US3766437A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety interlock system for microwave ovens
Assignee: Goodman Co LP
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Filing: 1972-04-03
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Granted: 1973-10-16
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Expires: 1992-04-03
Abstract
Abstract A safety interlock system is disclosed for microwave ovens or other high voltage electrical apparatus incorporating sensor means for detecting any malfunction. Means are provided for interrupting line input power or actuating a failure indicating device or a combination of both. Thermally actuated means, such as bimetallic or meltable elements, as well as circuit breakers, relays and fuses are described. The sensor means are associated with each of the interlocks and do not carry regular equipmentload current until such time as a malfunction of the companion interlock occurs. Replacement of the faulty equipment by authorized personnel and manual resetting of the interrupt or indicating means before the oven is energized again reduce the risk of accidental radiation, electrical shock or damage to the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 R Fritts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:09
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; H05B6/6414; H05B6/6417; H01; H01H; H01H47/00; H01H47/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A safety interlock system for electrical apparatus comprising: an electrical circuit including a connected voltage source and interlock switch means actuated by predetermined means; sensor means for detecting the malfunction of said interlock switch means with said interlock switch means normally closed and said sensor means normally open when said apparatus is operative; and means operatively associated with said sensor means to deenergize said circuit upon the detection of an unsafe operating condition with both said interlock switch and sensor means in closed positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
84 words
A safety interlock system for electrical apparatus comprising: an electrical circuit including a connected voltage source and interlock switch means actuated by predetermined means; sensor means for detecting the malfunction of said interlock switch means with said interlock switch means normally closed and said sensor means normally open when said apparatus is operative; and means operatively associated with said sensor means to deenergize said circuit upon the detection of an unsafe operating condition with both said interlock switch and sensor means in closed positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said circuit deenergizing means comprise thermally actuated means coupled in series with said sensor means and said voltage source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system according to claim 1 wherein said circuit deenergizing means comprise a thermally disintegratable element coupled in series with said sensor means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
95 words
A safety interlock system for electrical apparatus comprising: an electrical circuit including a connected voltage source and interlock switch means actuated by predetermined means; sensor means for detecting the malfunction of said interlock switch means with said interlock switch means normally closed and said sensor means normally open when said apparatus is operative; means operatively associated with said sensor means to deenergize said circuit upon the detection of an unsafe operating condition with both said interlock switch and sensor means in closed position; and warning means for indicating the occurrence of said unsafe operating condition.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
95 words
A safety interlock system for electrical apparatus comprising: an electrical circuit including a connected voltage source and interlock switch means actuated by predetermined means; sensor means for detecting the malfunction of said interlock switch means with said interlock switch means normally closed and said sensor means normally open when said apparatus is operative; means operatively associated with said sensor means to deenergize said circuit upon the detection of an unsafe operating condition with both said interlock switch and sensor means in closed position; and warning means for indicating the occurrence of said unsafe operating condition.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system according to claim 4 wherein said warning means are audible.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system according to claim 4 wherein said warning means are visible.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2718630A
Cited
US2855235A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |