US3771349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Moisture leak detector
Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd AECL
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Filing: 1972-03-15
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1992-03-15
Abstract
Abstract A portable moisture leak detector comprising a galvanic cell disposed in an elongated tubular member through which the air to be sampled is drawn. The galvanic cell comprises a pair of dissimilar metal electrodes separated by a deliquescent electrolytic element. Changes in the humidity change the electric output of the galvanic cell. A sudden increase in the output of the cell indicates the presence of a leak enabling it to be located.
Inventors
- 👤 E Yatabe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/403; G01N27/404; G01N27/4045; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/16; G01M3/20; G01M3/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A mositure leak detector comprising; a. an elongated tubular member having an inlet for receiving an air sample, an outlet and an interconnecting passageway; b. a galvanic cell sensitive to humidity disposed within said passageway, said cell having a pair of electrodes separated by a deliquescent electrolytic element, one of said electrodes and said electrolytic element being permeable to said air; c. means drawing said air through said inlet and said passageway to contact said electrolytic element; and d. variable voltage supply means for applying an external voltage to offset the potential of said galvanic cell under the ambient atomospheric condition such that the net output of said galvanic cell under the ambient condition is substantially zero, and means for detecting an increase in output of said galvanic cell greater than a predetermined value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A mositure leak detector comprising; a. an elongated tubular member having an inlet for receiving an air sample, an outlet and an interconnecting passageway; b. a galvanic cell sensitive to humidity disposed within said passageway, said cell having a pair of electrodes separated by a deliquescent electrolytic element, one of said electrodes and said electrolytic element being permeable to said air; c. means drawing said air through said inlet and said passageway to contact said electrolytic element; and d. variable voltage supply means for applying an external voltage to offset the potential of said galvanic cell under the ambient atomospheric condition such that the net output of said galvanic cell under the ambient condition is substantially zero, and means for detecting an increase in output of said galvanic cell greater than a predetermined value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
109 words
A moisture leak detector comprising; a. an elongated tubular member having an inlet for receiving an air sample, an outlet and an interconnecting passageway; b. a galvanic cell sensitive to Humidity disposed within said passageway, said cell having a pair of electrodes separated by an electrolytic element comprising a sheet of porous cellulose acetate treated with a deliquescent salt, one of said electrodes and said electrolytic element being permeable to said air; c. means drawing said air through said inlet and said passageway to contact said electrolytic element; and d. means for detecting a change in electrical output of said galvanic cell to indicate the presence of a leak.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
109 words
A moisture leak detector comprising; a. an elongated tubular member having an inlet for receiving an air sample, an outlet and an interconnecting passageway; b. a galvanic cell sensitive to Humidity disposed within said passageway, said cell having a pair of electrodes separated by an electrolytic element comprising a sheet of porous cellulose acetate treated with a deliquescent salt, one of said electrodes and said electrolytic element being permeable to said air; c. means drawing said air through said inlet and said passageway to contact said electrolytic element; and d. means for detecting a change in electrical output of said galvanic cell to indicate the presence of a leak.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said deliquescent salt is ZnC12.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said permeable electrode comprises a metallic wire cloth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said electrodes comprise an anode of stainless steel wire cloth and a cathode of gold.
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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |