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Compressor terminal fault interruption method and apparatus

  • US 6,760,207 B2
  • Filed: 12/11/2001
  • Issued: 07/06/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/12/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of preventing damage to the terminal of a hermetic compressor having a motor, said method comprising the steps of:

  • sensing current draw through the terminal;

    monitoring a signal representing the sensed current draw;

    comparing the monitored signal to a reference signal corresponding to a current draw substantially greater than a current draw associated with a locked rotor condition of the motor; and

    rapidly disconnecting power to the terminal when the monitored signal exceeds the reference signal to prevent heating of the compressor terminal to a level likely to cause terminal venting;

    wherein the reference signal corresponds to current draw that will subsequently heat the terminal to a level that the differential temperature between a pin and surrounding glass of the terminal exceeds a level where stresses in the glass will cause failure of the pin/glass seal.

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