Method and apparatus for monitoring wellness of contactors and starters
US7705601B2 · kind B2 · utility
30Cited by
9References
39Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2047/008
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for monitoring the remaining useable life, or “wellness,” of a contactor or motor starter, and for predicting impending faults of such a device, is disclosed. By monitoring actuating coil current, actuating coil voltage, line current, and/or line voltage, the present invention can calculate wellness metrics which, when compared to threshold values, may be used as indicators of remaining life and/or imminent failures. The invention also provides non-mechanical positive indications of proper closures and openings of contacts for safety interlocking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.