Patent ID: 8473167

Claim:
A lift gate system, comprising: an interface device for receiving operation information from an operator for controlling a lift gate assembly including an actuator system for actuating a lift gate; a main controller device configured for controlling the actuator system, wherein the main controller device comprises: a solid state relay switch for selectively directing electrical power to the actuator system; a microcontroller configured for controlling the solid state relay switch based on operator commands and based on satisfaction of at least one condition, for controlling operation of the lift gate assembly; wherein the actuator system comprises a hydraulic actuator system including a direct current hydraulic pump motor for powering a hydraulic pump to actuate an actuator; and the solid state switch device is configured for selectively turning power to the pump motor ON and OFF in response to control signals from the microcontroller, the solid state switch device comprising a first field effect transistor (FET) bank, and a second FET bank connected in series with the first FET bank.