Abstract: A pneumatic safety device designed to prevent water leakage caused by failure of any washing machine component. Said device comprises one or two pneumatically-actuated valves positioned downstream from the machine's water supply faucet. When said machine is being filled with water a small electric pump generates compressed air that opens the water inlet valve(s) against the reaction of springs. A float associated with an electric switch, normally closed when the machine is operating, rises when water leaks occur opening said switch, which shuts off the machine and pump power, and also closes the water intake valve(s).

Abstract: A fuel level sensor 16 comprises a vertical member 20 and float 22 wherein said vertical member 20 comprises a steel substrate 26 encased in porcelain 28 with a thick film cermet resistive track 34 deposited thereon. A nickel deposit 36 at the bottom portion of the vertical member 20 facilitates electrical continuity between the substrate 26 and the resistive track 34 such that the substrate acts as a buried conductor enabling proportionality between magnitude of resistance and liquid level while diminishing the likelihood of conductor erosion and float interference.

Abstract: A ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit is wired to a main circuit breaker panel. A first output of the ground fault interrupter circuit provides electrical current to a solenoid valve that controls the supply of cold water to a conventional hot water heater. The solenoid valve is held in its open position by 110 V. alternating current and is closed by spring biasing means when the current is cut off. The other output of the GFI circuit provides 110 V. alternating current to a leak detector. A leak detecting system directs leakage to a collector wherein the presence of water in the collector completes the circuit between the hot wire and ground of the second outlet. When the circuit is shorted out to ground by the presence of water the GFI circuit is tripped at the main circuit breaker panel and simultaneously cuts off current to the solenoid valve controlling the flow of water to the heater permitting the spring to bias the valve shut and preventing any water damage due to leakage.

Abstract: A mercury activated float switch is selectively positioned within a slot formed along an axial length of a perforated pipe. The pipe is vertically mounted to a weighted base, and the switch may be slid along the slot to adjust its operable height. The float member is pivotally mounted within the pipe and closes the associated switch when a preselected water level is detected. The closed switch then activates at least one type of alarm, such as an alarm bell or light, and may also be utilized to activate a transmitter which sends a signal to remotely positioned receiver.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the mercury float switch includes a sealed, partially mercury filled bent tube having two contact leads extending from one end. A shroud of plastic, injection molded material covers the portion of the tube where the two contact leads extend. The shroud is formed to have two opposing pivot arms extending therefrom. Each pivot arm encapsulates a respective lead. Connecting wires are electrically connected to each contact lead and the insulation surrounding the connecting wires is also encapsulated within a corresponding pivot arm. A foamed plastic, buoyant body completely encapsulates the tube as well as the shroud except for the ends of the pivot arms. This buoyant body is retained in a housing structure which has journals on opposing walls thereof which retain the pivot arms and allow the bouyant body pivot assembly to rotate freely on the pivots. The housing structure limits the rotational movement of the buoyant body.

Abstract: A compensating reservoir for a hydraulic brake system includes an upper part provided with a fill socket and a lower part which is provided with an outlet. The parts are connected with each other in a liquid-tight manner along a separating or joint line. The fluid chamber, which communicates with a filling and supply opening of a brake master cylinder through the outlet, is subdivided into two chambers by a partition wall and contains an auxiliary chamber with a level indicating float. The auxiliary chamber communicates with the fluid chamber. In order to determine the actual fluid level by a float not arranged in the fluid level's areal center of gravity resulting from the shape of the reservoir, the two chambers hydraulically communicate with each other permanently, with the first chamber containing both the auxiliary chamber and the outlet and with the second chamber being closed in a liquid-tight manner.

Abstract: A hollow floatable structure secured to a flexible electric cord for switching electric motor pumps or the like. The structure encloses an electric switch assembled with lever arm. The lever arm is positioned so that a sliding weight will actuate the switch. A part of the structure includes a properly positioned post which the gravity actuated weight slides upon.

Abstract: A float switch assembly for selectively energizing and deenergizing a fluid pump or other electronic equipment responsive to the rise and fall of a fluid level within a reservoir and a method and manufacturing or assembling the float switch assembly. The assembly includes a hollow tube having an open end wherein a mercury tilt switch is fixed. A plurality of conductors covered with a non-conductive material extend within the tube open end and are connected to the switch so that a current path may be provided between the conductors responsive to the angle of the switch. Ridges are provided on the outer surface of the tube near the open end and, a float bulb is provided substantially surrounding the tube below the ridges and sealingly connected upon the ridges. A potting epoxy compound surrounds the switch and the conductors within the tube so that electrical contact with a fluid through the open end is prevented. A cap is placed on the tube open end and is locked into place.

Abstract: An improved float-actuated switching assembly, having a pusher (92) linked to a float (14), a movable carrier member (16), preferably a pivotable cam, having upper and lower brackets (78 and 80) between which the pusher moves, first and second stops (18 and 20) to limit carrier movement, a contact member (22) on the carrier positioned to contact the stops, and magnets (88 and 90) to releasably hold the contact against a stop as the pusher moves toward and applies initial force to one of the brackets. Increasing force caused by continuing float movement eventually breaks the magnetic force such that the carrier moves quickly to actuate a switch element (26) preferably through a cam follower (96).

Abstract: A float switch construction for monitoring liquid levels, comprising a float housing having a float member which is movable therein between raised and lowered positions. In the housing there is a fixed contact member and an asymmetric, elongate movable contact member, the latter having a laterally offset portion constituting a gravity-responsive mass. The housing has an electrically conductive bearing which mounts the movable contact member for both turning and pivotal movement and for conducting current to or from it. The float member and movable contact member are freely turnable with respect to one another, and have cooperable engaging portions for causing the movable contact member to pivot in response to movement of the float member. The fixed contact member has contact portions disposed annularly for engagement by the movable contact member in response to its pivotal movement irrespective of the angular orientation of the float housing.

Abstract: A float switch arrangement includes a holding and sealing component which is made of an electrically conductive material. An electric switch is accommodated in the holding and sealing component. An electric cable is connected to the electric switch and includes an end portion situated at a connection zone. Electric conductors extend from the end portion of the current supply cable through the connection zone to the electric switch and are electrically connected to the electric switch. A gravity actuation arrangement which is operative for actuating the electric switch is also accommodated in the holding and sealing component. A float housing constituted solely by a body of a closed-pore integral foam surrounds the holding and sealing component, the electric switch, the gravity actuation arrangement, and the end portion of the gavity actuation arrangement and the electric conductors at the connection zone and seals the connection zone against penetration of moisture therethrough.

Abstract: A float assembly for use in tanks, sumps or other liquid-containing vessels includes an elongated, upright, extruded support which maintains individual float switches at preselected heights. The support includes upright, elongated, recess-defining walls with a pair of flat, spaced, parallel sidewall portions that are configured to grippingly engage an outer, deformable insulative covering of a cord connected to the float switch. The cord may be grasped and pulled to an appropriate height, and is thereafter secured by the sidewall portions without the use of tools, fasteners or other components. In preferred forms, the recess-defining walls have a transverse, generally U-shaped configuration with an internal passageway for housing an upper portion of the cord between the float switch and an overlying junction box.

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.

Abstract: In place of one of the usual blunt seats, a sewer check valve has a knife-edge extending from one of the seats to eliminate holding of compressed, relatively tough chunks of sewage between seats by cutting through the chunks, and has room for the cut pieces to move away from the seats. The flap of the valve has a lever extending therefrom, and a spring actuated rod retained by a catch is released to strike against the lever for forcing the flap against the knife-edge. The catch may be released manually, but is preferably released by slightly delayed operation of a solenoid in response to operation of a level sensing device in the housing of the valve.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed float switch having a bistable ball cage therein. The ball cage is free to pivot between either of two spring biased, over center positions responsive to the position of a ball which is free to roll from either end of the race through the cage to the other end of the race. An over center spring holds the ball cage in its last operated position. A safety arm prevents the ball cage from changing its attitude in any manner which, if uncontrolled, might permit the ball to escape into an inoperative position which might capture it behind the ball cage. Adjustment is provided for the on and off levels of the switch responsive to tether length.

Abstract: A hydraulic reservoir with fluid level detector includes a main body having an internal space for containing brake oil; a cap attached to the main body for covering a top opening of the main body; a diaphragm arranged across the top opening of the main body, the outer circumference of the diaphragm being held between the main body and the cap, and the space between the cap and the diaphragm communicating with the atmosphere; a reed switch fixed to the main body, a float provided with permanent magnet, so arranged as to be vertically movable in the internal space of the main body, the reed switch and the float with permanent magnet constituting a fluid level detector, and when the float with permanent magnet is positioned under a predetermined level, the reed switch being closed by magnetic force of the permanent magnet; an operating rod for pushing down the float, being vertically movable and able to be pushed down from the external against buoyancy of the float; and a cylindrical portion integrally formed wi

Abstract: For detecting small level changes in an aquarium, there is proposed a sensor which, in the operable condition, comprises a substantially enclosed sensor container (18), into which aquarium water can be sucked from the surface via an overflow edge (56) and from the aquarium interior via a suction port (46) with a downstream overflow tube (52). The sucking of the water over these two paths is effected by a circulating pump (26) of the aquarium filter system via an outlet port (32) of the sensor container (18). The liquid level in the sensor container is monitored by a level sensor (64). The upper edge of the overflow tube (52) is located beneath the overflow edge of the container wall by a specified distance. If water losses from the aquarium arise, the water surface in the sensor container drops to a considerably greater extent than the water surface in the aquarium external chamber does.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic cut off switch which grounds the magneto-spark plug circuit of a small gasoline engine shutting the engine down when the quantity of lubricating oil within the sump falls below a predetermined quantity. The switch is operated by a balance beam float assembly housed within a protective shroud. The protective shroud acts to collect a relatively stable pool of oil, representative of the quantity of oil remaining in the sump, for activation of the balance beam float. Upon refilling of the oil sump the switch automatically resets thereby permitting re-start of the engine.

Abstract: A position responsive switch apparatus comprising a housing and a mounting assembly secured within the housing. The mounting assembly includes a pair of oppositely disposed spaced-apart walls. Each of the walls has an aperture contained therein which are in general axial alignment. An elongate switch extends through the apertures and is transversely supported by the mounting assembly so that the switch may move in a generally longitudinally axial direction within the confines of the mounting assembly. The switch may be in one of two preselectd conditions. The switch moves from one condition to the other condition in response to an opposing directional displacement of the switch. A retaining element is carried on the switch intermediate of the apertures. The retaining element is of a greater dimension than the apertures so that the walls moveably retain the switch within the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An hydraulic switch (10) for buoyingly controlling a secondary electrical switch (74) is disclosed. A float (68) is retained to move between a first position spaced apart from a vent opening (64) and a second position in sealing contact with vent opening (64). The electrical switch (74) changes state from an open condition to a closed condition as the float (68) approaches its second position.

Abstract: A float switch for providing a switching path for a high level electric current in response to a fluid level. A buoyant float housing includes a pair of conductors through the housing which are adapted to receive a potential difference. A high current solid state switching device in the housing provides a current path between the conductors inside the housing. The solid state switching device is mounted to a heat sink cup exposed through an opening in the float housing to the fluid level. A wide angle mercury switch is provided to trigger the solid state switching device in response to a change in the float housing orientation.

Abstract: An improved circuit arrangement is described which is used with a buoyant device for indicating a disturbance to the quiescent level of a body of water. The circuit arrangement includes an encoder and transmitter which are supported by the device and which are adapted for transmitting encoded information in accordance with a predetermined pulse code to a remote receiver and alarm. Transmission of the encoded signal is terminated after a predetermined interval of time. The encoder and transmitter are coupled in the circuit for enhancing the turn off of a bi-stable switching circuit.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir with a fluid-level sensor includes a manual testing device consisting of two separate but cooperative rods. The fluid-level sensor consists of a float within the reservoir and a reed switch which is closed to cause a low fluid-level alarm when the float is lower than a predetermined level. The testing device serves to depress the float to below that level to ensure that the switch and the alarm are working. A first rod is supported by a filter mounted at the top of the reservoir. A second rod is supported by a flexible cover which fits over the top of the reservoir. The rods are coaxial and free to move downward far enough to push the float to below the above level. Having the two rods separable allows the cover to be removed easily without damaging the manual testing device.

Abstract: A float control for a pushbutton switch, including a float having a fixed pivot inside a float chamber, and a two-armed lever with a fixed fulcrum. One arm of the lever contacts the push-button switch for actuation thereof, said the other lever arm is connected to the float in a position spaced from the float. This other lever arm pivots in a manner allowing for relative pivoting and sliding movement, so that the lever does not impede any movement of the float, and any such float movement is fully translated into imparting control forces to the lever.

Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle actuated by liquid such as water is provided. The toy vehicle includes a frame having wheels rotatably supported thereon and a motor operatively coupled to the wheels for rotating the wheels. A reservoir having a float disposed therein is supported on the toy vehicle frame. A switch selectively actuated by the float is coupled to the motor. When a predetermined amount of liquid is present in the reservoir, the float will actuate the switch thereby turning on the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid level detection switch which is provided in a casing with a plurality of terminals having fixed contacts and a signal-outputting portion and with a float having a movable contact to contact with the fixed contacts moving vertically within the casing so that the movable contact contacts or separates from the fixed contacts as the float moves vertically.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor switch to indicate whether a sensed liquid is above or below a predetermined level utilizing a generally cylindrical float element that is slightly ballasted along its length so that it is self-orienting with respect to the vertical. Electrically connected contacts are placed at opposite ends of the ballasted float element and are maintained in a proper downward orientation so as to connect and disconnect an electrically conducting path when the liquid level changes about a predetermined level.

Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.

Abstract: A mercury activated float switch comprises a base member, a resilient fulcrum, desirably comprising an aperture in a resilient sheet, supported on said base member and at least two flexible electrical current carrying conductors supported for pivotal movement about the resilient fulcrum. A float member has associated therewith a switch assembly in which the electrical conductors terminate as spaced apart contacts. An angled mercury-containing race within the float member communicates with the switch assembly. As the liquid level changes, the float member pivots about the resilient fulcrum between first and second positions. The mercury in the race occupies the end of the race remote from the switch assembly when the float member is in its first position and flows into the switch assembly to bridge the space between the contacts when the float member is in its second position.

Abstract: A sewer back up warning system includes a pair of electrically-conductive probe rods fixedly securable within a sewer clean out pipe and being in electrical communication with a sewer back up alarm. An electrically-conductive float is hingedly attached to a free end of one of the rods, such float serving to rise in the clean out pipe as a sewer backs up so as to eventually come into contact with the second rod to thus complete the electrical circuit containing the back up alarm. A corrosion check device is also provided which essentially consists of a manually-operable chain pull for effectively bringing the metallic float into electrical communication with the second rod so as to determine the presence of corrosion build up which would prevent the operation of the alarm.

Abstract: A sensor for detection of the presence of a predetermined level of fluid in an enclosed reservoir, e.g., oil in an engine crankcase or transmission fluid reservoir, and a system for providing a remote indication of the detection of the existence of the predetermined level. The apparatus includes an electrically conductive float disposed within an encapsulator and movable responsive to the liquid level to provide an indication thereof.

Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.

Abstract: Fluid level indicator comprises a float suspended at the apex by wires from the cover of a fluid reservoir. The float has an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by an intermediate piece having a concave surface facing the apex. A metal ball in the upper chamber rolls into a depression at the center of the surface to bridge two switch contacts when the fluid level is low and the float is suspended by the wires, which are connected to the contacts. The float is top-heavy and rolls over to open the switch when the fluid level is high enough to permit the suspending portion of the wires to slacken.

Abstract: To commence and maintain the operation of a bilge pump until the bilge area is sufficiently evacuated of excess bilge water, an electrically conductive ball is deposited in spanning relation across, and thus closes, a pair of circuit switch contacts, and then rolls off said contacts when the permissible lower level is reached to terminate the pump operation. This operational mode is, of course, repeated when the bilge is again filled to excess.

Abstract: The brake fluid reservoir warning arrangement responds when the fluid level drops below a predetermined minimum level and includes two contact pins and a contact disc arranged on a float to electrically connect the contact pins when the fluid level is below the minimum level. Checking arrangements to check the warning arrangement are disclosed which include manual swivelling or axially displacing the contact pins to make an electrical connection with the contact disc, or the contact carrier includes an opening accessible to both contact pins receiving a metal part to electrically connect the two contact pins together.

Abstract: A device for detecting the quantity of a refrigerant circulating in an air conditioner for vehicles, provided with a sensing means which comprises a body having a hollow portion of a construction open to the outside thereof, projecting into the interior of the refrigerant receiver of the air conditioner. The sensing means also includes a floating element disposed within the hollow portion so as to float on the surface of the refrigerant therein. Thus, the sensing means has excellent resistance to shocks and vibrations, and can also be mounted in the refrigerant receiver even after the latter has been assembled. Also provided is an alarm means electrically connected with the sensing means to be actuated in response to the motions of the floating element, which may comprise a comparator means coupled to a time constant circuit, thus providing a stable alarm operation.

Abstract: An automatic water safety valve assembly having sensors adapted to be placed in various locations on the floors of a building so that an expandable element in each of the sensors having an electrically conductive plate expands when wetted to operate a circuit which causes the water safety valve to close and shut off the main water line to the building. The valve, when activated, also operates a power interrupter which deactivates the connections to the device from the AC power source.

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: A safety switch assembly for use in filling a gasoline products tanker and having a body portion and a gasoline level sensing portion. A channel (part-circular in plan) in the body portion fits over the rim of the filler opening of the tanker to enable the rim to actuate a first electrical switch contained in the body portion. The sensing portion projects into the filler opening and includes a reed relay and a float carrying a magnet to actuate the reed relay. The first electrical switch is a double pole microswitch having one pole normally open and the other pole normally closed. The normally open pole is connected to delivery apparatus to prevent delivery unless the rim actuates the microswitch. The normally closed pole is in parallel with the reed relay which has its contacts closed when the float is unactuated. When the gasoline level nears the top of the container the float rises to de-actuate the reed relay and disable the delivery system to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus is provided with a float controlled liquid inlet valve. The float includes a centrally located, downwardly extending, stem portion which extends through the inner aperture of a standpipe associated with the bottom wall of the liquid container. A cap portion of the float surrounds and encloses the upper extremity of the standpipe and prevents spraying liquid from escaping the liquid container through the standpipe aperture. A floatation chamber is axially spaced below the cap portion of the float and is connected thereto by a plurality of arms. The spacing of the float chamber from the cap defines openings which allow liquid to wash through the inner section of the float and around the standpipe to remove debris.

Abstract: A tilt indicating device mountable on a tiltable vehicle or machine component and operable to close an electrical circuit to thereby give an audio/visual warning or initiate levelling action in case of tilt. The device comprises an insulated housing having a chamber therein filled with electrically non-conductive viscous damping fluid in which a float is submerged and upwardly bouyed. An electrically conductive ball and socket pivot assembly connects the float to the chamber floor and enables tilting of the housing relative to the float in any direction from vertical. An electrically conductive circular disc horizontally mounted on the float stem and electrically connected through the pivot means to a connector terminal on the exterior of the housing is spaced from but engageable during tilt with the upper edge of an annular collector ring mounted on the housing floor and surrounding the pivot means.

Abstract: A dishwasher employing a float assembly positioned in a centrally located sump in close proximity laterally and vertically to a horizontally rotating circulation pump impeller inlet area for accurately terminating fill when the liquid level rises slightly above the dynamic prime level thereby enabling lower water usage by eliminating the need to overfill to compensate for inaccuracies in liquid level control. A baffle partially encloses the float to prevent nuisance trips resulting from liquid turbulence in the sump caused by pump operation. A cover is provided over the float mechanism to prevent nuisance trips caused by overspray striking the float. In its preferred form the float assembly comprises a multi-chambered open bottom float portion and an inverted U-shaped stem portion. One end of the U-shaped stem is connected to the float. The free end is slidably supported in a vertical standpipe formed in the bottom of the sump.

Abstract: In a swimming pool having an electrically powered pump for circulating water, a portion of the water in the swimming pool is directed into a chamber in communication with the pool, so that the level of the water in the chamber is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The circuit supplying electrical current to the pump includes a switch mounted in the chamber. A float supported by the water in the chamber is mechanically connected to the switch in such manner that the switch permits current to flow to the pump, when the float is supported at or above a predetermined level. A drop in the level of water in the pool causes a corresponding drop in the level of water in the chamber, so that the float falls and actuates the switch causing the pump to be disconnected from its power supply.

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.

Abstract: A battery operated sump well fluid level warning device is provided which is secured to the discharge line extending out of the sump well from a submersible sump pump. A first housing having a battery power source and a float actuated switch disposed therein is secured to the discharge line. A second housing having a light and an audible alarm secured thereto is detachably connected to the first housing by a pair of prongs adapted to be received in a socket on the first housing and thereby provide an electrical connection between the power source and float switch circuit in the first housing and the signal light and audible alarm of the second housing. Alternatively, an extension cord may be used to connect the first housing to the second housing so that the second housing can be remotely positioned from the first housing, thus enabling the warning signals to be better heard and seen.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a Mercury Float Switch that is, a float operable by variations in the water level in the bilge of a boat to control the operation of a bilge pump or control the operation of a sump pump, both operable when the water level in the bilge or sump is above normal. The present float switch comprises a mercury containing tube having two switch contacts extending into one end of the tube which when bridged by the mercury in the tube will cause operation of a bilge pump or a sump pump or the operation of a visible or audible signal. The mercury tube is embedded in a polyurethane foam float which holds it firmly in position and protects it and the contacts from water seepage and corrosion. The tube is bent intermediate its ends at an angle so that the mercury will not be moved to bridge the switch contacts during normal vibration of the tube under normal variance of the water level in the bilge or sump.

Abstract: An improved float assembly for a dishwasher liquid fill system includes cam means on the float stem. The cam includes a first portion operative, upon the liquid rising to its normal fill level, to maintain a switch in its circuit closing position allowing the fill valve to be opened at selected intervals during the operational cycle. Upon the float being buoyed upwardly by the liquid level rising above its normal-fill level to an over-fill level the cam means is operative to retain the float at an elevated position permitting the dishwasher to complete its operational cycle after which the float may be manually reset to its lower position to again permit normal operation of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A float support includes a guide sleeve extending upwardly from a dishwasher chamber sump for slidable reception of a float stem. The support includes a hollow standpipe having an upper portion, partially defined by an external wall of the guide sleeve along part of its axial height, and a lower portion extending down through the sump in an offset manner. The inverted cuplike float includes a plurality of cavities at least one of which is adapted to entrap air to provide buoyance to the float. A remaining one of the cavities defines a combined float damping and overflow cavity which conceals the upper portion of the hollow standpipe such that the standpipe establishes an air break path between the overflow cavity and atmosphere thereby damping the vertical travel of the float.

Abstract: A dishwasher fill system providing a combination fill control system and timer fill sequence that assures a predetermined minimum quantity of water is present in the dishwashing chamber regardless of the water fill flow rate and the household waterline pressure. The system provides two assured fill levels with a predetermined minimum water level fill cycle portion for a rinse fill and an increased minimum level fill cycle portion for a wash fill. If the rinse fill water level is below its minimum quantity after a predetermined run time, first switch means will energize the timer motor and the fill valve will remain open until said rinse fill minimum level is reached. A fill sensor switch at this point will turn off the water valve and energize the timer motor.

Abstract: The device comprises a float which is guided by a retaining device and cooperates with a switch located adjacent the bottom of a fuel tank and carried by the retaining device. An elastically yieldable device interposed between a support secured to the top wall of the tank and the retaining device biases the latter against the bottom wall of the tank.