General Electric Company

Kennett R Fuller

Ronald W Kelly

Alan Joseph Janicek

Mark Alan Heflin

Lyle J Bush

Ted P Struttmann

Sean A Hicks

A combination run capacitor/positive temperature coefficient resistor/overload (CAP/PTCR/OL) module is described. The cover of the combination housing includes a capacitor compartment and terminal openings for receiving blade terminals of a run capacitor. The terminal openings in the cover align with blade receiving receptacles coupled to the PTCR start circuit. The blade terminals of a run capacitor are inserted into the receptacle openings and into electrical engagement with the blade receiving receptacles. The capacitor is supported and protected by a potting mixture filling the capacitor compartment.

Method and apparatus for combining PTCR/OL and run capacitor

A positive temperature coefficient of resistance resistor/overload (PTCR/OL) resistor assembly that can be quickly and easily electrically connected and disconnected from equipment without the need for special tools or equipment. In some arrangements of the present invention, a locking tab on the electrical connector can be secured against an angle on the PTCR/OL to prevent the electrical connection from being broken during shipping or operation equipment movement or vibration. When it is necessary to electrically disconnect the PTCR/OL from the equipment, the locking tab can be disengaged from the angle on the PTCR/OL by bending the tab until it releases from against the angle, and the electrical plug can then be disconnected from the PTCR/OL. The improved assembly provides increased isolation of incoming electrical wires with less material than previous devices. The improved assembly also provides for an easy method of using different terminals in the PTCR/OL, so that a variety of isolated electrical connectors can be utilized with the PTCR/OL with minimal modifications or changes.

Quick-connect positive temperature coefficient of resistance resistor/overload assembly and method

A method for retaining a terminal of a terminal assembly for a positive temperature coefficient resistor/overload resistor (PCTR/OL) assembly includes providing a body having an inner surface, and disposing at least one retaining member to the inner surface. The retaining member is configured to engage the terminal substantially perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the terminal.

Positive temperature coefficient resistor/overload resistor method and assemblies

A switch device for controlling at least one electrical circuit comprises a pushbutton movable between a pair of preselected positions for effecting the operation of the switch device, an indicator movable in the switch device toward a viewable position for effecting a visual indication of one of the preselected positions of the pushbutton, and a resilient cantilever associated with the pushbutton and the indicator operable generally for moving the indicator into its viewable position upon the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position. The pushbutton includes apparatus for driving the resilient cantilever to effect its operation in response to the movement of the pushbutton to its one preselected position.

Mechanically actuated indicator for a pushbutton switch

A constant-on variable-stroke refrigeration thermostat is disclosed wherein the toggle spring-biased operating lever has a fixed-position stop when the contacts are open and a variable-position stop when the contacts are closed, and wherein an air gap is provided between the actuator prong of the operating lever and the moveable contact blade of the switch contacts to allow the operating lever to travel downwardly with increased momentum before the switch contacts are opened. The primary advantage provided by the present invention is that the thermostat is of a much simpler construction, which results in a lower cost and a higher reliability.

Constant-on, variable-stroke refrigeration thermostat

A condition responsive switching apparatus with an alarm feature for use in refrigeration appliances, such as freezers or the like. The switching apparatus includes a contact operator which moves between first, second, and third positions in response to the pressure changes of a bellows. The bellows pressure increases and decreases in response to changes in temperature sensed at the appliance. The apparatus includes a first set of control contacts to provide energization of a compressor and a second set of alarm contacts to provide energization of an alarm circuit. The contact operator has a first dog which opens and closes the control set of contacts as the operator moves through a snap action increment of travel between the first and second positions. An alarm spring opposes the travel of a second dog of the contact operator beyond the second position with a preload force until the excess of the snap action energy of the operator is dissipated. The alarm spring, thereafter, opposes the contact operator with a spring gradient until the operator reaches the third position and closes the alarm contacts. The closure of the alarm contacts causes the energization of an alarm circuit which signals that the appliance temperature is in excess of the cycling temperature and that the failure of a system component is likely to have occurred.

Condition responsive switching apparatus

A temperature responsive electrical switch device has means operable generally for switching between a pair of switching means, and temperature responsive means is operable generally at a set-point temperature for effecting the operation of the switching means. Means is linearly movable in response to an applied force exerted thereon and arranged in camming engagement with an associated part of the temperature responsive means for setting the set-point temperature.

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Morrison, IL, United States of America

Kennett R Fuller