US4249223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High voltage DC contactor with solid state arc quenching
Assignee: Sundstrand Corp
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Filing: 1978-12-01
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Granted: 1981-02-03
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Expires: 1998-12-01
Abstract
Abstract An arc quenching circuit senses initiation of an arc across the contacts of a contactor, commutates a capacitor discharge to the contacts that brings the contact voltage to zero for arc extinction and promptly recharges the capacitor to enable reoperation.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth C. Shuey
- 👤 Donal E. Baker
- 👤 Charles L. Doughman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H33/00; H01H33/02; H01H33/59; H01H33/596
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A high voltage DC contactor with solid state arc quenching comprising: a pair of contacts; a movable armature for selectively connecting said contacts together; first rectifier means connected across said contacts for providing a rectified signal indicating initiation of arcing upon opening of said contacts; second rectifier means connected across said contacts for commutating unidirectional voltage into and out of said contacts; time delay circuit means responsive to said signal from said first rectifier means to provide a time delayed signal; static switching means responsive to said time delayed signal to provide a conductive path through said second rectifier means to said contacts; a commutation capacitor connected to discharge across said contacts when said static switching means provides said conductive path, said second rectifier means applying stored energy from said capacitor in opposition to the arc initiating voltage at said contacts to extinguish the arc; means for readying said commutation capacitor for further operation by charging up said capacitor following a predetermined time delay after its discharge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A high voltage DC contactor with solid state arc quenching comprising: a pair of contacts; a movable armature for selectively connecting said contacts together; first rectifier means connected across said contacts for providing a rectified signal indicating initiation of arcing upon opening of said contacts; second rectifier means connected across said contacts for commutating unidirectional voltage into and out of said contacts; time delay circuit means responsive to said signal from said first rectifier means to provide a time delayed signal; static switching means responsive to said time delayed signal to provide a conductive path through said second rectifier means to said contacts; a commutation capacitor connected to discharge across said contacts when said static switching means provides said conductive path, said second rectifier means applying stored energy from said capacitor in opposition to the arc initiating voltage at said contacts to extinguish the arc; means for readying said commutation capacitor for further operation by charging up said capacitor following a predetermined time delay after its discharge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The subject matter of claim 1 wherein: said first and second rectifier means are each a full wave rectifier bridge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
A high voltage DC contactor with solid state arc quenching comprising: a pair of contacts and a movable contact armature; a commutation circuit connected across said contacts comprising a full wave rectifier bridge, a commutation capacitor connected across said full wave rectifier bridge and means for initiating and terminating the discharge of energy from said capacitor into said full wave rectifier bridge during the opening of said contacts and armature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
70 words
A high voltage DC contactor with solid state arc quenching comprising: a pair of contacts and a movable contact armature; a commutation circuit connected across said contacts comprising a full wave rectifier bridge, a commutation capacitor connected across said full wave rectifier bridge and means for initiating and terminating the discharge of energy from said capacitor into said full wave rectifier bridge during the opening of said contacts and armature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The subject matter of claim 3 further comprising: means for maintaining a charged condition on said capacitor during periods in which said contacts and armature are closed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The subject matter of claim 4 wherein: said means for maintaining a charged condition on said capacitor comprises a charging circuit for rapidly charging said capacitor to line voltage.
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) | 1984-02-03 | 1984-08-04 | 1985-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-03 | 1988-08-04 | 1989-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-03 | 1992-08-04 | 1993-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |