Salt-supply container and switch for a softening device

Claim 1

In a water-softening device for use with a supply of salt in an apparatus such as a dishwasher or washing machine, comprising: a. a container which when upright, includes a bottom part movable between low and high position; b. an inlet to the container for receiving fresh water; c. an outlet from the container for discharging salt water solution; d. first means resiliently urging said bottom part upward towards said high position, said bottom part being depressable to said low position when a quantity of said salt is disposed thereon; and e. switch means (1) being disposed below said bottom part, (2) being closed when depressed by the bottom part in its low position, and (3) opened when the bottom part is elevated to its high position, whereby fresh water entering the inlet dissolves a portion of the salt forming salt water which is later discharged via the outlet, and the bottom part rises after sufficient salt is dissolved therefrom, thereby opening the switch.