CA2352075A1 - Electric blanket control system - Google Patents
Electric blanket control system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2352075A1 CA2352075A1 CA002352075A CA2352075A CA2352075A1 CA 2352075 A1 CA2352075 A1 CA 2352075A1 CA 002352075 A CA002352075 A CA 002352075A CA 2352075 A CA2352075 A CA 2352075A CA 2352075 A1 CA2352075 A1 CA 2352075A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- base
- remote
- microcontroller
- blanket
- remote control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
- H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
- H05B1/0227—Applications
- H05B1/0252—Domestic applications
- H05B1/0272—For heating of fabrics
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
- H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
- H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
- H05B3/342—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs heaters used in textiles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
- Control Of Resistance Heating (AREA)
Abstract
An electric blanket remote control system according to the present invention includes a remote control device (100) and a base unit (200). The remote control device includes a case (110), a digital display (130), an RF
transmitter (140), electronic circuitry (150), a microprocessor (160) and a power supply connection. The base unit may include a container, an RF receiver (210), a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit (260), blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry (240). The remote control device transmits command controls to the base unit, and the base unit modulates an electric current flowing through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls.
transmitter (140), electronic circuitry (150), a microprocessor (160) and a power supply connection. The base unit may include a container, an RF receiver (210), a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit (260), blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry (240). The remote control device transmits command controls to the base unit, and the base unit modulates an electric current flowing through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls.
Description
ELECTRIC BLANKET CONTROL SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invenr_ion relates to electric blanket control devices, and more spec-~'ically to a digital, RF-signal, electric blanket remote control system.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The fundamental a~~pects of electric blankets are well-known in the art. An electric blanket generates heat as electricity passes through the resistive wiring integral to the blanket.. The amourat of heat generated depends on many factors, but: two primary variables are the amount of electricity allowed to glow through the blanket, affecting the intensity oi: the heap, and its duration. Typically, a control device is u~~ed to regulate the intensity and duration of heat :LS generated. The duration of heat generation generally is dependent on the time during which the blanket is turned on.
A simple ON/OFF power switch is a basic control device, in that a presumably fixed amount of electricity passes through the blanket while the control device is in the ON
:?0 state, generating a relatively constant intensity of heat.
Apart from residual heap dissipation, no heat is generated in the OFF state. More so:chisticated control devices have used timers to alternate between the ON and OFF states, effectively regulating relative hear_ generation by controlling the ~!5 duration of heat generation, without altering the amount of electricity passing through the blanket while in the ON state.
Another means or controlling the relative heat generation while the blanket is turned on is to marginally adjust the flow of electricity within the blanket through the use of a 30 variable flow control, analogous to a dimmer switch.
Increments o:E electric current adjustment may be coarse, such as with control setting=~ of Low and High, or relatively fine, such as with settings o.: 1 to 10, with 1 corresponding to the lowest intensity of heap. and 10 corresponding to the highest SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/24580 PCT/iJS00126733 intensity of heat. Relative heat generation in this context is dependent: on electric energy consumption, independent of the ambient temperatv~e near the blanket.
Electric blanket control devices may also regulate heat generation by means ~:~ a thermostat in conjunction with a variable cm-rent control device. Whereas a simple variable current cont:rcl device operating by itself may maintain a constant electric flow in the blanket, a thermostat may use a variable current conr_rol to maintain a constant blanket :~0 temperature by varying the electric flow in the blanket.
Ambient temperatures around the blanket will affect the blanket temperature as heat is exchanged between them. As ambient temF>eratures rise or fall, the thermostat may decrease or increase, respectively, the flow of electricity to the 3.5 blanket to maintain a desired temperature.
Remote control systems are also well-known in the art.
Two popular methods of remote control involve infrared (IR) signals and radio frequency (RF) signals. Infrared signals are easily absorbed by objects in their path, so IR remote a!0 control devices requ~:re a direct, 'unobstructed line-of-sight between the IR remote control device and the base IR receiver.
Most television remote control systems, ~cr example, use IR
remote control device's .
Remote control ;systems that do not use IR signaling 25 typically may use other RF signals that are not easily absorbed by objects i:: their path. RF remote control devices generally do not require a direct, unobstructed line-of-sight between the RF remotEe control and the base RF receiver.
Therefore, an RF remoc:e control may be operated to control a ?0 base unit from almost: any location within the effective range of the RF transmission. The effective range of the RF
transmission will. depend largely on the strength and frequency of the signal. Garage door openers, for example, typically use RF remote control. systems .
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Digital displays are also well-known in the art. A
digital display typica:Lly may use either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light:-emitting diode (LED) display. A
common digita:L sports watch, =or example, uses a digital display havin<~ an LCD t:o ~3ispiay such data as the time, the date, an alarm, and a stopwatch. Similarly, a common digital microwave oven display, for example, uses an LED display, so that it may be. read i:. little or no light, to display such data as the time, the c:ooJcing intensity, and possibly the temperature oi: the food.
Therefore:, it would be advantageous to design an electric blanket control system that incorporates many of the benefits of previous e3.ectric blanket control devices in a remote control system using Rf sugnaling and having a user-friendly, digital display.
SUMMARY OF THE INZ'EN:.'ION
The present invention relates to electric blanket control devices, and more specifically to a digital, RF-signal, electric blanket remote control system. An electric blanket remote control. system according to the present invention may include a remote contrcl device and a base unit. The remote control device may include a case, a digital display, an RF
transceiver, electronic circuitry, a thermostat, a microprocessor and a battery power supply connection. The 2!~ base unit may include a container, an RF transceiver, a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit, blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. lA-1B show block diagrams of an electric blanket remote control device and an electric blanket base unit, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket remote contro:L device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the electric blanket remote control device. of FIG. ...
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket base unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be appare°_nt from tale following description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, and from the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPT7:ON
An electric blanket: :.emote contro_ system 1 according to the present invention may znclude a remote control device 100 and a base un:Lt 200. Refc=rring to FIGS. lA-1B, FIG. lA shows a block diagram of an electric blanket remote control device 100 according to an exemp:Lary embodiment of the present invention. The remote control device 100 may include a case 110 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), a keypad 120, a digital display 130, an RF int:erface assembly 140, electronic circuitry 150, a microcontrolle=r 160 anti a power suppler 170.
As shown in FIG. :.A, the microcontroller 160 may be coupled to each of the k:e~rpad 120, the digital display 130, the RF interface assembly 140, and the power supply 170. The microcontrolle:r 160 may include, for example, a central processing un::t (CPU) 1.61,, read-only memory (ROM) 162, random-access memory (RAM) 16., an input port 164, an output port 165, and a display driver 166. Furthermore, the input port 164 interfaces the kevz~ad 120 with the CPU 161, the output port interfaces the RF i.nt:er=ace assembly 140 with the CPU
161, and the display driver 166 interfaces the digital display 130 with the (:PU 161.
The keypad 120 may include an LED backlight 122.
Likewise, the digital cii.splay 130 may include a LED backlight SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2B) 132. The RF' interface assembly 140 may include an RF
transmitter 141 connected to an antenna 142. The power supply 170 may inc7.ude, for example, a battery bay to hold 2 ~~AAA"
sized batten-ies. Alternatively, the power supply 170 may 5 include a rechargeable power cell that is recharged by a separate rec:harger assembly, which could be attached by a detachable recharges cord.
Although not shown in FIG. lA, the remote control 100 also may include a thermostat 180 having a thermometer 181 :l0 with which remote con~rol 100 measures the ambient temperature. The remote control 100 therefore may display the ambient temperature o;z the display 130. Furthermore, the system 1 may use the ambient temperature instead of the blanket temperature as a variable in adjusting the heat :L5 intensity level applied by the base unit 200. Thus, the thermostat 180 may compensate the blanket heat level for the ambient room temperar_ure. First, the thermometer 181 may measure the ambient temperature, and second, the thermostat 180 may apply temperature compensation to the heat level :?0 commands sent to the base unit 200 to maintain constant blanket temperature as the ambient temperature varies. An algorithm 182 stored in the remote control 100 calculates how much to adjust the heat level relative to the ambient temperature to maintain a desired blanket temperature.
:?5 Likewise, the thermostat 180, thermometer 181, and the algorithm 182 may be .Located on the base unit 200 instead of on the remote contro:~ device 100, but this would require that the remote control device 100 be able to receive data transmitted by the base unit 200 in order for the display 130 :SO of the remote contro__ device 100 to show the ambient temperature measured at the base unit 200. Such a configuration would require the use of RF transceivers in both the remote control device 100 and base unit 200, as discussed in detail below. If RF transceivers are used, the thermometer SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 181 may be separated from the thermostat 180 and the algorithm 182, allowing for the ambient temperature data to be compiled at one place and transmitted to another place.
By comparison, FIc.;. 1B shows a block diagram of an electric blanket base unit 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The base unit 200 may include an RF interf:ace assembly 210, a microcontroller 220, electronic circuitry 2:30, power supply connection circuitry 240, blanket connection circuitry 250, a safety detection circuit 260, a variable current control circuit 270 and a container 280 (shown in FIG. 4).
As shown in FICJ. :LB, the microcontroller 220 may be coupled via the electronic circuitry 230 to each of the RF
interface assembly 210,, the power supply connection circuitry 240, the blanket connection circuitry 250, the safety detection circuit 260, and the variable current control circuit 270. The mi.crocontroller 220 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 221, read-only memory (ROM) 222, random-access memory (RAM) 223, input ports 224, and an output port 225. Furthermore, the input ports 224 interface the RF interface assembly 210 and the safety detection circuit 260 caith the CPU 221, and the output port 225 interfaces the war_Lable control circuit 270 with the CPU
221.
The RF interface assembly 210 may include an RF receiver 211 connected to an antenna 212. The power supply connection circuitry 240 may include an alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converter 241 and a power cord 242 (shown in FIG. 4) adapted to pi.u<3 into a power outlet. The AC/DC
converter 241 supplies a direct current to the microcontroller 220. The power supply connection circuitry 240 may provide 120V AC to the variable control circuit 270. The blanket connection circuitry 250 may include a blanket cord 251 (shown in FIG. 4) coupling the base unit 200 to the blanket. For SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/24580 PCT/US00/2b733 easier disassembly and storage, power cord 242 and blanket cord 251 ma~r attach and detach from the base unit 200, and blanket cord 251 may attach and detach from the blanket. The variable control circuit 270 interfaces the power supply with the blanket connection circuitry X50 and modulates the duty cycle of the' power supplied to the blanket. The safety detection circuit 260 may monitor blanket sensors (not shown) or it may simply monitor the electrical feed-back from the power supplied by the variable control circuit 270. If for 20 example the safety detection circuit 260 detects a drop in resistance that may indicate a local short circuit, the safety detection c:.rcuit 260 may instruct the microcontroller 220 to deactivate t:he blanket.
In the event that the remote control system 1 intends to have the remote control device 100 receive data transmitted from the base unit 200 as well as have the base unit 200 receive data transmitted from the remote control device 100, RF transmitt:er 141 of F'IG. lA and RF receiver 211 of FIG. 1B
may be replaced with Rf transceivers 143, 213 (not shown) coupled to both the input and output ports, respectively 164, 165 and 224, 225. T:he use of RF transceivers 143, 213 would permit the base uni~ 200 to communicate the status of the blanket to t:he remote control device 100.
For example, base unit 200 could inform the remote ;Z5 control device 100 t:~at the blanket is not plugged in to the base unit 200, preventing the execution of any instructions received from the remote control device 100. Similarly, if a battery were coupled to the base unit 200, the base unit 200 would have z>ower to inform the remote control 100 that the :30 power supply connection 240 is not plugged into a power outlet. They base unit 200 could also relay intermediate status information tc~ the remote control device 100. For example, the blanket may include a blanket thermometer coupled to the safety detection circuit 260, allowing the base unit SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 200 to transmit the current blanket temperature compared to the programmed blanJzet temperature. Similarly, the safety detection circuit 260 may measure the electrical resistance of the blanket, and the. microcontrolier 220 may calculate the current blanket temperature using a temperature algorithm dependent on the measured electrical resistance of the blanket relative to the electrical power supplied to the blanket.
FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show a perspective view and a plan view of an electric blanket remote control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The case 110 may house the keypad 120, the digital display 130, the RF interfac:e assembly 140 (shown in FIG. lA), the electronic circuitr~r 150 (shown in FIG. lA), the microcontroller 160 (shown in FIG. lA) and the power supply I5 170 (shown in FIG. 1.A). The keypad 120 may include buttons 121 and a keypad LED backlight 122 (shown in FIG. lA) to illuminate the buttons 121. The display 130 may include a multifuncti«nal, digital LCD 131 and a display LED backlight 132 (shown :in FIG. 1A) .
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket base unit 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. T'he container 280 may house the RF
interface assembly 210 (shown in FIG. 1B), the microcontroller 220 (shown :in FIG. 1B), electronic circuitry 230 (shown in FIG. 1B), the power supply connection circuitry 240, the blanket connection circuitry 250, the safety detection circuit 260 (shown _~n FIG. 1B), and the variable current control circuit 270 (shown in F'IG. 1B).
The container 280 also may include one or more LED
indicators a?81 and a sound generator 282, both of which are coupled to microcontrol.ler 220. In the event that the base unit 200 separately controls two blankets or two halves of one blanket, two LED indicators 281 may indicate the independent activation of each blanket or blanket half. The LED indicator SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 281 may luminesce when the associated electric blanket is activated. The sound generator 282 may beep or chirp to acknowledge reception of instructions from the remote control 100 or to wound an alarm signaled by the safety detection circuit 260. The sound generator 282 may comprise a loudspeaker, a piezoelectric element, or the like.
Given the intelligence of microcontrollers 160 and 220, the remote control sy~~tem 1 rnay perform a wide variety of functions. Generally, each function will have an associated field on the digital display 130. The LCD 131 may have fixed fields 133 and variable fields 134 that are activated when the associated function is being programmed and displayed. For example, a preheat function may be disgiayed by a fixed field 133 to indicate tha~~ the preheat function is active or being programmed. Conversely, a clock function requires a variable field 134 t.o display the passage of time. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary LCD 131 may display information regarding the status of up to two electric blankets (e.g., left and right), including among others the power status (On/Off/Auto), heating level, the time, heating times, and the heating duration.
As discussed, an electric blanket control device may employ several diffe~re:nt methods to regulate the heating of the blanket. In con~iu;nction with the microcontroller 160 of the remote control 1.UU, the microcontroller 220 of the base unit 200 regulates t:he heating of a blanket coupled to the base unit 200. A user will input a desired heating regime into the remote cont.ro:1 10U, and the remote control 100 programs the base ur.,~.t 200 accordingly. The base unit 200 may regulate the heatino~ of a blanket by varying start and stop times, the duration of the heating, the intensity level of the heat, and tine desired temperature of the blanket.
By combining two or more of these variables, the base unit 200, fc~r example, may preheat a blanket quickly to a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) desired temperature or level by applying the maximum heat for a short period until the desired status is reached and then reducing the heat t:o maintain the desired status. Similarly, the base unit 200 rnay be programmed to intermittently heat the 5 blanket over a longer period, such as while a user sleeps.
Intermittent ramping of heat may generate heat more efficiently with less excess, avoid overheating the blanket, and prolong the life of the blanket.
Note that while a remote control system 1 according to 10 the present invention generally will be sold with one or two removably attached electric blankets, it may be feasible to use the system 1 with a different blanket, so long as the blanket is compatible with the power source connection 250 and the electrical output of the base unit 200. As is often the case, a power cord plugged into an electric blanket may be detachable from the blanket to facilitate laundering of the blanket. Accordingly, assuming a compatible match, an existing blanket control device may be unplugged from an existing blanket arad replaced with the base unit 200 for use of the system 1 with t:he existing blanket.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown i:n the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements regarding the scope of the invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invenr_ion relates to electric blanket control devices, and more spec-~'ically to a digital, RF-signal, electric blanket remote control system.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The fundamental a~~pects of electric blankets are well-known in the art. An electric blanket generates heat as electricity passes through the resistive wiring integral to the blanket.. The amourat of heat generated depends on many factors, but: two primary variables are the amount of electricity allowed to glow through the blanket, affecting the intensity oi: the heap, and its duration. Typically, a control device is u~~ed to regulate the intensity and duration of heat :LS generated. The duration of heat generation generally is dependent on the time during which the blanket is turned on.
A simple ON/OFF power switch is a basic control device, in that a presumably fixed amount of electricity passes through the blanket while the control device is in the ON
:?0 state, generating a relatively constant intensity of heat.
Apart from residual heap dissipation, no heat is generated in the OFF state. More so:chisticated control devices have used timers to alternate between the ON and OFF states, effectively regulating relative hear_ generation by controlling the ~!5 duration of heat generation, without altering the amount of electricity passing through the blanket while in the ON state.
Another means or controlling the relative heat generation while the blanket is turned on is to marginally adjust the flow of electricity within the blanket through the use of a 30 variable flow control, analogous to a dimmer switch.
Increments o:E electric current adjustment may be coarse, such as with control setting=~ of Low and High, or relatively fine, such as with settings o.: 1 to 10, with 1 corresponding to the lowest intensity of heap. and 10 corresponding to the highest SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/24580 PCT/iJS00126733 intensity of heat. Relative heat generation in this context is dependent: on electric energy consumption, independent of the ambient temperatv~e near the blanket.
Electric blanket control devices may also regulate heat generation by means ~:~ a thermostat in conjunction with a variable cm-rent control device. Whereas a simple variable current cont:rcl device operating by itself may maintain a constant electric flow in the blanket, a thermostat may use a variable current conr_rol to maintain a constant blanket :~0 temperature by varying the electric flow in the blanket.
Ambient temperatures around the blanket will affect the blanket temperature as heat is exchanged between them. As ambient temF>eratures rise or fall, the thermostat may decrease or increase, respectively, the flow of electricity to the 3.5 blanket to maintain a desired temperature.
Remote control systems are also well-known in the art.
Two popular methods of remote control involve infrared (IR) signals and radio frequency (RF) signals. Infrared signals are easily absorbed by objects in their path, so IR remote a!0 control devices requ~:re a direct, 'unobstructed line-of-sight between the IR remote control device and the base IR receiver.
Most television remote control systems, ~cr example, use IR
remote control device's .
Remote control ;systems that do not use IR signaling 25 typically may use other RF signals that are not easily absorbed by objects i:: their path. RF remote control devices generally do not require a direct, unobstructed line-of-sight between the RF remotEe control and the base RF receiver.
Therefore, an RF remoc:e control may be operated to control a ?0 base unit from almost: any location within the effective range of the RF transmission. The effective range of the RF
transmission will. depend largely on the strength and frequency of the signal. Garage door openers, for example, typically use RF remote control. systems .
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Digital displays are also well-known in the art. A
digital display typica:Lly may use either a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light:-emitting diode (LED) display. A
common digita:L sports watch, =or example, uses a digital display havin<~ an LCD t:o ~3ispiay such data as the time, the date, an alarm, and a stopwatch. Similarly, a common digital microwave oven display, for example, uses an LED display, so that it may be. read i:. little or no light, to display such data as the time, the c:ooJcing intensity, and possibly the temperature oi: the food.
Therefore:, it would be advantageous to design an electric blanket control system that incorporates many of the benefits of previous e3.ectric blanket control devices in a remote control system using Rf sugnaling and having a user-friendly, digital display.
SUMMARY OF THE INZ'EN:.'ION
The present invention relates to electric blanket control devices, and more specifically to a digital, RF-signal, electric blanket remote control system. An electric blanket remote control. system according to the present invention may include a remote contrcl device and a base unit. The remote control device may include a case, a digital display, an RF
transceiver, electronic circuitry, a thermostat, a microprocessor and a battery power supply connection. The 2!~ base unit may include a container, an RF transceiver, a variable current control circuit, a safety detection circuit, blanket connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, and power supply connection circuitry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. lA-1B show block diagrams of an electric blanket remote control device and an electric blanket base unit, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket remote contro:L device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the electric blanket remote control device. of FIG. ...
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket base unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be appare°_nt from tale following description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, and from the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPT7:ON
An electric blanket: :.emote contro_ system 1 according to the present invention may znclude a remote control device 100 and a base un:Lt 200. Refc=rring to FIGS. lA-1B, FIG. lA shows a block diagram of an electric blanket remote control device 100 according to an exemp:Lary embodiment of the present invention. The remote control device 100 may include a case 110 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), a keypad 120, a digital display 130, an RF int:erface assembly 140, electronic circuitry 150, a microcontrolle=r 160 anti a power suppler 170.
As shown in FIG. :.A, the microcontroller 160 may be coupled to each of the k:e~rpad 120, the digital display 130, the RF interface assembly 140, and the power supply 170. The microcontrolle:r 160 may include, for example, a central processing un::t (CPU) 1.61,, read-only memory (ROM) 162, random-access memory (RAM) 16., an input port 164, an output port 165, and a display driver 166. Furthermore, the input port 164 interfaces the kevz~ad 120 with the CPU 161, the output port interfaces the RF i.nt:er=ace assembly 140 with the CPU
161, and the display driver 166 interfaces the digital display 130 with the (:PU 161.
The keypad 120 may include an LED backlight 122.
Likewise, the digital cii.splay 130 may include a LED backlight SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2B) 132. The RF' interface assembly 140 may include an RF
transmitter 141 connected to an antenna 142. The power supply 170 may inc7.ude, for example, a battery bay to hold 2 ~~AAA"
sized batten-ies. Alternatively, the power supply 170 may 5 include a rechargeable power cell that is recharged by a separate rec:harger assembly, which could be attached by a detachable recharges cord.
Although not shown in FIG. lA, the remote control 100 also may include a thermostat 180 having a thermometer 181 :l0 with which remote con~rol 100 measures the ambient temperature. The remote control 100 therefore may display the ambient temperature o;z the display 130. Furthermore, the system 1 may use the ambient temperature instead of the blanket temperature as a variable in adjusting the heat :L5 intensity level applied by the base unit 200. Thus, the thermostat 180 may compensate the blanket heat level for the ambient room temperar_ure. First, the thermometer 181 may measure the ambient temperature, and second, the thermostat 180 may apply temperature compensation to the heat level :?0 commands sent to the base unit 200 to maintain constant blanket temperature as the ambient temperature varies. An algorithm 182 stored in the remote control 100 calculates how much to adjust the heat level relative to the ambient temperature to maintain a desired blanket temperature.
:?5 Likewise, the thermostat 180, thermometer 181, and the algorithm 182 may be .Located on the base unit 200 instead of on the remote contro:~ device 100, but this would require that the remote control device 100 be able to receive data transmitted by the base unit 200 in order for the display 130 :SO of the remote contro__ device 100 to show the ambient temperature measured at the base unit 200. Such a configuration would require the use of RF transceivers in both the remote control device 100 and base unit 200, as discussed in detail below. If RF transceivers are used, the thermometer SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 181 may be separated from the thermostat 180 and the algorithm 182, allowing for the ambient temperature data to be compiled at one place and transmitted to another place.
By comparison, FIc.;. 1B shows a block diagram of an electric blanket base unit 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The base unit 200 may include an RF interf:ace assembly 210, a microcontroller 220, electronic circuitry 2:30, power supply connection circuitry 240, blanket connection circuitry 250, a safety detection circuit 260, a variable current control circuit 270 and a container 280 (shown in FIG. 4).
As shown in FICJ. :LB, the microcontroller 220 may be coupled via the electronic circuitry 230 to each of the RF
interface assembly 210,, the power supply connection circuitry 240, the blanket connection circuitry 250, the safety detection circuit 260, and the variable current control circuit 270. The mi.crocontroller 220 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 221, read-only memory (ROM) 222, random-access memory (RAM) 223, input ports 224, and an output port 225. Furthermore, the input ports 224 interface the RF interface assembly 210 and the safety detection circuit 260 caith the CPU 221, and the output port 225 interfaces the war_Lable control circuit 270 with the CPU
221.
The RF interface assembly 210 may include an RF receiver 211 connected to an antenna 212. The power supply connection circuitry 240 may include an alternating current-to-direct current (AC/DC) converter 241 and a power cord 242 (shown in FIG. 4) adapted to pi.u<3 into a power outlet. The AC/DC
converter 241 supplies a direct current to the microcontroller 220. The power supply connection circuitry 240 may provide 120V AC to the variable control circuit 270. The blanket connection circuitry 250 may include a blanket cord 251 (shown in FIG. 4) coupling the base unit 200 to the blanket. For SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) WO 01/24580 PCT/US00/2b733 easier disassembly and storage, power cord 242 and blanket cord 251 ma~r attach and detach from the base unit 200, and blanket cord 251 may attach and detach from the blanket. The variable control circuit 270 interfaces the power supply with the blanket connection circuitry X50 and modulates the duty cycle of the' power supplied to the blanket. The safety detection circuit 260 may monitor blanket sensors (not shown) or it may simply monitor the electrical feed-back from the power supplied by the variable control circuit 270. If for 20 example the safety detection circuit 260 detects a drop in resistance that may indicate a local short circuit, the safety detection c:.rcuit 260 may instruct the microcontroller 220 to deactivate t:he blanket.
In the event that the remote control system 1 intends to have the remote control device 100 receive data transmitted from the base unit 200 as well as have the base unit 200 receive data transmitted from the remote control device 100, RF transmitt:er 141 of F'IG. lA and RF receiver 211 of FIG. 1B
may be replaced with Rf transceivers 143, 213 (not shown) coupled to both the input and output ports, respectively 164, 165 and 224, 225. T:he use of RF transceivers 143, 213 would permit the base uni~ 200 to communicate the status of the blanket to t:he remote control device 100.
For example, base unit 200 could inform the remote ;Z5 control device 100 t:~at the blanket is not plugged in to the base unit 200, preventing the execution of any instructions received from the remote control device 100. Similarly, if a battery were coupled to the base unit 200, the base unit 200 would have z>ower to inform the remote control 100 that the :30 power supply connection 240 is not plugged into a power outlet. They base unit 200 could also relay intermediate status information tc~ the remote control device 100. For example, the blanket may include a blanket thermometer coupled to the safety detection circuit 260, allowing the base unit SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 200 to transmit the current blanket temperature compared to the programmed blanJzet temperature. Similarly, the safety detection circuit 260 may measure the electrical resistance of the blanket, and the. microcontrolier 220 may calculate the current blanket temperature using a temperature algorithm dependent on the measured electrical resistance of the blanket relative to the electrical power supplied to the blanket.
FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show a perspective view and a plan view of an electric blanket remote control device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The case 110 may house the keypad 120, the digital display 130, the RF interfac:e assembly 140 (shown in FIG. lA), the electronic circuitr~r 150 (shown in FIG. lA), the microcontroller 160 (shown in FIG. lA) and the power supply I5 170 (shown in FIG. 1.A). The keypad 120 may include buttons 121 and a keypad LED backlight 122 (shown in FIG. lA) to illuminate the buttons 121. The display 130 may include a multifuncti«nal, digital LCD 131 and a display LED backlight 132 (shown :in FIG. 1A) .
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an electric blanket base unit 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. T'he container 280 may house the RF
interface assembly 210 (shown in FIG. 1B), the microcontroller 220 (shown :in FIG. 1B), electronic circuitry 230 (shown in FIG. 1B), the power supply connection circuitry 240, the blanket connection circuitry 250, the safety detection circuit 260 (shown _~n FIG. 1B), and the variable current control circuit 270 (shown in F'IG. 1B).
The container 280 also may include one or more LED
indicators a?81 and a sound generator 282, both of which are coupled to microcontrol.ler 220. In the event that the base unit 200 separately controls two blankets or two halves of one blanket, two LED indicators 281 may indicate the independent activation of each blanket or blanket half. The LED indicator SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) 281 may luminesce when the associated electric blanket is activated. The sound generator 282 may beep or chirp to acknowledge reception of instructions from the remote control 100 or to wound an alarm signaled by the safety detection circuit 260. The sound generator 282 may comprise a loudspeaker, a piezoelectric element, or the like.
Given the intelligence of microcontrollers 160 and 220, the remote control sy~~tem 1 rnay perform a wide variety of functions. Generally, each function will have an associated field on the digital display 130. The LCD 131 may have fixed fields 133 and variable fields 134 that are activated when the associated function is being programmed and displayed. For example, a preheat function may be disgiayed by a fixed field 133 to indicate tha~~ the preheat function is active or being programmed. Conversely, a clock function requires a variable field 134 t.o display the passage of time. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary LCD 131 may display information regarding the status of up to two electric blankets (e.g., left and right), including among others the power status (On/Off/Auto), heating level, the time, heating times, and the heating duration.
As discussed, an electric blanket control device may employ several diffe~re:nt methods to regulate the heating of the blanket. In con~iu;nction with the microcontroller 160 of the remote control 1.UU, the microcontroller 220 of the base unit 200 regulates t:he heating of a blanket coupled to the base unit 200. A user will input a desired heating regime into the remote cont.ro:1 10U, and the remote control 100 programs the base ur.,~.t 200 accordingly. The base unit 200 may regulate the heatino~ of a blanket by varying start and stop times, the duration of the heating, the intensity level of the heat, and tine desired temperature of the blanket.
By combining two or more of these variables, the base unit 200, fc~r example, may preheat a blanket quickly to a SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) desired temperature or level by applying the maximum heat for a short period until the desired status is reached and then reducing the heat t:o maintain the desired status. Similarly, the base unit 200 rnay be programmed to intermittently heat the 5 blanket over a longer period, such as while a user sleeps.
Intermittent ramping of heat may generate heat more efficiently with less excess, avoid overheating the blanket, and prolong the life of the blanket.
Note that while a remote control system 1 according to 10 the present invention generally will be sold with one or two removably attached electric blankets, it may be feasible to use the system 1 with a different blanket, so long as the blanket is compatible with the power source connection 250 and the electrical output of the base unit 200. As is often the case, a power cord plugged into an electric blanket may be detachable from the blanket to facilitate laundering of the blanket. Accordingly, assuming a compatible match, an existing blanket control device may be unplugged from an existing blanket arad replaced with the base unit 200 for use of the system 1 with t:he existing blanket.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown i:n the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements regarding the scope of the invention.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (18)
1. A remote control system of an electric blanket, the remote control system comprising:
a remote control device having a remote microcontroller;
a keypad coupled to the remote microcontroller; a digital display coupled to the remote microcontroller; a remote power supply connection coupled to the remote microcontroller and electrically connectable to a remote power source; a remote RF
transmitter coupled to the remote microcontroller; and a remote case housing the remote microcontroller, the keypad, the digital display, the remote power supply connection, and the remote RF transmitter; and a base unit having a base microcontroller; a base power supply connection coupled to the base microcontroller and being electrically connectable via a power cord to a base power source; a blanket connection coupled to the microcontroller and being electrically connectable via a blanket cord to an electric blanket; a base RF receiver coupled to the base microcontroller; and a base container housing the base microcontroller, the base power supply connection, the blanket connection, and the base RF receiver;
wherein after a user connects the remote power supply connection to a remote power source, the base power supply connection to the base power source, and the blanket connection to the electric blanket, the user uses the keypad to generate primary command controls, the primary command controls are represented on the digital display and communicated to the remote microcontroller, the remote microcontroller interfaces the primary command controls with the remote RF transmitter, the remote RF transmitter transmits the primary command controls to the base RF receiver, the base RF receiver interfaces the primary command controls with the base microcontroller, and the base microcontroller modulates an electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
a remote control device having a remote microcontroller;
a keypad coupled to the remote microcontroller; a digital display coupled to the remote microcontroller; a remote power supply connection coupled to the remote microcontroller and electrically connectable to a remote power source; a remote RF
transmitter coupled to the remote microcontroller; and a remote case housing the remote microcontroller, the keypad, the digital display, the remote power supply connection, and the remote RF transmitter; and a base unit having a base microcontroller; a base power supply connection coupled to the base microcontroller and being electrically connectable via a power cord to a base power source; a blanket connection coupled to the microcontroller and being electrically connectable via a blanket cord to an electric blanket; a base RF receiver coupled to the base microcontroller; and a base container housing the base microcontroller, the base power supply connection, the blanket connection, and the base RF receiver;
wherein after a user connects the remote power supply connection to a remote power source, the base power supply connection to the base power source, and the blanket connection to the electric blanket, the user uses the keypad to generate primary command controls, the primary command controls are represented on the digital display and communicated to the remote microcontroller, the remote microcontroller interfaces the primary command controls with the remote RF transmitter, the remote RF transmitter transmits the primary command controls to the base RF receiver, the base RF receiver interfaces the primary command controls with the base microcontroller, and the base microcontroller modulates an electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
2. The remote control system of claim 1, the remote control device further comprising a remote thermometer coupled to the remote microcontroller and housed in the remote case, and the remote microcontroller including an adjustment algorithm;
wherein the remote thermometer measures a remote ambient temperature proximate to the remote control device, the remote microcontroller calculates an adjustment command control based on the adjustment algorithm in light of the remote ambient temperature and the primary command controls, the remote microcontroller communicates the adjustment command control to the base microcontroller, and the base microcontroller modulates the electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the adjustment command control in light of the primary command controls.
wherein the remote thermometer measures a remote ambient temperature proximate to the remote control device, the remote microcontroller calculates an adjustment command control based on the adjustment algorithm in light of the remote ambient temperature and the primary command controls, the remote microcontroller communicates the adjustment command control to the base microcontroller, and the base microcontroller modulates the electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the adjustment command control in light of the primary command controls.
3. The remote control system of claim 1, the base unit further comprising a base thermometer coupled to the base microcontroller, and the base microcontroller including an adjustment algorithm;
wherein the base thermometer measures a base ambient temperature proximate to the base unit, the base microcontroller calculates an adjustment command control based on the adjustment algorithm in light of the base ambient temperature and the primary command controls, and the base microcontroller modulates the electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the adjustment command control in light of the primary command controls.
wherein the base thermometer measures a base ambient temperature proximate to the base unit, the base microcontroller calculates an adjustment command control based on the adjustment algorithm in light of the base ambient temperature and the primary command controls, and the base microcontroller modulates the electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the adjustment command control in light of the primary command controls.
4. The remote control system of claim 1, the remote control device further comprising a remote RF receiver coupled to the remote microcontroller and housed in the remote case, and the base unit further comprising a base RF transmitter coupled to the base microcontroller and housed in the base container;
wherein the remote RF receiver receives status information transmitted by the base RF transmitter, the remote RF receiver communicates the status information to the remote microcontroller, and the remote microcontroller presents a user-relevant portion of the status information on the digital display.
wherein the remote RF receiver receives status information transmitted by the base RF transmitter, the remote RF receiver communicates the status information to the remote microcontroller, and the remote microcontroller presents a user-relevant portion of the status information on the digital display.
5. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote power source includes a battery removably housed within the remote case and removably coupled to the remote power supply connection.
6. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the base power source includes an electrical outlet, the power cord is removably coupled to the base power supply connection and removably couplable to the electrical outlet, and the base power supply connection includes an AC/DC converter coupled to the base microcontroller.
7. The remote control system of claim 1, the remote control device further comprising a remote antenna coupled to the remote RF transmitter, and the base unit further comprising a base antenna coupled to the base RF receiver.
8. The remote control system of claim 4, the remote control device further comprising a remote antenna coupled to the remote RF transmitter and to the remote RF receiver, and the base unit further comprising a base antenna coupled to the base RF receiver and to the base RF transmitter.
9. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the remote microcontroller includes a remote central processing unit, remote read-only memory, remote random-access memory, a remote input port, a remote output port, and a display driver, the remote input port interfacing the keypad with the remote central processing unit, the remote output port interfacing the remote RF transmitter with the remote central processing unit, and the display driver interfacing the digital display with the remote central processing unit.
10. The remote control system of claim 1, the base unit further comprising a variable control circuit coupled to the base microcontroller, to the base power supply connection, and to the blanket connection and housed in the base container, and a safety detection circuit coupled to the base microcontroller and to the blanket connection and housed in the base container;
wherein the variable control circuit modulates an electric current received via the base power supply connection for transfer to the electric blanket via the blanket connection in accordance with instructions received from the base microcontroller, and the safety detection circuit monitors the electric current passing through the electric blanket and notifies the base microcontroller of blanket conditions.
wherein the variable control circuit modulates an electric current received via the base power supply connection for transfer to the electric blanket via the blanket connection in accordance with instructions received from the base microcontroller, and the safety detection circuit monitors the electric current passing through the electric blanket and notifies the base microcontroller of blanket conditions.
11. The remote control system of claim 10 wherein the base microcontroller includes a base central processing unit, base read-only memory, base random-access memory, and a base input port, a base output port, the base input port interfacing the base RF transmitter and the safety detection circuit with the base central processing unit, the base output port interfacing the variable control circuit with the base central processing unit.
12. The remote control system of claim 4, the base unit further comprising a battery removably coupled to the base microcontroller and housed in the base container, wherein the base unit communicates the status information to the remote control device and the remote control device represents the user-relevant portion of the status information on the digital display even when the base power supply connection is not connected to the base power source and the blanket connection is not connected to the electric blanket.
13. The remote control system of claim 1, the base unit further comprising a LED indicator coupled to the base microcontroller and housed on the base container, wherein the LED indicator luminesces when the electric blanket is operating.
14. The remote control system of claim 1, the base unit further comprising a sound generator coupled to the base microcontroller and housed in the base container, wherein the sound generator makes an audible sound when the base unit receives a command control from the remote control device.
15. The remote control system of claim 1, wherein the keypad includes an LED keypad backlight coupled to the keypad and housed in the remote case, the digital display includes an LED display backlight coupled to the digital display and housed in the remote case, and the LED keypad backlight and the LED display backlight luminesce when the user uses the keypad.
16. A remotely controlled electric blanket system, the system comprising:
an electric blanket being electrically connectable to a power source;
a remote control device having a remote RF transceiver;
and a base unit having a base RF transceiver and being electrically connectable between the electric blanket and the power source;
wherein the remote RF transceiver transmits command controls to and receives status information from the base RF
transceiver, whereupon the base unit modulates an electric current flowing from the power source and through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls received from the remote control device.
an electric blanket being electrically connectable to a power source;
a remote control device having a remote RF transceiver;
and a base unit having a base RF transceiver and being electrically connectable between the electric blanket and the power source;
wherein the remote RF transceiver transmits command controls to and receives status information from the base RF
transceiver, whereupon the base unit modulates an electric current flowing from the power source and through the electric blanket in accordance with the command controls received from the remote control device.
17. A method of remotely controlling an electric blanket, the method comprising:
coupling a remote power supply connection of a remote control device to a remote power source, coupling a base power supply connection of a base unit to a base power source, coupling a blanket connection of the base unit to the electric blanket, using a keypad on the RF remote control device to generate primary command controls, the primary command controls then being represented on a digital display on the remote control device and communicated to a remote microcontroller on the remote control device, the remote microcontroller interfacing the primary command controls with a remote RF transmitter on the remote control device, the remote RF transmitter transmitting the primary command controls to a base RF receiver on the base unit, the base RF
receiver interfacing the primary command controls with a base microcontroller on the base unit, and the base microcontroller modulating an electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
coupling a remote power supply connection of a remote control device to a remote power source, coupling a base power supply connection of a base unit to a base power source, coupling a blanket connection of the base unit to the electric blanket, using a keypad on the RF remote control device to generate primary command controls, the primary command controls then being represented on a digital display on the remote control device and communicated to a remote microcontroller on the remote control device, the remote microcontroller interfacing the primary command controls with a remote RF transmitter on the remote control device, the remote RF transmitter transmitting the primary command controls to a base RF receiver on the base unit, the base RF
receiver interfacing the primary command controls with a base microcontroller on the base unit, and the base microcontroller modulating an electric current flowing through the blanket connection to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
18. A method of remotely controlling an electric blanket, the method comprising:
using a keypad on a remote control device to generate primary command controls, displaying the primary command controls on a digital display on the remote control device communicating the primary control commands to a remote microcontroller on the remote control device, interfacing the primary command controls with a remote RF
transmitter on the remote control device, transmitting the primary command controls to a base RF
receiver on a base unit, interfacing the primary command controls with a base microcontroller on the base unit, and modulating an electric current flowing through a blanket connection on the base unit to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
using a keypad on a remote control device to generate primary command controls, displaying the primary command controls on a digital display on the remote control device communicating the primary control commands to a remote microcontroller on the remote control device, interfacing the primary command controls with a remote RF
transmitter on the remote control device, transmitting the primary command controls to a base RF
receiver on a base unit, interfacing the primary command controls with a base microcontroller on the base unit, and modulating an electric current flowing through a blanket connection on the base unit to the electric blanket in accordance with the primary command controls received from the remote control device.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15679499P | 1999-09-30 | 1999-09-30 | |
| US60/156,794 | 1999-09-30 | ||
| PCT/US2000/026733 WO2001024580A1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2000-09-29 | Electric blanket control system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2352075A1 true CA2352075A1 (en) | 2001-04-05 |
Family
ID=22561122
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002352075A Abandoned CA2352075A1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2000-09-29 | Electric blanket control system |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2003510146A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7731000A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2352075A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2001024580A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6730887B2 (en) * | 2001-09-11 | 2004-05-04 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Warming blanket having remote safety circuit |
| GB0129968D0 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2002-02-06 | Nel Technologies Ltd | Flexible heater |
| GB0312552D0 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-07-09 | Nel Technologies Ltd | Functional therapeutic corporeal and wound dressing heaters |
| GB0312553D0 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-07-09 | Nel Technologies Ltd | Functional heater for formed components |
| GB0312551D0 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-07-09 | Nel Technologies Ltd | Functional electro-conductive garments |
| GB0312550D0 (en) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-07-09 | Nel Technologies Ltd | Functional insole heater for footwear |
| WO2005018281A1 (en) * | 2003-08-14 | 2005-02-24 | Imetec S.P.A. | Heat blanket |
| US20130172964A1 (en) * | 2012-01-04 | 2013-07-04 | Gary N. Mills | Heating system for patient thermal management |
| CN105581573A (en) * | 2016-01-04 | 2016-05-18 | 青岛泰和美电子科技有限公司 | Temperature control method for water heating blanket and Usleep water heating cushion |
| CN110740525B (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2022-04-15 | 北京小米移动软件有限公司 | Method for controlling electric blanket, device for controlling electric blanket and electronic equipment |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4450496A (en) * | 1979-08-16 | 1984-05-22 | Raychem Corporation | Protection of certain electrical systems by use of PTC device |
| US4874926A (en) * | 1988-08-17 | 1989-10-17 | Sanders Steven B | Electric heating load management control |
| DE4435931C2 (en) * | 1994-10-07 | 1998-06-04 | Convotherm Elektrogeraete | Operating device for a cooking appliance |
| US5763858A (en) * | 1996-10-03 | 1998-06-09 | Jones; Thaddeus M. | Automatically controlled ice and snow melting system including a two-wire remote control |
-
2000
- 2000-09-29 WO PCT/US2000/026733 patent/WO2001024580A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-09-29 AU AU77310/00A patent/AU7731000A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-09-29 CA CA002352075A patent/CA2352075A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-09-29 JP JP2001527605A patent/JP2003510146A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7731000A (en) | 2001-04-30 |
| JP2003510146A (en) | 2003-03-18 |
| WO2001024580A1 (en) | 2001-04-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |