US 4,990,057 A · Electronic control for monitoring status of a compressor

Abstract

The compressor controller includes a timing circuit for timing-out a detected fault in a compressor. Upon the fault existing for longer than a predetermined time limit, the controller removes power from the compressor. If the fault is corrected within the predetermined time limit, even momentarily, the timing process is discontinued and the controller continues to monitor the status of the compressor. The controller also includes a delay timer for delaying the re-energizing of the compressor after an interruption or loss of power occurs. The delay prevents short cycling of the compressor. The controller further includes a status display for indicating compressor functions, connections to an alarm which is initiated in the event of compressor failure, a switch for initiating a self test of the controller, and circuitry for a field applied current sensing relay.

Claims14

Dependent claims

An electronic controller which monitors a status of a compressor, comprising:

fault detecting means for detecting a fault in said compressor;
timing means, connected to said fault detecting means, for initiating a predetermined timing period in response to a fault detected by said fault detecting means;
power means for providing power to said compressor, said power means responsive to said timing means, for disconnecting power to said compressor when the detected fault is not corrected within said predetermined timing period, and for continuing power to said compressor when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined period;
means for resetting said timing means when said detected fault is corrected within said predetermined timing period;
and
an alarm circuit which activates an alarm in response to the detection of a fault by said fault detecting means and which deactivates said alarm at the conclusion of said predetermined timing period only if said fault is not corrected within said timing period, and which deactivates said alarm during said timing period only if said fault is corrected within said timing period.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electronic control for monitoring status of a compressor

Life of this patent

Electronic control for monitoring status of a compressor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14