Inventors:
Donald S. Berkowitz - Redmond WA
Witold Bik - El Cerrito CA
John Hammons - Walnut Creek CA
Jeff Heckathorn - Everett WA
Stephen F. Isaacson - Brentwood CA
Terry R. Klusmeyer - Garner NC
William Christian Tracy Nelson - Duvall WA
Assignee:
EnergyLine Systems, Inc. - Alameda CA
International Classification:
H01H 7110
US Classification:
318272, 318264, 318286, 307139, 307143
Abstract:
A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i. e. , governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed. Under the supervision of the microcontroller, a motor drive power switching circuit selectively applies a source of power, such as from an on site battery, to an electric motor to drive the switch toward open or closed position at different speeds, output force levels such as at different torques, and in continuous or incremental movements depending on conditions determined by the microcontroller in response to sensor inputs.