Electronic power control circuit
US5600233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/905
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved method and apparatus for handling the large load currents which occur with overloads, short circuits, and momentary overcurrents such as in starting motors or cold incandescent lamp filaments. The method involves turning the load current off when an overcurrent is detected, and then back on again before the end of the half-cycle in which the overcurrent occurred. This allows more current to flow during the half-cycle without the need to increase the peak current capability of the power-handling components. With an incandescent lamp load, this results in more rapid lamp brightening without the need for larger, more expensive components. Several embodiments are disclosed which respond to different features of the power line voltage cycle, including a very low-cost microprocessor circuit and power supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.