US3876914A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Static overcurrent or overvoltage protection circuit
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1973-08-01
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Granted: 1975-04-08
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Expires: 1993-08-01
Abstract
Abstract A static control circuit for protecting a circuit against either a critically high instantaneous current or voltage or an abnormally high current or voltage which persists for an extended period of time includes an instantaneous relay circuit responsive to the critically high currents or voltages in the protected circuit and a delay relay circuit responsive to the extended abnormally high voltages or currents. Each relay, upon activation, serves to reduce, in an appropriate manner, the power supplied from a source to the protected circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen J Lukas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:53
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H3/00; H02H3/20; G; G01; G01R; G01R1/00; G01R1/36; H02H3/08; H02H3/093; H02H6/00; H02H9/00; H02H9/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A signal monitoring circuit responsive to a control voltage having a level proportional to the magnitude of the signal being monitored comprising: a. means responsive to said control voltage to generate a controlling signal which varies in a first direction toward a first polarity when said control voltage rises above a predetermined voltage level and varies in a second direction opposite said first direction when said control voltage becomes less than said predetermined voltage level; b. switch means having a first state and a second state and responsive to said controlling signal to assume said first state when said controlling signal reaches a first value while varying in said first direction, and to assume said second state when said controlling signal reaches said first predetermined value while varying in said second direction; and, c. relay means having first and second states of and being responsive to the state said switch means to assume said first state whenever said switch means assumes a first state, and to assume said second state whenever said switch means assumes said second state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A signal monitoring circuit responsive to a control voltage having a level proportional to the magnitude of the signal being monitored comprising: a. means responsive to said control voltage to generate a controlling signal which varies in a first direction toward a first polarity when said control voltage rises above a predetermined voltage level and varies in a second direction opposite said first direction when said control voltage becomes less than said predetermined voltage level; b. switch means having a first state and a second state and responsive to said controlling signal to assume said first state when said controlling signal reaches a first value while varying in said first direction, and to assume said second state when said controlling signal reaches said first predetermined value while varying in said second direction; and, c. relay means having first and second states of and being responsive to the state said switch means to assume said first state whenever said switch means assumes a first state, and to assume said second state whenever said switch means assumes said second state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means to generate the controlling signal responds to the value of the control voltage to determine the rate at which the controlling signal varies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the means to generate the controlling signal includes integrating means responsive to the value of the control voltage to vary the rate of integration and thus vary the time required for the controlling signal to reach said first value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 further including an additional relay means operative in response to a prescribed value of said control voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention in accordance with claim 4 wherein the prescribed value to which said additional relay means is responsive is greater than said predetermined voltage level.
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) | 1978-04-07 | 1978-10-07 | 1979-04-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-07 | 1982-10-07 | 1983-04-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-07 | 1986-10-07 | 1987-04-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |