or
Bookmark and Share
Methods and apparatus for detecting refrigerator door openings
   
Document Number
US Patent 7005983
Issued Date
February 28, 2006
Link
Map
Abstract
A detection apparatus for detecting refrigerator door openings is coupled to at least one switch configured to be activated by a door opening. When the door is opened, the switch is activated and inputs a signal to the detection apparatus. The detection apparatus rectifies the signal; and phase-shifts the rectified signal so that it leads or lags the line voltage. The shifted output signal is fed to a processor that detects the opening of the door based upon the shifted signal. Signals output by a plurality of switches that generate a signal when activated mixed using an opto-coupler. Relative impedance of the lead and lag circuits may be adjusted to differentiate a phase shift of one shifted signal relative to another signal. The processor converts a value in degrees of phase shifting of the mixed signal to a time value, and based upon the time value, the processor determines which of the doors is open.
Tags:
Description:
Amusing 0%
Clever 0%
Complex 0%
Efficient 0%
Historic 0%
Important 0%
Innovative 0%
Interesting 0%
Practical 0%
Simple 0%
Number of Claims:
23
Comments:
no comments yet
Owner
General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Published
February 28, 2006
Application Number
09/754,592
Filed
January 5, 2001
US Classification
340/545.6   340/686.1 49/13
Int'l Classification
G08B   13/08   (20060101)  
Examiner
USPTO Field of Search
340/545.6   340/545.1   340/658   340/686.1   340/585   49/13   62/129   62/131   62/125  
Related Patents
Claims
Description
About| FAQs| Terms & Disclaimer| Link to Us| Contact Us