Fluid flow switch sensing device having a test button

• US 6,563,064 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2000
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Inventors: Shafique, Amjed, Thomson, Christopher J.
• Primary Examiner(s): FRIEDHOFER, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/745,251
• Publication Number:
  US 20020092745A1
• Time in Patent Office: 873 Days
• Field of Search: 200/81.R, 200/81.9 R, 200/81.H, 200/81.9 M, 200/84.R, 200/61.2
• US Class Current: 200/81.90R
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 35/40 actuated by devices allowing continual flow of fluid, e.g. vane

Abstract

A fluid flow switch sensing device includes a switch, a pivotally disposed bracket assembly which activates the switch to a desired switch function, and a paddle assembly for causing pivotal movement of the bracket assembly in response to fluid flow in a conduit. A button assembly, cooperatively associated with the bracket assembly, is provided for external manual actuation and deactuation of the fluid flow switch sensing device.

Claims

1. A fluid flow switch sensing device comprising:

an enclosure;

a switch disposed within the enclosure;

a bracket pivotally mounted to a wall of the enclosure, wherein pivotal movement of the bracket activates the switch to a desired switch function, the bracket including a button extension;

a paddle arm coupled to the bracket for causing pivotal movement of the bracket in response to fluid flow in a conduit;

a button extending through the enclosure and cooperatively associated with the bracket for external manual actuation and deactuation of the fluid flow switch sensing device, the button including an end which engages the button extension when the button is pressed; and

a hollow body affixed to a lower surface of the enclosure, the body enabling the device to be threadedly installed to the conduit through which a fluid flows, the flow of the fluid being monitored by the device;

wherein a space is maintained between the end of the button and the button engagement extension when the button is in a rest position.

2. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket includes an adjuster which enables flow and no-flow setpoints of the device to be selectively adjusted.

3. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the button has a head member which is disposed external to the enclosure.

4. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a spring for biasing the button in a first direction to maintain the space between the end of the button and the button engagement extension when the button is in a rest position.

5. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the paddle arm extends through the hollow body.

6. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a paddle coupled to one end of the paddle arm, the paddle being disposed in a line of fluid flow when the device is installed to the conduit.

7. A fluid flow switch sensing device comprising:

a switch;

an enclosure for housing the switch;

a bracket assembly including a horizontal member, a button extension extending from the horizontal member, and at least one leg projecting down from the horizontal member, the at least one leg pivotally mounted to a wall of the enclosure, wherein pivotal movement of the bracket assembly activates the switch to a desired switch function;

a paddle assembly for causing pivotal movement of the bracket assembly in response to fluid flow in a conduit; and

a button assembly cooperatively associated with the bracket assembly for external manual actuation and deactuation of the fluid flow switch sensing device, the button assembly including a button having an end which engages the button extension when the button is pressed;

wherein a space is maintained between the end of the button and the button engagement extension when the button is in a rest position.

8. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the bracket assembly includes an adjuster which enables flow and no-flow setpoints of the device to be selectively adjusted.

9. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the button assembly includes a button a portion of which is disposed external to the enclosure.

10. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the button assembly includes a button and a spring for biasing the button in a first direction to maintain the space between the end of the button and the button engagement extension when the button is in a rest position.

11. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the paddle assembly includes a hollow body affixed to a lower surface of the enclosure, the body enabling the device to be threadedly installed to the conduit through which a fluid flows, the flow of the fluid being monitored by the device.

12. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 11, wherein the paddle assembly further includes a paddle arm that extends through the hollow body and is coupled to the bracket assembly, the paddle arm causing the pivotal movement of the bracket assembly in response to fluid flow in the conduit.

13. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the paddle assembly includes a paddle arm and a paddle, the paddle arm coupled to the bracket assembly and causing the pivotal movement of the bracket assembly in response to fluid flow in the conduit, the paddle coupled to one end of the paddle arm, the paddle being disposed in a line of fluid flow through the conduit.

14. The fluid flow switch sensing device according to claim 7, the enclosure including a receptacle and a cover.