US3720797A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas fusing sensing device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-09-10
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1991-09-10
Abstract
Abstract A cut-off and alarm system for detecting the presence of gasoline or similar hydrocarbon liquid in water. The system employs a sensing switch consisting of a mass of material soluble in the gasoline or similar hydrocarbon liquid. Switch contact elements embedded in the mass are biased to move to an alarm state when the material dissolves. When the material dissolves, the associated load device is thereby disconnected from its power source and an alarm device becomes energized.
Inventors
- 👤 K Gunn
- 👤 Donagh S Mc
- 👤 R Rosenholm
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/18; G01N33/1886; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/042; G01M3/045; G01N33/1826; G01N33/1833; H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A protective sensing switch device responsive to the presence of gasoline or similar hydrocarbon material comprising a body of matrix material which disintegrates upon exposure to gasoline or similar hydrocarbon material, said matrix material comprising expanded polystyrene buoyant in water, a spring-loaded switch assembly embedded in and completely surrounded by said body of matrix material, said switch assembly comprising a first conductor and a second conductor in contact with said first conductor, at least one of said conductors being resilient and being spring-biased toward a position disengaged from the other conductor, said one conductor disengaging froM said other conductor responsive to the disintegration of the surrounding matrix material, and respective terminal wires connected to said conductors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
A protective sensing switch device responsive to the presence of gasoline or similar hydrocarbon material comprising a body of matrix material which disintegrates upon exposure to gasoline or similar hydrocarbon material, said matrix material comprising expanded polystyrene buoyant in water, a spring-loaded switch assembly embedded in and completely surrounded by said body of matrix material, said switch assembly comprising a first conductor and a second conductor in contact with said first conductor, at least one of said conductors being resilient and being spring-biased toward a position disengaged from the other conductor, said one conductor disengaging froM said other conductor responsive to the disintegration of the surrounding matrix material, and respective terminal wires connected to said conductors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 1, and an external circuit branch connected to said terminal wires and including a source of current and a load device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 2, and wherein said one conductor is connected to said source of current, an auxiliary device, a third conductor embedded in said body of matrix material in a position to be engaged by said one conductor responsive to said disintegration of the surrounding matrix material, and circuit means connecting said auxiliary device to said source of current through said one conductor and said third conductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 1, and a weight of heavy material secured to one of the conductors in said body of matrix material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 4, and wherein said body of matrix material is substantially spherical in shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 4, and wherein said weight is secured to said resilient conductor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 6, wherein said weight is secured to said resilient conductor adjacent its region of contact with said first conductor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The protective sensing switch device of claim 7, and wherein said body of matrix material is substantially spherical in shape and said weight is of a magnitude to cause the body of material to float substantially half submerged in water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |