Magnetic non-contact switch
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsJames Leo Peck, Jr., Randy Lance Brandt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A switch comprising a plurality of transformers and a path comprising a number of wires. Each of the plurality of transformers comprises a core and a control winding. The path is configured to connect the plurality of transformers to each other. Non-direct current flows through the path. Direct current is sent into the control winding for each of a portion of the plurality of transformers to saturate the core for the each of the portion of the plurality of transformers such that a transfer of energy between the core for the each of the portion of the plurality of transformers and the path is substantially absent.
Claims22
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of transformers, wherein each of the plurality of transformers comprises a core;
- a path configured to connect the plurality of transformers to each other, wherein non-direct current flows through the path;
- and
- a number of current sources configured to send direct current into a portion of the plurality of transformers such that a transfer of energy between the core for each of the portion of the plurality of transformers and the path is substantially absent.
A switch comprising:
- a plurality of transformers, wherein each of the plurality of transformers comprises a core and a control winding;
- and
- a path comprising a number of wires and configured to connect the plurality of transformers to each other, wherein non-direct current flows through the path, and wherein direct current is sent into the control winding for each of a portion of the plurality of transformers to saturate the core for the each of the portion of the plurality of transformers such that a transfer of energy between the core for the each of the portion of the plurality of transformers and the path is substantially absent.
A method for controlling a path of power in a circuit, the method comprising:
- selecting, by a controller, a portion of a plurality of transformers, wherein the plurality of transformers are connected to each other in the circuit and each transformer in the plurality of transformers comprises a core;
- and
- sending, by a number of current sources, direct current into the portion of the plurality of transformers such that a transfer of energy between the core for the each of the portion of the plurality of transformers and the path is substantially absent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.