Patent ID: 6621668
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A relay circuit means for controlling the application of AC power to an load using a relay having arc suppression circuitry, which comprising;A. a relay means comprising; (1) relay contacts being movable between an open position preventing AC current flow therebetween and a closed position allowing AC current flow therebetween; (2) a relay coil means electromagnetically operatively connected to said relay contacts and being operative to urge said relay contacts to the closed position responsive to powering of said relay coil means and being operative to allow movement of said relay contacts to the open position responsive to de-powering of said relay coil means; B. a relay coil powering circuit means electrically in series with said relay coil means for selectively powering and de-powering thereof; C. arc suppression circuit means for sensing powering and de-powering of said relay coil means and for suppressing transient electrical arcing across said relay contacts during closing and opening thereof, said arc suppression circuit means comprising: (1) a first solid state circuit means in electrical communication with said relay coil powering circuit means to be selectively responsive to powering and de-powering of said relay coil means, said first solid state circuit means including a parallel diode means for facilitating suppression of electrical spikes in said relay coil means; (2) a second solid state circuit means being responsive to said first solid state circuit means to sense activation and de-activation of said first solid state circuit means, said second solid state circuit means being connected electrically in parallel with respect to said relay contacts to prevent arcing therebetween; (3) an electromagnetic coupling means operative to provide electrical communication between said first solid state circuit means and said second solid state circuit means to selectively cause powering of said second solid state circuit means responsive to electric operation of said first solid state circuit means, said electromagnetic coupling means including a light emitting diode means in series with said relay coil means, said parallel diode means of said first solid state circuit means being positioned electrically in parallel with respect to both said relay coil means and said electromagnetic coupling means to further facilitate suppression of electrical spikes in said relay coil means; D. an AC load means positioned electrically in series with said relay contacts; and E. an AC powering circuit means electrically in communication with said AC load means for selectively supplying AC power thereto responsive to closing of said relay contacts.