Load bank alternating current regulating control
First Claim
1. A solenoid control system for solenoid operated transfer switches used for switching an electrical load from a first electrical power source to a second electrical power source, the system comprising:
- a transfer switch switchably connected between the first power source and the load and the second power source and the load;
a rectifier, the rectifier being connected to at least one of said power sources;
at least one solenoid, the solenoid being mechanically coupled to said transfer switch;
at least one solenoid control circuit, wherein the solenoid control circuit comprises a CMOS timer integrated circuit for controlling the solenoid, the control circuit connected to said rectifier and said solenoid; and
a controller, the controller being connected to said solenoid control circuit whereby the controller sends a signal to the solenoid control circuit thereby causing the solenoid to move the transfer switch from one of said power sources to the other.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical control module, including a control circuit, and voltage rectifier for controlling a solenoid. The control circuit is adapted for use in a transfer switch receiving power from two power sources and sending power to a single load, such as a commercial building or hospital. The control circuit and solenoid are designed to work over a broad range of voltages to quickly and efficiently transfer power from the first power source to the second. The circuit is particularly well suited for use in a closed transition transfer switch where the second source is connected before the first source is disconnected.
57 Citations
37 Claims
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1. A solenoid control system for solenoid operated transfer switches used for switching an electrical load from a first electrical power source to a second electrical power source, the system comprising:
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a transfer switch switchably connected between the first power source and the load and the second power source and the load;
a rectifier, the rectifier being connected to at least one of said power sources;
at least one solenoid, the solenoid being mechanically coupled to said transfer switch;
at least one solenoid control circuit, wherein the solenoid control circuit comprises a CMOS timer integrated circuit for controlling the solenoid, the control circuit connected to said rectifier and said solenoid; and
a controller, the controller being connected to said solenoid control circuit whereby the controller sends a signal to the solenoid control circuit thereby causing the solenoid to move the transfer switch from one of said power sources to the other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10)
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8. A solenoid control system for solenoid operated transfer switches used for switching an electrical load from a first electrical power source to a second electrical power source, the system comprising:
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a transfer switch switchably connected between the first power source and the load and the second power source and the load;
a rectifier, the rectifier being connected to at least one of said power sources;
at least one solenoid, the solenoid being mechanically coupled to said transfer switch;
at least one solenoid control circuit, wherein the solenoid control circuit comprises low voltage protection means associated with said circuit for extending the time period a predetermined current is sent to each solenoid when an inadequate input voltage is received from said rectifier, the control circuit connected to said rectifier and said solenoid; and
a controller, the controller being connected to said solenoid control circuit whereby the controller sends a signal to the solenoid control circuit thereby causing the solenoid to move the transfer switch from one of said power sources to the other.
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11. A solenoid control circuit connected to first and second voltage sources, connected to an external signal mechanism and connected to a solenoid having at least one coil, said circuit comprising:
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a control means for receiving and validating a control signal from said external signal mechanism;
a solenoid current regulator circuit including a current monitoring circuit coupled to said control means, capable of receiving said control signal, and coupled to a micro-controller means;
a power switching means, said power switching means connected to and receiving power from one of said voltage sources;
said micro-controller means connected to and providing timing control to said power switching means;
said power switching means being connected to said solenoid coil; and
said current signal allowing a solenoid current to decay for a predetermined period of time after a predetermined current level is established in the solenoid coil. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A circuit for controlling a current applied to a solenoid having an external signal source and a voltage source, the circuit comprising:
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a signal receiving means for receiving a signal from the external signal source;
a power switching means, said power switching means being connected in series with said voltage source and said solenoid;
a current regulating solenoid driver circuit, said driver circuit capable of monitoring the signal from said signal receiving means and sending an output to said power switching means thereby allowing the current to flow through said solenoid until it reaches a predetermined level thereby causing the switching means to turn off for a predetermined period of time after which the switching means is again turned on. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification