Logic level electrical interlock device
US5198789A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1991 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2071/048
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A logic level interlock device for an electrical contactor having an armature carrying separable contacts is provided. The interlock includes a plunger which is movable with the armature as the armature moves between its open and closed positions. A logic level sensing means is provided adjacent the plunger. An activation means which is sensed by the logic level sensing means is carried by the plunger member. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensing means is a set of magnetic reed switches which are activated by a permanent magnet carried on the plunger. In another embodiment of the invention, the sensing means is an opto-coupler circuit. The activation means carried on the plunger is perferably an opening which allows the infrared radiation to pass through to the receiver portion of the opto-coupler. In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention, the sensing means are two inductive sensing elements which are activated by a permanent magnet or a ferrite bead. In each case, a logic level signal is generated which is communicated to an associated microprocessor or other device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.