Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2006-02-28
2006-02-28
Nguyen, Phung T. (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S686100, C049S013000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07005983
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.
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Bultman Robert Marten
Herzog Rollie Richard
Holmes John Steven
Mathews Mark Robert
Queen, II Jerry J.
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
General Electric Company
Houser, Esq. H. Neil
Nguyen Phung T.
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