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 musical baby bottle comprising a nipple, a liquid container connected to the nipple, a base section fastened to an opening at the bottom of the liquid container, a microchip having musical information fastened to the interior of the base section, a speaker electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, a battery electrically connected to the microchip and fastened to the interior of the base section, and a switch electrically connected to the microchip for selectively activating the microchip. The switch comprises a mercury switch fixedly positioned within the base section. The mercury switch is tilted such that the off-position of the switch is closer to the bottom of the base section than is the on-position of the mercury switch. A second mercury switch is positioned within the base section and is angularly offset from the first mercury switch.

Abstract: A gravity switch for automatic control of an operative cycle in an appliance, such as a toasting cycle in a toaster oven or the like, includes an imbalanced weight member interposed between a displaceable member that moves in accordance to operation of the cycle and mechanical component parts operative between an OFF position and an ON position. During ON cycle operation, the imbalanced weight member is directly supported against the pull of gravity by the displaceable member. When the cycle operation reaches completion, the displaceable member is sufficiently moved so as to cause the release of the imbalanced weight member which is then free to move under the influence of gravity. This gravitional action initiates an interaction among the mechanical component parts resulting in quick return to the OFF position causing the cycle operation to rapidly terminate.

Abstract: A quartz-operated digital watch is provided with a casing defining a shallow cavity within which a chamber of hourglass configuration is disposed. This hourglass chamber includes gold dust or particles which, when caused to flow from one chamber portion to another, bridge two electrodes to complete a circuit and render the digital display visible.

Abstract: A switch device for use in a wristwatch. The device comprises a switch housing and a cavity defined within the switch housing. The cavity has a side wall with at least a portion thereof being arcuately extending, a top wall and a bottom wall. A spherical displaceable element, of magnetically attractable material, is located for movement within the cavity. The side wall, top wall and bottom wall are spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit free displacement of the displaceable element therebetween. At least one magnetic element is associated with the cavity and located in a portion of the side wall whereby to retain the spherical displacement element thereto by magnetic attraction when the spherical element is displaced thereagainst in the cavity. The spherical element, when retained by the magnetic element, is dislodged therefrom by an external force created by a predetermined movement of a wearer's arm to release the spherical element in the cavity by gravity.