Patent ID: 8718968
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: G01R,H01H

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a memory that stores pre-determined high voltage circuit breaker contact travel distance information; and a processor that estimates a travel curve that graphically represents a position over time for at least one of a closed, an open or a combination of closed and open operations for contacts of a high voltage circuit breaker based on both one or more of the pre-determined travel distances of the stored travel distance information and one or more time values corresponding to state transitions of first and second switches, wherein the first and second switches are affixed to the contacts so as to transition between closed and open states as the contacts move between closed and open positions, the breaker does not include a contact travel sensor that measures actual travel distances of the contacts during breaker operations, and the processor extends via extrapolation the travel curve to a fully open position of the contacts from a first point in time on the travel curve that is stored in the memory where a state of the first switch transitions from closed to open as determined by a first switch indicator, and to a fully closed position of the contacts from a second point on the travel curve that is stored in the memory where a state of the second switch transitions from open to closed as determined by a second switch indicator.