increase the output to an electric heating element on the appliance based on a variety of criteria, including either direction of rotation, current heating element setting, or a change in directional rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the microcontroller may provide various types of graduate visual or aural feedback to the user regarding the output provided by the microcontroller.

Abstract: A control system for dual oven resistance heaters (BAKE, BROIL) has opposite sides of each heater connected to a common side of one of a pair of SPDT switching relays such that no current flows to the heaters when both relays are in a common state of energization/de-energization. A microcomputer receives a signal from the oven temperature sensing and signals separate switching devices to selectively energize/de-energize one of the relays to switch on the desired heater. Separate comparators also receive the temperature sensor signal; and, in the event of failure of the microcomputer or switching devices with a heater "ON", the comparator is operative to bring the relays to a common state, preventing current flow to either heater.