초록 ▼

A new variable password safety interlock system for microwave ovens and other computerized or electrical appliance allows the user to dynamically and automatically generate a new password immediately prior to each use. The variable password comprises some prearranged transposition or combination of

A new variable password safety interlock system for microwave ovens and other computerized or electrical appliance allows the user to dynamically and automatically generate a new password immediately prior to each use. The variable password comprises some prearranged transposition or combination of numbers of digits that were already entered into the microwave control panel by the user. The user first enters digits representing the microwave time, the target food temperature, the microwave power level, the actual time of day on display or some other required combination of digits or microwave console buttons, and then presses the “Start”button. The new value of the variable password for that use of the microwave will be some prearranged transposition or combination of the digits, numbers or buttons that had just previously been pressed by the user and that appeared on the microwave control panel at the moment the user pressed the “Start”button. Preferably, the password is the digits of the microwave heating time just entered by the user but in reverse order. The password does not require memorization and is easy for the user to compute because the numbers are on display to the user. This password safety interlock is child-proof because a young child will be unable to compute the ephemeral and varying password needed to operate the microwave.

대표청구항 ▼

In a method for operating a microwave oven having processing means and having a control panel with a numeric display means, digit keys and a start key, the improvement comprising a variable password safety interlock procedure comprising the steps of: pressing by a user of digit keys for digits repre

In a method for operating a microwave oven having processing means and having a control panel with a numeric display means, digit keys and a start key, the improvement comprising a variable password safety interlock procedure comprising the steps of: pressing by a user of digit keys for digits representing a control instruction for heating an object in said microwave oven; displaying on said numeric display means said digits representing said control instruction for heating said object in said microwave oven as entered by said user; pressing by said user of said start key for a first time; composing a variable password value by said processing means using only said digits representing said control instruction as entered by said user or said digits displayed on said numeric display means; entering by said user of a usage password value using only the digit keys for said digits displayed on said numeric display means; pressing by said user of said start key for a second time; and verifying by said processing means that said usage password value entered by said user is identical to said variable password value composed by said processing means; whereby said processing means enables said microwave oven to operate if said usage password value entered by said user is identical to said variable password value composed by said processing means, and said processing means disables said microwave oven from operating if said usage password value entered by said user is not identical to said variable password value composed by said processing means.