Low-voltage connection with safety circuit and method for determining proper connection polarity
US8199024B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/0034
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A safety circuit used in low-voltage connecting systems leaves the two low-voltage systems disconnected until it determines that it is safe to make a connection. When the safety circuit determines that no unsafe conditions exist and that it is safe to connect the two low-voltage systems, the safety circuit may connect the two systems by way of a “soft start” that provides a connection between the two systems over a period of time that reduces or prevents inductive voltage spikes on one or more of the low-voltage systems. When one of the low-voltage systems has a completely-discharged battery incorporated into it, a method is used for detection of proper polarity of the connections between the low-voltage systems. The polarity of the discharged battery is determined by passing one or more test currents through it and determining whether a corresponding voltage rise is observed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.