William P Romano

US Patent:

20030184446, Oct 2, 2003

Filed:

Apr 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/114650

Inventors:

William Romano - Mahwah NJ, US
Robert Isaac - Butler NJ, US

International Classification:

G08B023/00

US Classification:

340/693200

Abstract:

A backup electrical power unit for use in providing a backup power supply to an alarm panel when primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted. The backup unit comprises a solar panel array, including an array output, the array producing an array DC voltage and a charging current at the array output. It further includes a battery including a battery terminal output having a battery output voltage. A first circuit is included, interposed electrically between the array output and the battery terminal output, for electrically connecting the array output to the battery terminal output at a first voltage level of the battery output voltage. This circuit disconnects the array output from the battery terminal output at a second voltage level of the battery output voltage, whereby the charging current stops flowing to charge the battery when the second voltage level is reached or exceeded; and the charging current resumed so as to charge the battery, when the battery output voltage is at or below said first voltage level. The backup electrical power unit also includes a second circuit interposed electrically, serially with the first circuit to disconnect (low voltage disconnect) the array output from the battery terminal output below a disconnect, voltage level. A circuit is provided for connecting the battery output voltage to the alarm panel when the primary power to the alarm panel is interrupted to thereby provide the backup power. Status indicators are provided.