Control circuitry

• US 4,800,290 A
• Filed: 11/18/1987
• Issued: 01/24/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Saint Clair Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Norcross Corporation (Saint Clair Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Norcross, Robert A. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shoop, Jr., William M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): IP, SHIK LUEN PAUL
• Application Number:
  US07/123,321
• Time in Patent Office: 433 Days
• Field of Search: 307/34-46, 307/85, 307/86, 307/87, 307/64, 307/66, 361/187, 361/191, 137/87, 137/88, 137/92, 137/101.19, 137/822, 137/823, 137/824, 137/832, 137/838
• US Class Current: 307/43
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 24/02 characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 47/001 Functional circuits, e.g. logic, sequencing, interlocking circuits

Abstract

Control circuitry utilizing first and second voltage sources and first and second circuits across such sources, one circuit having a first energizable element in series with a first diode arrangement and the other circuit having a second energizable element in series with a second diode arrangement. If the voltage difference from the sources is greater than a first value the first diode arrangement is conductive and the energizable element is energized, while if such voltage difference is less than a second value this second diode arrangement is conductive and the second energizable element is energized.

Claims

1. Control circuitry comprising:

a first voltage source for supplying a first voltage V1;

a second voltage source for supplying a second voltage V2;

a first circuit comprising an energizable means and a first diode arrangement connected in series therewith across said first and second voltage sources;

a second circuit comprising a second energizable means and a second diode arrangement connected in series therewith across said first and second voltage sources;

said first and second voltages being arranged so that V1-V2 is greater than a first value, said first diode arrangement becomes conductive and said first energizable means is energized and, when V1-V2, is less than a second value, said second diode arrangement is conductive and said second energizable means is energized.

2. Control circuitry in accordance with claim 1 and further including:

a current limiting circuit comprising a limit switch and an impedance means connected in series therewith across said first and second voltage sources so that when V1-V2 is less than said first value and is greater than said second value, a current flows through said current limiting circuit when said switch is closed.

3. Control circuitry in accordance with claim 2 wherein said first and second energizable means are solenoid coils.

4. Control circuitry in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first diode arrangement comprises a first diode and a Zener diode connected in series and said second diode arrangement includes a second diode.

5. Control circuitry in accordance with claim 4 wherein said impedance means is a resistor.

6. Control circuitry in accordance with claim 2 for use in a viscosity monitoring device and further including

a movable piston means adapted to be moved from a beginning position to an end position within a liquid whose viscosity is to be measured;

first actuation means responsive to the energizing of said first energizable means for positioning said piston means at said beginning position;

said limit switch being responsive to said piston means so as to close when said piston means reaches its said end position within said viscous liquid, thereby completing said current limiting circuit so as to produce a current therethrough; and

second actuation means for introducing a material into said viscous liquid in response to the energization of said second energizable means.

7. A control circuitry in accordance with claim 6 wherein said second actuation means introduces a solvent into said viscous liquid if said limit switch is not closed within a specified time period.