Electronic control for monitoring status of a compressor
First Claim
1. An electronic controller which monitors a status of a compressor, comprising:
- fault detecting means for detecting a fault in said compressor;
timing means, connected to said fault detecting means, for initiating a predetermined timing period in response to a fault detected by said fault detecting means;
power means for providing power to said compressor, said power means responsive to said timing means, for disconnecting power to said compressor when the detected fault is not corrected within said predetermined timing period, and for continuing power to said compressor when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined period;
means for resetting said timing means when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined timing period; and
an alarm circuit which activates an alarm in response to the detection of a fault by said fault detecting means and which deactivates said alarm at the conclusion of said predetermined timing period only if said fault is not corrected within said timing period, and which deactivates said alarm during said timing period only if said fault is corrected within said timing period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The compressor controller includes a timing circuit for timing-out a detected fault in a compressor. Upon the fault existing for longer than a predetermined time limit, the controller removes power from the compressor. If the fault is corrected within the predetermined time limit, even momentarily, the timing process is discontinued and the controller continues to monitor the status of the compressor. The controller also includes a delay timer for delaying the re-energizing of the compressor after an interruption or loss of power occurs. The delay prevents short cycling of the compressor. The controller further includes a status display for indicating compressor functions, connections to an alarm which is initiated in the event of compressor failure, a switch for initiating a self test of the controller, and circuitry for a field applied current sensing relay.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An electronic controller which monitors a status of a compressor, comprising:
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fault detecting means for detecting a fault in said compressor; timing means, connected to said fault detecting means, for initiating a predetermined timing period in response to a fault detected by said fault detecting means; power means for providing power to said compressor, said power means responsive to said timing means, for disconnecting power to said compressor when the detected fault is not corrected within said predetermined timing period, and for continuing power to said compressor when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined period; means for resetting said timing means when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined timing period; and an alarm circuit which activates an alarm in response to the detection of a fault by said fault detecting means and which deactivates said alarm at the conclusion of said predetermined timing period only if said fault is not corrected within said timing period, and which deactivates said alarm during said timing period only if said fault is corrected within said timing period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for controlling a compressor, comprising the steps of:
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supplying a source of electrical power to a compressor controller; selectively energizing and de-energizing an output of said compressor controller which in turn supplies power to said compressor; detecting whether a loss of power to said compressor controller has occurred; determining whether the lubrication oil pressure equals or exceeds a predetermined threshold incrementing a first timer upon determining that the lubrication oil pressure does not equal or exceed said predetermined threshold so as to time a period during which said lubrication oil pressure is lower than said predetermined threshold; activating a first alarm in response to the determination that the oil pressure does not equal to or exceed said predetermined threshold; de-energizing said output and activating a second alarm when said first timer is incremented above a predetermined time limit; and implementing a predetermined delay before said output is re-energized after said output has been de-energized in response to a detection that a loss of power has occurred. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A controller for a compressor comprising a power supply means for selectively supplying and interrupting electrical power to said controller;
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detecting means for detecting an interruption of power supplied to said controller; sensing means for detecting a fault in said compressor and for generating a first signal when a fault is detected; first timer means responsive to the continuous presence of said first signal for generating a second signal after a predetermined time from initial presence of said first signal, said power means in response to said second signal interrupting the power to said controller; and alarm means, including a first indicator, for indicating the presence of said first signal and, including a second indicator, for indicating the absence of electrical power being supplied to said controller, said first indicator being inactive when said second indicator is active. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification