Smart Timer for Refrigerators and Similar Appliances

摘要

In order to permit use of a refrigerator by observant Jews during Holiday times, Normal and Holiday modes are established. During Holiday mode, repetitive fixed frequency and fixed duty cycle time cycles are established, each time cycle having “on” and “off” portions. During “on” cycle portions current flow through the refrigerator is permitted as determined by the refrigerator compartment temperature. During “off” cycle portions current flow is inhibited irrespective of refrigerator compartment temperature changes. Visible indicators inform users of the status of the current cycle portion, thereby advising them to open the refrigerator door only during “off” cycle portions.

主权项

1. A controller for enabling observant Jews to use, without violating Jewish law, an electrical appliance of the type having a compartment with a door and that normally draws current or not as a function of the temperature within the compartment to maintain that temperature within a prescribed temperature range, wherein said controller is electrically connected between the appliance and an a.c. power source and comprises:
a processor storing date data, time data, geographic location data, data and settings corresponding to holiday mode, and data and settings corresponding to a normal mode; a visual indicator having first and second visible states; said processor configured and programmed to alternate the appliance between the normal mode and the holiday mode in response to date, time and geographic location data stored in the processor, said processor in said holiday mode establishing a repeating operating cycle having an “on” portion during which current is permitted to flow through said appliance and modify the temperature in the compartment, and an “off” portion wherein current is prevented from flowing through said appliance, the “on” portion of said cycle being sufficient to maintain the temperature in the compartment within the prescribed temperature range; said processor further configured and programmed to activate said visual indicator in said first state during the “on” portion of the operating cycle and in said second state during the “off” portion of the operating cycle, whereby said visual indicator in said first state serves to advise a user of the appliance to not open the compartment door, and in said second state that the compartment door may be opened.