Interface apparatus for permitting microprocessor-based electronic control of non-electronically controlled air compressors

An interface apparatus for use in combination with a microprocessor-based air compressor sequencing apparatus and an air compressor which includes a load solenoid valve, a pressure sensing switch and timer means for timing out a predetermined time interval, the interface apparatus comprising:

• signal converting means for converting input signals from the sequencer to a predetermined usable signal for the interface apparatus, and for converting output signals from the interface to a predetermined usable signal for the sequencer;
• a processor having a predetermined logic routine which processes sequencer communication commands into electrical signals which control the operation of the air compressor, the processor communicating with the signal converting means and wherein an "unload" signal is continuously outputted to the timing means until a "load" signal is outputted to the air compressor;
• at least one AC switch which selectively switches a predetermined AC voltage, on and off, in response to the logic routine, the at least one AC switch communicating with the processor;
• means for sensing an AC voltage, the AC voltage sensing means communicating with the processor;
• and
• means for outputting at least one predetermined control signal from the interface apparatus to the air compressor and for inputting at least one predetermined status signal from the air compressor to the interface apparatus.

An interface apparatus for use in combination with a microprocessor-based air compressor sequencing apparatus and an air compressor which includes a load solenoid valve and a pressure sensing switch, the interface apparatus comprising:

• signal converting means for converting input signals from the sequencer to a predetermined usable signal for the interface apparatus, and for converting output signals from the interface to a predetermined usable signal for the sequencer;
• a processor having a predetermined logic routine which processes sequencer communication commands into electrical signals which control the operation of the air compressor, the processor communicating with the signal converting means, and wherein the processor processes a "load" output signal, a "local" output signal, and an "unload" output signal to the air compressor;
• a pair of TRIAC type AC switches which selectively switch a predetermined AC voltage, on and off, in response to the logic routine, each of the AC switches communicating with the processor;
• means for sensing an AC voltage, the AC voltage sensing means communicating with the processor;
• and
• means for outputting at least one predetermined control signal from the interface apparatus to the air compressor and for inputting at least one predetermined status signal from the air compressor to the interface apparatus.

An interface apparatus for use in combination with a microprocessor-based air compressor sequencing apparatus and an air compressor which includes a load solenoid valve and a pressure sensing switch, the interface apparatus comprising:

• signal converting means for converting input signals from the sequencer to a predetermined usable signal for the interface apparatus, and for converting output signals from the interface to a predetermined usable signal for the sequencer;
• a processor having a predetermined logic routine which processes sequencer communication commands into electrical signals which control the operation of the air compressor, the processor communicating with the signal converting means, and wherein the processor processes a "load" output signal, a "local" output signal, and an "unload" output signal to the air compressor;
• at least one mechanical type AC switch which selectively switches a predetermined AC voltage, on and off, in response to the logic routine, the at least one AC switch communicating with the processor;
• means for sensing an AC voltage, the AC voltage sensing means communicating with the processor;
• and
• means for outputting at least one predetermined control signal from the interface apparatus to the air compressor and for inputting at least one predetermined status signal from the air compressor to the interface apparatus.

An interface apparatus for use in combination with a microprocessor-based air compressor sequencing apparatus and an air compressor which includes a load solenoid valve and a pressure sensing switch, the interface apparatus comprising:

• signal converting means for converting input signals from the sequencer to a predetermined usable signal for the interface apparatus, and for converting output signals from the interface to a predetermined usable signal for the sequencer;
• a processor having a predetermined logic routine which processes sequencer communication commands into electrical signals which control the operation of the air compressor, the processor communicating with the signal converting means and wherein the processor processes a "load" output signal, a "local" output signal, and an "unload" output signal to the air compressor and also processes a "run" input signal from the air compressor;
• at least one AC switch which selectively switches a predetermined AC voltage, on and off, in response to the logic routine, the at least one AC switch communicating with the processor;
• means for sensing an AC voltage, the AC voltage sensing means communicating with the processor, and wherein the AC voltage sensing means determines the existence of the "run" input signal, which is a 115 VAC signal sent from the air compressor, and wherein the existence of the "run" signal establishes that the air compressor is in a "run" state or a "ready to run" state;
• and
• means for outputting at least one predetermined control signal from the interface apparatus to the air compressor and for inputting at least one predetermined status signal from the air compressor to the interface apparatus.