Importance

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Abstract

A system for controlling the operation of an appliance of the type having a plurality of machine functions to be activated and deactivated in accordance with a control strategy includes a plurality of selectable cycles each made up of a series of events and an array of user actuatable membrane switching devices for selecting at least one cycle of operation for the appliance. The array of membrane switching devices also allow the user to program an optional event within the selected cycle and to select a time period for at least one of the events of the selected cycle. A control logic includes a resident program with a series of instructions for the operation of the applicance and a memory for storing data which is retrievable in response to actuation of the membrane switching devices so that the appliance operates in accordance with the resident program and the retrieved data. A display panel includes various individual displays for indicating the selected cycle, optional event, time period for the one event of the cycle, and the time remaining in the selected cycle. A method of controlling the operation of the appliance includes displaying a time period for and the time remaining in a selected cycle, continuously monitoring the membrane switching devices to detect user actuated changes in the operation of the appliance during the selected cycle, and disabling certain membrane switching devices during the selected cycle to thereafter eliminate the possibility of user actuated changes associated with such disabled switching devices.

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First Claim