US3582923A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic charge monitor
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1968-11-12
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Granted: 1971-06-01
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Expires: 1988-11-12
Abstract
Abstract The charging current supplied by a satellite solar cell array is monitored to produce a voltage signal proportional to the charging current. This voltage signal is then applied to a finite time integrator circuit whose output is, in turn, applied to a level detector. The level detector functions to clear the integrator circuit and generate an output pulse each time the integrated signal indicates that a predetermined amount of electrical charge has been supplied to the satellite battery by the solar array. The output pulses from the level detector circuit are first scaled down so that the satellite''s telemetry system handles no more data than is necessary to indicate accurately the status of the satellite''s power system and these scaled-down pulses are then interfaced into the satellite''s telemetry system for transmission to a remote receiving station.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel P Peletier
- 👤 Arthur F Hogrefe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 13:08
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/90; H02J7/94
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
In combination with a telemetry system, apparatus for monitoring the electrical power system of a satellite including a battery and source means for supplying charging current to said battery, said monitoring apparatus comprising, means for producing a signal proportional to said charging current, finite time integrator means responsive to said proportionate signal for integrating said single to produce an output pulse demarcating each time said charging source means has supplied a predetermined amount of electrical charge to said battery, and means for applying the output pulses form said integrator means to said telemetry system for transmission to a receiving station.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
In combination with a telemetry system, apparatus for monitoring the electrical power system of a satellite including a battery and source means for supplying charging current to said battery, said monitoring apparatus comprising, means for producing a signal proportional to said charging current, finite time integrator means responsive to said proportionate signal for integrating said single to produce an output pulse demarcating each time said charging source means has supplied a predetermined amount of electrical charge to said battery, and means for applying the output pulses form said integrator means to said telemetry system for transmission to a receiving station.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus specified in claim 1 wherein, said source means is a solar cell array, and said proportionate signal producing means is a resistor connected serially in the charging circuit of said solar cell array to produce a voltage signal proportional to the charging current supplied by said solar cell array to said satellite battery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
104 words
The apparatus specified in claim 1 wherein said finite time integrator means includes, an operational amplifier operably connected to receive said proportionate signal as input, a feedback capacitor connected between the input and output of a operational amplifier to form an integrator circuit, switching means connected in circuit multiple with said feedback capacitor, and level detector means connected to the output of said operational amplifier effective to operate said switch means and discharge said feedback capacitor each time the output of said integrator circuit exceeds a predetermined value indicating that said source means has delivered a predetermined amount of electrical charge to said battery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus specified in claim 3 wherein, said switching means is a field effect transistor having its source and drain terminals connected across said feedback capacitor, and said level detector means supplies a triggering signal to the gate terminal of said field effect transistor each time the output of said integrator circuit exceeds said predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus specified in claim 1 wherein said pulse applying means includes means for scaling down the output pulses from said finite time integrator means to a minimum data rate compatible with the desired monitoring accuracy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus specified in claim 5 wherein said scaling down means is a binary divider means operably connected to receive the output pulses form said finite time integrator means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as specified in claim 5 and further including means for interfacing the output of said scaling down means with said satellite telemetry system.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus specified in claim 7 wherein said interface means comprises, a multiple-bit binary accumulator operably connected to receive and store the scaled-down pulses from said scaling down means as a binary code, and a telltale register operably connected to receive the stored binary code from said accumulator and apply it to said telemetry system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus specified in claim 8 wherein said accumulator is of the type which begins counting anew after it reaches a full condition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |