640 results about "Life detection" patented technology

The present invention provides a GFCI that not only has ground fault protection, but also is capable of providing reverse wiring protection as well as detection of end of the service life of the GFCI by way of utilizing an end of life detection control circuit in connection with the reset button. In addition, the GFCI of the present invention provides a forcible mechanical tripping assembly by way of utilizing the test button. Finally, the present invention provides method for detecting whether the service life of the GFCI has ended.

The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which contains a dual-function test button having a short pole and a long pole positioned underneath the dual-function test button. When the GFCI is properly wired and powered, a depression of the dual-function test button allows the short pole to operatively connect to a conductive pin and generate a leakage current to test the components of the GFCI. If all of the components are functioned properly, the GFCI can be reset. If not, the GFCI cannot be reset. When the GFCI is miswired or reverse wired and not powered, a depression of the dual-function test button does not test the components of the GFCI. However, a further depression of the dual-function test button allows the long pole presses against a tripping lever on a locking member in a tripping device which mechanically trip the GFCI. The present invention further provides an end-of-life detection circuit which can automatically generates a simulated leakage current to test the components in the GFCI. If one or more components are not functioned properly, the end-of-life circuit prevents the GFCI from resetting.

The present invention provides a circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which contains a dual-function test button having a short pole and a long pole positioned underneath the dual-function test button. When the GFCI is properly wired and powered, and preferably in a reset state, a first-level depression of the dual-function test button allows the short pole to close a flexible switch (KT) to electrically connect a power input end to a power output end and generate a leakage current to test the components of the GFCI. If all of the components are functioned properly, the GFCI can be reset. If not, the GFCI cannot be reset. When the GFCI is miswired or reverse wired and not powered, the first-level depression of the dual-function test button does not test the components of the GFCI. However, a second-level depression of the dual-function test button allows the long pole presses against a tripping lever on a locking member in a tripping device which mechanically trip the GFCI. The present invention further provides an end-of-life detection circuit which can automatically generates a simulated leakage current to test the components in the GFCI. If one or more components are not functioned properly, the end-of-life circuit prevents the GFCI from resetting.

This invention discloses a ground fault circuit interrupter capable of detecting its end of life, and is characterized by: a pair of flexible metal sheets connected to the power output end are added on the circuit board of the interrupter, and there is a pair of moving contacts on the metal sheets; there are two pairs of fixed contacts on the power output conductors; the two pairs of fixed contacts on the power output conductors respectively correspond to the moving contacts on the power input metal sheets and the moving contacts on flexible metal sheets, thus forming two groups and four pairs of switches. There is also a tripping apparatus on the circuit board, which can release / trip the interrupter, thus cutting off the power output of the interrupter. An end of life detection circuit has also been added to the circuit board. After the interrupter is energized, various components in the interrupter are automatically detected. If it is found that the interrupter has come to the end of its life, the reset button will be prevented from resetting, so that neither the load end of the interrupter nor the power output holes on the surface of the interrupter have any power output. This invention has powerful applications, with sound safety precautions, thus effectively ensuring the personal safety of the user as well as the safety of the appliances.

The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor output signal corresponding to electrical perturbations propagating on the plurality of line terminals or the plurality of load terminals. A protective circuit assembly configured to detect a fault condition when the sensor output signal substantially corresponds to at least one predetermined fault criterion and generate a trip actuation signal in response thereto. A solenoid coil is configured to generate a trip actuation force in response to the trip actuation signal. A circuit interrupter assembly includes movable contacts configured to be driven into a tripped state in response to the trip actuation force. An automatic fault simulation circuit is configured to generate a self-test signal without execution of software code. The self-test signal is generated such that it is sensed by the at least one sensor if the at least one sensor is operational. An end-of-life detection circuit is coupled to the protective circuit assembly. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to monitor the protective circuit assembly without execution of software code. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to substantially inhibit the trip actuation force when the protective circuit assembly detects the fault condition and generates the trip actuation signal in response to the self-test signal. The end-of-life detection circuit is configured to generate an end-of-life response if the protective circuit assembly does not respond to the self-test signal within a predetermined period of time.