Electronic relay controller

A method for controlling a relay, the method comprising:

• monitoring a desired electrical parameter associated with contacts of the relay;
• starting a counter when the parameter is approximately at a predetermined value;
• receiving a control signal which indicates that the contacts are to change state;
• and
• effecting a change of state of the relay at a predetermined count of the counter in response to receiving the control signal.

A device for controlling a relay, the device comprising:

• a microprocessor at least partially defining a counter;
• input control circuitry configured to communicate an input control signal to the microprocessor, the input control signal indicating that the relay is to change state;
• sample conditioning circuitry configured to condition a sample of a periodic waveform of electricity associated with contacts of the relay so as to make the sample compatible with the microprocessor, the sample conditioning circuitry then providing the sample to the microprocessor;
• driver circuitry configured to receive an output control signal from the microprocessor and to cause the relay to change state in response to the output control signal;
• and
• wherein the sample causes the counter to reset when the sample is at a predetermined value and wherein the input control signal causes the microprocessor to provide the output control signal after waiting until the counter is at a predetermined value.

A relay comprising:

• a coil;
• at least one set of contacts, the state of the contacts being responsive to the coil;
• and
• a relay controller comprising a delay circuit configured to delay a change of state of the relay until at least one electrical parameter associated with the contacts is within a desired range.

A switch comprising:

• an actuator;
• at least one set of contacts, the state of the contacts being responsive to the actuator;
• and
• a switch controller comprising a delay circuit configured to delay a change of state of the contacts until at least one electrical parameter associated with the contacts is within a desired range.

A motor assembly comprising:

• a motor:
• a switch which provides electricity to the motor;
• and
• circuitry configured to delay a change of state of the switch until at least one electrical parameter of contacts of the switch is within a desired range.