US 2002/0162033 A1 · Programmable controller for remotely controlling input power through a switch to a load and an associated method of operation

Abstract

A programmable controller is provided that is capable of interfacing with a remote master controller, where the programmable controller is capable of controlling an input current to at least one load that is proximate the programmable controller. The programmable controller includes at least one solid-state switch capable of controllably altering the input current to the loads. The programmable controller also includes at least one measuring element for measuring at least one parameter associated with the loads and the solid-state switches, such as the current through the solid-state switches, the current through and voltage drop across the loads and/or the temperature at or around the solid-state switches. Additionally, the programmable controller includes a processing element capable of controlling the solid-state switches, such as by controlling the current through the solid-state switches to the loads.

Claims83

Dependent claims

A programmable controller capable of interfacing with a remote master controller, wherein said programmable controller is capable of controlling an input current to at least one load, said programmable controller comprising:

at least one solid-state switch capable of controllably altering the input current to the at least one load;
at least one measuring element for measuring at least one parameter associated with the at least one load and said at least one solid-state switch;
and
a processing element disposed proximate the at least one load, and electrically connected to said at least one solid-state switch and said at least one measuring element, wherein said processing element is capable of controlling said at least one solid-state switch according to the at least one parameter.

1 more element

A programmable switch controller capable of interfacing with a remote master controller, wherein said switch controller is capable of electrically controlling an input current to at least one load, said switch controller comprising at least one solid-state switch capable of controllably altering the input current to the at least one load, wherein said solid-state switch operates in at least one mode selected from a group consisting of an on mode wherein said solid-state switch permits the at least one load to receive the input current, and an off mode wherein said solid-state switch prevents the at least one load from receiving the input current;

at least one measuring element for measuring at least one parameter associate with the at least one load and said at least one solid-state switch;
and
a processing element disposed proximate the at least one load, and electrically connected to said at least one solid-state switch and said at least one measuring element, wherein said processing element is capable of controlling the operating mode of each solid-state switch according to the at least one parameter.

A system of remotely controlling at least one load, said system comprising:

a master controller for controlling an input current to the at least one load;
at least one slave controller disposed remote said master controller and proximate the at least one load, wherein said at least one slave controller is electrically connected between said master controller and the at least one load, and wherein said at least one slave controller comprises:
at least one solid-state switch capable of controllably altering the input current to the at least one load;
at least one measuring element for measuring at least one parameter associated with the at least one load and the at least one solid-state switch, wherein said solid-state switch controllably alters the input current to the at least one load according to the at least one parameter;
and
a processing element electrically connected to said at least one solid-state switch and said at least one measuring element, and capable of controlling said at least one solid-state switch.

3 more elements

A method of remotely controlling an input current from a master controller through at least one switch to at least one load, said method comprising:

configuring a processing element disposed remote the master controller and proximate the at least one load, wherein said configuring is based upon at least one characteristic selected from a group consisting of a current rating of each load, a voltage rating of each load, a maximum current rating of each switch and a temperature rating of each switch;
monitoring at least one parameter associated with each switch and respective load selected from a group consisting of the input current to the load, a voltage drop across the load, the input current through the switch and a temperature of the switch;
determining a condition of each switch and respective load depending upon at least one of the at least one characteristic and the at least one parameter;
operating each switch in at least one mode selected from a group consisting of an on mode wherein the switch permits the input current to flow to a respective load, and an off mode wherein the switch prevents the input current from flowing to the respective load, wherein the operating mode selected depends upon the condition of the respective loads.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Programmable controller for remotely controlling input power through a switch to a load and an associated method of operation

Life of this patent

Programmable controller for remotely controlling input power through a switch to a load and an associated method of operation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims83