Patent ID: 7105756
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A flow switch, comprising: a paddle arm having a rigid, elongate construction and a straight configuration; a hub formed substantially mid-length of said paddle arm; a first elongate member formed integrally with said hub and extending from said hub in a first radial direction, said first elongate member having a hollow interior; a second elongate member formed integrally with said hub and extending from said hub in a second radial direction opposite to said first radial direction so that said first and second elongate members and said hub collectively form said paddle arm of straight configuration; a first magnet disposed within said hollow interior of said first elongate member; said hub being mounted for pivotal movement; a flat paddle formed integrally with said second elongate member at a radially outermost end thereof; said flat paddle adapted to be immersed in a liquid fluid, said flat paddle oriented in a plane transverse to a flow of said liquid fluid when said liquid fluid is contained within a conduit; a top housing; said top housing adapted to house a second magnet and a reed switch in diametrically opposed relation to one another; a bottom housing having a first end adapted to engage said top housing; said bottom housing also having a second end, said second end adapted to engage the conduit through which the fluid may flow; said first magnet pivoting into close proximity to said reed switch when said paddle is pivoted away from a position of repose by the fluid flowing through said conduit; said second magnet having a polarity opposite to a polarity of said first magnet so that said first and second magnets attract one another and so that said magnetic attraction causes the first magnet to pivot away from the reed switch when a fluid flow-imparted force impinging upon said paddle is less than a magnetic force between said first and second magnets.