Abstract: A multi-value capacitor with a safety disconnect mechanism has a capacitive element with six capacitive sections, a common wire, and six section wires enclosed in a cylindrical metal can with a metal lid that normally has a concave configuration. The wires are soldered to contacts extending through the concave metal lid. The safety disconnect mechanism includes an external insulator disk with terminals. The terminals in the insulator disk align with the contacts in the metal lid. The center common terminal of the insulator disk is fixedly riveted to the center common contact of the metal lid. Spring elements form the electrical connection between the section terminals of the insulator disk and the section contacts in the metal lid.

Abstract: A condensate pump for an HVAC system includes a reservoir, a unitary top support plate, and a cover. A pump motor, an impeller pump, a float, and control electronics are mounted on the unitary top support plate. The transition from the cylindrical volute chamber to the tangential output port of the impeller pump has a swept diagonal surface that creates a gradual transition from the cylindrical volute chamber to the tangential output port. The gradual transition minimizes the pulsing. An intake profile with a concave surface extends from the center of the impeller and matches a complementary intake profile extending from the bottom of the reservoir. Vortex inhibiting vanes are molded into the bottom of the reservoir adjacent the central intake port of the impeller pump to break up any induced vortex within the reservoir.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and refrigerant saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a refrigerant in an HVAC system.

Abstract: A multi value capacitor is constructed in a single can having a core with three capacitor elements. The capacitor elements are chosen to provide a selectable range of discrete capacitance values when connected in various combinations. The capacitor elements are each connected to a common terminal. The first capacitor element is connected to a first cam contact, the second capacitor element is connected to a second cam contact, and the third capacitor element is connected to a third cam contact. A dial switch mechanism is mounted to the can and connected to a switched terminal, and includes a dial shaft and a rotating contact connected thereto. Rotating the dial switch mechanism will cause the rotating contact, which has three wiper contacts, to engage raised portions of the various cam contacts in various combinations to create various capacitance values between the switched terminal and the common terminal.

Abstract: A motor starting device employs a relay to connect and disconnect an auxiliary start capacitor in parallel with the existing start capacitor of a single-phase split-capacitor induction motor. The relay is normally closed and in the initial state connects the auxiliary start capacitor in parallel with the existing start capacitor. After a source of alternating current voltage is connected to the motor, a control circuit energizes the relay to disconnect the auxiliary start capacitor after a delay time. When the source of alternating current voltage is disconnected from the motor, a relay protection circuit maintains the relay switch open until the charge has dissipated from both the existing start capacitor and the auxiliary start capacitor.

Abstract: An AC disconnect switch having a first embodiment with an enclosure with portions of its side walls removed for easier access. The first embodiment of the AC disconnect switch also has a cover that is hinged at the top of the case and opens at an angle greater than 180 degrees to further enhance access. In a second embodiment, the cover is reversibly hinged on the side of the case of the enclosure for enhance access. Both embodiments of the AC disconnect switch have the terminal lugs with roughened surfaces on the terminal block aligned in the transverse direction of the enclosure to accommodate precut and prestripped wiring harnesses. The terminal block is mounted to the case by a tab arrangement which requires only a single screw. The AC disconnect switch also has a locking mechanism with retractable hasp to minimize shipping volume.

Abstract: A motor start capacitor assembly for providing an enclosure for a motor start capacitor and a thermistor electrically connected in series. The enclosure is constructed of a low temperature plastic case and cap with a high temperature plastic core for supporting the thermistor within the low temperature plastic case. The core holds the thermistor in a longitudinal orientation. The core and thermistor and related contacts are assembled without rivets or other fasteners.