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:
Oct. 07, 1986
Filed:
Jan. 17, 1985
Norman H Chiu, Louisville, KY (US);
David A Schneider, Louisville, KY (US);
General Electric Company, Louisville, KY (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting a failure in an automatic defrost system for a refrigerator. A current sensor means monitors the current supplied to the defrost heater and generates an 'on' signal when current is sensed in the defrost heater circuit. A microprocessor determines the 'off' time, that is the time between successive 'on' signals, and compares this time to a predetermined reference time longer than the normal 'off' time. A user discernible signal is generated upon detection of an 'off' time greater than the reference time, signifying to the user that the defrost system is not operating properly, and corrective action may be necessary.