US4205361A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Undervoltage control apparatus for circuit interrupter
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1978-03-21
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Granted: 1980-05-27
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Expires: 1998-03-21
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for undervoltage control of a circuit breaker includes a holding coil, a switching transistor connected in series with the holding coil, and a rectifier providing pulsating DC voltage. A level detector responsive to the output voltage of the rectifier produces an actuating signal for the switching transistor when the rectifier output voltage rises above a predetermined value. A switching regulator is provided which is connected to the level detector and the switching transistor for modulating the actuating signal when the voltage to the rectifier input rises above a predetermined value. The switching transistor is thus rendered periodically non-conducting to regulate the average voltage appearing across the holding coil.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan B. Shimp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:15
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H3/00; H02H3/24; H01; H01H; H01H47/00; H01H47/22; H01H47/32; H01H47/325
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
Circuit interrupter undervoltage control apparatus, comprising; a holding coil; an electronic switch having an output connected in series with said holding coil; a rectifier having an input connected to alternating current control lines, and an output connected in series with said holding coil and said electronic switch; a level detector responsive to the output voltage of said rectifier for supplying an activating signal to said electronic switch when said rectifier output voltage rises above a first predetermined value, and removing said activating signal when said rectifier output voltage falls below a second predetermined value; and a switching regulator connected to said level detector, said electronic switch, and said rectifier input for modulating said actuating signal when the voltage on said alternating current control lines rises above a predetermined level, whereby said electronic switch is rendered periodically non-conducting to regulate the average voltage appearing across said holding coil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
Circuit interrupter undervoltage control apparatus, comprising; a holding coil; an electronic switch having an output connected in series with said holding coil; a rectifier having an input connected to alternating current control lines, and an output connected in series with said holding coil and said electronic switch; a level detector responsive to the output voltage of said rectifier for supplying an activating signal to said electronic switch when said rectifier output voltage rises above a first predetermined value, and removing said activating signal when said rectifier output voltage falls below a second predetermined value; and a switching regulator connected to said level detector, said electronic switch, and said rectifier input for modulating said actuating signal when the voltage on said alternating current control lines rises above a predetermined level, whereby said electronic switch is rendered periodically non-conducting to regulate the average voltage appearing across said holding coil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said electronic switch comprises a switching transistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said rectifier comprises a full wave rectifier.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said switching regulator periodically disables said actuating signal when said rectifier output voltage is above said first predetermined value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said switching regulator disables said actuating signal on alternate half cycles of the alternating current input voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 5 wherein said switching regulator comprises an active electronic device connected across the input of said switching transistor, a zener diode, and means connecting said active electronic device and said zener diode to the input of said rectifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said switching regulator comprises a regulating transistor having its output across the input of said switching transistor and its input connected in series with said zener to the input of said rectifier.
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) | 1983-05-27 | 1983-11-26 | 1984-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-05-27 | 1987-11-26 | 1988-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-05-27 | 1991-11-26 | 1992-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |