Abstract: A seal apparatus having a seal member and a plurality of fasteners is mounted on an arc hood of a cassette in a switchgear cabinet and resists leakage of arc gases through a gap between the arc hood and a circuit breaker mounted in the switchgear cabinet. The seal member is flexibly received against the circuit breaker in a racked position and is preferably at least nominally deflected thereby to resist the flow of arc gases in a leakage direction through the gap. The seal member thus resists the arc gases from coming into contact with a plurality of line conductors at the rear of the circuit breaker until the arc gases have at least somewhat cooled, deionized, and/or slowed. The seal apparatus thereby resists arc gases from inducing arcing between adjacent line conductors, whereby the circuit breaker can be operated at substantially higher voltages.

Abstract: An electrical switch has spaced, facing coupler and carrier layers with a set of electrodes formed on the facing surfaces thereof. There is an aperture in the coupler layer. A conductive armature is disposed in the space between the coupler and carrier, aligned with the aperture. The coupler is a magnet and the armature is made of magnetic material so the armature is normally held in engagement with the coupler. A user can press on any part of the armature through the aperture to cause a first portion of the armature to break away from the armature and contact the electrodes on the carrier while a second portion of the armature remains in contact with the coupler. The electrodes are arranged to provide an output which is dependent upon the location of contact with the armature. The armature is rotatable to different positions. A resilient member may be interposed at the interface of an armature post and the carrier.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic reed switches are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Mounted above the plane of the reed switches but in close proximity thereto is an electromagnet. Stepping motors are capable of moving the electromagnet so as to overly any one of the reed switches. When the electromagnet is in position over a selected switch, it can be energized to selectively turn the switch on or off. A sensing circuit including a Hall effect transistor travels with the electromagnet and senses if the reed switch below the sensor is on or off.

Abstract: A switch device includes two contactors. Each contactor respectively includes at least two conductors, a magnet, and a coil spring. The conductors are connected to a power source via a powered electronic circuit. The circuit is designed to be in a normally open or closed initial condition. The magnet is directly or indirectly connected to the conductors. The coil spring is directly or indirectly located between the conductors and the magnet. The conductors change their normally open or closed condition into a temporarily closed or open condition to turn on or off the switch device when the contacts move near enough to permit magnets to interact magnetically. The coil spring forces the conductors to recover their original normally open or closed condition when the magnets cease to interact magnetically.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a set of electrodes mounted on one side of a carrier. The opposite side of the carrier mounts an actuator having a plunger mounted for reciprocating motion. The plunger carries a coupler in the form of magnets. A conductive armature of magnetic material is disposed on the electrode side of the carrier. When the plunger withdraws the coupler magnets from the carrier, the armature is free to fall out of contact with the electrodes. A retention cover maintains the armature in the vicinity of the carrier such that subsequent movement of the coupler proximate the carrier will draw the armature back into contact with the electrodes.

Abstract: A shunt is pivotally mounted to form a pendulum positioned between a reed switch and a magnet. The shunt is formed of ferromagnetic material and is mounted such that as long as it remains between the reed switch and the magnet the reed switch remains open. The shunt is held or biased between the magnet and the reed switch by the force of the magnetic attraction between the shunt and the magnet. The mass of the shunt acts as both a tilt sensor which responds to gravity and an accelerometer sensitive to crash-induced accelerations. The reed switch, magnet and shunt are mounted in a housing which positions the reed switch and magnet and controls the maximum range of motion of the pendulum-mounted shunt. An alternative embodiment employs a subassembly which includes a magnet, a shunt, and a selectively positioned mass, the subassembly is mounted to pivot over a reed switch. The magnet is positioned on or very near the pivot axis. The shunt is positioned further from the pivot axis toward the reed switch.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic shunt is pivotally mounted to a housing to form a pendulum which swings between a reed switch and a magnet. As long as the shunt remains between the reed switch and the magnet the reed switch remains open. The shunt is held or biased between the magnet and the reed switch by the force of the magnetic attraction between the shunt and the magnet. The mass of the shunt acts as both a tilt sensor which responds to gravity and an accelerometer sensitive to crash-induced accelerations. The reed switch, magnet and shunt are mounted in a housing which positions the reed switch and magnet and controls the maximum range of motion of the shunt. The magnet is located between two sidewardly spaced pendulum arms, which allow the shunt to swing out from between the reed switch and the magnet in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A power switch for use with a personal locator beacon (PLB), or an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), that prevents accidental activation of the beacon to prevent false alarm transmission of emergency signals. The personal locator beacon includes electronic circuitry housed in a portable hand-held housing that includes a fail safe power switch which has a lever arm that is selectively movable between first and second offset recessed cavities formed in the housing. The lever arm is rotatable about a shaft between an "off" position wherein the lever arm is received within the first cavity, and an "on" position wherein said lever arm is received within the second cavity. An edge portion formed by the offset cavities stops the lever arm from rotating from the first position to the second position unless the lever arm is manually moved laterally along the shaft to clear the edge portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement for connecting and/or separating two sections (7, 8) of an electrical line (3), said arrangement comprising a switching device (10) having contact elements (11, 12) which are connected to said two line sections (7, 8) as well as a plug device (15) having an actuation element (20) and plug contacts (18, 19).For providing a switching arrangement of particularly simple design for connecting and/or separating two sections of an electrical line, the present invention proposes that the contact elements (11, 12) be electrically connected to the actuation reeds of a reed contact (25) and the actuation element (20) be means magnetically influencing said reed contact which will open said reed contact (25) when the plug devide (15) is plugged in.

Abstract: A refrigerator lamp on/off switch housing is mounted in an insulating partition of a refrigerator. The refrigerator lamp on/off switch housing is divided into an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The lower housing part has a first magnet and a first plurality of springs, and the upper housing part has a second magnet and a second plurality of springs. A third magnet is mounted on the upper side of a door of a fresh food compartment, and a fourth magnet is mounted on the lower side of a door of a freezing compartment. A fresh food compartment lamp and a freezing compartment lamp are controlled to be turned on and off by a repulsive force between the magnets and a restoring force of the springs as the doors are opened and closed.

Abstract: A non-magnetic plate, or spacer block, of is attached to the side of the switching assembly of a high security switch system. Alternatively, the actuator assembly may have an extended housing. As a result, a second actuator assembly may not be substituted for the first actuator assembly by placing the second actuator assembly on the side of the first actuator assembly and slid under the security switch assembly as the first actuator assembly is moved away for the purpose of defeating the security switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a liquid level using a liquid level gauge having reed switches to determine the position of a magnetic float. Firstly, providing an elongate float having an axial bore defining a longitudinal axis. The float has a plurality of magnets axially spaced along the longitudinal axis to form magnetic layers. Secondly, providing a tube having a first end and a second end. A plurality of magnetically activated reed switches are equally axially spaced from the first end to the second end. The tube extends through the axial bore of the float. Thirdly, determining which of the plurality of magnetically activated reed switches have been activated by the axially spaced magnetic layers of the float and interpolating float position in relation to the activated reed switches.

Abstract: A low voltage power inverter utilizes reed switches to control a number of display tubes. The reed switches are controlled by magnetic coils or permanent magnets. The magnetic coils receive a control signal from a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a capacitor coupled around a power lead and a capacitor coupled around a return lead. The permanent magnet is coupled to a mechanical actuator.

Abstract: A magnetic alarm sensor (80) includes a magnet (84) positioned so that dominant length components (108) of its magnetic field lines (104) are oriented so that they are transverse to a switch axis (96) of a magnetically sensitive switch (88). This orientation permits more versatile mounting options for placement of the alarm sensor, especially to positions that are less prone to displacements over time. A preferred embodiment of the magnetic alarm sensor (110) employs two spatially collinear magnetic switches (116, 118) vertically oriented along a door bracket (14) and a magnet (120) positioned on a door panel (22) such that the magnetic field lines (152) of the magnet are generally perpendicular to the switch axis (136) of the magnetic switches. The magnetic switches are electrically connected in parallel to extend the range of vertical critical distance between the magnet and the magnetic switches to inhibit false alarms caused by door sag.

Abstract: A plunger-operated alarm switch assembly (10) provides without visual inspection thereof an indication of whether a barrier (14) is in a secure position or whether the alarm switch assembly has been tampered with. A preferred embodiment includes a plunger housing (18) that is matable to a switch plate (20). The plunger housing supports a movable plunger (22) having a permanent magnet (24) that produces a magnetic field (26). The switch plate supports a magnetically actuatable reed switch (28) positioned in a predetermined relative alignment to a guide path (32) of the plunger when the plunger housing and the switch plate are matably fitted together.

Abstract: A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member.

Abstract: A position sensor having a magnetic proximity switch comprising relatively movable reeds (10, 12) having magnetic properties and a magnet (28) adapted to establish a magnetic flux field (18) that envelops the reeds (10, 12) to establish a magnetic attraction between the reeds, the strength of the magnetic flux field depending upon the spacing of the reeds with respect to the magnet, the magnetic attraction of the reeds being sufficient to cause them to move into electrical contact as the magnetic flux field in the vicinity of the reeds is changed in intensity as a magnetic shield (30) is moved through the flux field whereby the opening and the closing of a circuit defined by the reeds provides an indication of the position of the shield (30) with respect to the reeds (10, 12).

Abstract: A microswitch includes two coaxial columnar permanent magnets having poles of the same polarity facing one another or poles of different polarities facing one another, defining an air gap therebetween. The permanent magnets generate magnetic fields defining a boundary region. A magnetic field sensor, which may or may not be chip-like, is disposed in the boundary region and is fixedly disposed in the air gap, optionally in the axial direction in the air gap. A switch device is connected to the magnetic field sensor and has a switching status varying in accordance with magnetic induction at the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A modular switch assembly comprises a multiple switch configuration operated by a single finger. The assembly consists of a base member with a push-button or plunger switch located on its top. Four upright switch operators extend above the surface of the push-button switch for contact by movement of a finger in any of four directions 90.degree. angularly offset from one another. These upright switch operators normally are magnetically biased to a first position, located near the push-button switch. They are operated by the finger to a second position, by rocking them outwardly from the first position. All of the parts snap fit together; and there are no mechanical springs or hinge assemblies to hold the various switch parts together.

Abstract: An movable article carries a circuit including a normally OFF reed switch. In the ON state of the switch, the circuit is adapted to emit an audible or a visible signal. A magnet, mounted on the article to move during normal movement moves over a designed locus which include positions which will cause the reed switch to be ON and OFF.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the opened and closed state of a window as a component of a home security system comprising of a window having a peripheral frame defining an opening with a lower sill having a free upper surface thereof and an associated window slidable within the opening between an upper open orientation and a lower closed orientation, the window having a free lower surface adaptable to be in operative contact with the upper surface of the sill when the window is closed.

Abstract: A magnetic actuator for adjusting the zero and span settings of a transmitter used in industrial process control systems. The actuator has a single magnet in a housing. The actuator is removable from the transmitter.When the actuator is unactuated the magnet is in a null position wherein it does not actuate either the zero or span setting reed switches. The magnet can be moved to either a first position wherein it actuates the zero setting reed switch or a second position wherein it actuates the span setting reed switch. The actuator applies a torque in the proper direction to return the magnet to the null position when the torque applied to move the magnet to either the first or second position is removed.

Abstract: An improved liquid level measuring apparatus having a plurality of spaced reed switches having a microprocessor attached to the liquid level measuring sensor apparatus. The switches are wired together in parallel and in sets and are addressed by a shift register for providing a parallel to serial shift of the switch status position to the microprocessor. This allows a reduction in the number of conductors existing the sensor and providing an output signal indicating the vertical position of a float relative to the switches. A microprocessor control notes any inoperative switches, disregards the reading of the inoperative switches in calculating liquid level, and provides stored information to the measurement process for compensating for defective switches.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided with a normally open reed switch and provides a visual or audible signal when the reed switch is closed. A magnet is provided movable under inertial forces between an ON position where it causes the reed switch to close and an OFF position where it allows the reed switch to open. The magnet is biased to OFF position.

Abstract: A switch assembly which is switchable between on and off positions in response to the tilting of the assembly. The switch assembly includes a magnet which is retained within a housing for gravitational movement during tilting of the assembly. The magnet is movable between a distal position, in which it is spaced apart from a magnetic switch, and a position adjacent to the switch. The proximity of the magnet to the switch causes the switch to be either electrically open or closed.

Abstract: This invention is a float level switch used to sense rise or drop in water level in a containment vessel of a nuclear power plant during a loss of coolant accident. The essential components of the device are a guide tube, a reed switch inside the guide tube, a float containing a magnetic portion that activates a reed switch, and metal-sheathed, ceramic-insulated conductors connecting the reed switch to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel. Special materials and special sealing techniques prevent failure of components and allow the float level switch to be connected to a monitoring system outside the containment vessel.

Abstract: An economical and accurate tilt switch, which incorporates a reed switch, a small disc shaped magnet, and an enclosed track in which the magnet is allowed to roll just enough to affect the contacts of the reed switch. Invented to replace the well known mercury switch, but avoid the environmental hazards of mercury poisoning. The present tilt switch can be adapted into many different designs providing a wider range of switching characteristics than that of the old mercury switch.

Abstract: An electric switch assembly for use with a magnetic reed switch includes a trigger that is movable with respect to a housing between an open position and a closed position and that includes a trigger magnet. The switch assembly further includes a second magnet, fixed relative to the housing, that is located adjacent the first magnet when the trigger is in the open position. The magnets are oriented such that their magnetic fields tend to cancel each other when the trigger is in its open position. This provides an increased disparity in the magnetic field reaching the magnetic reed switch between the open position and closed position and eliminates the need for precision alignment and individual adjustment of the magnetic reed switch at the point of manufacture.

Abstract: An adjustable signalling gauge may utilize a non-captivating, magnetically actuated switch element which is mounted in an influence zone of the path of a magnet carried by an indicating pointer of a gauge. The gauge may be easily adjusted by an indirect adjustment mechanism. The adjustment may be by a reducing gear. Indirect adjustment effectively allows a reduction in the torque required to change the switching threshold.

Abstract: An alarm system for signalling when a door of a refrigeration unit compartment is not fully closed comprises an alarm condition sensing system having a door sealing gasket magnet and a magnetically actuated switch. The gasket magnet produces an elongated narrow magnetic field for coupling the unit and the door in sealing relationship when the door is fully closed. The switch senses the magnetic field when the door is closed even though the magnet position may be anywhere in a band of possible positions. An alarm system signals when a door of a refrigeration unit compartment is not fully closed. The alarm assembly comprises a housing wall section, a vibratable alarm member, and mounting structure for connecting the alarm member to the housing wall section so that the housing wall section is driven by the number and vibrates relative to the housing when the member vibrates at an operating frequency. A plainly audible alarm is produced when a door ajar condition is sensed.

Abstract: The switch comprises a square, hollow housing. A base plate and a cover plate are snap fitted in stacked relationship. First and second elongated cavities in the base plate are respectively aligned with first and second cavities in the cover plate and within these aligned cavities are respectively located two elongated reed switches. A plunger is slidably carried by the housing and movable toward and away from the plates. The plunger carries two pairs of magnets respectively aligned with the reed switches. When the plunger is depressed, the magnets move into close proximity with the reed switches, closing them. A spring biases the plunger away from the reed switches, whereby the reed switches are normally open.

Abstract: A fluid level controller flexibly set up according to the number of level steps to be controlled and the pitch between such level steps, which comprises a plurality of joint pipes connected in series to form a pipe assembly; a ring-shaped magnetic floating member sleeved on such a pipe assembly to follow fluid level to move up and down; a plurality of reed elements having each a reed switch connected in series with one another and received in the joint pipes; a main control circuit comprising latching relays in quantity one less than the quantity of the reed elements and a plurality of controlled actuators respectively connected to the reed elements.

Abstract: Various embodiments of sensors are disclosed which contain an inertial mass that is magnetically biased to an initial position. In response to a certain deceleration, the mass is caused to swing about an axis and operate a switch. In some embodiments, the switch is one that is held open by the inertial mass' presence in its initial position and closes when the inertial mass swings away from its initial position, while in other embodiments it is one whose contacts are bridged by a conductive portion of the inertial mass only after the inertial mass has been displaced from its initial position, while in still other embodiments it is a reed switch that is magnetically operated. Motion of the inertial mass can be undampened or dampened. If dampening is desired, it can be accomplished either pneumatically or electromagnetically.

Abstract: A plurality of spaced reed switches vertically aligned for positioning in a liquid. Each of the reed switches vertically overlaps the adjacent above and below reed switches and the longitudinal axis of the reed switches is at an angle to the vertical. A float carries magnets and is movably positioned coaxially about the plurality of switches. An electrical indicator is connected to the switches for indicating the vertical position of the float relative to the switches.

Abstract: A security system for use in a physical security monitoring environment includes a switch unit having a common conductor, a guard conductor and at least three switches. Each of the switches has a deactivated condition and an activated condition and each is adapted to be placed in its activated condition in response to a magnetic field of predetermined magnetic flux. The switch unit also includes a logic circuit electrically interconnecting the switches and the common and guard conductors, the logic circuit completing a series circuit between the common conductor and the guard conductor whenever at least two predetermined but not all switches are in magnetically actuated condition.

Abstract: A self-setting switch-actuating assembly includes a pair of cam members and a rotational motion transmitting shaft. The cam members are mounted on the shaft. The shaft is rotatably mounted between a pair of switches and is connected to a rotatable device whose rotational movement will cause rotation of the shaft and will stop in response to reaching angularly-displaced limits. The cam members are mounted on the shaft one above the other with each cam member aligned with only one of the switches and movable along a rotational path toward and away from a predetermined actuating position relative to its aligned one of the switches in response to rotation of the shaft. Also, each cam member is mounted on the shaft so as to be capable of stopping movement in response to reaching its predetermined actuating position and relative to continuing rotation of the shaft thereby permitting a predetermined degree of overtravel of the shaft relative to each of the cam members at their respective actuating positions.

Abstract: A rotational position indicator useful for example for indicating wind direction is provided by a stator having nine position sensors substantially equally spaced around the circumference of a circle and an armature mounted for rotation on an axis located at the center of the circle. The armature is formed with two position sensor actuators mounted at approximately 140.degree. relative to each other. Each position sensor actuator is mounted at a radial position for selectively actuating the position sensors upon rotation of the armature. An electric circuit is coupled to each position sensor for indicating actuation or not of the respective position sensor. The output provides a unique position code for successive intervals of angular positioning of the armature relative to the stator. The actuators have an actuating effect over a selected angular interval sufficient to produce 36 unique position codes for indentifying successive 10.degree.

Abstract: A switch for providing signals indicating the position of a rotary shaft has an enclosed switch chamber. Within the chamber is at least one magnetically actuated switch device. A switch actuating magnet is mounted in a holder exterior of the chamber and coupled to the switch through a wall of the switch housing. The holder is flexibly mounted to the housing and connected to the rotary shaft. The magnet is held in a constant rotational plane with respect to the switch.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a key operated mechanism for producing coded signal combinations for selecting a function of a multifunctional device. The mechanism includes a plurality of magnetically operated switches arranged along a key guide. The key includes magnets specifically positioned for interaction with the magnetically operated switches in accordance with a code diagram. Closing of the switches sends signals to a code signal user, which if the signals are enabling activates an associated machine such as a franking machine.

Abstract: A connecting and switching module employs a common type of connector for use with a plurality of types of interconnected systems by providing an adapter having a plug mateable with a common type of connector at one end, and a connector adapted to the system at the other end. In one embodiment of the invention, mechanical interference between adjacent connectors is avoided by providing alternating long and short adapters. Wiring on the circuit board of the module may be the same, with adaptation for different systems taking place in the adapter. This permits a single board design for all systems, with possible minor modification of a monitoring electronic circuit.

Abstract: A dual compartment magnetic switch interposed between a hand held electrical appliance and its electrical power input. The magnetic switch enables electrical power to be totally insulated from the electrical components within the appliance so that when the appliance is in the off position, user safety is enhanced.

Abstract: A process instrument enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing for indicating and controlling a measured variable, such as the level in a tank. The instrument includes magnetically operated electrical switches actuable between open and closed positions in response to the measured variable. The electrical switches used are capable of switching current levels on the order of 10 Amps.

Abstract: A rattle for an infant is provided wherein the noise making device within the rattle also is a light activation device to momentarily light, in sequence, a plurality of lights mounted on the rattle. The noise-making device is made of magnetic material and is moved back and forth in a tube within the rattle so as to activate reed switches adjacent to the tube thereby sequentially illuminating the lights. The device is powered by batteries mounted in a handle on the rattle. In one form of the invention, the toy is elongated in shape and the magnetic member moves along a straight tubular path. In another embodiment, the magnetic member moves along an annular path and the toy is spherical.

Abstract: A security system for a home to actuate a signal upon the opening of a movable closure member (12) mounted within a fixed framing member (14). The security system includes a switch assembly (20) having a cylindrical housing (24), a magnetic switch element (26) removably received within the housing (24), and an outer removable cap (28) fitting over the open end of the housing (24) to permit selective insertion and removal of the switch element (26). When the housing (24) is positioned within a bore (21) of the fixed framing member (14), the cap is the only exposed visible portion of the switch assembly (20) and may be provided in a variety of preselected colors in accordance with the color of the framing member (14) while the remainder of the switch assembly (20) may be of a single base color.

Abstract: A combination gear-selector, sensor device for use with vehicle transmissions having a plurality of gear positions and certain special gear functions and being controlled by an electronic circuit includes a shift lever having a first, square magnet which, when moved over distinct gear position sensors, indicates selection of a certain gear. A rod coaxially disposed within the shift lever has a second, rectangular magnet, displaced to one side of the first magnet, which when vertically moved over a first function sensor, indicates selection of that function which can be to skip a gear. A coaxial tube surrounds the rod member within the shift lever and has a third, rectangular magnet, displaced to an opposite side of the first magnet, which can be moved over a second function sensor to indicate selection of a second special function.

Abstract: A location detecting apparatus for use with a fluid conducting conduit in which a movable member moves includes an internally mounted magnet attached to the movable member and an external portion attached to the conduit for magnetically interacting with the internal magnet when the movable member is moved to a predetermined location. In the preferred embodiment there are two magnets, one extending from each end of the movable member. In this embodiment, the external portion includes two similar assemblies, each attached to a respective end of the conduit and each including suitable magnetically responsive switches, a reducing flange attached to the conduit, a manifold pipe extending through the reducing flange, and a clamping mechanism for releasably attaching the switches to the manifold pipe.

Abstract: A magnet switch or selector for selecting the functions of a multiple function electronic circuit device in a housing. A plurality of reed switches are incorporated into the electronic circuit device for switching on and off respectively the multiple functions. The reed switches are arranged in a sequence in proximity to a horizontal surface of the housing. An elongate sliding groove or sliding channel is formed in the horizontal surface of the housing in proximity to the reed switches, and the channel is oriented and arranged in a configuration along the sequence of reed switches. A magnet element having a cross-sectional profile substantially conforming to the cross-sectional profile of the channel is seated in the channel for restrained and controlled sliding motion back and forth along the sliding channel.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an electric switch comprising a magnet and a reed contact which is actuatable by the magnetic force of the magnet. The reed contact is shielded relative to the magnetic field of the magnet by means of a bell of magnetic field absorbing material which is furnished with an opening in the switching range of the reed contact to permit switch actuation. Exact switching points at the reed contacts are achieved by this arrangement.

Abstract: A fuel level detector for an automobile fuel tank comprises a strut vertically provided within a fuel tank, a float slidably fitted around the strut and having a permanent magnet therein, a plurality of magnetic induction type reed switches slantedly disposed along the strut with a adequate distance between the adjacent reed switches, the length of which distance being defined such that the permanent magnet of the float always actuates two adjacent reed switches simultaneously, a plurality of resistances respectively connected to the plurality of reed switches for changing current value according to the reed switches which are actuated, a residual quantity warning means having an element of a luminous body which is connected between a ground and a predetermined reed switch among the plurality of reed switches, and a distance retention mechanism for keeping constant a distance between the predetermined reed switch and the bottom surface of the fuel tank and having a guide mounted to a base member for verticall

Abstract: A magnetically driven and latched actuator includes an armature, at least a part of which is of a ferromagnetic material, mounted for reciprocating travel between two spaced apart limit positions. An electrical coil is operative upon the ferromagnetic material to drive the armature alternately back and forth between the limit positions, and a pair of auxiliary ferromagnetic bodies are fixed, each adjacent to a respective one of the limit positions. The auxiliary bodies and the ferromagnetic portion of the armature are mutually magnetically attracted to each other so that the armature becomes magnetically latched at the limit position to which it is last driven by the coil.