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Patent US4355343A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4355343A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Semiconductor switch failure control circuit
Assignee: Cornelius Inc
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Filing: 1980-05-15
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Granted: 1982-10-19
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Expires: 2000-05-15
Abstract
Abstract A bidirectional semiconductor switch such as a Triac in the usual failure mode, wherein the device conducts continuously in only one direction, has a storage circuit in series intermediate the triac and load. The storage circuit may comprise a single capacitor preferably of predetermined value and adapted to, after a relatively short time-out period, interrupt power applied to the load. The capacitor is preferably a non-polar type, although, in an alternate embodiment a pair of oppositely-poled polar capacitors may be employed.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas A. O. Gross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:08
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/51; H03K17/56; H03K17/72; H03K17/725
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
For a semiconductor bilateral switch having at least an input control electrode and an output electrode coupling to a load and an AC source intercoupling the bilateral switch and load means for interrupting power to the load in the event of a unilateral failure of the switch comprising, energy storage means and means coupling the energy storage means intermediate the semiconductor bilateral switch and load, said energy storage means responsive to a unilateral failure of the bilateral switch to thus couple uni-polarity voltage thereto to cause opening of the path to the load to thus interrupt power to the load.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
For a semiconductor bilateral switch having at least an input control electrode and an output electrode coupling to a load and an AC source intercoupling the bilateral switch and load means for interrupting power to the load in the event of a unilateral failure of the switch comprising, energy storage means and means coupling the energy storage means intermediate the semiconductor bilateral switch and load, said energy storage means responsive to a unilateral failure of the bilateral switch to thus couple uni-polarity voltage thereto to cause opening of the path to the load to thus interrupt power to the load.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the energy storage means includes a capacitor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the capacitor is a non-polar capacitor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Means as set forth in claim 2 wherein the capacitor comprises a pair of series connected polar capacitors coupled in opposed polarity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
Means as set forth in claim 4 including a diode coupled across each capacitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
Means as set forth in claim 2 wherein said capacitor is selected with a value to provide operation above resonance.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
Means as set forth in claim 1 including a warning device responsive to the DC voltage across the energy storage means to signal the bilateral switch failure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Means as set forth in claim 7 wherein the warning device includes a visual warning device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
Means as set forth in claim 8 including means responsive to the warning device being activated for interrupting power from a power source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
Means as set forth in claim 7 wherein the warning device includes a neon bulb connected across the energy storage means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
Means as set forth in claim 10 further including a power source and means responsive to the warning device being activated for interrupting power from the power source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
Means as set forth in claim 11 including photosensitive means responsive to the warning device and circuit breaker means responsive to the photosensitive means for interrupting power.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
Means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said energy storage means comprises capacitance means charged by said uni-polarity voltage to open said path over a charging period of said capacitance means until said path is fully open with no further current coupled to the load.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
Means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said storage means comprises capacitance means charged by said uni-polarity voltage to open said path over a charging period of said capacitance means.
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) | 1985-10-18 | 1986-04-19 | 1986-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-10-18 | 1990-04-19 | 1990-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-10-18 | 1994-04-19 | 1994-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |