DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing voltage levels of the power supply connected to various machinery in a machine shop. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing incoming voltage in machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for recording and displaying the current voltage levels to sense the incidences of over voltage and under voltage levels of the power supply to machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although, monitoring systems for overload protection and incident monitoring are available in the market. These systems are not designed for overload protection, but for detecting the trend of supply voltage (under voltage and overvoltage) by counting the incidences breaching the predefined limits.

This detected trend points out to the nature of the problems faced by the power supply and the exact magnitude thereof (i.e. how severe the problem is).

Currently available systems are merely data loggers, which continuously log data and present it in a graphical format. This is a low-cost alternative to indicate the trend of severity of the problems being faced by the power supply.

PRIOR ART

US7987380B2 discloses a method including monitoring whether an externally originating signal reaches a predetermined threshold value in a host, producing an output value based on the monitoring, and identifying a power environment for the host based on the output value is described. Also described is a method for determining the power environment of a host. Systems and hosts for implementing the methods are also described. So, this prior art document primarily relates to smart cards configured with a system for automatically detecting the current voltage range, in order to determine its suitability for use of the smart card in different devices. Although, the system has a voltage level detection circuit, it does not have facility for recording or displaying events from comparison with preset limits.

US 20110253788 A1 discloses to detects the current flowing through the contacts of the smart card reader due to the presence of a "shim". Small value resistors are connected in series with either the Power connection or the Ground connection, or both. Values are typically 47 milliohms to 100 milliohms. The use of such small values ensures that little voltage is dropped across the resistors and that the card is therefore adequately powered. With no card present, the current through these resistors should be zero and therefore the voltage across the resistors will also be zero. Amplifier circuits are employed to monitor and amplify the voltage across the resistors and in the "PayPod" design the amplifier outputs are connected to analogue to digital inputs on the microprocessor. Where the microprocessor (or other processing electronics) used has no analogue to digital inputs, separate analogue to digital circuits may be used. The microprocessor may then monitor the current flowing into the power supply contacts of the card reader. So, this prior art document also relates to smart cards configured with a system for detecting the current flowing through the contacts of the smart card reader due to the presence of a “shim” for tamper detection system for the smart card reader. Again, this system does not record or display the measured values.

US 6796501 B2 discloses a smart card reader (8) includes a detection circuit (26) that has a plurality of inputs (30, 38, 42) for monitoring a plurality of operating conditions of the smart card reader. A plurality of outputs (53-56) provide a plurality of sense signals (VCCOK, VCCOC, VBATOK, CRDINS). A multiplexer (60) has a plurality of sense inputs coupled to the plurality of outputs of the detection circuit. A selection input (67, 68) receives a selection signal (ADDR) for routing one of the plurality of sense signals to an output (32) as a status signal (STATUS). So, this prior art document relates to an integrated circuit and a method for monitoring a variety of operating conditions for a smart card reader, usable with a low lead-count semiconductor package to increase the robustness of the smart card reader. This system also detects and operates on 2-voltage levels (5V and 3V) according to the type of smart card used. However, this system also does not have any means for recording or displaying events from comparison with the preset limits.

Therefore, there is a need for developing a device for sensing, recording and displaying the incidences of over voltage and under voltage levels of machines.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing voltage levels of machine power supply.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing incoming voltage in machines.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for recording and displaying the current voltage levels to sense the incidences of over voltage levels of the power supply to machines.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for recording and displaying the current voltage levels to sense the incidences of under voltage levels of the power supply to machines.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device for sensing, recording and displaying the incidences of over voltage and under voltage levels of the power supply to machines having reset feature.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply, wherein the device comprises:

(I) a transformer unit as a source for providing regulated power supply to energize the electronic circuitry;

(II) a battery-operated unit to supply DC power as back-up power for operating machine in case of power supply failure;

(III) a detector for detecting over-voltage and under-voltage in power-supply;

(IV) an over-voltage circuit; and

(V) an under-voltage circuit;

wherein the device is configurable for monitoring, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region to determine the probability of electronic card failure of the electrical machine due to the detected over-voltage and/or under-voltage incidences during continuous machine operation.

Typically, the transformer unit comprises three transformers for stepping down a 3-phase power supply and for providing electrical isolation and predetermined low-voltage power supply for sensing the voltage to the electrical machine.

Typically, the detector comprises a comparator having an operational amplifier circuit configured for comparing two different input signal voltages and issuing a corresponding output in digital form to determine and indicate whether the power supply involves an over-voltage and/or under-voltage during the machine operation.

Typically, the over-voltage circuit comprises an over-voltage setting means, an over-voltage time-delay circuit, an over-voltage counter and an over-voltage resetting means.
Typically, the over-voltage setting means conditions the input power voltage and compares the same with an over-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region.

Typically, the over-voltage time-delay circuit comprises a register to register the occurrence of any faulty over-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an over-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable.

Typically, the over-voltage counter comprises a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing over-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up.

Typically, the over-voltage resetting means externally resets the digital counter manually, after noting down the over-voltage readings for further analysis.

Typically, the under-voltage circuit comprises an under-voltage setting means, an under-voltage time-delay circuit, an under-voltage counter and an under-voltage resetting means.

Typically, the under-voltage setting means conditions the input power voltage and compares the same with an under-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region.

Typically, the under-voltage time-delay circuit comprises a register to register the occurrence of any faulty under-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an under-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable.

Typically, the under-voltage counter comprises a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the under-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing under-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up.

Typically, the under-voltage resetting means externally resets the digital counter manually, after noting down the under-voltage readings for further analysis.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a device for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply, wherein the device comprises:

(A) a transformer unit as a source for providing regulated power supply to energize the electronic circuitry; the transformer unit includes three transformers for stepping down a 3-phase power supply and for providing electrical isolation and predetermined low-voltage power supply to sense the machine voltage;

(B) a battery-operated unit to supply DC power as back-up power for operating machine in case of power supply failure;

(C) a detector for detecting over-voltage and under-voltage in power-supply, the detector being a comparator with an operational amplifier circuit configured for comparing two different input signal voltages and issuing a corresponding output in digital form to determine and indicate whether the power supply involves an over-voltage and/or under-voltage during the machine operation;

(D) an over-voltage setting means to condition the input power voltage and to compare the same with an over-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region;

(E) an over-voltage time-delay circuit for registering the occurrence of any faulty over-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an over-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable

(F) an over-voltage counter having a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing over-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up;
(G) an over-voltage resetting means to externally reset the digital counter manually, after noting down the over-voltage readings for further analysis;

(H) an under-voltage setting means to condition the input power voltage and to compare the same with an under-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region;

(I) an under-voltage time-delay circuit for registering the occurrence of any faulty under-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an under-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable

(J) an under-voltage counter having a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing under-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up; and

(K) an under-voltage resetting means to externally reset the digital counter manually, after noting down the under-voltage readings for further analysis;

wherein the device is configurable for monitoring, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region to determine the probability of electronic card failure of the machine due to the detected over-voltage and/or under-voltage incidences during continuous machine operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a block circuit diagram for the power supply to the device in accordance with the present invention, configured for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing voltage levels of machine power supply.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the following, the device configured in accordance with the present invention is described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a block circuit diagram for the power supply to the device in accordance with the present invention, which is configured for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the voltage levels of machine power supply. The device is particularly configured for detecting power supply over-voltage and under-voltage condition and for predicting the electronic card failure based on the number of incidences of overvoltage and/or under voltage during machine operation.

The device includes an incoming power supply transformer unit 2, a DC regulated power supply / battery back-up 4, a comparator 6 to detect over-voltage and/or under-voltage of the incoming power supply. Further, over-voltage comparators 8 and under-voltage comparators 10 are provided to monitor, detect, record and analyze the number of incidences of respective occurrences of over-voltage and/or under-voltage during machine operations. These over-voltage comparators 8 and under-voltage comparators 10 can also be adjusted to set the desired allowable over-voltage and/or under-voltage level depending on the power supply in the respective region, where the concerned machine is installed. This data is used to ascertain whether these occurrences might be due to the electronic card failure of the machine.

The adjustable electronic time-delay circuits 12 and 14 are also provided, which can also suitably set the duration of the desired over-voltage and under-voltage respectively. The display units 16 and 18 are provided with respective voltage counters for displaying the number of occurrences of the over-voltage and under-voltage respectively to evaluate the probability of electronic card failure of the machine. The reset buttons 20 and 22 are also provided for resetting the over-voltage and under-voltage respectively.

CONSTRUCTION AND PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION OF THE DEVICE

The detailed working principle of various sub-assemblies of the device configured according to the invention for monitoring, detecting, measuring and analyzing voltage levels of machine power supply and for predicting failure is discussed in the following:

Power supply transformer unit (2): It consists of three transformers (R, Y, B), which is used for stepping down the normal 3-phase 415 Volt power supply and to provide electrical isolation and low-voltage for sensing purpose. It is also used as the source for regulated power supply required for energizing the electronic circuitry.

DC Regulated power supply and battery back-up (4): The electronic circuit needs to be energized by a regulated power supply. It also provides battery back-up to store previous information during the power failures. Since mains power supply may vary, the DC power output voltage is required to be maintained constant for proper functioning of the electronic circuit. This facilitates in uninterrupted monitoring of occurrences of over-voltages and/or under-voltages in the power supply to the machine to determine whether these voltage fluctuations in the power supply could be attributed to the electronic card failures, and if so, to help in taking decisions regarding the preventive action to be taken in this respect.

Comparator (6): This is an operational amplifier circuit used for comparing two different input signal voltages and it gives a corresponding output in digital form, i.e. ‘1’ or ‘0’. It indicates whether the power supply involves an over-voltage and/or under-voltage during the machine operation.

Over-voltage Comparator (8): The sample input voltage is conditioned and compared with an over-voltage reference, which can be preset by means of a setting means S1. The comparator gives a high or low output depending upon the settings and actual signal. Three such over- voltage references r1, r2 and r3 are used for 3 phases of the main power supply.

Under-voltage Comparator (10): The sample input voltage is conditioned and compared with an under-voltage reference, which can be preset by means of a setting means S2. The comparator gives a high or low output depending upon the settings and actual signal. Three such under-voltage references r4, r5 and r6 are used for 3 phases of the main power supply.

Electronic time-delay circuit for over-voltage (12): The power supply over-voltage frequently varies depending upon the quality of main power supply. However, the unit 12 should not register each and every minute fluctuations. The faulty over-voltage condition should be registered, only if this condition persists for a predetermined duration. This time delay is preset in this time-delay circuit 12.

Electronic time-delay circuit for under-voltage (14): The power supply under-voltage frequently varies depending upon the quality of main power supply. However, the unit 14 should not register each and every minute fluctuations. The faulty under-voltage condition should be registered only if this condition persists for a predetermined duration. This time delay is preset in this time-delay circuit 14.

Over-voltage Display (16): This consists of a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage events. It has a 3-digit BCT register and can store data during power failures by using the battery back-up 4.

Under-voltage Display (18): This consists of a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the under-voltage events. It has a 3-digit BCT register and can store data during power failures by using the battery back-up 4.

Over-voltage Reset Push-button (20): The digital counter can be reset externally by an authorized person only after noting down the over-voltage readings for further analysis.

Under-voltage Reset Push-button (22): The digital counter can be reset externally by an authorized person only after noting down the under-voltage readings for further analysis.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The device for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply configured according to the present invention has the following advantages:

• Facilitates self-supervision of voltage levels of the power supply to machines.

• Monitors as well as measures and records the over voltage/under voltage.

• Numerical display for setting values, measured values and recorded number of over/under voltage incidences.

• Provides early detection of electronic card failure in machines.

• Low-cost device.

• Over/under-voltage comparators adjustable according to the voltage conditions prevailing in the machine installation region.

The exemplary embodiments described in this specification are intended merely to provide an understanding of various manners in which this embodiment may be used and to further enable the skilled person in the relevant art to practice this invention. The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration.

Although, the embodiments presented in this disclosure have been described in terms of its preferred embodiments, the skilled person in the art would readily recognize that these embodiments can be applied with modifications possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in this specification by making innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies, in terms of their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
While considerable emphasis has been placed on the specific features of the preferred embodiment described here, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention.

These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps, however, does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention.

Also, any reference herein to the terms ‘left’ or ‘right, ‘up’ or ‘down, or ‘top’ or ‘bottom’ are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel.

Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. When referring to the figures, like parts are numbered the same in all of the figures. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A device for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply, wherein the device comprises:

(I) a transformer unit as a source for providing regulated power supply to energize the electronic circuitry;
(II) a battery-operated unit to supply DC power as back-up power for operating machine in case of power supply failure;
(III) a detector for detecting over-voltage and under-voltage in power-supply;
(IV) an over-voltage circuit; and
(V) an under-voltage circuit;

wherein the device is configurable for monitoring, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region to determine the probability of electronic card failure of the electrical machine due to the detected over-voltage and/or under-voltage incidences during continuous machine operation.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transformer unit comprises three transformers for stepping down a 3-phase power supply and for providing electrical isolation and predetermined low-voltage power supply for sensing the voltage to the electrical machine.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a comparator having an operational amplifier circuit configured for comparing two different input signal voltages and issuing a corresponding output in digital form to determine and indicate whether the power supply involves an over-voltage and/or under-voltage during the machine operation.

4. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the over-voltage circuit comprises an over-voltage setting means, an over-voltage time-delay circuit, an over-voltage counter and an over-voltage resetting means.

5. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the over-voltage setting means conditions the input power voltage and compares the same with an over-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region.

6. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the over-voltage time-delay circuit comprises a register to register the occurrence of any faulty over-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an over-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable.

7. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the over-voltage counter comprises a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing over-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up.

8. Device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the over-voltage resetting means externally resets the digital counter manually, after noting down the over-voltage readings for further analysis.

9. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under-voltage circuit comprises an under-voltage setting means, an under-voltage time-delay circuit, an under-voltage counter and an under-voltage resetting means.

10. Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the under-voltage setting means conditions the input power voltage and compares the same with an under-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region.

11. Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein under-voltage time-delay circuit comprises a register to register the occurrence of any faulty under-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an under-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable.

12. Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the under-voltage counter comprises a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the under-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing under-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up.

13. Device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the under-voltage resetting means externally resets the digital counter manually, after noting down the under-voltage readings for further analysis.

14. A device for monitoring, detecting, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply, wherein the device comprises:

(A) a transformer unit as a source for providing regulated power supply to energize the electronic circuitry; the transformer unit includes three transformers for stepping down a 3-phase power supply and for providing electrical isolation and predetermined low-voltage power supply to sense the machine voltage;

(B) a battery-operated unit to supply DC power as back-up power for operating machine in case of power supply failure;

(C) a detector for detecting over-voltage and under-voltage in power-supply, the detector being a comparator with an operational amplifier circuit configured for comparing two different input signal voltages and issuing a corresponding output in digital form to determine and indicate whether the power supply involves an over-voltage and/or under-voltage during the machine operation;

(D) an over-voltage setting means to condition the input power voltage and to compare the same with an over-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region;

(E) an over-voltage time-delay circuit for registering the occurrence of any faulty over-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an over-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable

(F) an over-voltage counter having a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing over-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up;

(G) an over-voltage resetting means to externally reset the digital counter manually, after noting down the over-voltage readings for further analysis;

(H) an under-voltage setting means to condition the input power voltage and to compare the same with an under-voltage reference preset depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region;

(I) an under-voltage time-delay circuit for registering the occurrence of any faulty under-voltage condition depending on exceeding a predefined duration of an under-voltage condition, the said predefined duration being adjustable

(J) an under-voltage counter having a 3-digit, 7-segment LED counter for displaying the over-voltage occurrences, a 3-digit BCT register and a memory for storing under-voltage occurrence data detected during power failures by using the battery back-up; and

(K) an under-voltage resetting means to externally reset the digital counter manually, after noting down the under-voltage readings for further analysis;

wherein the device is configurable for monitoring, measuring, recording and analyzing the occurrences of the over-voltage and/or under-voltage of machine power supply depending on the prevailing voltage fluctuations in the machine installation region to determine the probability of electronic card failure of the machine due to the detected over-voltage and/or under-voltage incidences during continuous machine operation.

Dated: this day of 25th July 2016. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT