Patent US3736438A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3736438A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for sequentially energizing electrical utilization devices
Assignee: Bombardier Transportation Holdings USA Inc
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Filing: 1971-07-29
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1991-07-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for energizing in sequence each of a plurality of electrical utilization devices, such as relays, with the use of reverse voltage breakdown elements. The invention finds particular, but by no means exclusive, utility in the control of vehicles in a train of vehicles, each of which is driven by its own separate drive motor means (e.g., a subway train).
Inventors
- 👤 T Matty
- 👤 R Perry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 03:59
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/30; H01; H01H; H01H47/00; H01H47/001; H03K17/51; H03K17/56; H03K17/60; H03K17/62; H03K17/6271; H03K17/74; H03K17/76
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
In combination: means for providing a variable voltage which traverses between an initial and a final voltage level; first and second signal utilization devices with said first signal utilization device being connected to said means for providing a variable voltage; a first switch means connected in series with said first signal utilization device for providing a first signal conduction path for energizing said first signal utilization device when said first switch means is closed and said variable voltage is at a first level; a second signal conduction path connected in series with the conduction paths of said first and second signal utilization devices, said second signal conduction path being in an open condition when said first switch means is closed and being in a closed condition for providing an energization path for said second signal utilization device when said first switch means is open; and a first reverse voltage breakdown means operative with said means for providing a variable voltage and said first switch means, said first reverse voltage breakdown means controlling the opening and closing of said first switch means, said first switch means initially being in a closed condition and being switched to an open condition in response to said means for providing a variable voltage providing a level of voltage sufficient to cause said first reverse voltage breakdown means to breakdown.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
224 words
In combination: means for providing a variable voltage which traverses between an initial and a final voltage level; first and second signal utilization devices with said first signal utilization device being connected to said means for providing a variable voltage; a first switch means connected in series with said first signal utilization device for providing a first signal conduction path for energizing said first signal utilization device when said first switch means is closed and said variable voltage is at a first level; a second signal conduction path connected in series with the conduction paths of said first and second signal utilization devices, said second signal conduction path being in an open condition when said first switch means is closed and being in a closed condition for providing an energization path for said second signal utilization device when said first switch means is open; and a first reverse voltage breakdown means operative with said means for providing a variable voltage and said first switch means, said first reverse voltage breakdown means controlling the opening and closing of said first switch means, said first switch means initially being in a closed condition and being switched to an open condition in response to said means for providing a variable voltage providing a level of voltage sufficient to cause said first reverse voltage breakdown means to breakdown.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
128 words
The combination claimed in claim 1 including: a second switch means connected to series with said second signal utilization for providing a third signal conduction path for energizing said second signal utilization device when said second switch means is closed and said variable voltage is at a second level; and a second reverse voltage breakdown means operative with said signal conduction path and said second switch means, said second reverse voltage breakdown means controlling the opening and closing of said second switch means, said second switch means initially being in a closed condition and being switched to an open condition in response to the signal present on said signal conduction path being at a level of voltage sufficient to cause said second reverse voltage breakdown means to breakdown.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
213 words
In combination: a source of variable voltage having an output terminal at which a voltage which varies between an initial and a final voltage level is provided; a first signal utilization device having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of said source, and also having an output terminal; a first switch having its conduction path connected between the output terminal of said first signal utilization device and said source, and also having a control terminal; a first voltage breakdown means having one terminal connected to the output terminal of said source and the input terminal of said first signal utilization device, and having a second terminal connected to the control terminal of said first switch; a second signal utilization device having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of said first signal utilization device, and also having an output terminal; a second switch having its conduction path connected between the output terminal of said second signal utilization device and said source, and also having a control terminal; and a second voltage breakdown means having one terminal connected to the output terminal of said first signal utilization and the input terminal of said second signal utilization device, and having a second terminal connected to the control terminal of said second switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
213 words
In combination: a source of variable voltage having an output terminal at which a voltage which varies between an initial and a final voltage level is provided; a first signal utilization device having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of said source, and also having an output terminal; a first switch having its conduction path connected between the output terminal of said first signal utilization device and said source, and also having a control terminal; a first voltage breakdown means having one terminal connected to the output terminal of said source and the input terminal of said first signal utilization device, and having a second terminal connected to the control terminal of said first switch; a second signal utilization device having an input terminal connected to the output terminal of said first signal utilization device, and also having an output terminal; a second switch having its conduction path connected between the output terminal of said second signal utilization device and said source, and also having a control terminal; and a second voltage breakdown means having one terminal connected to the output terminal of said first signal utilization and the input terminal of said second signal utilization device, and having a second terminal connected to the control terminal of said second switch.
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) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |