Abstract: A high temperature float switch system for usage in high temperature environments. The high temperature float switch system generally includes a housing having a double wall design that houses a switch unit within the inner wall. The double wall design is comprised of an inner wall positioned within an outer housing. An intermediate space is preferably between at least a portion of the inner wall and the outer housing to receive any water vapor that passes through the outer housing thereby preventing the entry of the water vapor into the interior space of the inner wall.

Abstract: A water resistant alarm system for providing an effective audible alarm in a water resistant housing. The water resistant alarm system generally includes a housing comprised of a base panel and a cover connected to the base panel, a speaker within an interior of the housing, and a sound vent within the housing that allows sound generated from the speaker to pass outwardly from the housing while preventing the entry of water into the interior of the housing. The cover is removably connected to the base panel to allow for increased access to the interior of the housing. The cover is further removably connected to the base panel in a waterproof manner without utilizing seals.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor frequency output system for efficiently communicating a liquid level with reduced power and increased accuracy. The liquid level sensor frequency output system generally includes a sensor that determines a liquid level, a transmitter in communication with the sensor that converts the level data to a signal having a frequency representing the liquid level, and a receiver that receives the signal, wherein the receiver calculates the liquid level based on the frequency of the signal. The calculated liquid level by the receiver can be transmitted to an output device such as a display, switch, warning system or pump.

Abstract: A pressure sensor venting system for efficiently and accurately measuring a liquid level. The pressure sensor venting system generally includes a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing, a diaphragm, a pressure passage fluidly connecting the pressure transducer and a pressurized liquid from the diaphragm, and a first vent tube that is fluidly connected to the pressure transducer opposite of the pressure passage. The distal end of the first vent tube extends outwardly from the housing and extends a distance into a second vent tube. The second vent tube is fluidly connected to liquid resistant vent that is positioned within the interior space of the liquid container and above the liquid level.

Abstract: A pressure sensor diaphragm system for efficiently and accurately measuring fluid pressure in harsh environments. The pressure sensor diaphragm system generally includes a pressure transducer, a diaphragm, and a pressure fluid within the diaphragm that is fluidly connected to the pressure transducer to transfer pressure from the diaphragm to the pressure transducer. The diaphragm is comprised of a deformable structure and is preferably comprised of a bellows structure having a plurality of furrow portions and a plurality of ridge portions.

Abstract: A control apparatus for turning on and off an electrical load device which includes an enclosure having open top and bottom ends with a flexible member searingly connected inside the enclosure, the flexible member having top and bottom sides. A drive magnet is connected to the top side of the flexible member. The control apparatus further includes a mounting member carrying a switch and a pivotally mounted driven magnet. The pivotally mounted driven magnet and the drive magnet being positioned and arranged such that when fluid enters the open bottom end of the enclosure and applies pressure to the flexible member, a portion of the flexible member moves from a first position to a second position, carrying the drive magnet and bringing it into a repelling orientation with the driven magnet, which is repelled from the drive magnet and pivotally engages with the switch to operatively change the switch from a first state to a second state. The switch is operably connected to the electrical load device.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated float switch for turning on and off an electrical load device which includes a mounting member, a moveable bracket member which is attached to the mounting member and which is moveable between a first bracket position and a second bracket position by an external force. The moveable bracket member further has a first magnetic end and a second magnetic end which define a space therebetween. The first magnetic end and second magnetic end are oriented in a repelling arrangement. Insertion of a magnet in the space between the magnetic ends of the bracket results in the moveable bracket being moved from the first position to the second position. The moveable bracket member is operatively arranged to change the state of a switch between a first and second state. The switch is in turn operably arranged to change the state of an electrical load device between an on state and an off state.

Abstract: An alternator circuit for alternately operating one of first and second electrical load devices which uses a magnetic latch relay to perform the alternation. The circuit includes a first circuit means for supplying electrical energy from a source to one of said first and second electrical load devices, and magnetic latch relay alternating means having first and second states. The alternating means in a first state interconnects the first electrical load device to the first circuit means, and in the second state interconnects the second electrical load device to the first circuit means. One application of the inventive circuit is for use in controlling the level of liquid in a container within a predetermined range using 2 pumps.

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 magnetically actuated float switch assembly for use with a submersible pump, comprises a float rod with two spaced stops, a movable float carried by the rod which moves between the stops in response to fluid level, the rod being mounted in a vertical oriented position for movement upwardly and downwardly in response to float movement against the two spaced stops, a magnetic body carried at the upper end of the rod for movement therewith, a generally U-shaped magnetic follower element with two spaced, magnetically responsive arms on one side of the magnetic body, or two sets of arms disposed on either side of the magnetic body to provide a dual U-shaped arrangement, the follower element being rotatably mounted with the arms thereof in a generally horizontal position, one above the other for movement of the arms thereof upwardly and downwardly in a vertical plane, the arms and magnetic body being positioned relative to each other so as to dispose the magnetic body for movement from arm to arm to thereby allow

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 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: Alternator circuit arrangement (20) for controlling the electrical energization of multiple load devices such as two pump motors (41,42) on an alternating basis so as to maintain the level of a liquid (86) in a container (84) within a predetermined range. The alternator circuit arrangement (20) further including an RC circuit (54) having a capacitor (62) for discharging through a normally closed switch (50b) which is opened during energization of the pump motors (41,42) so as to energize a bi-stable relay (52) which in turn interconnects alternate ones of the pump motors (41,42) to the alternator circuit (20) such that upon detection of the liquid (86) at an intermediate level (96) alternate ones of the pumps (41,42) are energized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12) and having a recessed surface 102 providing a mercury wetting reservoir. The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member (46).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12). The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member ( 46).

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the effective differential of a position responsive switch (30) which comprises a mounting plate (43) having an aperture larger than the switch, and stop members (46, 47) carried by the switch for limiting the "tumbling" motion of the switch in the aperture. A second embodiment interposes an intermediate mounting member (56) between the switch (30) and the mounting plate (55), and enables tumbling motion between the switch and the intermediate member as well as between the intermediate member and the mounting plate. The apparatus is shown in a float (29) for use for "pump down" and "pump up" operation.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electrical load device, comprising a relay having a winding and a set of normally open contacts which are closed and opened, after short delays, upon energization and deenergization respectively of the winding, first and second switches arranged to be closed and opened in predetermined sequences, a first circuit for supplying electrical energy from a source to the winding through both the switches series, and a second circuit for supplying electrical energy to the winding and the load device from the source through one of the switches and the contacts of the relay, the second circuit connecting the contacts in parallel with the other of the switches.

Abstract: A self-contained float switch for use in conjunction with water pumps and the like. The float switch operates to actuate and de-actuate such a pump at particular depths of water (L.sub.1) and (L.sub.2) which define an adjustable pumping range (R). In one embodiment the float switch consists of a cylindrical water-tight float (24) having an electrical cable (26) coming out of one end and terminating at a piggy-back plug (29) for insertion between a power output (20) and electric pump plug (18). The float contains six mercury switches (70-80) disposed obliquely to the axis of the float and equally spaced around the axis. Further circuitry including a relay (48) is provided to switch the heavier current load of the pump (12) in response to the electrical state of the mercury switches.