Importance

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Abstract

In a level control sensor switch mechanism mountable upon a bin containing bulk material of varying levels, a housing having a base which is mounted upon the bin wall and mounts a low-torque, low-speed electric motor having an output shaft which is coupled to a drive shaft journalled through the base, projects into the bin and mounts a paddle which is continuously rotatable when free of said bulk material, and is non-rotatable in said bulk material at a predetermined level thereof, stalling the motor. The improvement comprises an adjustment bracket upon the base mounting a torsion spring adapter. A stub on the motor axis is journalled within said adapter for limited rotary movement of the motor. A bracket secured to the motor projects from opposite sides thereof and is adapted for limited rotary movement with the motor in a plane at right angles to its axis. An adjustable time delay stop is mounted upon the adjustment bracket, retainingly engaging the motor bracket in a first position. The bracket has an extension arm at right angles thereto engageable by a torsion spring mounted upon the adapter. A second anchor is mounted upon the adjustment bracket for adjustably securing one end of the torsion spring. The other end of the spring biases said bracket and motor into its normal first position with the output shaft and paddle freely rotating. Upon stalling of the drive shaft due to its engagement with the bulk material, torque is transmitted to the motor, causing rotation of the motor and its bracket and bracket arm to a second switch-operating position against the action of the torsion spring. A plurality of switches within said housing have switch arms operatively engaged by the bracket arm when in its second position for selectively controlling the start and stop operations of conveyors, elevators or feeders and to provide an audible or visual warning signal.

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First Claim