Circuit breaker with status indicating lights
US4969063A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 1989 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A three-condition constantly illuminated status indicator is provided in a circuit breaker to provide three luminesce displays indicating that the breaker is in the on, off or tripped condition. Associated electrical circuitry employs diode-steered capacitive charging elements for selective, common or simultaneous energization of a three-color light emitting diode display without acting as a bypass around the circuit breaker, thus eliminating shock hazard. Selective energization of the light emitting elements is achieved by auxiliary switching means operable to a plurality of switching conditions according to switching conditions of the circuit breaker. The capacitors serve as an impedance to current for the light emitting diodes, eliminating the need for ballasting resistors, resulting in a cooler operating, lower power consumption unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.