Abstract: A system and method for monitoring, testing or configuring electrical devices includes an input amplifier having an input connected to a device load line to generate an output linearly proportional to a voltage on the load line. An output of the input amplifier is connected to a photodiode in an optical path with a phototransistor. The phototransistor generates an output proportional to light generated by the photodiode, and this output is amplified and passed to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter generates a digital voltage level corresponding to the amplified output of the phototransistor. Digital temperature information is used to further enhance linearity of a generated digital voltage level. Multiple quantum well photodiodes further improve measurement linearity.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring, testing or configuring electrical devices includes an input amplifier having an input connected to a device load line to generate an output linearly proportional to a voltage on the load line. An output of the input amplifier is connected to a photodiode in an optical path with a phototransistor. The phototransistor generates an output proportional to light generated by the photodiode, and this output is amplified and passed to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter generates a digital voltage level corresponding to the amplified output of the phototransistor. Digital temperature information is used to further enhance linearity of a generated digital voltage level. Multiple quantum well photodiodes further improve measurement linearity.

Abstract: An AC/DC converter includes a first terminal and a second terminal for receiving an AC voltage and a third terminal and a fourth terminal for delivering a DC voltage. A capacitive circuit is connected between the third and fourth terminals. A rectifying bridge circuit has input terminals respectively coupled to the first and second terminals and has output terminal respectively connected to the third and fourth terminals. An inductive element is coupled in series with a first switch circuit between the first terminal and an input terminal of the rectifying bridge circuit.

Abstract: An AC/DC converter includes a first terminal and a second terminal for receiving an AC voltage and a third terminal and a fourth terminal for delivering a DC voltage. A capacitive circuit is connected between the third and fourth terminals. A rectifying bridge circuit has input terminals respectively coupled to the first and second terminals and has output terminal respectively connected to the third and fourth terminals. An inductive element is coupled in series with a first switch circuit between the first terminal and an input terminal of the rectifying bridge circuit.

Abstract: The presence of a child within an enclosed space in an appliance, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator, is detected using one or more MEMS sensors positioned to detect movement within the enclosed space through various measured characteristics. In preference, combinations of different types of MEMS sensors are utilized to detect the movement. Movement may be attributed to the presence of a child inside the enclosed space, rather than resulting from other influences, with increased reliability if the determination is made based upon such combinations of different characteristics. Safety processes may be initiated upon detecting the presence of the child.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include reading passive engine status, detecting vibration, caused by the transfer of kinetic energy from at least one machine into the engine, and inhibiting active operation of the engine.

Abstract: The presence of a child within an enclosed space in an appliance, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator, is detected using one or more MEMS sensors positioned to detect movement within the enclosed space through various measured characteristics. In preference, combinations of different types of MEMS sensors are utilized to detect the movement. Movement may be attributed to the presence of a child inside the enclosed space, rather than resulting from other influences, with increased reliability if the determination is made based upon such combinations of different characteristics. Safety processes may be initiated upon detecting the presence of the child.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include reading passive engine status, detecting vibration, caused by the transfer of kinetic energy from at least one machine into the engine, and inhibiting active operation of the engine.

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 includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a housing in which the optical transmitter and optical receiver are mounted. The optical transmitter transmits light signals having a logical polarity that is the opposite of an indicator light associated with an indicator light of an external device with which the optical transmitter is communicating. Use of the opposite logical polarity improves the noise immunity for the optical communication between the communication probe and the external device.

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: 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 includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a voltage converter for converting a first voltage signal received from the diagnostic tool to a second voltage signal. The second voltage signal is coupled to the optical receiver to operate the optical receiver in a high speed mode.

Abstract: An improved capacitive drop power supply is provided for use in home appliances. The power supply circuit includes: a rectifier for converting an AC power source to a DC voltage; a current limiting capacitance interposed between the AC power source and the rectifier; a low voltage output stage and a higher voltage output stage. The low voltage output stage supplies DC voltage from the rectifier to a microcontroller residing in the home appliance. The higher voltage output stage is connected in series with the low voltage stage and supplies DC voltage to the higher voltage loads associated with the home appliance. To reduce power consumption, a shunt circuit path is connected in parallel across the higher voltage output stage which causes a phase shift in the AC power signal and thereby reduce real power consumption when a no load condition is placed on the output stage (e.g., during a standby operating condition of the home appliance).

Abstract: Indicator lights of an appliance are used for optical communication with a diagnostic tool through a communication probe. The indicator lights of the appliance are arranged in at least two groups. One indicator light is selected from one group of indicator lights to operate as an optical transmitter and another indicator light is selected from the other group of indicator lights to operate as an optical receiver. Preferably, the two selected indicator lights are in proximity to one another so the communication probe for the diagnostic tool may be more compactly designed.

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 improved capacitive drop power supply is provided for use in home appliances. The power supply circuit includes: a rectifier for converting an AC power source to a DC voltage; a current limiting capacitance interposed between the AC power source and the rectifier; a low voltage output stage and a higher voltage output stage. The low voltage output stage supplies DC voltage from the rectifier to a microcontroller residing in the home appliance. The higher voltage output stage is connected in series with the low voltage stage and supplies DC voltage to the higher voltage loads associated with the home appliance. To reduce power consumption, a shunt circuit path is connected in parallel across the higher voltage output stage which causes a phase shift in the AC power signal and thereby reduce real power consumption when a no load condition is placed on the output stage (e.g., during a standby operating condition of the home appliance).

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: 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 includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a voltage converter for converting a first voltage signal received from the diagnostic tool to a second voltage signal. The second voltage signal is coupled to the optical receiver to operate the optical receiver in a high speed mode.

Abstract: Indicator lights of an appliance are used for optical communication with a diagnostic tool through a communication probe. The indicator lights of the appliance are arranged in at least two groups. One indicator light is selected from one group of indicator lights to operate as an optical transmitter and another indicator light is selected from the other group of indicator lights to operate as an optical receiver. Preferably, the two selected indicator lights are in proximity to one another so the communication probe for the diagnostic tool may be more compactly designed.

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 includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a housing in which the optical transmitter and optical receiver are mounted. The optical transmitter transmits light signals having a logical polarity that is the opposite of an indicator light associated with an indicator light of an external device with which the optical transmitter is communicating. Use of the opposite logical polarity improves the noise immunity for the optical communication between the communication probe and the external device.

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 includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver mounted within a housing. The optical transmitter is a high intensity light emitting diode (LED) and the optical receiver is a sensitive phototransistor. The high intensity LED helps compensate for the relatively high optical threshold of a standard photodetector or LED used as an optical receiver at the appliance and the sensitive phototransistor helps compensate for the relatively low intensity light generated by the indicator light of an appliance.