Mechanical proximity sensor enabled eService connector system

• US 8,745,203 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2009
• Issued: 06/03/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: McCoy, Richard A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Park, Jeong S
• Application Number:
  US12/643,157
• Publication Number:
  US 20110153821A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,625 Days
• Field of Search: 709/224, 709/229, 370/254
• US Class Current: 709/224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/541 via adapters, e.g. between incompatible applications
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/023 Light-emitting indicators for multi-layer switches H01H13/83
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2003/008 with a haptic or a tactile feedback controlled by electrical means, e.g. a motor or magnetofriction
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/945 Proximity switches H03K17/96 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9455 constructional details of proximity switches using a magnetic detector H03K17/9505
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/285 Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/30 Systems integrating technologies related to power network operation and communication or information technologies for improving the carbon footprint of the management of residential or tertiary loads, i.e. smart grids as climate change mitigation technology in the buildings sector, including also the last stages of power distribution and the control, monitoring or operating management systems at local level
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/20 End-user application control systems

Abstract

An eService connector system includes an eService consumer for receiving an eService from an eService source. The eService may, for example, be any wave form of illumination, acoustic or thermal service. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the eService from the eService source to the eService consumer. The service switch is activated to transfer an eService from the eService source to the eService consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target.

Claims

1. An eService system for communicating an eService, comprising:

a first eService communicating device comprising;

an eService provider configured to supply an eService comprising a wave-based functionality excluding electrical power and electronic data;

a first eService connecting component coupled with the eService provider; and

a first proximity component comprising one of a proximity target or a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity target by physical contact between the proximity sensor and the proximity target;

a second eService communicating device comprising;

an eService consumer configured to receive and use the eService;

a second eService connecting component coupled with the eService consumer and configured to engage the first eService connecting component; and

a second proximity component comprising the other of a proximity target or a proximity sensor configured to detect the proximity target by physical contact between the proximity sensor and the proximity target;

a service switch operably coupled to the proximity sensor to selectively permit the communication of the eService between the first and second eService communicating devices, the service switch being actuatable by the proximity sensor in response to detection of the proximity target;

wherein, when the first and second eService connecting components are brought into physical engagement, the proximity sensor detects the proximity target by physical contact and the eService is selectively supplied from the eService provider to the eService consumer via the engaged first and second eService connecting components in response to actuation of the service switch.

2. The eService system according to claim 1 wherein the service switch comprises an electro-magnetically operated switch.

3. The eService system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second eService communicating devices comprises one of:

an appliance;

an accessory device used primarily in conjunction with an appliance to enhance, supplement, regulate or monitor the functionality of the appliance;

a consumable holder that holds a consumable that may be consumed by an appliance, an accessory device, or a person;

a substance consumer that employs, uses, stores, or dispenses a substance in connection with performing a physical or virtual function;

or

a substance provider that is capable of providing or supplying a substance to another device;

wherein the substance is a gas, a liquid, or solid material.

4. The eService system according to claim 1, wherein the wave-based functionality comprises one of an illumination service, an acoustic service, a thermal service, or an image service.

5. The eService system according to claim 1, wherein the eService consumer is at least one of an accessory device, a client software device, a remote user interface, a source of consumer of information, a reader, a sensor device, a smart utensil, a portable appliance, an additional smart coupling device, a remote controller, a network binder, a cycle accessory, a resource controller, a communicator, an access system, a payment system, a sales demonstration device, an eService holder, a dispenser, or a media content holder.

6. The eService system according to claim 1, further comprising a first eService line interconnecting the eService provider and the first eService connecting component for the transfer of the eService through the first eService line.

7. The eService system according to claim 6, further comprising a second eService line interconnecting the eService consumer and the second eService connecting component for the transfer of the eService through the second eService line.

8. The eService system according to claim 7, wherein the first and second eService lines each comprise at least one of:

a conduit, a wire, a channel, a fiber optic cable, a metal bar, a heat pipe, a radiation heat source, a radiation heat absorber, a light pipe, a light sender, a light receiver, a vibration conductive tube, a speaker, or a microphone.

9. The eService system according to claim 7, further comprising a first housing, wherein the eService provider, the first eService line, and the first proximity component are each at least partially disposed within the first housing.

10. The eService system according to claim 9, further comprising a second housing, wherein the eService consumer, the second eService line, and the second proximity component are each at least partially disposed within the second housing.

11. The eService system according to claim 1, wherein the first eService communicating device further comprises an eService transmitter coupled with the eService provider for receiving the eService and providing it to the second eService communicating device in the form of a wave.

12. The eService system according to claim 11, wherein the eService provider is a thermal service provider and the eService transmitter comprises a heat conductive rod or wire.

13. The eService system according to claim 11, wherein the eService provider is an acoustic service provider and the eService transmitter comprises a sound conductive rod or wire.

14. The eService system according to claim 11, wherein the eService provider is an illumination service provider and the eService transmitter comprises a light pipe.