US 4,868,832 A · Computer power system

Abstract

A backup computer power system for powering and controlling a computer which is otherwise powered by a main power source, when the main power source fails or is disconnected, wherein an auxiliary power supply provides power to the computer and an instruction set in the computer controllably shuts down the computer after first allowing optional operator intervention prior to initiation of the programmed shutdown. If the operator chooses to intervene, he can permit completion of the current operations or conduct a manual shutdown procedure. If the operator does not intervene within a predetermined period of time, the instruction set terminates the current activity of the computer, saves the software operating environment of the computer, and shuts down the computer. Optionally, the instruction set can then shut off the auxiliary power supply to save its capacity for later use. When the main power source is restored, the auxiliary power supply signals the computer, and the instruction set initiates normal startup within the constraints of the saved operating environment.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A controller for use with a computer power system for powering and controlling a computer which otherwise is powered by a main power source, the computer power system having

power supply means for providing power to the computer, including an auxiliary power source and a status monitor that, upon failure of the main power source, provides a failure indication output, and that, upon restoration of the main power source, provides a power restoration indication output, and
signalling means for providing the failure indication output and the power restoration indication output to the computer from the status monitor, the controller comprising:
instruction means stored in the computer, the instruction means including:
shutdown code for executing a preprogrammed shutdown sequence upon receipt of the failure indication output from the signalling means,
restart code for executing a preprogrammed restart sequence upon receipt of the power restoration indication output from the signalling means, and
intervention code providing for operator intervention to defeat the preprogrammed shutdown prior to initiation of the preprogrammed shutdown sequence at the option of the operator.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Computer power system

Life of this patent

Computer power system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16