Patent ID: 7477837

Claim:
A flow detection sensor comprising: a manifold; an inlet on a bottom surface of the manifold; an outlet on a side surface of the manifold; a magnetic sensor situated on an upper surface of the manifold a depth of the magnetic sensor adjustable from outside of the manifold thereby enabling an adjustment of sensitivity; and a plunger having an imbedded magnet, the plunger adapted to rest on a rim within the manifold, the plunger urged toward the rim solely by a force of gravity and the plunger partially obstructing a flow of a liquid from the inlet to the outlet when the liquid is still, the plunger having a surface interfacing with the rim wherein the surface angles upwardly towards an outer circumference of the plunger, the plunger lifting within the manifold to a closer proximity with the magnetic sensor when the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet, whereas the magnetic sensor detects the closer proximity of the imbedded magnet and the magnetic sensor changes electrical state.