Abstract:
A method and thermostat for controlling comfort in an area with temperature altering equipment, but no specific humidity altering equipment. An on-off thermostat which mechanically combines temperature and humidity measurements in a predetermined ratio based on a user's perception of comfort. The thermostat does not require an anticipator when used with an air conditioner in a warm and humid climate.
Abstract:
An overflow protection shut-off device for use with a water heater for shutting off a supply of water to the water heater when a leaking or an overflow condition occurs, the device including a valve mechanism coupleable to an input water line of a water heater and having an opened orientation for allowing flow of water within the input line and a closed orientation for preventing such flow; a water sensing mechanism positionable at a location proximal to the water heater for providing a signal when it is placed in contact with water when the water heater experiences the leaking or the overflow condition; and a switching mechanism coupled to the valve mechanism and the water sensing mechanism and with the switching mechanism being responsive to receipt of the signal from the water sensing mechanism for placing the valve mechanism in the closed orientation.
Abstract:
One end of a dual-ended housing is closed off by a plug formed of a first constituent which is a water-soluble material and a second constituent which is a thermosetting resin and forms a readily-frangible structure in the plug. An electrical switch which has an actuating plunger is set, in the housing against the plug, so that the latter holds the plunger depressed/retracted. Moisture expands the water-soluble material which, in turn, destroys the plug integrity and, subsequently, the plug is so weakened that the plunger breaks through the frangible structure to actuate the switch.
Abstract:
A water leakage detector is disclosed herein sensitive to the presence of moisture, having an elongated sensor strip comprising a pair of conductors separated by insulation. Each conductor includes an electrode coupling with a wire lead extending via a cable to an electrical plug. A circuit housing is provided having an audible alarm operably connected to an electrical socket adapted to detachably connect with the plug. A low voltage battery and auxiliary output socket are carried on the housing and connected with the alarm and the first mentioned socket whereby the presence of moisture across the pair of sensor conductors activates the alarm. A battery test pair of electrodes is provided to manually test battery condition.
Abstract:
An actuator with a built-in reed switch includes a solenoid, a plunger made of magnetic material and movable within a coil of the solenoid, a plunger receiver made of magnetic material and fixedly mounted in the solenoid coil, a magnetic responsive reed switch connected in series to the solenoid coil and disposed near a gap between the plunger and the plunger receiver, and a sensor terminal branched from a junction between the solenoid coil and the reed switch, whereby contacts of the reed switch are closed by a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the sensor terminal in the solenoid coil. The actuator shifts from high sensitivity to lower sensitivity and supplies a sufficient driving force as an actuator.
Abstract:
An improved rain switch includes a tubular L-shaped housing having an enclosed compartment in one arm in which an electrical switch is contained and an apertured compartment in the other arm in which a moisture absorptive assembly is contained. When mounted on a building with the apertured arm parallel to the ground, the electrical switch will be located to one side of the apertured arm and is not prone to coming into contact with any of the rain water passing through the device. Thus, a non-sealed electrical switch can be used. In addition, the housing is snap fit to the building and the electrical switch is releasably contained on a slide member received in the housing to ease switch replacement. A cover also hides a threaded adjusting cap to prevent unauthorized adjustment for how much water is required to be absorbed before the electrical switch is actuated.
Abstract:
In an ignition trigger device for an underwater projectile, a sensor that is connected with electronic means is provided. The sensor is equipped with water outlet openings, and consists of a network of individual lines or contact paths exposed to the entry and exit of water into and out of the underwater projectile, respectively.
Abstract:
An electronic control device utilizes a plurality of conductive areas on an associated printed wiring board to create integral dew sensors. The dew sensors are created by providing parallel conductive surfaces that are connected in turn by a resistor to a high impedance switch in the form of the gate of a field effect transistor. In the event that moisture vapor or dew is present in the control device, a conductive path is created that causes the control device to shut down in a safe or alternate mode from the normal mode of 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.