A magnetic float switch is provided. The magnetic float switch can include a housing configured to float in a liquid, response circuitry located inside the housing, an internal chamber located inside the housing, a float state indicator housed within the internal chamber, and an actuating arm housed outside the internal chamber and coupled to the response circuitry. In operation, when a position of the housing changes so as to indicate an increasing level of the liquid, the float state indicator can move within the internal chamber from a first position to a second position to initiate a magnetic force between the float state indicator and the actuating arm so as to actuate the actuating arm from an inactive position to an active position. Then, when the actuating arm is in the active position, the response circuitry can initiate a response to the increasing level of the liquid.

A switching device includes a first enclosure containing a switch, a rod-shaped second enclosure having a second end connected to the first enclosure, a detector unit in the second enclosure, and a float disposed around the second enclosure and capable of moving along it. As the float moves from the first end of the second enclosure toward the second end, when the float enters a first position range, a first position sensor senses the float and transmits a first sensing signal to a detection circuit; when the float enters a second position range, a second position sensor senses the float and transmits a second sensing signal to the detection circuit. The detection circuit close a switch in response to the second sensing signal to turn on an external appliance. The switching device is flexible, reliable, and inexpensive to produce.

A switching device includes a first enclosure containing a switch, a rod-shaped second enclosure having a second end connected to the first enclosure, a detector unit in the second enclosure, and a float disposed around the second enclosure and capable of moving along it. As the float moves from the first end of the second enclosure toward the second end, when the float enters a first position range, a first position sensor senses the float and transmits a first sensing signal to a detection circuit; when the float enters a second position range, a second position sensor senses the float and transmits a second sensing signal to the detection circuit. The detection circuit close a switch in response to the second sensing signal to turn on an external appliance. The switching device is flexible, reliable, and inexpensive to produce.

An active three-wire fluid level sensor employed in an application designed for a two-wire switch is disclosed. A fluid level sensor assembly includes a fluid level sensor including first, second, and third wires. The third wire carries an output signal configured to fluctuate between a low output signal level and a high output signal level. The fluid level sensor assembly also includes a supply modulation driver electrically connected to the third wire. The fluid level sensor, via the first, second, and third wires, is configured to serve as an input to a two-wire input electronic control unit (ECU). A method of operating a two-wire circuit function by supply modulation is also disclosed.

An active three-wire fluid level sensor employed in an application designed for a two-wire switch is disclosed. A fluid level sensor assembly includes a fluid level sensor including first, second, and third wires. The third wire carries an output signal configured to fluctuate between a low output signal level and a high output signal level. The fluid level sensor assembly also includes a supply modulation driver electrically connected to the third wire. The fluid level sensor, via the first, second, and third wires, is configured to serve as an input to a two-wire input electronic control unit (ECU). A method of operating a two-wire circuit function by supply modulation is also disclosed.

A self regulating mechanism for a storage water heater for preventing the operation of heating elements while the heating elements are not submerged comprises a liquid level switch and an electrical contactor which are each integrated with a storage water heater having at least a water tank, at least one heating element and thermostat pair, and an input voltage line. In operation, the electrical contactor is wired to selectively control the flow of electricity from the input voltage line to the thermostats and heating elements and the liquid level switch is operative to determine the water level and operate the switching of the electrical contactor based on whether the level of water in the water tank meets a predetermined threshold. As such, the electrical contactor will only permit electricity to flow to the heating element when the liquid level switch indicates that the water tank is substantially full.

A self regulating mechanism for a storage water heater for preventing the operation of heating elements while the heating elements are not submerged comprises a liquid level switch and an electrical contactor which are each integrated with a storage water heater having at least a water tank, at least one heating element and thermostat pair, and an input voltage line. In operation, the electrical contactor is wired to selectively control the flow of electricity from the input voltage line to the thermostats and heating elements and the liquid level switch is operative to determine the water level and operate the switching of the electrical contactor based on whether the level of water in the water tank meets a predetermined threshold. As such, the electrical contactor will only permit electricity to flow to the heating element when the liquid level switch indicates that the water tank is substantially full.

A system for detecting an incontinence event includes a pad which is deployable on a mattress and which, as deployed, has a first conductor and a second conductor and in which the first conductor and the second conductor are not in electrical communication with each other. The system also incudes an RFID reader subsystem having a processor and an array of two or more spatially distributed antennas. The system is adapted to A) command transmission of energy from the antenna array at a variety of powers and at various frequencies, B) monitor the antenna array for a return signal resulting from the spatially and temporally varying transmission, and C) communicate a WET or DRY status to a destination. The WET or DRY status depends on a moisture status indicator of the return signal.

A system for detecting an incontinence event includes a pad which is deployable on a mattress and which, as deployed, has a first conductor and a second conductor and in which the first conductor and the second conductor are not in electrical communication with each other. The system also incudes an RFID reader subsystem having a processor and an array of two or more spatially distributed antennas. The system is adapted to A) command transmission of energy from the antenna array at a variety of powers and at various frequencies, B) monitor the antenna array for a return signal resulting from the spatially and temporally varying transmission, and C) communicate a WET or DRY status to a destination. The WET or DRY status depends on a moisture status indicator of the return signal.

A method for maintaining a boiling rate of a base fluid can include a determination of a fluid level of a turbulated base fluid in a reservoir. The fluid level can be determined by measuring at least one first height of the turbulated base fluid above the fluid level with at least a first sensor. The fluid level can be determined by measuring at least one second height of the turbulated base fluid below the fluid level with the first sensor. The method can include the establishment of the fluid level of the turbulated base fluid. The fluid level can be established according to the measured at least one first and second heights. The method can include the graduated introduction of an input fluid into the reservoir. A control valve can gradually introduce the input fluid in proportion to the established fluid level of the turbulated base fluid.