The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 07, 1982
Filed:
Sep. 25, 1981
Curran D Cotton, Newton, IA (US);
The Maytag Company, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
A microprocessor controlled appliance is provided which has a smooth unbroken control surface. A control panel assembly includes a support panel and a decorative panel overlying the support panel. The assembly further includes a continuous flexible membrane layer. The support and decorative panels each include a generally aligned opening providing rear communication with the flexible membrane layer. A power source provides power between a pair of electrical conductors for energizing the appliance. A manually-set electrically-reset switch is associated with one of the conductors and is mounted to the support panel below the flexible membrane layer. The switch is manually operable to a closed position by depressing the membrane layer through the opening to complete a circuit across the pair of conductors for powering-up the microprocessor controlled appliance. Mechanism is provided for holding the switch in the closed position including a portion engageable with the switch. A device is operable responsive to the microprocessor for effecting disengagement of the mechanism to effect resetting of the switch to its normally open position.