Patent ID: 6232675
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: H01H,H02H,H02J

Abstract:
A power distribution apparatus comprising:an input terminal for coupling a power source to the power distribution apparatus;a plurality of output terminals for coupling electrical devices to the power distribution apparatus, each output terminal having a power path associated therewith, wherein the power distribution apparatus comprises at least a first power path and a second power path, the first power path electrically coupling the input terminal to at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the first power path, the second power path electrically coupling the input terminal to at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the second power path;a first relay device disposed along the first power path at a location between the input terminal and said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the first power path, wherein the first relay device controls current flow along the first power path from the input terminal to said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the first power path to thereby control the flow of current from the input terminal to said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the first power path;a second relay device disposed along the second power path at a location between the input terminal and said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the second power path, wherein the second relay device controls current flow along the second power path from the input terminal to said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the second power path to thereby control the flow of current from the input terminal to said at least one output terminal electrically coupled to the second power path; anda controller in communication with the first and second relay devices, the controller receiving input from a switching assembly, the controller interpreting the input from the switching assembly to determine whether the first and second relay device are to be switched on or off, wherein if the controller determines that the first and second relay devices are to be switched on, the controller causes the first and second relay devices to be switched on in sequence, wherein the first relay device is turned on by the controller first in the sequence, and wherein a delay period of a predetermined length of time elapses after the first relay device is switched on before the second relay device is switched on by the controller.