Electronic switching device
First Claim
1. An electronic switching device including means for controlling the flow of current from an external source through an external load, comprising:
- input means rendered operable by a voltage produced by said external source and load and for producing an operating signal responsive to a predetermined external condition,power switching means in a series circuit with said external source and said external load and connected to receive said output signal from said input means for switching current flow through said series circuit responsive to said output signal,current detecting means coupled to said power switching means for detecting abnormally large currents flowing through said power switching means and for producing a limiting signal responsive to the appearance of an abnormally large current equal to or greater than a predetermined value,current limiting means connected in series with said power switching means for interrupting the current flow therethrough, said current limiting means being coupled to said current detecting means whereby said current limiting means is operated responsive to the appearance of said limiting signal andholding circuit means coupled to said current limiting means for maintaining the current limiting means in an operative state for interrupting flow through said power switching means for a predetermined period of operation of said electronic switching device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic switching device having a detection circuit or input circuit powered by an external source and load is described. The external source and load are in a series circuit with a power switching element which thereby provides switch controlled power in response to an output signal generated from a detection circuit. A current limiting device is connected in series with the power switching element, and an excess current detection circuit responds to excessive current flowing in the aforemention series circuit to interrupt the power switching element when an abnormally large current is passed. Circuitry is provided for holding the current limiting device in its operable or current interrupting state for a predetermined period of time.
74 Citations
7 Claims
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1. An electronic switching device including means for controlling the flow of current from an external source through an external load, comprising:
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input means rendered operable by a voltage produced by said external source and load and for producing an operating signal responsive to a predetermined external condition, power switching means in a series circuit with said external source and said external load and connected to receive said output signal from said input means for switching current flow through said series circuit responsive to said output signal, current detecting means coupled to said power switching means for detecting abnormally large currents flowing through said power switching means and for producing a limiting signal responsive to the appearance of an abnormally large current equal to or greater than a predetermined value, current limiting means connected in series with said power switching means for interrupting the current flow therethrough, said current limiting means being coupled to said current detecting means whereby said current limiting means is operated responsive to the appearance of said limiting signal and holding circuit means coupled to said current limiting means for maintaining the current limiting means in an operative state for interrupting flow through said power switching means for a predetermined period of operation of said electronic switching device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification