Universal defrost timer
First Claim
1. A universal defrost timer (UDT), comprising:
- an liquid crystal display (LCD) defining a plurality of user selectable segments thereon, each segment corresponding to a predetermined time period;
a plurality of indicators operative to provide an indication of a current mode of operation;
a rotatable user interface knob; and
a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of indicators, to the LCD to drive the plurality of segments and to the rotatable user interface knob; and
wherein the controller sequentially illuminates the plurality of segments in response to receiving input from the user interface knob indicating rotation thereof.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic universal defrost timer (UDT) utilizes an electronic microprocessor controlled timer that is capable of operating over a supply voltage range of 120 Volt AC to 240 Volt AC (nominal) with no customer configuration or moving of wires, jumpers, etc. is provided. The UDT provides the ability for a user to initiate a non-scheduled defrost interval at any time. Further, the UDT provides diagnostic capability to indicate miswiring or an internal fault during detected failure conditions. The UDT provides variable defrost duration times for each scheduled defrost period. The setting and indication of these defrost intervals are provided on an LCD display styled to resemble current mechanical dial faces with customer installed trippers. The UDT also resumes operation at the correct time after a power outage without requiring a user to reset the timing mechanism.
27 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A universal defrost timer (UDT), comprising:
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an liquid crystal display (LCD) defining a plurality of user selectable segments thereon, each segment corresponding to a predetermined time period;
a plurality of indicators operative to provide an indication of a current mode of operation;
a rotatable user interface knob; and
a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of indicators, to the LCD to drive the plurality of segments and to the rotatable user interface knob; and
wherein the controller sequentially illuminates the plurality of segments in response to receiving input from the user interface knob indicating rotation thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A universal defrost timer (UDT), comprising:
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an liquid crystal display (LCD) configured as a circular analog 24-hour clock face having a plurality of illuminable segments positioned, each segment corresponding to a predetermined time period;
a controller operatively coupled to the LCD to selectively illuminate the plurality of segments to indicate at least one defrost cycle; and
wherein the controller initiates the defrost cycle when a current time corresponds with a start time of the defrost cycle. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification