Current sensing load demand apparatus and methods

Abstract

An apparatus supplies AC power to a load. The apparatus includes a set output terminals, a primary circuit, and a load sensing circuit. The primary circuit is electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for selectively providing power at a low voltage at the output terminals or electronically coupling the source of AC power directly to the output terminals. The load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load at initial application of the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for supplying AC power to a load, comprising:
 a pair of output terminals;   a primary circuit electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for providing power at the output terminals;   a load sensing circuit coupled to the primary circuit and the source of AC power for determining a resistance associated with the load and controlling the primary circuit to electronically couple the source of AC power directly to the output terminals if a proper load is detected; and,   a controller for controllably overriding operation of the load sensing circuit.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the controller is in communication with an external system and receives control signals from the external system. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the external system is a central monitoring system. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1 , the controller being able to receive signals from an external source and responsibly override operation of the load sensing circuit in response thereto. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the controller overrides operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of least one of time and a set of operational parameters. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus, as set forth in  5 , wherein the operational parameters are predefined. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the operational parameters are programmable. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the external system overrides operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of least one of time and a set of operational parameters. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus, as set forth in  8 , wherein the operational parameters are predefined. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein the operational parameters are programmable. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for supplying AC power to a load, comprising:
 a pair of output terminals;   a primary circuit electrically coupled to a source of AC power and to the output terminals for providing power at the output terminals;   a sensing device coupled to the primary circuit for sensing a parameter associated with the power circuit, the switching circuit for comparing the parameter with a predetermined condition associated with the parameter and responsively cutting off power using the switching circuit if the parameter meets the predetermined condition; and,   a controller for controllably overriding operation of the load sensing circuit.   
     
     
         12 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the controller is in communication with an external system and receives control signals from the external system. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the external system is a central monitoring system. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 11 , the controller being able to receive signals from an external source and responsibly override operation of the load sensing circuit in response thereto. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein the controller overrides operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of least one of time and a set of predefined operational parameters. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the external system overrides operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of least one of time and a set of predefined operational parameters. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the control signal includes a set of programmable conditions, wherein the controller controls operation of the load sensing circuit as a function of the programmable conditions. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus, as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the external system allows a user to set the programmable conditions.