Synchronous load lock-out control system for battery powered equipment
First Claim
1. A load lock-out control for intermittently energized battery powered equipment comprising means for monitoring the state of charge of the battery, said monitoring means being operable to produce a signal change when there is a change in the battery charge from an acceptable charge to a substantially reduced charge, a controller for controlling a current to the battery powered equipment, a control circuit for said controller, a lock-out relay connected in said control circuit for controlling said controller, said lock-out relay being connected to respond to the signal change from acceptable battery charge to reduced battery charge from said monitoring means to open said control circuit, a current-detecting means connected to detect the presence of current in said control circuit for controlling said controller, said current-detecting means being connected to said lock-out relay and being operable to hold off the lock-out operation of said lock-out relay while current above a first predetermined value is flowing in said control circuit so that the lock out operation of said lock-out relay will occur only during a condition in which the control circuit current is below said first predetermined value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The system includes a battery state-of-charge monitoring circuit which is operable to produce a signal change when there is a change in the battery charge from an acceptable charge to a substantially reduced charge. The signal change from the monitor is connected to control a lock-out relay to disable a control circuit for a load controller for battery powered equipment which is to be locked out. A current detecting device is connected to detect the presence of current in the control circuit of the controller and is connected to hold off the lock-out operation of the lock-out relay while current is flowing in the control circuit to thereby assure that the lock-out of the load occurs after a normal interruption of the load control circuit.
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A load lock-out control for intermittently energized battery powered equipment comprising means for monitoring the state of charge of the battery, said monitoring means being operable to produce a signal change when there is a change in the battery charge from an acceptable charge to a substantially reduced charge, a controller for controlling a current to the battery powered equipment, a control circuit for said controller, a lock-out relay connected in said control circuit for controlling said controller, said lock-out relay being connected to respond to the signal change from acceptable battery charge to reduced battery charge from said monitoring means to open said control circuit, a current-detecting means connected to detect the presence of current in said control circuit for controlling said controller, said current-detecting means being connected to said lock-out relay and being operable to hold off the lock-out operation of said lock-out relay while current above a first predetermined value is flowing in said control circuit so that the lock out operation of said lock-out relay will occur only during a condition in which the control circuit current is below said first predetermined value.
Specification