Electronic Concepts Inc.

Alan Schach

Bernard Lavene

David Curto

A capacitor providing a thermal alert includes a wound film capacitor for carrying a large current when coupled to an AC generator. The wound film capacitor includes a hollow core extending from one end to another end of the capacitor. Also included are an in-line thermal switch, which is disposed in the hollow core for sensing a predetermined temperature; and a light indicator, which is coupled to the thermal switch. A single housing is integrally formed from an upper cover and a lower cover for housing the capacitor, the thermal switch and the light indicator. The upper cover of the housing is formed from translucent material. The thermal switch is configured to disconnect the wound film capacitor from the AC generator upon reaching the predetermined temperature, and activate the light indicator to emit a light. The upper cover is effective in transmitting the light from inside the housing to outside of the housing. The light indicator includes an incandescent light bulb, a neon bulb, or a light emitting diode (LED).

Large current carrying capacitor having a thermal disconnect with a light indicator

A capacitor having a large current carrying capacity includes a hollow core formed by a non-conducting tubular section, and a capacitor winding wrapped around the tubular section. A thermal cutoff device is disposed within the hollow core. The thermal cutoff device is configured to sense a predetermined temperature level within the hollow core and disable the current carrying capacity of the capacitor. The thermal cutoff device is disposed at a geometric center of the capacitor winding, which is also the hot spot of the capacitor winding. The thermal cutoff device includes first and second conductors electrically connected to each other with a predetermined solder alloy. The first conductor includes a cross-sectional portion that is attached to the second conductor. The cross-sectional portion is subjected to a springing force in a lateral direction away from the second conductor. Upon melting of the solder alloy, the springing force moves the cross-sectional portion away from the second conductor, thereby disabling the current carrying capacity of the capacitor.

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Forked River, NJ, United States of America

Alan Schach