Dual mode controller for assigning operating priority of two loads
First Claim
1. A dual mode controller used to allow only one of a first and a second load to operate at a time and used to select which load is given priority over the other to operate, comprising:
- a. a switch having a first and a second position;
b. sensing means for determining which of said first and second loads is operating; and
c. contact means, responsive to said sensing means and said switch, for allowing only one load to operate at one time with said first load given priority when said switch is in said second position, and when said switch is in said first position, preventing one load from turning on when the other load is operating.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A dual mode controller used to allow only one of either a primary heating/cooling system or a hot water heater to operate at one time. It is particularly useful where utility billing is based on peak demand. A two-position switch is used to select the mode such that in one switch position the heating/cooling system is given priority regardless of the operating status of the hot water heater, and in the other position the operating load is given priority. This relatively simple circuit includes one conventional relay and either another conventional relay or a pilot duty relay energized by an integral "doughnut" type current transformer.
21 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A dual mode controller used to allow only one of a first and a second load to operate at a time and used to select which load is given priority over the other to operate, comprising:
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a. a switch having a first and a second position; b. sensing means for determining which of said first and second loads is operating; and c. contact means, responsive to said sensing means and said switch, for allowing only one load to operate at one time with said first load given priority when said switch is in said second position, and when said switch is in said first position, preventing one load from turning on when the other load is operating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A dual mode controller used to allow only one of a first and a second load to operate at a time and used to select which load is given priority over the other to operate, comprising:
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a. a switch having a first and a second position; b. first sensing means for determining if said first load is turned on; c. second sensing means for determining if said second load is turned on; d. first contact means, responsive to said first sensing means for preventing said second load from operating when said first load is energized regardless of the switch position; and e. second contact means, responsive to said second sensing means, for preventing said first load from turning on when said second load is operating and said switch is in said second position. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A dual mode controller used to allow only one of a first and a second load to operate at a time and used to select which load is given priority over the other to operate, comprising:
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a. a switch having a first and a second position; b. a first current sensor that determines if said first load is operating; c. a second current sensor that determines if said second load is operating; d. first contacts for controlling said second load in response to said first current sensor; e. second contacts for controlling said first load in response to a second current sensor wherein said second current sensor is in series with said first contacts and wherein said second contacts are connected in series with said first current sensor when said switch is in said second position and said second contacts are bypassed when said switch is in said first position, whereby only one load can operate at one time with said first load having priority when said switch is in said first position and when said switch is in said second position, preventing one load from turning on when the other load is operating. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification