US4456943A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Current sensing relay
Assignee: ELECTRONIC MARKETING SYSTEMS Inc A CA CORP
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Filing: 1982-05-24
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Granted: 1984-06-26
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Expires: 2002-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A current sensing relay assembly is disclosed wherein current sensing devices are integrated with relay outputs on a single printed circuit assembly. By integrating the output and sensor, all additional external equipment and wiring are eliminated. The current sensors achieve a maximum current to minimum current sensing ratio exceeding 100 by sensing current flow magnetically using Hall-effect devices and appropriate amplifier circuitry. Multiple channels of current sensing are achieved without requiring individual sensitivity adjustments by utilizing common threshold references for all channels. The electronic portion of the sensor achieves immunity from power line noise and a stable sensing threshold by a combination of circuit design and layout. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic portion of the sensor is contained entirely in a single module that incorporates the sensing coil, magnetic circuit, Hall-effect sensor, and magnetic shield.
Inventors
- 👤 Murray S. Judy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:11
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R15/00; G01R15/14; G01R15/20; G01R15/202; G01R19/00; G01R19/145; G01R19/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
An integral relay system comprising: a relay assembly comprising contacts having open and closed positions for selectively providing an output depending upon whether said contacts are open or closed, and a coil responsive to an input for selectively operating said contacts; a winding in series with the output from the contacts; a Hall-effect device proximately located relative to said winding and responsive to the magnetic field produced by the respective winding for providing an electrical output systematically related to said magnetic field; and processing means responsive to said electrical output of said Hall-effect device for providing an output signal indicative of whether said contacts are open or closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
An integral relay system comprising: a relay assembly comprising contacts having open and closed positions for selectively providing an output depending upon whether said contacts are open or closed, and a coil responsive to an input for selectively operating said contacts; a winding in series with the output from the contacts; a Hall-effect device proximately located relative to said winding and responsive to the magnetic field produced by the respective winding for providing an electrical output systematically related to said magnetic field; and processing means responsive to said electrical output of said Hall-effect device for providing an output signal indicative of whether said contacts are open or closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as in Claim 1 further comprising a plurality of individual relay assemblies, housed in an integral assembly forming a multi-channel relay system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system as in claim 2 wherein each individual relay assembly functions independently.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system as in claim 1 further comprising: means for amplifying said electrical output and providing an amplifier output prior to coupling to said processing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as in claim 4 further comprising: means for selectively outputting a binary logic level signal responsive to detection of said amplifier output above a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system as in claim 3 further comprising: means for amplifying said electrical output prior to coupling to said processing means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as in claim 6 further comprising: means for selectively outputting a binary logic level signal responsive to detection of said amplifier output above a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system as in claim 7 wherein a common threshold level is provided to all channels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
A current sensing relay system comprising: a relay having a set of contacts, a sensor assembly coupled to said contacts comprising: a sensing coil coupled to said contacts and wound about a slotted core, Hall-effect sensing means positioned within the core for providing a signal output responsive to a magnetic field induced in the core by said sensing coil, and means for providing a logic level signal output responsive to the Hall-effect signal output.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
A current sensing relay system comprising: a relay having a set of contacts, a sensor assembly coupled to said contacts comprising: a sensing coil coupled to said contacts and wound about a slotted core, Hall-effect sensing means positioned within the core for providing a signal output responsive to a magnetic field induced in the core by said sensing coil, and means for providing a logic level signal output responsive to the Hall-effect signal output.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system as in claim 9 further comprising: a magnetic shield enclosing said sensor assembly.
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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) | 1987-06-26 | 1987-12-26 | 1988-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-26 | 1991-12-26 | 1992-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-26 | 1995-12-26 | 1996-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |