One time programmable switched-output controller
First Claim
1. A one time programmable switched-output controller apparatus which comprises:
- a. a plurality of relays for providing a plurality of controlled switched outputs, said relays being selected from the group consisting of power relays, signal switching relays, dry contact closing relays and combinations thereof, each of said relays having a corresponding relay operating coil;
b. a power section configured for receiving AC line power and for providing internal operating DC voltage and connected for providing line AC power to any power relays and thereby to corresponding outputs when the corresponding power relay coils are actuated, and for providing DC voltage to any signal switching relays and thereby to corresponding outputs when the corresponding switching signal relay coils are activated; and
c. a microcontroller connected for receiving said at least one operating DC voltage and having outputs connected to said relay coils, said microcontroller containing a one time programmable memory which is programmed to perform the specific tasks of actuating one or more of said relay coils in accordance with a preestablished protocol for operation of said relays.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A one time programmable (OTP) electronic switched-output controller apparatus comprises a plurality of switched-output relays which may be power relays, signal voltage relays, dry switching relays or any combination thereof. A power section receives AC line power and provides at least one internal operating DC voltage and provides line AC power to any power relays and to the related power outputs when the relay are actuated. An A-D converter provides DC voltage for internal operation and to any DC voltage relays. A one time programmable microcontroller, which has outputs connected to the relay coils, is programmed before installation in the switched-output controller apparatus to cause actuation of the relay coils in accordance with a preestablished operating protocol. The apparatus is shown connected for receiving RS232 signals and has an internal modem for receiving external signals over a telephone line. A relay enables switching between the RS232 and modem inputs. Provision is also made to receive other external signals, for example, from temperature or pressure sensing devices. A corresponding method of manufacturing the OTP switched-output controller apparatus is disclosed.
92 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A one time programmable switched-output controller apparatus which comprises:
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a. a plurality of relays for providing a plurality of controlled switched outputs, said relays being selected from the group consisting of power relays, signal switching relays, dry contact closing relays and combinations thereof, each of said relays having a corresponding relay operating coil; b. a power section configured for receiving AC line power and for providing internal operating DC voltage and connected for providing line AC power to any power relays and thereby to corresponding outputs when the corresponding power relay coils are actuated, and for providing DC voltage to any signal switching relays and thereby to corresponding outputs when the corresponding switching signal relay coils are activated; and c. a microcontroller connected for receiving said at least one operating DC voltage and having outputs connected to said relay coils, said microcontroller containing a one time programmable memory which is programmed to perform the specific tasks of actuating one or more of said relay coils in accordance with a preestablished protocol for operation of said relays. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for constructing a one time programmable switched-output controller apparatus, said method comprising the steps of:
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a. connecting a power supply for receiving AC line power from an external source and for providing a DC voltage therefrom; b. selecting a plurality of output relays consisting of power relays, signal switching relays, dry contact closing relays or combinations thereof; c. connecting any of said selected power relays to said power supply for receiving AC line power therefrom and for providing said AC line power to corresponding outlets when said power relays are activated; d. connecting any of said selected signal switching relays to said power supply for receiving DC voltage therefrom and for providing said DC voltage to corresponding outlets when said signal switching relays are activated; e. connecting a microcontroller, which contains a one time programmable memory, for receiving said at least one operating DC voltage and for controlling the actuating of relay coil associated with said selected relays; and f. programming said one time programmable memory to perform the specific task of actuating selected ones of said relay coils in accordance with a preestablished protocol for operation of said relay coils. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification