Patent ID: 7044077

Claim:
A mechanical signaling device comprising, a base plate having at least one aperture therethrough a column having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the top of the base plate a top plate having at least one aperture therethrough, the top plate attached to the second end of the column, a rod passing trough the aperture in the top plate and the aperture in the base plate, a signal flag attached to the rod at a position above the top plate near the top end of the rod, a cover plate attached at the top end of the rod, a second column attached to the top of the top plate, the second column having a rest tab on the top for engaging and limiting the downward position of the cover plate, a spring surrounding the rod and extending from the top of top plate to the base of the signal flag, such spring being compressed when the signal flag is in its down position and relaxed when the signal flag is in its up position, a latch and release mechanism for engaging and locking the rod in position when the signal flag is in its down position and for releasing the rod so that the spring can push the signal flag to its up position, a cable attached at one end to the latch and release mechanism and attached at the other end to a float supported by a fluid, such that the float drops when a contaminate is present and enters the float through slits in the top portion of the float said float thereby becoming heavier and sinking, triggering the latch and release mechanism to place the signal flag in an up position when a contaminate is present.