Patent ID: 6297569
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
In a power connection system for supplying power to a load during a demand interval defined by a predetermined value of a demand signal, said connection system having i) a first electrically controlled switch having first and second power terminals, and a first control terminal for receiving a first connect signal, and responsive thereto establishing electrical contact between the first switch's first and second power terminals, and ii) a second electrically controlled switch having first and second power terminals, and a second control terminal for receiving a second connect signal, and responsive thereto establishing electrical contact between the second switch's first and second power terminals, said first switch's first power terminal for connection to a power source, said first switch's second power terminal and said second switch's first power terminal in electrical connection, and said second switch's second power terminal for connection to the load, a switch operating system comprising:a) a first voltage sensor having a sensor terminal connected to the first switch's second power terminal, and providing at a signal terminal a first power signal having a first value responsive to power voltage present at the sensor terminal and having a second value otherwise;b) a switch status detector receiving the first power signal and the demand signal, and responsive to the start of the demand interval and the second value of the first power signal, providing a first status signal having a second value, and a first value otherwise; andc) a switch controller receiving the first status signal and responsive to the second value thereof, providing the second connect signal to the second control terminal and after a first preselected interval, providing the first connect signal to the first control terminal.