Abstract: A liquid level warning device with a separate audible alarm is disposed in a liquid tank for indicating the amount of liquid in the tank. The device also includes a plurality of float switches disposed at pre-selected levels within the tank and a plurality of LED's for indicating the level of liquid in the tank. A separate audible alarm independent of the visual indicators sounds an alarm when the tank is at a pre-selected level. A float switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A humidity detection and power cut-off device for electronic equipment is provided. The device is connected between a battery (10) and a motherboard (40) of the electronic equipment and includes an auto protection device (20) and a moisture-triggered device (30). The auto protection device is connected between the battery and the power management module and is used to establish or cut off the connection between the battery and the power management module. The moisture-triggered device is used to detect the immediate ambient humidity and controls the auto protection device. If the moisture-triggered circuit detects that the immediate ambient humidity exceeds a predetermined critical humidity value, the moisture-triggered device outputs a trigger signal to the auto protection device. The trigger signal controls the auto protection circuit to cut off a connection between the battery and the power management module, thus to achieve waterproofing protecting for the electronic equipment.

Abstract: A method of simulating water flow through a shower waste pump which is controllable by a water-flow detector, the method comprising the step of by-passing the water-flow detector with a water-flow simulator device. The in use simulator device simulates the presence of water and thus causes the shower waste pump to operate without the need for water. A water-flow simulator device is also provided.

Abstract: A pump assembly for pumping a liquid and a method of controlling the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor coupled to a pump, and an electronic switch assembly electrically connected to the motor to control the current through the motor. The electronic switch assembly includes an electronic switch, a generator that provides a substantially periodic pulsing signal, a circuit control configured to provide a second signal, and decision logic connected to the generator, the circuit control, and the electronic switch. The decision logic receives the periodic pulsing and second signals and generates a control signal that selectively controls the electronic switch based on the periodic pulsing and second signals.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical device includes a controller that outputs an AC device enable system when one or more monitored sensors are in a proper state for operation of the electrical device. The control system may also include a sensor signal integrity checking circuit that outputs a validation signal when the sensor is one of a discrete set of acceptable sensor states. The control system may also include a current monitor that monitors the current draw of the electrical device and compares the current draw to a range of acceptable current draw levels and durations and disables operation of the electrical device when the current draw falls outside of the range.

Abstract: A technique includes providing power to a group fuel cell system components and providing sensors to monitor conditions of the fuel cell system. The status of each sensor is associated with a switch, and the switches are serially coupled together. The delivery of power to the fuel cell system components is regulated in response to states of the switches.

Abstract: A high/low level alarm controller having ability to interface with level sensing equipment and instrumentation in a manner that isolates the controller from downstream components is presented. The controller accepts power, logic and transduced level inputs; output from the controller is available to drive relays, solenoid valves, motors, pumps, alarm horns, etc. The high/low level alarm controller is ideal for existing/retrofit applications and new installations alike.

Abstract: A building protection system includes a switch, a transmitter, a receiver and a controllable shut-off valve disposed within the inlet line of a utility, such as water or gas, provided to a building. The switch is used to close or open the shut-off valve to stop the flow of the utility into the building. The receiver is proximate the valve, while the transmitter and switch are remote from the valve. In one embodiment, the switch is a manual switch that can be used to generate a valve open or a valve closed signal. The switch and transmitter can be wall-mounted, such as in a garage, or can be integrated into a hand-held device, such as a remote control. In other embodiments, the switch is associated with a condition sensor, such as for sensing a utilities leak or for sensing a temperature outside a certain pre-determined limit value.

Abstract: A water feeder controller for a boiler monitors a low water cutoff sensor in a boiler and uses a feed timer to feed water to the boiler for a predetermined feed period of time. The feed timer brings the water level in the boiler well above the low water cutoff sensor. The feed timer supplies water to the boiler only if the low water cutoff sensor continues to indicate a low water level for a delay period of time measured by a delay timer. A resettable display indicates the quantity of water supplied by the water feeder to the boiler based on a feed counter incremented during water feeding. A manual feed button allows water to be manually fed to the boiler. The quantity of water manually supplied to the boiler is also shown on the display. The feed timer and delay timer are preferably implemented in software in a microcontroller in the water feeder controller. A lockout loop in the software prevents overfeeding of water to the boiler in the event of a failure of the low water cutoff sensor.

Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.

Abstract: A method for liquid phase deposition, including the steps of providing at least two raw materials from at least two supply devices of a saturation reaction system into a mixture trough and stirring until saturation occurs, filtering out unnecessary solid-state particles, and providing saturated and filtered liquid into an over-saturation reaction trough of a steady-flow over-saturation loop reaction system and stopping the saturated and filtered liquid when the over-saturation reaction trough is filled and the saturated and filtered liquid over-flows into a liquid level control trough to a pre-determined level. The method also includes the steps of providing a substrate in the over-saturation reaction trough, providing reactants from at least two supply devices into the over-saturation reaction trough, and depositing a thin film onto the substrate when the saturated liquid becomes over-saturated.

Abstract: An electronic device with a housing for being attached to a pane of a motor vehicle by a coupling medium of flexible rubber- or gel-like material includes an exhaust duct for connecting an area of potential bubble formation between the vehicle pane and the coupling medium to ambient air. The exhaust duct prevents the permanent trapping of air bubbles during mounting of the device on the vehicle pane.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing drive to a gas-insulated circuit breaker with the voltage waveform applied to the terminals of the circuit breaker so as to cause the circuit breaker to switch at a computed target instant that is as close as possible to an instant corresponding to a certain amplitude level in the voltage waveform, wherein the pressure of the insulating gas inside the circuit breaker is measured immediately before said switching, and wherein said measurement is used together with prerecorded data representative of variation in the dielectric characteristic of the circuit breaker as a function of the pressure of said insulating gas in order to optimize computation of said target instant.

Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.

Abstract: A semiautomatic electronic system for sensing and accordingly raising if such is determined to be required, the fluid level of a liquid present in swimming pools, animal water drinking troughs, or any other liquid containment vessels. For the accomplishment of this task an electronic circuit periodically, in accordance with a schedule prescribe by a user, samples the environment of the space in a liquid containment vessel to determine if a liquid level has fallen below a predetermine level prescribed by the user. If such is the case, either a pump or a solenoid valve can be automatically activated, so as to cause liquid to be added to the containment vessel, only until the liquid in the containment vessel is restored to the required predetermined level.

Abstract: An overflow prevention mechanism for use in association with liquid transfer systems of the type including an electrically controllable flow control device such as a pump connected between a source of liquid and a liquid tank, the mechanism including a backup liquid level sensor and a shunt trip breaker or other normally-closed switching device. The backup liquid level sensor senses if the level of liquid within the tank reaches an extreme high level. When the liquid level within the tank reaches the extreme high level the backup liquid level sensor produces an output indicative of the liquid having reached such extreme high level. The shunt trip breaker is connected between the source of electrical energy and the flow control device.

Abstract: A device for sensing a level of a fluid, the device including a microcontroller and a probe coupled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller applies a given DC potential to the probe for a first period of time, measures a voltage associated with the level of the fluid to be sensed after the first period of time, and applies a reference DC potential to the probe for a second period of time.

Abstract: A computer (20) adapted to communicate with a measuring apparatus (12) for receiving liquid level measurements and delivering a calibrated fuel quantity output (24) to a readout instrument (14). The computer (20) has an input interface (34) with a first input (22A) for accepting a first liquid level measurement signal from said measuring apparatus (12). A first bias circuit (30A) provides an adjustable offset bias to minimize voltage errors due to input bias current received in the first liquid level measurement signal (26A). Computer(20) also has a calibrating circuit (36) for calibrating the first liquid level measurement signal to provide a calibrated fuel quantity output signal (24) that can be read by readout instrument (14) through output interface (42).

Abstract: A control system for stopping a plumbing-related flooding situation in a building includes at least one sensor for accumulating water and producing a low voltage electrical control signal when sufficient water is accumulated. An actuating system receives the control signal and in turn routes 110 volt current to an electrically activated valve located in a main feed conduit of the plumbing system. The reopening of the valve is achieved by a manually operated electrical switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch and a method of generating an electrical switch output signal. An electric switch senses both pressure placed upon the switch's surface and the contact of the object exerting the pressure on the switch. When both conditions exist, the switch is activated. The electrical switch may employ a piezoelectric element to recognize the application of pressure, a capacitive sensing circuit to recognize the presence of an object applying the pressure, and a microcontroller circuit to control output switch circuity upon satisfaction of both conditions precedent. The electrical switch can be configured to provide a continuous output signal for the duration that the switch is pressed after the conditions are satisfied or to switch between open and closed states each time the switch is pressed after the conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A selectively protected electrical system includes or operates with a power source, a load, a power driver circuit for controllably transferring power from the power source to the load, the power driver circuit being encapsulated in a potting material, and a controller for enabling and disabling the power driver circuit, the controller being un-encapsulated by the potting material. If a contaminant induced electrical fault occurs in the selectively protected electrical system, the electrical fault is more likely to occur in the un-encapsulated controller, such that the selectively protected electrical system is disabled. The contaminant is inhibited from contacting and inducing an electrical fault in the power driver circuit, thus providing for a controlled failure of the selectively protected electrical system.

Abstract: A pressure switch is described with a pressure connection (11), with an electrical pressure sensor (19) to generate a pressure-dependent electrical signal, with an operator-device and/or an adjusting device (16-18) to input at least one pressure switch threshold and with at least one electrical switch output (16-18) [sic; 13,14]. The pressure switch can be adjusted by operation of the operator device (16-18) in such a manner that the electrical signal corresponding to the instantaneously applied pressure (p) is saved as the first saved pressure value (S1) and the electrical signal corresponding to a pressure (p) applied temporally thereafter, is saved as a second saved pressure value (S2), where these two saved pressure values (S1, S2) define the pressure switching threshold(s) in the operating mode. Thus, the saved pressure values can be specified very easily and in a variable manner and saved, and a great variability of operating modes is possible.

Abstract: A gas insulated switching device including a series of pressure containers 1 and 4 mutually connected, in which a conductor 2 is positioned in an inside center, and an insulating and arc-extinguishing gas is filled in a space around the conductor 2, and a current transformer fabricated by Rogowskii coils for detecting a current passing through the conductor 2, the current transformer is attached to flanges of the pressure containers 1 and 4 via a metallic adaptor 5, wherein the current transformer is accommodated in a groove formed toward an inside of the metallic adaptor 5 and uses the metallic adaptor 5 to obtain an earth potential, whereby the gas insulated switching device having the current transformer with high accuracy can be miniaturized.

Abstract: A protective circuit for a supersonic humidifier includes a compare circuit to obtain working voltage at two terminals of an oscillator to decide whether the humidifier is to be continued to operate or stopped so as to protect it from burning up. The protective circuit does not utilize a vibration needle, a float, a magnetic switch and a HALL IC used in conventional humidifiers.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing drive to a gas-insulated circuit breaker with the voltage waveform applied to the terminals of the circuit breaker so as to cause the circuit breaker to switch at a computed target instant that is as close as possible to an instant corresponding to a certain amplitude level in the voltage waveform, wherein the pressure of the insulating gas inside the circuit breaker is measured immediately before said switching, and wherein said measurement is used together with prerecorded data representative of variation in the dielectric characteristic of the circuit breaker as a function of the pressure of said insulating gas in order to optimize computation of said target instant.

Abstract: A liquid sensor for disabling an electrical device includes upper and lower conductors, each preferably formed of wire mesh tape, separated by a water permeable insulating material such as foam. The electrical device to be disabled when the presence of a liquid is detected is preferably connected to a power source through a circuit breaker, and the upper conductor of the liquid sensor is connected to the same side of the circuit breaker as the electrical device. The lower conductor of the liquid sensor is preferably connected to ground. When water accumulates in the vicinity of the liquid sensor to the point that the water forms an electrical connection between the upper and lower conductors, the sensor will induce an excessive current through the circuit breaker, thus causing the circuit breaker to trip or blow, thus removing power to the electrical device.

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit for deterministically measuring one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, response time, gain, or overshoot, of a process control device that is connected in a process control loop during operation of a process includes a switch controller, a signal generator, a switch, a response accumulator mechanism, and an analyzer mechanism. The switch controller monitors a process signal during operation of the process to determine whether the process signal is substantially stable. In the event that the process signal is substantially stable, the switch replaces a control signal with a diagnostic test signal generated by the signal generator. The response accumulator is in communication with the process control loop to obtain an indication of the response of the process control device to the diagnostic test signal. The analyzer unit then determines the device parameter from the test signal and the response indication.

Abstract: A water shut-off system incorporates a water shut-off valve utilizing a pair of adjacently disposed electrodes, a transmitter and a receiving means. The water shut-off valve is in the form of a ball valve. A timing logic causes current to flow to a valve driving motor as electric pulses.

Abstract: Improved overflow protection for washing machines and other applications in which a liquid from a controllable valve fills a tub is achieved by a circuit in which a single pulse train generated cooperatively by a pressure sensor and a controller is monitored by a lockout timer. If an interruption in the train of pulses occurs that is longer than a predetermined time-out period indicating a failure of either the pressure sensor or the controller that would otherwise prevent the valve from shutting off the flow of liquid into the tub, the lockout timer will cause the valve to turn off. The controller is also able to override the lockout timer and cause a relay to shut off power to the controllable valve to force it off if the pressure sensor detects a continued rise in liquid level after the controller has signalled the controllable valve to shut off.

Abstract: An automatic control system for providing pneumatic purging protection for a sealed enclosure containing electrical equipment in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards. The system supplies a purge gas under a pre-ordained pressure to an enclosure residing in a hazardous location. The system monitors the gas pressure to maintain the pressure within desired limits. In the event that the integrity of the sealed enclosure is disrupted, the control system disables the electrical equipment and executes a rapid-response purge cycle to re-enable the electrical equipment as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A power window device which uses a driving source such as a motor and the like for opening and closing a window, and a controlling device used for the same, have a submersion detecting element for detecting intrusion of water in the event that the automobile is submerged in water and a switching device (including a first switch for manually instructing the opening operation of the window, a second switch for manually instructing the closing operation of the window, a first driving unit comprised of a relay and the like for connecting the power source to the driving source such that the driving source is driven in the direction of opening the window, based on the operation of the first switch, a second driving unit comprised of a relay and the like for connecting the power source to the driving source such that the driving source is driven in the direction of closing the window, based on the operation of the second switch, and a control unit), so that the control unit can execute control for realizing opening

Abstract: A valve assembly is operative for automatically shutting off both a water supply line and gas supply line to a gas-fired hot water vessel upon detection of water discharge, leak or overflow, from the water vessel. The valve assembly is connected in the water supply line and generally includes a valve body, a sliding valve member which is spring biased to a normally closed position, and a water softenable latch which maintains the valve member in an open position against the bias of the spring. The valve assembly is preferably positioned in a drip pan located under the water vessel such that water leaking from the water vessel will accumulate in the drip pan and submerge the valve assembly. Upon exposure to water accumulated in the drip pan, the water softenable latch at least partially softens and releases the valve member to move from its open position to its closed position to cut off water supply through the valve body.

Abstract: An electrically actuated flow control device for use with an electrical household appliance includes a single body defining first and second flow passages. Inlet ends of the flow passages connect to pressurized sources of hot and cold water, and outlet ends of the flow passages connect to hoses for delivery of hot and cold water to the appliance. Hot and cold water actuators are each adapted to move between a first position resisting flow through the flow passages and a second position permitting flow through the flow passages. A sensor detects whether current is being drawn by the appliance, and a controller controls the positions of the actuators dependant upon whether current is being drawn. The inlet ends of the flow passage each include a connector arranged at a desired spacing from each other corresponding to the connector spacing in a mechanical flow control device.

Abstract: A valve system for use in conjunction with a hot water heater where the water line to the hot water heater passes through the valve system which, when a leak is detected by an electrical sensor, causes a motor to drive a gear which moves a gear rack laterally to pull a rod attached to a gate which gate moves over a valve outlet to block further flow of water to the hot water heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure switching device of the type used in motor vehicles and includes a pressure sensor 21 arranged in a housing 3, which generates an electrical signal U according to the pressure p of a pressure medium or monitored fluid transmitted through a supply opening 15 of housing 3. The pressure switching devices includes an interpretation and switching unit 55 adapted to received the electrical sensor signal U and is further adapted to compare the sensor signal with at least one switching threshold value to trigger a switching function or a sequence of switching functions upon the electrical sensor signal exceeding and/or falling short of the switching threshold value.

Abstract: A capacitive level sensor for sensing level of a in a vessel includes a sensor coupled to the vessel having a shield and an inner sensing rod. An oscillator provides an RF signal to the shield and the sensing rod. Comparison circuitry couples to the sensing rod provides a wet/dry output in response to capacitance between the inner sensing rod and the vessel, the capacitance related to the level of the liquid in the vessel.

Abstract: An electrical circuit control system with multiple sensing probes used to detect the presence of excessive accumulations of moisture, in its liquid or frozen form in single or multiple phase air refrigerant systems. The electrical circuit control system will disengage the related electrical system when electrically alerted by the detecting sensors that an abnormal level of liquid or ice has occurred. The detecting sensors operate independently, therefore the control system will function properly with one sensor being utilized or with more than one sensor in place. Further, it utilizes multiple sensors, for detection, that are remote from the circuit control system and connected by electrically conductive leads at one end to the circuit control system and at the respective other end to the detection sensors. After the excessive accumulation of liquid or ice has been removed, the air refrigerant system will remain in an off position until reset by removing and reconnecting the main power source.

Abstract: A power control system includes a sensing device, a switch, a controller, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The sensing device determines whether a first predetermined condition or a second predetermined condition has occurred. The controller closes the switch responsive to a signal received from the sensing device indicating the occurrence of the first predetermined condition and opens the switch responsive to a signal received from the sensing device indicating the occurrence of the second predetermined condition. When the switch is open, the first circuit is enabled to apply power to the controller and prevent the application of power to a device. When the switch is closed, the second circuit is enabled to apply power to the controller and permit the application of power to the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting use of an ABS electrical power circuit associated with a tractor-trailer vehicle to provide auxiliary power whenever the trailer is parked and which provides for full power to an ABS brake control circuit through the ABS electrical power circuit in response to air pressure in the emergency brake supply line of the tractor-trailer vehicle being above a predetermined minimum which is sufficient to release the trailer's emergency brake and permit movement of the trailer.

Abstract: An automatic sub-floor pumping system, having a controller box, sensor wires, suction hose and pump. Two or three sensor probes are used--the lowest, or ground, probe can be omitted, and the circuit referenced to earth or wiring ground. The pump evacuates water from beneath the basement floor through a hose inserted into a small hole drilled into the basement floor. The sensor probes can be simply wires with the last 1/8" to 1/2" bared, attached to the outside of the pump suction hose at two locations an inch or two apart. The hose, with wires attached, is inserted down the one-inch evacuation hole bored through the floor. The control uses a very low current on the wires, which are negative relative to ground so as to be cathodically protected from corrosion. An optional sensing circuit monitors lower probe wire voltage and warns of possible corrosion effects.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling power supply to aircraft electronic systems based on ambient environmental conditions. The apparatus comprises a monitor for detecting an environmental condition, a power supply for providing power, a circuit which receives power from the power supply, and a switch coupled to the monitor. Upon detection of the environmental condition, the switch connects the power supply to the circuit, otherwise the switch disconnects the circuit from the power supply.

Abstract: An isolation and positive shut-off system for a fuel dispensing facility having a plurality of dispensers and at least one fuel storage tank in electrical communication with one or more of the dispensers is provided comprising a power source for supplying a power signal to the dispensers and fuel storage tanks, a plurality of relays connected between the dispensers and the storage tanks and power source for selectively interrupting the electrical communications and power signals to each of the dispensers, a control signal for the relays, and a plurality of switches for independently and selectively controlling transmission of the control signal to the relays in order to trigger the relays to separately interrupt transmission of the power signal and electrical communications to each of the dispensers.

Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.

Abstract: An inline condensation alarm system used to detect condensation backup within the condensation line of a central air conditioning unit. The two stainless steel screws complete a circuit between the piezo buzzer and battery within the PVC pipe installed to the condensation line of the unit. Once condensation backs up to the top contact point the alarm is set off. The alarm would allow time for the user to clear the blockage prior to spillover from the condensation line.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a double liquid medium immersion sensing function is disclosed. The switch (121) particularly includes a battery (125) connected to a power outlet (126) via an electronic circuit (124) that only connects the battery to the outlet once a first pair of electrodes (131, 132) have sensed immersion in a predetermined medium, and a second pair of electrodes (133, 134) connected to a pressure sensor (135) have sensed a predetermined immersion depth. Said switch (121) is advantageously connected to a pyrotechnic device (75) for inflating emergency equipment such as life jackets.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing electrical equipment is constructed to simplify use of general purpose electrical equipment at a location in a petroleum refinery which may contain combustible vapors. The construction provides an enclosure that is vapor tight except for an open front, thus providing user access and adequate ventilation to equipment such as a computer. In use a combustible gas monitor surveys the relatively small open area at the front of the enclosure and automatically disconnects electric current supplied to the general purpose rated equipment inside the enclosure on detection of a dangerous concentration of combustible gas entering through the front opening.

Abstract: A safety module which is intended to be used in an oil or gas production installation and to be lowered to a required depth with an electrically operable tool connected thereto, and which comprises a housing (2), a pressure sensitive switch (3) and a temperature sensitive switch in the housing which are adapted to switch at predetermined pressure and temperature values respectively, in which the pressure sensitive switch and the temperature sensitive switch only allow an electrical command signal to be conveyed to the tool when the pressure and temperature both reach the predetermined pressure and temperature values.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the flow direction of a fluid from an apparatus or between two apparatuses such as a biohoods, fume cabinets, or filters. The device includes a conduit horizontal plane and adapted to receive the fluid. A detecting element is disposed within the conduit and is movable in the direction of fluid flow, the detecting element being in direct contact with the fluid. A sensing element may be coupled to the conduit for determining when the detecting element reaches a predetermined position within the conduit. The circuitry coupled to the sensing element enables selection of a desired flow direction and actuates an alarm when the detected flow direction is other than the one selected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for stopping a motor-driven pressure generating pump of a system for coating workpieces with atomized liquid coating material in case of an empty material reservoir or a leakage in a material supply from a material reservoir to the pump or from the pump to an atomizer. The pressure and/or the volume flow at the pump outlet and/or the speed of the pump piston or a value dependent thereon are continually measured. The measured values are then converted to electric signals to be input to an electronic analyzer and analyzed therein. If, during operation, the pressure and/or the volume flow drops below a predetermined value and/or the speed of the piston exceeds a predetermined value, the electrically controlled driving connection between motor and pump or the power supply to the pump motor will be cut-off by output signals from the electronic analyzer.

Abstract: A remote switch includes a fluid-containing tube connected to a fluid-sensing switch. A hot wire sensor detects changes in flow through the conduit tube and is electrically connected to breaker switch circuitry. Because the switch is responsive to flow, rather than pressure, the operation of the switch will continue, even if the conduit becomes punctured, cut or damaged. The device is particularly useful as a means for actuating a safety switch to interrupt the electrical power in an emergency.