Patent ID: 6680547
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
A system for powering a plurality of loads, comprising:a power supply including rechargeable DC batteries coupled to an inverter/charger circuit that converts a supplied AC voltage to a DC voltage to charge said DC batteries, and that converts a DC output voltage from said DC batteries to an AC output voltage when said DC batteries are discharging; first means having an input port coupled to an AC voltage source and having an output port, said first means being programmable with at least one selected time period, said first means coupling said AC voltage source to said output port during a non-selected time period that is different than said selected time period and said first means uncoupling said AC voltage source from said output port during said selected time period; second means coupled to said output port for sensing thereon one of a normal AC voltage and an inadequate AC voltage, said second means including a switch coupled between said output port and said inverter/charger circuit for selectively being placed in one of a first position when said normal AC voltage is sensed and a second position when said inadequate AC voltage is sensed wherein, in said first position, said switch is positioned to supply said normal AC voltage to said inverter/charger circuit as said supplied AC voltage wherein said normal AC voltage is available across said switch, and wherein, in said second position, said switch is positioned to receive said AC output voltage from said inverter/charger circuit as said DC batteries discharge wherein said AC output voltage is available across said switch; and third means coupled to said AC voltage source, said switch in said second position, and the plurality of loads, said third means including a power source selector switch coupled to each of the plurality of loads and positioned to be coupled to one of said AC voltage source and said switch in said second position, wherein one of said normal AC voltage and said AC output voltage is available across said power source selector switch, said third means further including a programmable means coupled to each said power source selector switch for controlling a position thereof based on power requirements of the plurality of loads, wherein each said power source selector switch is individually controlled to maximize usage of said AC output voltage supplied by said power supply.