Apparatus and method for preventing contact damage in electrical equipment
US5542425A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/911
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A connector is provided for preventing damage to contacts between components of an electrical system which is particularly useful when electrical energy is stored in at least one of the components. The connector includes a mechanically operated latching member for activating and deactivating an electrical interface between the components. In one embodiment, a sensor determines when the connector is being disconnected from one of the components and provides a signal used by one of the components for disabling a power source providing the energy. In another embodiment, the sensor derived disconnect signal controls dissipating the stored energy away from the contacts between the components before the contacts are physically disengaged.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.