US4012683A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for reducing inverter no-load losses
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1975-08-18
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Granted: 1977-03-15
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Expires: 1995-08-18
Abstract
Abstract No-load losses normally associated with transformer-isolated inverter circuits employing high frequency switching devices are substantially eliminated by electrically short-circuiting the load terminals of the inverter to quickly and efficiently shut down inverter operation and thereby reduce the no-load losses to at least the fall-back current losses of the inverter.
Inventors
- 👤 Armand P. Ferro
- 👤 John P. Walden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 14:09
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02M; H02M7/00; H02M7/42; H02M7/44; H02M7/48; H02M7/505; H02M7/515; H02M7/517
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of reducing the no-load power losses of an inverter system including an inverter having a fall-back current limit during electrical short circuit conditions which is characterized by lower power losses than open circuit losses, said method comprising: removing the load from the output terminals of said inverter; and applying an electrical short circuit to said output terminals to terminate normal inverter operation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of reducing the no-load power losses of an inverter system including an inverter having a fall-back current limit during electrical short circuit conditions which is characterized by lower power losses than open circuit losses, said method comprising: removing the load from the output terminals of said inverter; and applying an electrical short circuit to said output terminals to terminate normal inverter operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: periodically generating a starting signal for said inverter, said starting signal occurring at a rate substantially less than the normal repetition rate of said inverter and effective to start said inverter in the absence of an electrical short circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying an electrical short circuit occurs substantially simultaneously with the removal of said load.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
89 words
An electrical inverter system comprising: an inverter including input and output means, said input means adapted to be connected to a source of power and said output means including a pair of output terminals; and electrical switching means connected to at least one of said output terminals and connectable in one switch position to a load and in another switch position to said other output terminal, the connection to said other output terminal causing an electrical short-circuit of the output terminals of said inverter and terminating normal inverter operation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
89 words
An electrical inverter system comprising: an inverter including input and output means, said input means adapted to be connected to a source of power and said output means including a pair of output terminals; and electrical switching means connected to at least one of said output terminals and connectable in one switch position to a load and in another switch position to said other output terminal, the connection to said other output terminal causing an electrical short-circuit of the output terminals of said inverter and terminating normal inverter operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 4 wherein said inverter includes starting means, which in the absence of a short circuit at the output terminals of said inverter periodically generates a starting signal for said inverter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 4 wherein said inverter further comprises: a transformer having magnetically coupled primary and secondary windings; a pair of switching devices operatively connected to said primary winding for alternate switching of electrical current in said primary winding; and
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
starting control circuitry operatively connected to said inverter for providing in the absence of normal inverter operation, starting pulses at periodic intervals substantially below the normal switching repetition rate of said inverter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
starting control circuitry operatively connected to said inverter for providing in the absence of normal inverter operation, starting pulses at periodic intervals substantially below the normal switching repetition rate of said inverter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 6 wherein said starting control circuitry includes a resistor and a capacitor for establishing the repetition rate of said starting pulses.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 4 wherein said load comprises an electrical appliance.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 8 wherein said electrical switching means comprises a single pole double-throw switch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The electrical inverter system of claim 8 wherein said electrical appliance includes said electrical switching means as an on-off switch.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-14 | 1980-09-13 | 1981-03-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-14 | 1984-09-13 | 1985-03-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-14 | 1988-09-13 | 1989-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |