Patent ID: 8430641

Claim:
A float switch apparatus for controlling the energization of multiple electric circuits, at least two of which incorporate electrical pump motors, in response to the level of a liquid in a vessel, the apparatus comprising: a guide structure adapted to be mounted in a fixed position relative to the vessel; a first micro-switch having a normal and an engaged position mounted to the guide structure and adapted to be connected into a first electric circuit to control the energization of a first electrical pump motor. the first micro-switch being normally-closed; a second micro-switch having a normal and an engaged position mounted to the guide structure adapted to be connected into a second electric circuit to control the energization of a second electrical pump motor, the second micro-switch being normally-closed; a third micro-switch having a normal and an engaged position mounted to the guide structure at a location above the first micro-switch and adapted to be connected into a third electric circuit to control the energization thereof, the third micro-switch being normally-open; a float rod slidably mounted to the guide structure allowing reciprocating movement in a generally vertical direction in an operating zone above a resting position, the float rod having upper and lower ends and upper and lower float stops and the float rod additionally having one or more lower cam surfaces cooperating with the first micro-switch and the second micro-switch to sequentially release the first micro-switch and the second micro-switch from their engaged positions to their normal positions during upward movement of the float rod in the operating zone and an upper cam surface cooperating with the third micro-switch to subsequently move the third micro-switch from its normal position to its engaged position during further upward movement of the float rod in the operating zone; a float slidably mounted to the float rod between the upper and lower float stops, which float is adapted to float with the level of liquid in the vessel; and, wherein the shape of the one or more lower cam surfaces is such that, under the influence of gravity, the weight of the float rod is insufficient to allow the float rod to move downwardly against resistance provided either by the first micro-switch or separately by the second micro-switch and the weight of the float rod combined with at least a portion of the weight of the float is sufficient to overcome either such resistance and to move the float rod downwardly.