Variable speed electrical motor with separate start windings and without centrifugal switch

Abstract

A variable speed electrical motor has windings and a rotor disposed within a motor housing. The motor is capable of operating at one of a plurality of discrete operating speeds. The electrical circuitry for each speed includes both a start winding for only that speed and a start capacitor for only that speed. In an optional embodiment, a switch for varying the speed of the rotor is disposed at a location external of the motor housing. The variable speed electric motor is ideal for use in a water recreational combination, such as a spa, hot tub or recirculating bath tub.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A variable speed electrical motor capable of operating at one of a plurality of discrete operating speeds, wherein the electrical circuitry for each speed includes both a start winding for only that speed and a start capacitor for only that speed.  
     
     
         2 . An electrical motor combination comprising: 
 (a) a variable speed electrical motor capable of operating at one of a plurality of discrete operating speeds, wherein the electrical circuitry for each speed includes both a start winding for only that speed and a start capacitor for only that speed; and    (b) a switch for varying the speed of the motor, wherein the switch is disposed external of the motor housing.    
     
     
         3 . The electrical motor combination of  claim 2  wherein the switch is disposed within a separate switch box.  
     
     
         4 . The electrical motor combination of  claim 1  wherein the combination is disposed within a water recreational combination, the water recreational combination comprising: 
 (a) a water basin capable of retaining a human being partially submerged below a quantity of water;  
 (b) a water pump having a suction side and a discharged side; and  
 (c) water circulation conduits connecting the water basin to the suction side of the pump and connecting the discharge side of the pump to the water basin;  
 wherein the electrical motor drives the water pump.  
 
     
     
         5 . A water recreational combination comprising: 
 (a) a water basin capable of retaining a human being partially submerged below a quantity of water;    (b) a water pump having a suction side and a discharged side;    (c) water circulation conduits connecting the water basin to the suction side of the pump and connecting the discharge side of the pump to the water basin;    (d) a variable speed electrical AC induction motor for driving the water pump; and    (e) a switch for varying the speed of the rotor, wherein the switch is disposed external of the motor housing in a separate switch box.    
     
     
         6 . The water recreational combination of  claim 5  wherein the water basin, the pump, the electrical motor and the switch box are enclosed within a spa surround.