Reclosing relay with nonvolatile memory of operations

Claim 2

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a predetermined time interval and said means for storing also includes means responsive to an occurrence of the second signal for storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the predetermined time interval when the interval is being timed and the second signal occurs, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss.

Claim 3

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal when the power is restored for continuing from the identified operation in the reclosing sequence by resuming with the same operation during which the second signal occurred if the breaker has not changed state since the occurrence of the second signal.

Claim 4

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal when the power is restored for continuing in the reclosing sequence by immediately proceeding to an operation subsequent to the identified operation if the breaker has changed state since the occurrence of the second signal.

Claim 5

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means for producing and storing data representing a reclosing relay condition, a reclosing sequence enabled condition and a lockout condition.

Claim 6

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means for producing and storing data representing a reclosing relay reset condition, a reclosing sequence enabled condition and a lockout condition, and when operations are in a reclosing sequence enabled condition also producing and storing data representing whether operations are in an instantaneous reclose attempt condition or a time delayed reclose attempt condition.

Claim 7

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means for producing and storing data representing the current state of the circuit breaker.

Claim 8

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means for detecting an inconsistency in the stored information in the nonvolatile memory and means for preventing the use of the stored information in the nonvolatile memory if the inconsistency is detected.

Claim 9

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means responsive to an occurrence of the second signal for storing a datum in the nonvolatile memory representing occurrence of a power interruption, and means for utilizing the stored information from the nonvolatile memory identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence was currently being executed to continue in the reclosing sequence upon restoration of power only if the stored datum is also present in the nonvolatile memory.

Claim 10

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the predetermined time interval is a reclose time delay.

Claim 11

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the predetermined time interval is a reset time interval after reclosure.

Claim 12

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the predetermined time interval is a maximum cycle time for the reclosing relay.

Claim 13

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein the predetermined time interval is a reclose fail time.

Claim 14

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means includes means for supplying a lockout signal after a predetermined number of reclose commands have been supplied and the circuit breaker still reopens within a predetermined reset time interval after the last reclose command, means for storing lockout information in the nonvolatile memory when the lockout signal and the second signal are both present, and means for using the lockout information stored in the nonvolatile memory to supply the lockout signal upon restoration of power if the first signal indicates that the breaker is open.

Claim 15

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means comprises a microcomputer and said means for supplying, means for storing and means for using are integral to the microcomputer.

Claim 16

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss; the reclosing relay further comprising distinct reclose and pilot reclose output contacts, the reclose output contacts being actuated in response to the reclose command, wherein said electronic means also includes means having separate inputs for reclose initiation and pilot reclose initiation for storing data in response to the input for pilot reclose initiation representing whether a pilot relaying sequence is in progress and means for producing a first pilot reclose command for the breaker through the pilot reclose output contacts when the data represents a pilot relaying sequence in progress.

Claim 17

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss; the reclosing relay further comprising distinct reclose and pilot reclose output contacts, the reclose output contacts being actuated in response to the reclose command, wherein said electronic means also includes means having separate inputs for reclose initiation and pilot reclose initiation for storing data in response to the input for pilot reclose initiation representing whether a pilot relaying sequence is in progress and means for producing a first pilot reclose command for the breaker through the pilot reclose output contacts when the data represents a pilot relaying sequence in progress.

Claim 18

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss; and means for selectively enabling and disabling said electronic means from using the information identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed when a loss of power is anticipated.

Claim 19

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss; and means for selectively enabling and disabling said electronic means from using the information identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed when a loss of power is anticipated.

Claim 20

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electronic means also includes means responsive to an occurrence of the second signal for storing a datum in the nonvolatile memory representing occurrence of a power interruption, and means for utilizing the stored information from the nonvolatile memory identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence was currently being executed to continue in the reclosing sequence upon restoration of power only if the stored datum is also present in the nonvolatile memory.

Claim 21

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, and means generally operable after the restoration of power for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power.

Claim 22

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, and means generally operable after the restoration of power for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power.

Claim 23

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 18 wherein said electronic means includes means for producing pulses indicative of proper functioning of said electronic means and the reclosing relay further comprises means for generating a third signal upon a cessation of said pulses.

Claim 24

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 18 wherein said electronic means includes means for supplying the reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by selectively bypassing or executing an instantaneous reclose attempt and at least one time delayed reclose attempt and the reclosing relay further comprises means for selectively causing said electronic means to bypass the instantaneous reclose attempt.

Claim 25

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 18 wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and said electronic means includes means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 26

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 18 wherein said electronic means includes means for storing in nonvolatile form a running count of the number of occurrences over time of lockout resulting from unsuccessful reclosures.

Claim 27

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operation in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for producing respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence as they occur and storing in nonvolatile form the running counts specifying the numbers of occurrences of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure.

Claim 28

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operation in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for producing respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence as they occur and storing in nonvolatile form the running counts specifying the numbers of occurrences of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure.

Claim 29

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 wherein said electronic means includes means for supplying a pilot reclose command for the breaker separate from the first-named reclose command for the breaker and means for storing a running count in nonvolatile form specifying the number of occurrences of the pilot reclose command.

Claim 30

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 wherein said electronic means includes means for supplying a lockout signal after a predetermined series of the operations, and means for storing a running count in nonvolatile form specifying the number of occurrences over time of the lockout signal.

Claim 31

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 further comprising means for adjustably establishing and indicating a time interval between operations in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 32

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 26 further comprising first and second indicators, wherein said electronic means includes means for activating said first indicator depending on whether the reclosing sequence is in progress and means for activating said second indicator to indicate the point reached in the sequence.

Claim 33

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 wherein the reclosing sequence includes a reset time and said electronic means includes means for supplying a lockout signal if the operations are not completed within a predetermined time period after the breaker is initially tripped, the reclosing relay further comprising means for establishing the predetermined time period for the electronic means independently of the reset time in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 34

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 wherein said electronic means is subject itself to the loss of power to the reclosing relay and includes means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss.

Claim 35

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 23 wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a predetermined time interval and said electronic means is subject itself to the loss of power to the reclosing relay and includes means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed and storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the predetermined time interval when the interval is being timed and the second signal occurs, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss.

Claim 36

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence, wherein said electronic means also includes means for supplying a lockout signal after a predetermined number of reclose commands have been supplied and the circuit breaker still reopens within a predetermined reset time interval after the last reclose command, means for also supplying a lockout signal in response to an externally derived drive to lockout (DTL) signal, and means for storing a running count in nonvolatile form specifying the number of occurrences of the lockout signal excluding occurrences of the lockout signal responsive to the DTL signal.

Claim 37

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence, wherein said electronic means also includes means for supplying a lockout signal after a predetermined number of reclose commands have been supplied and the circuit breaker still reopens within a predetermined reset time interval after the last reclose command, means for also supplying a lockout signal in response to an externally derived drive to lockout (DTL) signal, and means for storing a running count in nonvolatile form specifying the number of occurrences of the lockout signal excluding occurrences of the lockout signal responsive to the DTL signal.

Claim 38

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence; means for adjustably establishing and indicating a time interval between operations in the reclosing sequence; and first and second indicators and means for selecting a test mode, wherein said electronic means includes means generally operable when said test mode is selected for activating said first or said second indicator depending on whether a number, indicated by the means for adjustably establishing and indicating, is respectively at most equal or at least equal to one of the running counts.

Claim 39

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence; means for adjustably establishing and indicating a time interval between operations in the reclosing sequence; and first and second indicators and means for selecting a test mode, wherein said electronic means includes means generally operable when said test mode is selected for activating said first or said second indicator depending on whether a number, indicated by the means for adjustably establishing and indicating, is respectively at most equal or at least equal to one of the running counts.

Claim 40

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 32 further comprising second means for adjustably establishing and indicating a selection from the respective running counts in the test mode.

Claim 41

A reclosing relay as set forth in claim 33 further comprising third indicator means connected to said electronic means for verifying what selection from the respective running counts has been received from said second means for adjustably establishing and indicating in the test mode.

Claim 42

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence, the reclosing relay further comprising distinct reclose and pilot reclose output contacts, the reclose output contacts being actuated in response to the reclose command, wherein said electronic means also includes means having separate inputs for reclose initiation and pilot reclose initiation for producing a pilot reclose command for the breaker through the pilot reclose output contacts in response to the input for pilot reclose initiation and means for storing an additional running count in nonvolatile form to specify a corresponding number of occurrences over time of the pilot reclose command.

Claim 43

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal including means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a predetermined reclosing sequence wherein the operations in the reclosing sequence include an instantaneous reclosure and one or more time delayed reclosures, and means for storing in nonvolatile form respective running counts to specify corresponding numbers of occurrences over time of the instantaneous reclosure and each time delayed reclosure in the reclosing sequence, the reclosing relay further comprising distinct reclose and pilot reclose output contacts, the reclose output contacts being actuated in response to the reclose command, wherein said electronic means also includes means having separate inputs for reclose initiation and pilot reclose initiation for producing a pilot reclose command for the breaker through the pilot reclose output contacts in response to the input for pilot reclose initiation and means for storing an additional running count in nonvolatile form to specify a corresponding number of occurrences over time of the pilot reclose command.

Claim 44

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; electronic means connected to said first signal producing means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a reclosing sequence having a time delay and for supplying a lockout signal if the operations are not completed within a predetermined time period after the breaker is initially tripped; and means for establishing the predetermined time period for the electronic means independently of the time delay in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 45

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system with a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; electronic means connected to said first signal producing means for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing one or more operations in a reclosing sequence having a time delay and for supplying a lockout signal if the operations are not completed within a predetermined time period after the breaker is initially tripped; and means for establishing the predetermined time period for the electronic means independently of the time delay in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 54

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including; means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein the reclosing sequence includes a reset time and said electronic means includes means for supplying a lockout signal if the operations are not completed within a predetermined time period after the breaker is initially tripped, the reclosing relay further comprising means for establishing the predetermined time period for the electronic means independently of the reset time in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 55

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including; means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein the reclosing sequence includes a reset time and said electronic means includes means for supplying a lockout signal if the operations are not completed within a predetermined time period after the breaker is initially tripped, the reclosing relay further comprising means for establishing the predetermined time period for the electronic means independently of the reset time in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 56

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operations in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a reset time interval and said electronic means also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal, after the reclose command is supplied and the first signal indicates breaker closed, for storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reset time interval when the reset time interval is being timed and the second signal occurs, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open that occurs after the loss of power to the electronic means and before the restoration of power by operating after the restoration of power if the first signal after restoration of power indicates breaker open to begin timing a reclose time delay in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 57

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operations in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a reset time interval and said electronic means also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal, after the reclose command is supplied and the first signal indicates breaker closed, for storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reset time interval when the reset time interval is being timed and the second signal occurs, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open that occurs after the loss of power to the electronic means and before the restoration of power by operating after the restoration of power if the first signal after restoration of power indicates breaker open to begin timing a reclose time delay in the reclosing sequence.

Claim 58

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a reset time interval and said electronic means has an input for a reclose initiation signal and also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal, after a reclose command is supplied by the electronic means and the first signal indicates breaker closed, for timing the reset time interval and upon an occurrence of the second signal storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reset time interval, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power by operating when the first signal indicates breaker open after restoration of power and the reset time interval has a time period remaining in the nonvolatile memory and the reclose initiation signal is present after the restoration of power to begin timing a reclose time delay in the reclosing sequence, and means for producing a lockout signal instead in response to the change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open when there is no reclose initiation signal after the restoration of power.

Claim 59

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein an operation in the reclosing sequence comprises timing a reset time interval and said electronic means has an input for a reclose initiation signal and also includes means responsive to the means for producing the first signal, after a reclose command is supplied by the electronic means and the first signal indicates breaker closed, for timing the reset time interval and upon an occurrence of the second signal storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reset time interval, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power by operating when the first signal indicates breaker open after restoration of power and the reset time interval has a time period remaining in the nonvolatile memory and the reclose initiation signal is present after the restoration of power to begin timing a reclose time delay in the reclosing sequence, and means for producing a lockout signal instead in response to the change in state of the circuit breaker from closed to open when there is no reclose initiation signal after the restoration of power.

Claim 60

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one of more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein the reclosing sequence has operations including timing a reclose time delay and said electronic means also includes responsive to the means for producing the first signal after a reclose when the first signal indicates breaker tripped open for timing a reclose time delay and upon an occurrence of the second signal storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reclose time delay, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from open to closed that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power by operating after the restoration of power if the first signal after restoration of power indicates breaker closed to thereupon begin timing a reset time for the reclosing relay.

Claim 61

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and reclosing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one of more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation upon restoration of power after the power loss, wherein the reclosing sequence has operations including timing a reclose time delay and said electronic means also includes responsive to the means for producing the first signal after a reclose when the first signal indicates breaker tripped open for timing a reclose time delay and upon an occurrence of the second signal storing a value in the nonvolatile memory representing a time period remaining in the reclose time delay, and means for compensating in the reclosing operations for a change in state of the circuit breaker from open to closed that occurs after the loss of power and before the restoration of power by operating after the restoration of power if the first signal after restoration of power indicates breaker closed to thereupon begin timing a reset time for the reclosing relay.

Claim 62

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and closing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and storing a datum in the nonvolatile memory representing occurrence of a power interruption, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence was currently being executed to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation when the stored datum is also present in the nonvolatile memory upon restoration of power after the power loss, and disabling the use of the stored information when the stored datum is absent from the nonvolatile memory upon restoration of power after the power loss.

Claim 63

A reclosing relay for use in an electrical power system subject to loss of power, the power system having a circuit breaker for clearing line faults by tripping and closing, the breaker having auxiliary contacts defining the state of the circuit breaker as open or closed, the reclosing relay comprising: means responsive to the auxiliary contacts for producing a first signal representative of the state of the breaker; a nonvolatile memory; means for generating a second signal when a loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay is anticipated; and electronic means, subject itself to the loss of power from the electrical power system to the reclosing relay and connected to the means for producing the first signal and to said means for generating the second signal, including: means responsive to the first signal for supplying a reclose command for the breaker when the breaker is open by executing a predetermined reclosing sequence of one or more operations, means for storing information in the nonvolatile memory in response to the generation of the second signal, when a loss of power is anticipated and before power is lost to the electronic means, thereby identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence is currently being executed, and storing a datum in the nonvolatile memory representing occurrence of a power interruption, and means responsive to the first signal for using the stored information from the nonvolatile memory identifying which operation in the reclosing sequence was currently being executed to continue in the reclosing sequence from the identified operation when the stored datum is also present in the nonvolatile memory upon restoration of power after the power loss, and disabling the use of the stored information when the stored datum is absent from the nonvolatile memory upon restoration of power after the power loss.