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:
May. 04, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 23, 2000
Graham Bailey, Rheinland-Pfalz, DE;
John Sharood, Richmond, VA (US);
Robert Shaw Controls Company, Richmond, VA (US);
Abstract
A communications module adapted to be received by an appliance having an appliance controller is provided. The module includes a communications protocol translator. The communications protocol translator translates signals received from a communications media into appliance controller signals. The translator also translates appliance control signals received from the appliance controller into a communications protocol to be output to an appliance communications network. A network ready appliance is also provided. The appliance includes an appliance controller having a communications port. The appliance also includes a cavity, defined by a plurality of walls, adapted to receive a communications module. An opening in a wall of the appliance allows access to the cavity. A connector is attached to one of the plurality of cavity walls. A communications line connecting the communications port and the connector is also provided. The connector is electrically coupled to the appliance controller or main power supply.