US 6,186,743 B1 · Multiple pump sequencing controller

Abstract

A sequential controller is provided for sequencing multiple electric loads such electric pumps. That is, for each cycle the next load is designated as the lead load in a round-robin fashion. The controller uses cost effective electro-mechanical relay logic an thus avoids conventional solid state technology. In order to sequence the loads on each successive cycle, the electro-mechanical relay connected to the sensors comprises a double-throw contact set. The double-throw contact set comprises two complementary contacts, both of which alternate between normally open and normally closed on each successive cycle. In this manner one each successive cycle, the pumps designated as the lead pump and the lag pump automatically alternate in a round-robin fashion. Further, when the lead pump is disabled the lag pump is immediately actuated without disruption of service.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A multiple load sequence controller for alternating loads for each successive sequence cycle, comprising:

sensor means for sensing a condition requiring a load to be activated;
a first relay connected to receive power from said sensor means, said first relay including a double throw contact set having a first normally closed contact and a first normally open contact, wherein energizing said first relay causes said double throw contact set to change states;
a second relay connected to receive power through a first switch via said first normally closed contact of said double throw contact set, wherein when said second relay is energized a first load is actuated and said first coil is energized causing said double throw contact set to change states;
and
a third relay connected to receive power through a second switch via said first normally open contact of said double throw contact set, wherein when said third relay is energized on a successive cycle a second load is actuated,
wherein when either said first switch or said second switch is placed in an off position said first relay causes power to flow to the other of said first or said second switch.

3 more elements

A sequence controller for alternating the operation of a plurality of pumps for each successive sequence cycle, comprising:

a first relay comprising a first coil R1, a normally closed contact R1A and a normally open contact R1B;
a second relay comprising a second coil R2, a normally closed contact R2A and a normally open contact R2B;
a third relay comprising a third coil R3 a double throw contact set having a first normally closed contact R3A and a first normally open contact R3A′, and a normally open contact R3B;
a fourth relay comprising normally open contacts R4A and R4C, and a normally closed contact R4B;
a fifth relay comprising a normally open contacts R5A and R5C, and a normally closed contact R5B;
a first pump terminal connected across R4C and a second pump terminal connected across R5C;
a first sensor connected to a power supply for sensing a lower liquid level at which to stop pumping;
and
a second sensor connected to said first sensor for sensing a high liquid level at start pumping;
a first switch for connecting R5B and R4 in a first automatic position, disconnecting R4 from power in a second off position for disabling said first pump terminal controlled by R4, and a third manual position for connecting R4 directly to power for manually supplying power to said first pump terminal controlled by R4;
and
a second switch connecting R4B and R5 in a first automatic position, disconnecting R5 from power in a second off position for disabling said second pump terminal controlled by R5, and a third manual position for connecting R5 directly to power for manually supplying power to said second pump terminal controlled by R5,
wherein R3A, R2A, and R1 are connected in parallel with R3A′, R1A and R2,
R4A, R5B and R4 are connected in parallel with R5A, R4B and R5, and R4A and R5B are connected at a point between said first sensor and said second sensor,
R3A is connected to R4A,
R3A′ is connected to R5A′, and
R1B is connected in parallel with R2B and R3B to provide a power path for R3.

14 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple pump sequencing controller

Life of this patent

Multiple pump sequencing controller

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9