Liquid level controller with manual tripping device

Abstract

A liquid level controller assembly for a vessel is disclosed. The liquid level controller assembly includes a float positionable within the vessel such that the float is moveable in response to liquid level changes. A lever is connected to the float such that the lever moves in response to movement of the float. An extension member is connected to the lever and positionable to be manually reached by an operator standing at ground-level to permit the operator to selectively move the lever by actuating the extension member when the lever is positioned at a height that causes the lever to be out of manual reach of the operator while the operator is standing at ground-level.

1 . A liquid level controller assembly for a vessel, comprising: 
 a float positionable within the vessel such that the float is moveable in response to liquid level changes;    a lever connected to the float such that the lever moves in response to movement of the float; and    an extension member having a proximal end connected to the lever and a distal end positionable to be manually reached by an operator standing at ground-level to permit the operator to selectively move the lever by actuating the extension member when the lever is positioned at a height that causes the lever to be out of manual reach of the operator while the operator is standing at ground-level.    
   
   
       2 . The liquid level controller assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a liquid level switch having a switch arm positioned such that movement of the lever actuates the switch arm.  
   
   
       3 . The liquid level controller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the extension member is flexible.  
   
   
       4 . The liquid level controller assembly of  claim 3  wherein the extension member further comprises a handle connected to the distal end of the extension member.  
   
   
       5 . The liquid level controller assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a housing connectable to the vessel and enclosing the lever, the housing having an opening therethrough for slidably receiving the extension member.  
   
   
       6 . The liquid level controller assembly of  claim 5  wherein the opening is formed through a lower portion of the housing.  
   
   
       7 . A liquid level controller assembly in combination with a vessel containing a liquid, the liquid level controller assembly comprising: 
 a float positioned within the vessel such that the float is moveable in response to liquid level changes;    a lever connected to the float such that the lever moves in response to movement of the float, the lever positioned at a height that causes the lever to be out of manual reach of an operator while the operator is standing at ground-level; and    an extension member having a proximal end connected to the lever and a distal end positionable to be manually reached by an operator standing at ground-level to permit the operator to selectively move the lever by actuating the extension member.    
   
   
       8 . The combination of  claim 9  further comprising a liquid level switch having a switch arm positioned such that movement of the lever actuates the switch arm.  
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 8  wherein the extension member further comprises a handle connected to the distal end of the extension member.  
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 9  further comprising a housing connectable to the vessel and enclosing the lever, the housing having an opening therethrough for slidably receiving the extension member.  
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 10  wherein the opening is formed through a lower portion of the housing.  
   
   
       12 . A liquid level controller assembly for a vessel, comprising: 
 a float positionable within the vessel such that the float is moveable in response to liquid level changes;    a housing connectable to the vessel;    a lever positioned within the housing and connected to the float such that the lever moves in response to movement of the float; and    an extension member having a proximal end connected to the lever and a distal end positioned on the exterior of the housing to permit an operator to selectively move the lever by actuating the extension member.    
   
   
       13 . In a method of testing the functionality of a liquid level controller assembly of the type wherein the liquid level controller assembly has a float positioned within a vessel, a lever connected to the float such that the lever moves in response to movement of the float and positioned at a height that causes the lever to be out of manual reach of an operator while the operator is standing at ground-level, and a liquid level switch having a switch arm tripped in response to movement of the lever, the improvement comprising: 
 manually grasping and actuating an extension member connected to one of the lever and the float while standing at ground-level to cause the lever to move and thereby trip the switch arm of the liquid level switch.