Abstract: A new leak collection and supply shut off system for closing off the supply of water and energy to a water heater in the event of a leak. The inventive device is designed for use with a water heater that has a tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, and an energy supply line. The leak collection and supply shut off system comprises a container that is adapted for positioning under a water heater and holding water. The container has a base, a sidewall, and an open top. A water valve closes the water inlet pipe of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than a predetermined level. An energy shut off device closes the energy supply line of the water heater when the level of water in the container is equal to or greater than the predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flow control vertical switch for starting and stopping electric pump motors and being controlled by the level of a liquid using the flow of the liquid being moved to hold the switch in a switched position until the sump is depleted. The invention consists of a collar, a shaft rotatably mounted on the collar, a float arm having a magnet and a float mounted on the collar and a switch housing affixed on the collar above the magnet. A flow arm mounted on the shaft and located in the stream flow retains the magnet in switching position until the fluid stops running.

Abstract: A mechanical shut-off and bypass assembly for controlling operation of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner includes a switch movable between on and off positions. A toggle member is pivotably mounted with respect to the switch and is movable to operate the switch between the on and off positions. A user operated actuator mechanism engages and manipulates the toggle member to actuate the switch. An automatic shut-off mechanism engages and manipulates the toggle member, independent of the user operated actuator mechanism, to move the switch to the off position when the liquid level in the vacuum cleaner tank reaches a preset shut-off level. The user operated actuator mechanism is operable in a bypass mode, in which the toggle member is manipulated so that the switch moves to the on position, thereby counteracting the shut-off mechanism.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. The container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system is activated when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm located outside the container. The alarm is electrically connected to a switching device. The switching device may have a push-down button located on the top, an "on-off" switch located on the side, or a sliding switch located on the side. When the switch is pushed down, the switching device activates the alarm. In one embodiment, the container has a vertically positioned rod adjacent the switching device. There is a float slidably connected to the rod by a connecting rod and hook. The float rises and falls with the level of the liquid. On the side of the rod opposite the float there is a switch contact which makes contact with the switch when the level of the liquid falls below a predetermined level and the float is no longer supported by the liquid.

Abstract: A device for sensing the amount of oil in oil pans of internal combustion engines is disclosed. In the device, a bottom plunger is fixedly mounted onto the inside bottom of an oil pan, with a contact terminal being mounted onto the top surface of the bottom plunger. A top plunger is movably positioned above the bottom plunger, with a contact terminal being mounted onto the bottom surface of the top plunger. The two contact terminals are normally spaced apart from each other in the event of the amount of oil being not less than a preferred amount. However, the two terminals are selectively brought into contact with each other in the event of an oil shortage in the oil pan. The device also has a means for selectively generating an alarm signal under the control of an ECU in the event of the two terminals being brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A new HOT WATER HEATER LEAK PROTECTION SYSTEM for PREVENTING OVERFLOW OF HOT WATER IN IF A HOT WATER HEATER BREAKS. The inventive device includes an overflow tank having a cylindrical stand positioned centrally thereon for positioning a hot water heater thereon. The overflow tank has a supplemental housing secured therein. The supplemental housing has an opening in a lower portion thereof to allow water to flow therethrough. An automatic float switch is positioned within the supplemental housing. A pump is disposed within the supplemental housing. The pump is in communication with the automatic float switch. A shut off valve is disposed within a housing coupled to a water line leading into the hot water heater. The shut off valve is in communication with the pump and the automatic float switch.

Abstract: A liquid level detector utilizing a housing having a wall portion defining a inner chamber. The inner chamber communicates to the exterior of the housing through an opening which also permits liquid to enter the chamber. A floatation element is pivotally located within the housing and includes a bridging conductor which rotates upwardly. The bridging conductor is capable of contacting a pair of terminals which constitute a portion of an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A closed, hollow body has a suspending and tethering, electrical cable joined thereto, the latter conducting electrical power to and from a microswitch confined within the body. A switch actuator is engaged and disengaged by a weight, within the body, the weight being pivotably supported therein, and having a center of gravity which is offset from a central, longitudinal axis of the sensor.

Abstract: A float switch having a housing, a pivoting float body and a tube containing mercury. The wires extend from the tube, into pivot arms of the float body, out of apertures within the arms and upwardly out an orifice in the top surface of the housing. The pivot arms include a pivot arm stop to center the float body within the housing. The pivot arms are sealed to prevent ingress of water into the tube. The housing includes dual rows of apertures to lessen the effects of clogging.

Abstract: The present invention is a water level detector or flood alarm device which will activate a warning once water has reached a pre-determined and potentially damaging or dangerous level. The present invention comprises a housing which maintains a conventional mercury activated float switch, an alarm coupled to the switch, a mounting device, and an attaching mechanism. The mounting device maintains the housing and includes a pivotal mechanism for enabling the housing to pivot and rotate. This pivoting and rotation will allow the housing to be angularly positioned, with respect to the ground, so that the float switch will be positioned horizontally and parallel with respect to the water. The attaching mechanism enables the device to be removably secured to any surface and to be maintained in a secured and installed position.

Abstract: A device and method for sensing fluid characteristics, including level, temperature, pH and chemistry, comprises a switch affixed to or embedded in a container of a size, shape and density such that said container floats stably in said liquid until a predetermined level is reached; the container tilts so as to operate the switch when the liquid drops below or increases above a predetermined level. The device may contain additional sensors which measure and report other characteristics of the liquid, such as temperature, pH, viscosity, chemistry or biochemistry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a gravity operated float switch wherein the gravity causes a ball to move within a raceway to contact an operating rod and move it to a position to operate a switch to start or stop the operation of a pump. Cam surfaces are provided on the top surface of the operating arm to move the arm of a contact substrate or a micro switch to an UP or a DOWN position. A novel sealing system comprising a two piece plastic part having a tapered end, and a bushing wrapping the incoming wire and locked within the cover to provide a secure seal for the wire.

Abstract: A device for warning when a low fluid level is reached is provided in which a levelness detecting switch is encapsulated in a conically shaped inert material (such as TEFLON.TM.), sized appropriately to the predetermined fluid limit, and coupled to an alarm device (such as an audible alarm, a frequency signal or a light).

Abstract: A liquid level alarm system which activates an alarm when liquid in a container falls below a predetermined level. The system contains an alarm which is located outside of the container. The alarm is electrically connected to an activation device which is contained within a housing. A single-pull switch arm is connected to the activation device and protrudes from the housing. One end of a line is attached to the distal end of the arm. The other end of the line is wound about a spring reel mounted on an axle connected to a float. When the surface of the liquid is between a predetermined upper and lower level, the spring reel maintains the line taut directly below the switch arm. The line is of such length that should the liquid in the container drop below a predetermined level, the float will no longer be supported by the liquid, and the weight of the float will pull the arm down to activate the alarm.

Abstract: A sensor includes a hollow tube having first and second ends; a cap secured at said first end; the second end being substantially open to allow fluid to enter the tube; a floatation element slidably arranged within said tube; an element at the second end for preventing the floatation element from leaving the tube; a contact switch arranged within the tube between the cap and the floatation element; and a fluid exhaust opening provided in the tube adjacent the contact switch.

Abstract: An engine oil regulating device may monitor and regulate a fluid level for stationary engines or compressors for gravity feed and pressurized oil applications. Oil may be received in a float chamber that may have a safety shutdown float and an oil level regulating float. The engine oil regulating device may also include a safety shutdown mechanism to actuate an alarm and/or a shutdown switch such as an ignition cut-off switch. The safety shutdown mechanism may be configured as a single switch or a plurality of switches. A two switch safety shutdown mechanism may utilize a side-by-side layout or a stacked layout. The safety shutdown mechanism may include a high-low level shutdown, low level shutdown only, or high level shutdown only. A testing mechanism such as a rotatable test knob assembly may be provided to test the safety shutdown mechanism. An engine oil level adjusting mechanism such as an adjustable threaded thumb valve orifice member may also be provided.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a heating element in an electric water heater which consists of a sensor for sensing a predetermined amount of water that has entered the electric water heater and an electric circuit with a relay controlled by the sensor, for energizing the heating element when the predetermined amount of water is within the electric water heater and covering the heating element thereby preventing the burn out of the heating element; wherein the sensor has a float with electrical contacts that engage adjustable contacts set at a desired level to energize the heating element at a predetermined water level and includes an expandable seal mounted on the float preventing water from going above the float.

Abstract: An improved float to prevent over-filling of a dishwashing machine including a cylindrical main float body, a skirt attached to the main float body and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, and a float stem. The main float body includes a lower portion which extends downwardly beyond a lower terminal portion of the skirt, and serves as a suds stop to prevent suds created during operation of the dishwasher from rising up within the hollow interior of the main float body and flowing down a stand pipe upon which the float is mounted. The lower portion of the main float body includes a slotted opening which serves as a vacuum breaker to prevent a vacuum from being created within the main float body which would cause the float to adhere to bottom wall of the dishwasher tub.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a liquid container having a static content level, a fill control device, a cycle control unit, an inflow valve to be opened by the cycle control unit and closed by at least one of the fill control device and the cycle control unit, an evacuation pump, a switch having a switching position in which the switch turns on the evacuation pump and selectably closes the inflow valve, and a chamber hydraulically communicating with the liquid container and having an opening for the entry of water. A safety device for the appliance includes a safety level switch device having a float disposed in the chamber, the float having a switching position in which the float acts upon the switch, and the float having a position of repose in which the float is kept at a distance above the static content level and in which the float acts upon the switch to switch off the evacuation pump.

Abstract: The invention provides a clamping device which removably secures a body to a cable, the clamping device comprising a toothed, tapered cable gripping insert which fits into a stepped, tapered recess slot in the body. The cable gripping insert is retained in position by a T-shaped latching bar on the top of the insert which fits into transverse grooves in the body on either side of the recess slot. A clamped cable exits the recess slot at right angles to its entry, providing pivoting action. The cable attaching device is particularly suited for use with an attachment for use with a float switch assembly. Such an attachment may be used as a weighted pivot for a float switch or alternatively as an unweighted float for extending the range of an existing float switch assembly.

Abstract: A fluid level responsive switch apparatus used in a tank to monitor fluid level in the tank. The apparatus has a float buoy attached to a tilt switch containing three conductors activated by a conductive sphere. The first conductor activates the fluid controller for restoring fluid to the tank when the conductive sphere is in a low fluid level position, the second conductor delays the switching between the activating and deactivating conductors when the conductive sphere is in an intermediate level position and the third conductor deactivates the controller when the conductive sphere is in a high fluid level position.

Abstract: A float switch for sensing a liquid level and switching between "on" and "off" states in response to the same. Overall, the device is carried within a hollow housing, with its movement restrained by the tethering action of a power cord. "Snap action" switching is achieved by the interaction between an actuator having camming surfaces formed on its exterior, and a spring-loaded switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a thin, flexible E-shaped snap member, having two legs bowed to form a leaf spring and having a bearing point located on the central leg. The actuator is carried in a tube within the housing and the switch mechanism is positioned adjacent the actuator's path of travel, so that a camming surface of the actuator can make contact with the bearing point. As the water level rises, an increasing proportion of the actuator's weight is carried by the bearing point, until the vertical component of the actuator weight exceeds the spring resistance of the snap member.

Abstract: A storage tank for receiving condensate from the evaporator of a dehumidifier includes a switch which signals when the tank is filled. The tank includes a cover upon which the condensate impacts after falling from the evaporator. The condensate flows to a drain passage of the cover to enter the storage tank. A spherical float is floating freely on the stored condensate. The underside of the cover forms an upwardly inclined guide surface which guides the float toward a switch as the level of condensate rises, whereupon the float actuates the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for overriding an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100); wherein, the apparatus (10) comprises a float member (60) disposed within a two stage screen member (30) secured within a receptacle member (20); and, wherein, the float member (60) is operatively associated with a switch member (50) suspended above the receptacle member (20) for interrupting the flow of electrical current to an automatic timer controlled sprinkler system (100) in response to the level of collected rainwater within the receptacle member (20).

Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.

Abstract: The invention is an electric float switch with an electric connection cable whose sheath surrounds current-carrying electric conductors that are insulated relative to each other, and which is sealingly connected to the casing of said float switch, characterized in thata) the sheath of said prefabricated cable is made from a softly adjusted polypropylene prepared from a thermoplastic polypropylene granule mixture that is not cross-linked;b) and that said sheath is connected in one operation in an injection molding machine to said casing which accommodates said prefabricated float switch and consists of rigidly adjusted polypropylene, whereby a connecting component of rigidly adjusted polypropylene granule is formed.

Abstract: An improved housing for a mercury float switch as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,190. The improved housing includes an exterior bracket connected to a side wall of the housing structured to releasably yet securely retain lead electrical wires extending from the mounting shaft of the float switch whereby the exposed lead electrical wires may be arcuately configured, then wedgedly locked between the bracket and side wall. By this arrangement, free pivotal movement of the float switch within the housing is maintained while holding the exposed lead electrical wires above the bilge water level, as in a boat bilge.

Abstract: The invention is an improved level indicating and elevation indicating system using a hose containing fluid having a first and a second end, capable of being operated by a single person. An electronic method is used to indicate when a float at the first end of the hose is at, above, or below a reference. In the preferred embodiment, such indications are communicated through wires to three distinct lights at the second end of the hose, and a sight is used to determine accurately the position of a float at the second end. The preferred embodiment also includes a sleeve supporting the first end of the hose and a support for the sleeve. Also included are a vertical fixed rod for supporting the second end of the hose, a base for holding the fixed rod in virtually any position, and an adjustable rod (parallel to the fixed rod) for determining vertical offset distances. A pinching device, for slightly varying the volume of the hose, is also part of the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A float assembly for use in a steam cooking device and means for spraying a fluid toward the float assembly to keep mineral deposits and other scale from forming on the float assembly.

Abstract: A sphere-actuated float switch including (i) a cage defining a longitudinal raceway, (ii) a yoke pivotally mounted externally to the cage and having first and second legs which extend into the raceway, (iii) an electrical switching means which is electrically open when the yoke is in a first position and electrically closed when the yoke is in a second position, (iii) an over-center spring capable of biasing the yoke into the appropriate electrically open and the electrically closed positions once the yoke is urged past a transition point, and (iv) a sphere within the raceway for urging the yoke between the electrically open and the electrically closed positions.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for use with a fluid circulating system to indicate a predetermined rate of fluid flow therethrough, fluid flow sensor comprises a hollow fluid flow sensor body including a lower flow detection chamber and an upper fluid flow chamber formed therein and a float movable between a lower and upper position disposed within the hollow fluid flow sensor body, a float position sensing device including logic circuitry to selectively generate a first and second signal disposed adjacent the lower portion of the lower flow detection chamber and a float limit disposed within the upper fluid flow chamber, the float being disposed adjacent the float position sensing device when in the first position when fluid flow through the fluid flow sensor is less than the predetermined rate of fluid flow whereby the float position sensing device generates the first signal to indicate fluid flow of less than the predetermined rate and when the fluid flow through the fluid flow sensor equals or exceeds the predetermi

Abstract: A liquid level responsive sending unit is positionable in a vehicle fuel tank to deliver a signal to a fuel gage on the vehicle dashboard. An electrical damping circuit is provided on a circuit board carried on the sending unit, such that momentary fluctuations in a fuel level sensor float are smoothed out. The signal transmitted to the gage is a signal representing a time-averaged condition of the sensor. The damping circuit location in the fuel tank is advantageous as regards signal accuracy calibration, manufacturing quality control, ease of assembly, and access for component replacement purposes.

Abstract: A liquid level detector for detecting liquid level height in a vessel includes a housing adapted to float in the liquid, first and second spaced, fixed stops disposed in the housing, a pendulum having a end pivotally mounted in the housing wherein the pendulum is movable between the stops in response to a change in orientation of the housing due to a change in liquid level height in the vessel, an electrical switch disposed of in the housing adjacent to the first stop and actuable by the pendulum and a cable for tethering an end of the housing to the vessel.

Abstract: A sphere-actuated float switch is provided including (i) a cage defining a longitudinal raceway, (ii) a yoke pivotally mounted externally to the cage and having a first and second legs which extend into the raceway, (iii) an electrical switching means which is electrically open when the yoke is in a first position and electrical closed when the yoke is in a second position, (iii) an over-center spring capable of biasing the yoke into the appropriate electrically open and the electrically closed positions once the yoke is urged past a transition point, and (iv) a sphere within the raceway for urging the yoke between the electrically open and the electrically closed positions.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the level of a fluid in a vessel, particularly applicable to controlling the pump operation at an oil well. The system includes a fluid level sensing unit having a plurality of sensors positioned at selected levels in the well casing outside the tubing string. The sensors operate independently to detect the presence of fluid and emit electrical signals which are received by a data conversion and sending unit immediately above the fluid level sensing unit in the well casing. The data conversion and sending unit converts the signals into discreet digital data bits which can be transmitted sequentially in one conductive wire to a data management and pump control unit at a convenient location nearby, usually at the well site. Thus, there is no need for a wire extending from each sensor. The data bits received by the data management and pump control unit are converted to a visual display in a light emitting diode panel.

Abstract: A drain overflow alarm for a washing machine drain, which alarm is mounted in a vertical drain line offset provided with a check valve and extending from the vertical fixed drain line or standpipe of a structure. In a preferred embodiment the alarm includes a float switch located in the top end of the drain line offset and a transformer, relay, alarm and optical reset button, all provided in a control housing. The float switch is electrically connected to the transformer, relay and alarm, such that obstruction of the fixed drain line causes water to rise in the fixed drain line and through the check valve into the drain line offset. The rising water raises the float element of the float switch and closes the switch to activate the transformer relay and alarm, as well as terminate operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with an improved apparatus for protecting the tub from being overfilled in the form of a float having a float stem that is automatically captured upon insertion through a passage in the tub bottom wall such that the float will be restrained against disengagement from the tub bottom wall. The float is vertically movable to operate a control switch for regulating the level of water within the tub. Preferably a retaining ring is carried on a stem of the float which is automatically biased through a varying diameter keyway and is subsequently moved to a captured position below the member having the keyway.

Abstract: A float controlled switch is disclosed. The float controlled switch includes a switch portion, a float portion being displaced a distance from the switch portion, and a tank. The float portion is disposed in the tank filled with a liquid while the switch portion is disposed outside of the tank so that the switch portion is protected from the liquid.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator for storage tanks including a cover member for covering an opening at the top of the storage tank, a central rod extending downwardly from the cover member into the storage tank, and a float movably disposed on the central rod. A vertically movable first rod assembly is connected to an upper portion of the central rod, and a vertically movable second rod assembly is connected to a lower portion of the central rod, with the float being disposed therebetween so that the float contacts and moves the first rod assembly when the storage tank is substantially filled, and the float contacts and moves the second rod assembly when the storage tank is near empty. Switches are associated with each of the first and second rod assemblies to activate signal members when either of the first and second rod assemblies are vertically moved to indicate when the storage tank is substantially filled or when the storage tank is near empty.

Abstract: An alarm system is disclosed for use with a water softener including a salt-brine tank containing a bed of salt. The alarm system includes a sensor situated in the salt-brine tank on the top of the bed of salt, an electronic circuit including an alarm, and an input for connecting the circuit to the sensor. The sensor is responsive to direct contact with the brine for operating the circuit to initiate the alarm in the event the top of the bed of salt drops below a preselected level or the brine rises above another preselected level.

Abstract: A fuel level gauge provided with a remaining-amount warning apparatus is arranged so that an indicating needle for indicating the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank operates in accordance with a change in the resistance of a resistor device consisting essentially of a resistance plate having a resistor and a sliding element capable of sliding on the resistor in accordance with a liquid level change in the fuel tank. A warning means for issuing a warning when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount also operates by utilizing the resistor device. In such a fuel level gauge, the warning means is activated by a circuit disposed to connect a remaining-amount warning point and the warning means, the remaining-amount warning point being the position on the resistor at which the sliding element is positioned when the amount of remaining fuel reaches a predetermined amount which requires issuance of a warning.

Abstract: The system is designed to shut-off the flow of liquid in a conduit, unattended, i.e., automatically, in the event of a liquid conduit rupture, liquid overflow, or the like. A float which carries a mercury switch is set over a recess formed therefor and into which liquid can flow and collect. The float rises with the collected liquid, and the mercury switch activates a solenoid valve which is interpositioned in a pressured-liquid conduit, to halt the flow of liquid through the conduit. The recess is formed in a lowermost portion of an area in which the subject conduit is sited.

Abstract: An elongated hollow body is provided with a mid-length transverse partition and one end of the body is mountable from a sewer pipe in lieu of a cleanout plug thereof and contains a buoyant mercury switch tethered to the partition through the utilization of thin, flexible and relatively insulated conductors passing through the partition in fluid tight sealed engagement therewith and electrically connected to spaced contacts within the mercury switch. The other end of the body on the side of the partition remote from the buoyant mercury switch supports a battery, a momentarily actuatable test switch and an electrically actuated signal generating device, the mercury switch, signal generating device and battery being electrically connected in a loop-type circuit. A bypass circuit is provided for bypassing the mercury switch and the test switch is serially connected in the bypass circuit.

Abstract: An irrigation system control apparatus which includes an adjustable float switch mounted within a rain collector receptacle which switch is actuated in response to a predetermined amount of rainfall to terminate the operation of the motor and pump assembly of the irrigation system.

Abstract: A liquid regulator device has a buoyant body which is anchored to a side of the vessel by an electrical conductor. The body contains a movable ballast in the form of a ball and an attitude sensitive switch connected to the electrical conductor. The buoyant body floats in the liquid with one end in the uppermost position. Changing the liquid level tensions the electrical conductor causing the body to tumble. When the body has tumbled through a predetermined angle, the ballast moves from one end of the body to the other to cause the body to rapidly assume the reverse orientation. This causes the attitude sensitive switch to change state, which is used to control the liquid level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve apparatus having water inlet and outlet pipes, means for maintaining water which may have ruptured from a water storage tank in a water containment area, a float within the water containment area, a float-rod attached to the float which has a triangular gear attached to the other end of the float-rod. The triangular gear interacts with a circular gear when the float-rod is raised causing the circular gear to rotate away from the valve housing pulling a rod which causes a metal strip to be pulled over the water outlet pipe preventing water from being delivered from the valve housing to the ruptured water storage tank. The on/off switch of a water pump may also be connected to the float-rod such that the water pump is turned on when the float-rod is turned on pumping water out of the water containment area.

Abstract: The System is designed to shut-off the flow of liquid in a conduit, unattended, i.e., automatically, in the event of a liquid conduit rupture, liquid overflow, or the like. A float which carries a mercury switch is set over a recess formed therefor and into which liquid can flow and collect. The float rises with the collected liquid, and the mercury switch activates a solenoid valve which is interpositioned in a pressured-liquid conduit, to halt the flow of liquid through the conduit. The recess is formed in a lowermost portion of an area in which the subject conduit is sited.

Abstract: A signalling device for signalling danger from water over a low water crossing area is provided. The device has a support post, a message panel, and flashing lights in electrical connection with an energy source, the electrical connection being completed by triggering a switch lever by either a tank float rigidly mounted to a bottom end of a centrally disposed elongate guide member or by a donut-shaped tank float received about the elongate guide member and stopped by a stop member, either the rigidly mounted float pushing the elongate rod upwards and triggering the switch lever, or the donut shaped tank float and stop pushing the elongate rod upwards and triggering the switch lever.

Abstract: A hollow float bulb or shell is secured to a flexible electrical cord and encloses a housing which confines an electrical switch and defines a chamber with an inwardly projecting barrier. A weight member in the form of a metal ball is disposed within the chamber and rolls over the barrier to actuate the switch in response to tilting movement of the shell and housing. In one embodiment, a shuttle in the form of a metal frame is supported within the chamber for sliding movement and carries a switch conductor element. The shuttle frame is impacted by the ball located within the frame when the ball rolls over the barrier, and the frame is restrained by magnets to produce snap actuation of the switch.