EP0144211A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sensor cable
Assignee: Raychem Corp
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Filing: 1984-11-28
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2004-11-28
Abstract
Abstract Elongate apparatus for detecting and locating changes in variables such as temperature, pressure, and the presence or absence of water, gasolene or other fluids. The apparatus comprises first, second and third elongate electrical connection means, generally wires, at least one of which is in a wrapped configuration; preferably first and second wires are wrapped, particularly braided, around an insulated third wire. The first and second wires are insulated from each other until a detectable event takes place, at which time they become connected. With the aid of the third wire, the voltage drop down the second wire is measured, and from a knowledge of the resistance characteristics of the second wire, the location of the connection point is calculated.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S. Wasley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:19
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B25/00; G08B25/01; G08B25/018; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01K; G01K7/00; G01K7/16; G01K7/18; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/042; G01M3/045; G01M3/16; G01M3/165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
247 words
An apparatus for detecting and locating a change in at least one variable from a first state to a second state, the apparatus comprising (1) a first elongate electrical connection means which has a near end and a far end; (2) a second electrical connection means (i) which has a near end and a far end, (ii) whose impedance, from the near end to each point thereon, is characteristic of its length from the near end to that point, and (iii) which is electrically insulated from the first connection means when said at least one variable is in the first state and which, when said at least one variable is in the second state, becomes electrically connected to the first connection means at at least one connection point whose distance from the near end of the second connection means is characteristic of the location of the point or points at which said least one variable is in the second state; and (3) a third electrical connection means which has a near end and a far end and which is electrically insulated from said first and second electrical connection means (a) from its near end to its far end when said at least one variable is in the first state and (b) at least from its near end to the connection point when said at least one variable is in the second state; at least one of said first, second and third connection means having a wrapped configuration.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
247 words
An apparatus for detecting and locating a change in at least one variable from a first state to a second state, the apparatus comprising (1) a first elongate electrical connection means which has a near end and a far end; (2) a second electrical connection means (i) which has a near end and a far end, (ii) whose impedance, from the near end to each point thereon, is characteristic of its length from the near end to that point, and (iii) which is electrically insulated from the first connection means when said at least one variable is in the first state and which, when said at least one variable is in the second state, becomes electrically connected to the first connection means at at least one connection point whose distance from the near end of the second connection means is characteristic of the location of the point or points at which said least one variable is in the second state; and (3) a third electrical connection means which has a near end and a far end and which is electrically insulated from said first and second electrical connection means (a) from its near end to its far end when said at least one variable is in the first state and (b) at least from its near end to the connection point when said at least one variable is in the second state; at least one of said first, second and third connection means having a wrapped configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the third electrical connection means is surrounded by electrical insulation, and the first and second connection means are wrapped around the third connection means and the electrical insulation thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of said first, second and third connection means forms part of a braid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first and second connection means are wrapped parallel to each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of the first and second connection means comprises an elongate metal core which is electrically surrounded by a jacket of a conductive polymer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second connection means are bare wires, and which further comprises an electrically insulating member which lies between the first and second connection means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second electrical connection means are separated from each other by a member which is an electrical insulator when said at least one variable is in the first state and which connects the first and second electrical connection means when said at least one variable is in the second state.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first and second electrical connection means have different wrapped configurations such that they cross at spaced-apart locations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second electrical connection means has a temperature coefficient of impedance which is less than 0.003 per degree Centigrade over at least one 25°C temperature range between -100°C and +500°C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the second electrical connection means has a temperature coefficient of resistance of less than 0.003 per degree Centigrade over the temperature range 0°C to 100°C.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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