Abstract: A soft-start pump controller system for controlling a pump motor includes a switching device for supplying power to the pump motor; a periodic duty cycle generator for periodically actuating the switching device at a fraction of the full duty cycle to operate the pump at a reduced, quieter level; a sensor for sensing the current drawn by the pump motor; a reference circuit; and a liquid detector for detecting the presence of the liquid to be pumped, responsive to the sensor and the reference circuit, for overriding the periodic duty cycle generator and actuating the switching device to operate the pump motor continuously at full power when the motor current exceeds a predetermined level indicating liquid is present.

Abstract: A method of preventing air bubbles in a compass equipped with fluid expansion capability, wherein a compass unit is assembled with a fluid expansion diaphragm; the compass unit is filled with fluid expanding the diaphragm, and sealed while maintaining the diaphragm in its expanded state for preventing air bubbles in reduced pressure and/or reduced temperature conditions, without significantly changing the basic structure of the compass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for controlling electrically powered liquid-moving pumps, particularly bilge and sump pumps. The apparatus is characterized by the fact that no portion thereof need be located in the hostile environment of the bilge or sump served by the pump controlled thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for controlling electrically powered liquid-moving pumps, particularly bilge and sump pumps. The apparatus is characterized by the fact that no portion thereof need be located in the hostile environment of the bilge or sump served by the pump controlled thereby.

Abstract: A magnetic compass comprises: a gimbal mounted direct read card supported on a bearing in the equatorial plane of the compass in a compass bowl; and a housing having a base to which the compass bowl and corrector magnets are mounted; the corrector magnets being positioned above the base beside the bowl for access without moving the compass; means for supporting the corrector magnets located on three axes, one axis parallel to the lubber line and the equatorial plane of the compass in a horizontal orientation of the housing, a second normal to the lubber line and parallel to the equatorial plane and a third normal to the equatorial plane in a horizontal orientation of the housing and parallel to the lubber line and the equatorial plane in a vertical orientation of the housing; said corrector magnets mounted on two of said axes, said second axis and the one of said first and third axes parallel to said lubber line in the horizontal or vertical orientation selected for mounting said compass; the compass card ass