S.j. Electro Systems, Inc.

Stephen P Johnston

Gene H Utke

Robert G Klabunde

A sphere-actuated float switch including (i) a cage defining a longitudinal raceway, (ii) a yoke pivotally mounted externally to the cage and having first and second legs which extend into the raceway, (iii) an electrical switching means which is electrically open when the yoke is in a first position and electrically closed when the yoke is in a second position, (iii) an over-center spring capable of biasing the yoke into the appropriate electrically open and the electrically closed positions once the yoke is urged past a transition point, and (iv) a sphere within the raceway for urging the yoke between the electrically open and the electrically closed positions.

Sphere-actuated float switch

A sphere-actuated float switch is provided including (i) a cage defining a longitudinal raceway, (ii) a yoke pivotally mounted externally to the cage and having a first and second legs which extend into the raceway, (iii) an electrical switching means which is electrically open when the yoke is in a first position and electrical closed when the yoke is in a second position, (iii) an over-center spring capable of biasing the yoke into the appropriate electrically open and the electrically closed positions once the yoke is urged past a transition point, and (iv) a sphere within the raceway for urging the yoke between the electrically open and the electrically closed positions.

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

Alternator circuit arrangement useful in liquid level control system

The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12) and having a recessed surface 102 providing a mercury wetting reservoir. The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member (46). The electrode assembly (16) includes a metal weld ring member (50) which is suitably secured to the housing (12).

Mercury switch

The present invention relates to a mercury switch (10) including an outer metal housing (12) having a closed end and an open end. A baffle member (14) is positioned in the housing (12) immediate of the closed and open ends. The baffle member (14) defines a first bore (32), a second bore (34) of increasing diameter in a direction toward the open end of the housing (12), and a third bore (36). An electrode assembly (16) is partially inserted into the open end of the housing (12). The electrode assembly includes a solid electrode (40) having a stem portion (42) and a head portion (44) with a truncated conical configuration of decreasing diameter in a direction toward the closed end of the housing (12). The baffle member (14) and the truncated conical head portion (44) cooperate to provide contact between a first supply of mercury (30a) and the solid electrode (40) at a location removed from an insulating member ( 46). The electrode assembly (16) includes a metal weld ring member (50) which is suitably secured to the housing (12).

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.

Float switches with wide differential

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

Electrical load control circuit useful in liquid level control systems

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. A further preferred embodiment of the float switch employs a double float system having an upper float (174) and lower float (176), each containing a single mercury switch (220 and 210 respectively) contained within the floats along the longitudinal central axis of the cylinder. The upper float (174) controls the maximum water level (L.sub.1) and the lower float (176) controls the minimum water level (L.sub.2).

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Detroit Lakes, MN, United States of America

Stephen P Johnston