Abstract: A switch for an electric motor has a switch arm comprising a lever and an arc barrier formed integrally with the lever. The switch has first and second electrical contacts. The switch arm and second electrical contact are moveable relative to the first contact between an open position and a closed position. The arc barrier is positioned adjacent the first contact in the closed position. The arc barrier limits the risk of electrical arcing associated with the electrical contacts. The switch is suitable for use in an electric induction motor. For example, the switch can be adapted to de-energize auxiliary start windings when an electric induction motor is up to speed and/or to provide a signal indicating the motor is operating.

Abstract: A switch for an electric motor has a switch arm comprising a lever and an arc barrier formed integrally with the lever. The switch has first and second electrical contacts. The switch arm and second electrical contact are moveable relative to the first contact between an open position and a closed position. The arc barrier is positioned adjacent the first contact in the closed position. The arc barrier limits the risk of electrical arcing associated with the electrical contacts. The switch is suitable for use in an electric induction motor. For example, the switch can be adapted to de-energize auxiliary start windings when an electric induction motor is up to speed and/or to provide a signal indicating the motor is operating.

Abstract: A single-phase induction motor includes a main winding, an auxiliary winding, a run capacitor, and a subsidiary start device. The auxiliary winding is configured such that the number of turns of the auxiliary winding, through which a current flows, varies according to the operating mode of the motor. When the motor starts, the number of turns of the auxiliary winding, through which a current flows, is reduced, thereby increasing the start efficiency of the motor. When the motor runs in normal mode, the number of turns of the auxiliary winding, through which a current flows, is increased, thereby increasing the operational efficiency of the motor.

Abstract: A switch lever for use with a centrifugal starting switch of an electric motor. The starting switch has at least one switch contact which is moveable, in response to axial movement of a centrifugal actuator, between a start position in which a starting winding of the motor is energized and a run position in which the starting winding is de-energized. The switch lever of the present invention operatively connects the switch contact with the centrifugal actuator for movement in response thereto. The switch lever has a cam follower at one end which is engageable with an annular actuator collar of the centrifugal actuator. The cam follower includes a contoured rear cam face which prevents the cam follower from becoming "stuck" behind a flat rear surface of the actuator collar during assembly or operation of the motor.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator assembly adapted to be mounted on a rotatable shaft, the assembly including actuating levers responsive to the rotational speed of the shaft, guide means to guide the levers in a predetermined inward and outward path during movement between first and second spaced positions and positive positioning and limiting structure cooperative with the levers to positively position the levers for actuating operation and to limit their movement in the event of departure from such predetermined positively positioned path at both first and second spaced positions.

Abstract: A controller for a dual speed induction motor selectively applies operating power to the low speed motor terminal or the high speed motor terminal according to the open circuit/closed circuit condition of a low temperature thermostat and a high temperature thermostat. For low speed operation, operating power is conditionally applied to the low speed motor terminal through the low temperature thermostat and through the normally closed circuit of a single pole, double throw switch. For high speed operation, operating power is conditionally applied to the high speed motor terminal through the high temperature thermostat and the normally open circuit of the single pole, double throw switch. The operating position of the single pole, double throw switch is determined by a solenoid which is connected in series circuit relation with the high temperature thermostat.

Abstract: An auxiliary winding cut-out switch for a sump pump motor having main windings and auxiliary windings. Controlled deflection means for positioning a contact carried on a terminal movable arm with respect to a fixed contact comprises a plunger, actuator, removable coil compression return spring and removable coil compression take-up spring, all concentric and colinear. The plunger slides in housing guide means and has a follower portion for following contact with a control surface carried on the motor rotor and axially movable responsive to rotor speed. The actuator slides in the housing guide means and has an offset coupler engaging the terminal movable arm. The take-up spring is seated between plunger and actuator; the return spring is seated between housing cover and actuator. The springs are electrically unconnected to the terminals.

Abstract: A noise suppression circuit is provided for capacitor-start and capacitor-run alternating current motors. To prevent rotor chattering and noise from occurring upon disconnection of power from the motor, separate switches are used to connect alternating current power to the windings and to the capacitor; so that when power is disconnected, the capacitor is prevented from discharging into the motor windings. A power dissipation resistor is connected in parallel with the capacitor to permit the capacitor to discharge.

Abstract: A noise suppression circuit is provided for an alternating current motor which has a capacitor connected in parallel with one of the windings to form an LC resonant circuit at the operating frequency of the motor. The motor includes first and second windings of substantially the same wire size connected in series on the stator core. The LC resonant circuit formed by the capacitor and the winding across which it is connected improves the efficiency of operation of the motor. To prevent chattering and noise from occuring upon disconnection of power from the windings, separate switches are used for applying alternating current power to the windings and to the capacitor; so that when power is disconnected, the capacitor is isolated from the winding across which it is connected. At the same time, a power dissipation resistor connected in parallel with the capacitor permits it to discharge.

Abstract: A shaded pole induction motor includes a plurality of series-connected running windings and a plurality of series-connected shaded pole coils (windings). A normally closed, centrifugal-force-responsive switch is provided in series with the shaded pole coils to effect an interruption in current therethrough when the motor reaches a predetermined speed. As a replacement to the normally closed switch, a switch constituted by a relay winding and normally open relay contacts may be provided, the contacts being in series with the shaded pole coils, these normally open contacts being closed in response to high initial starting current in the running windings flowing through a relay winding and being opened again when the motor gets up to a predetermined speed; less current flows in the relay winding and in the running windings under this condition. A heat-responsive circuit breaker may be placed in series with the normally open contacts or centrifugal-force responsive switch.

Abstract: An electric current motor is operated from a single phase of alternating current power source, and functions with low surge operation at motor start. The motor includes first and second windings of substantially the same wire size angularly displaced from one another 90.degree. electrical on a stator core and inductively coupled to a rotor. A capacitor is connected in parallel with one of the windings to form an LC resonant circuit at the operating frequency of the motor. A second starting capacitor is connected in series with a switch in parallel with the first capacitor. The switch is normally closed during starting of the motor and is opened during normal load conditions.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator assembly adapted to be mounted on a rotatable shaft, the assembly including actuating levers responsive to the rotational speed of the shaft, guide means to guide the levers in a predetermined inward and outward path during their movement between first and second positions and safety structure cooperative with the levers in the event of lever departure from such predetermined path to prevent further outward movement of the levers.

Abstract: A starting switch assembly for an electric motor having a run winding, a starting winding, and a centrifugal actuator. The starting switch assembly includes a first enclosed switch electrically insertable between an electric motor starting winding and a power source to control the application of power to the starting winding. A second enclosed switch is also included, each of the first and second enclosed switches having its own housing for protecting the interior thereof from environmental particles such as lint. The first and second enclosed switches are mounted in a predetermined geometrical relationship and the assembly includes an actuating link responsive to an electric motor centrifugal actuator for simultaneously actuating the first and second switches. The first and second enclosed switches are mounted on a base by a relatively open frame which extends from the base to support the first and second exposed switches in the predetermined geometrical relationship.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for connecting an electric motor to an electrical source of supply comprising a double pole single throw switch having four quick-connect terminals thereon. Two of said terminals are connected to the electrical source of supply and the other two of said terminals connected directly to the windings of the electric motor. A centrifugal switch is provided, mounted internally of the housing of the electric motor on an insulated electric circuit board. The supply leads bypass the electric circuit board on which the centrifugal switch is mounted, thus minimizing the number of terminals and electric circuit connections and increasing the reliability and safety of the circuit.

Abstract: A multiple speed motor includes first and second speed windings connected to first and second power terminals and a start winding connected to a common power terminal. A Triac connects one speed winding to power and has a gate. Either the first or second power terminal is connected to one side of a power supply and the third or common terminal is connected to the second side of the power supply. The gate is connected to the start winding. A speed responsive switch has first and second contacts connected to first and second power terminals and third connected to a common node the connection between the start winding and the gate.

Abstract: A new assembly for a capacitor-run submersible motor-pump. The assembly has a built-in starting capacitor and a built-in switch associated with the starting capacitor. A running capacitor is located external to the assembly. With this arrangement, the assembly has only four terminals including a ground terminal connected to the frame of the motor. Thus, a four-conductor cable, i.e. the most commonly used cable, can be used to connect the assembly to an electric distribution panel. The switch is preferably of a centrifugal type triggered at a predetermined speed of the motor to cut the starting capacitor out of the circuit. The assembly is as compact as a conventional capacitor-start motor assembly.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch for preventing overspeed of a rotary shaft driven by an electrical motor is arranged to open the electrical circuit to the starting windings at a predetermined speed of rotation. A split slip ring arrangement is engaged by metallic conducting elements urged into the conductive position by a compression means, which, when the compressive force is overcome, allows the contacts to move outward from the slip ring, to break the electrical contact. The critical rotational speed can be readily adjusted by changing the weight of the metallic conducting elements or by changing the tensile force of the compression spring.

Abstract: A prime mover adapted for selective energization across a power source. The prime mover has a winding circuit, a rotatable assembly, and an electrical switch including a housing, a first pair of switch means adapted for connection in circuit relation with the winding circuit, and a second pair of switch means adapted for connection between opposite sides of the power source. A pair of camming means is movable in the housing for engaging and actuating the first and second switch means pair and has a force receiving portion exteriorly of the housing. A speed responsive system is associated with the rotatable assembly and the force receiving portion for moving the camming means to effect the operation of the first and second switch means pairs.

Abstract: A motor starting switch including a pair of auxiliary switches operable in response to the stopping of the drive motor of an electrical appliance or the like for disconnecting both sides of an electrical load in the appliance (e.g., for disconnecting a heating element) from the input power lines thereby to reduce shock and fire hazards of the appliance due to a short circuit of the load when the appliance is turned off, and for automatically connecting the load to the input lines of the appliance in response to start up of the motor.

Abstract: An AC split-phase induction motor has a two-pole run winding, a four-pole run winding and a separate start or phase winding. The two-pole winding is connected directly to a corresponding first power terminal. The second run winding is connected to a second power terminal by a solid state gated run switch having a turn-on gate. The start winding is connected in circuit in series with a solid state gated start switch connected to the first power terminal and having a gate connected to a second power terminal. A centrifugal switch connects the first and second power terminals. The gate of the run switch is connected to the start winding circuit and includes connecting Diac and resistance elements to actuate the run switch only in response to a power connection to the second power terminal and the opening of the centrifugal switch. In operation, the motor always starts with the two-pole run winding and the start winding in the circuit. At switching speed, the start switch disconnects the start winding.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instant reverse control circuit for a single phase, squirrel cage induction motor that has an exemplary use for opening and closing elevator doors. The motor has a running winding and a motor starting circuit comprised of serially connected start winding, capacitor, and centrifugal switch for deenergizing the start winding when the motor is up to running speed. The control circuit includes a relay operated, power reversing switch that supplies power to the starting circuit through an additional relay operated instant reverse switch. The instant reverse relay that operates the switch is connected in parallel with the starting circuit and its switch has a relay maintaining contact and a bypass contact. The bypass contact supplies reverse power to the start winding when the motor is to be reversed suddenly, such as to open a closing door that has struck an obstruction.

Abstract: A centrifugal motor switch includes a base plate having a U-shaped fixed contact bracket and a leaf spring contact unit mounted to one side. The plate is mounted adjacent the field winding. The leaf spring is a flat rectangular spring plate including side deflection arms extending from a mounting strip and coupling arms connected to the deflection arms and to a central contact arm which extends outwardly. A wear pad is secured to the deflection arms and abutts the base plate to deflect the spring plate and locate the contacts. The contacts are secured to the fixed support and contact arm. A tab projects from the contact arm to the pad to minimize contact vibration. The bracket is formed of magnetically conductive metal and has side walls partially enclose the contact. A centrifugal operator on the shaft engages the pad and causes axial movement of the pad and spring plate with a rocking motion to rock the contacts.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine has only a pair of line terminals adapted for selective connection across a single phase power source and is operable to be started in a split-phase mode, to run at a predetermined low speed in a single phase mode, and to run at a predetermined high speed generally in a two phase mode.

Abstract: The device is intended to cut-off the supply of electric power to a motor (4) automatically when this latter is locked rotationally under the action of a mechanical resistance.This device comprises balls (5) coupled for rotation with the motor (4) and displaceable under the action of the centrifugal force generated at the time of rotation of this motor, these balls (5) being in cooperating relation with an electric contact (9) in order to put the electric power supply of the motor (4) in circuit when this centrifugal force attains a certain threshold value and in order to put this supply out of circuit when this centrifugal force drops under the action of the mechanical resistance set up in opposition to the torque exerted by the motor.Utilization in particular in automatic devices for the control of opening and closing of garage doors.

Abstract: A torque reversing motor control structure and method for a reversible split phase or capacitive start motor including a centrifugally operated start switch and a transformer controlled motor contactor wherein the primary circuit of the transformer is completed through the start switch to prevent reversing the motor contactor without the motor start switch being closed to insure positive reverse of the motor.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch actuator compensates for normal axis tolerance in a centrifugal switch operating mechanism for a motor consisting of a rotational velocity- responsive element mounted on the motor shaft and a switch housing spaced from the shaft. A lever has a lower member disposed adjacent the rotational velocity-responsive element and an upper member which engages one of a plurality of grooves in an actuator movable in the switch housing to make and break switches therein.

Abstract: An electric centrifugal switch is proposed, in particular for the purpose of safety shutoff upon attainment of a shutoff rpm for fuel injection systems, electrically controlled in an open- or closed-loop manner, of internal combustion engines, which is not vulnerable to rotary oscillations and which effects a rapid shutoff. The centrifugal switch comprises a centrifugal pendulum secured by means of a metal band bearing on a revolving carrier element and a switch attached to the housing and provided with a switching distance from an actuation pin. The centrifugal pendulum carries a flyweight mass on the end of a first lever arm extending substantially in the direction of the rotary axis, and its second lever arm extending at least approximately rectangularly to the rotary axis, is held together with a metal band of the band bearing in constant contact on a roll-off surface located on the carrier element by a restoring spring and, in a preferred embodiment, by means of a supplementary spring element.

Abstract: A motor starting switch installable, for example, on a fractional horsepower electric motor and actuable between a run and a start position by means of a centrifugal actuator axially shiftable on the rotor shaft of the motor in response to start up or shut down of the motor. The starting switch includes a rotary actuator member having a cam follower engageable by a conical cam surface on the centrifugal actuator as the latter shifts axially from its run to its start position thereby to effect rotary movement of the actuator member and to effect actuation of the switch from its run to its start position as the centrifugal actuator moves through only a portion of its stroke. The rotary actuator member is further engageable with a cylindrical cam surface of the centrifugal actuator after the switch has been converted to its start position thereby to prevent overstressing of a switch arm within the starting switch upon continued movement of the centrifugal actuator to its start position.

Abstract: A low actuating force switch having one or more resilient switch arms cantilevered within a switch housing and further having an operating member or plunger movable within the housing for flexing the switch arm(s) and for making or breaking one or more circuits. A spring is interposed between the operating member and one of the switch arms for applying a force to this switch arm which in turn flexes the latter. In instances in which the switch arm is normally in an unflexed, open position and in which the operating member continues to move in the direction for closing the contacts after the contacts have closed, the spring takes up or absorbs a substantial portion of the additional movement of the operating member without exerting undue stress on the switch arm. In instances in which the switch contacts are normally closed, the operating member may engage the switch arm distal from its cantilevered connection to the switch housing so as to lessen the force required to open the contacts.

Abstract: A motor starting switch particularly intended for use with a two speed electric motor actuable by a centrifugal actuator upon start up of the motor so as to energize the high speed and auxiliary windings of the motor for start up of the motor and for deenergizing the auxiliary winding and energizing the selected high or low speed winding of the motor after the motor has accelerated to a predetermined operating speed. The switch has a resilient, current carrying, force transmitting member interconnecting the plunger of the switch operated by the centrifugal actuator and a switch arm for energization of the auxiliary winding and for effecting movement of the switch arm within the switch.

Abstract: A pair of flyweights are mounted on a rotatable shaft and actuate a sleeve which is coaxially disposed on the shaft through a pair of radially extending control arms which are pivotally attached to the sleeve. The flyweights are biased inwardly by a pair of springs mounted on the control arms. On the opposite end of the sleeve is a bearing which provides a physical connection between the rotating sleeve and a non-rotating plate carrying a pair of movable contacts which cooperate with stationary contacts mounted on a stationary housing. The flyweights move outwardly upon rotation of the shaft against the action of the springs and move the sleeve axially along the shaft. The inward bias force of the springs decreases rapidly as the pivot connection of the control arms approaches the pivot connection of the flyweights causing an over center-type of action which results in an abrupt electrical connection between the stationary and the movable contacts.

Abstract: A motor starting switch mountable on an electric motor and actuatable by a centrifugal actuator for energizing the starting winding of the motor during start up of the motor and for deenergizing the starting winding or other circuits upon the motor attaining a desired operating speed. A toggle linkage for operatively connecting the motor starting switch to the centrifugal actuator is included as a part of this motor starting switch, and it includes a slider for opening and closing one or more sets of contacts within the starting switch housing movable in the same direction as the actuator member of the centrifugal actuator, and a lever pivoted to the switch housing and engageable by the centrifugal actuator. The slider is privotally connected to the lever so that upon the centrifugal actuator pivoting the lever, the slider is moved to open or close the contacts.