Patent ID: 6091223
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: B60L,G01R,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
An apparatus for monitoring a voltage drop across a contactor which has both a power input and a power output, wherein the monitoring circuit comprises:(a) an input sense circuit connected to said power input of said contactor, across which a voltage of at least X volts must be applied before substantial current flows;(b) an output sense circuit connected to said power output of said contactor, across which a voltage of at least Y volts must be applied before substantial current flows, wherein voltage X is greater than voltage Y; and(c) a sense threshold circuit which generates an electrical signal responsive to the voltage drop across said contactor, wherein said sense threshold circuit is connected to at least one of said sense circuits such that the contactor voltage drop is determined by the difference in current being conducted through said input sense circuit and said output sense circuit.