Current fault detector and circuit interrupter and packaging thereof
US7016171B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02H3/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power controller is positioned within a current path between the line side and the load side of an electrical circuit. The power controller closes the current path in the presence of a control supply and opens the current path in the absence of the control supply. A power supply electrically connected to the current path provides the control supply. A sensor system receives power from the power supply, monitors the current in the current path and outputs a sensor signal indicative of a current condition within the current path. A logic controller also receives power from the power supply, receives the sensor signal and removes the control supply from the power controller when the sensor signal does not satisfy an established criteria. The sensor system may include one or both of an imbalance sensor for monitoring the current balance among two or more electrical lines and over-current sensors for monitoring current in individual lines.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.