Apparatus and method of interrupting current for reductions in arcing of the switch contacts
US5933304A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H9/542
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A current interrupter circuit includes a primary current path and a secondary current path in parallel with one another and provided between input and output terminals. At least one solid state switch, preferably a power MOSFET, are interposed along the secondary current path. At least one electromagnetic relay has relay contacts for engaging and disengaging the primary path from a power source and from the secondary path. A sequencing circuit provides a first control signal to turn on or maintain on the solid state switches prior to sending a second control signal to open/close the relay contacts, and further provides a third control signal to turn off the solid state switches shortly after the relay contacts are opened, whereby arcing of the contacts is prevented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.