US3774185A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for detecting organic materials in water
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1972-02-04
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1992-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A detector device for determining the presence of organic materials in water streams, such as chemical sewers, as a result of leakage or spillage. The device comprises an upright elongated electrically insulating tube through which material from the stream is pumped. At intervals flow through the tube stops, the lighter organic material rising to the top and displacing water downwardly. A pair of spaced apart metal rings near the top of the tube act as plates of an electrical capacitor. As the level of organic material in the tube reaches the location of the rings, the dielectric change changes the electrical value of the capacitor. This change in value is detected and utilized to trigger an alarm. The position of the rings along the tube is adjustable. Using the capacitor as part of the tuned circuit of an oscillator is one means to develop an alarm signal when the oscillator is detuned when the dielectric changes near the rings.
Inventors
- 👤 W Parth
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:05
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/12; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/7306
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for determining the presence of predetermined amounts of organic materials in an aqueous stream, comprising a generally upright elongated vertical hollow electrically insulating column, timer actuated valved means for controlling the flow of materials from said stream into said column, means at least near to the upper end of said column for discharging liquid from said column, capacitor electrodes, said capacitor electrodes being coupled to said column below said means for discharging liquid, said capacitor electrodes being electrically coupled to capacitance sensing means for developing an output signal on achievement of a predetermined capacitance between said electrodes, an alarm element, said alarm element being actuated in response to said output signal, timer means coupled to said alarm element whereby said alarm element may be actuated only when said timer actuated valved means is closed, and means for applying pressurized liquid from said stream to said valved means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
Apparatus for determining the presence of predetermined amounts of organic materials in an aqueous stream, comprising a generally upright elongated vertical hollow electrically insulating column, timer actuated valved means for controlling the flow of materials from said stream into said column, means at least near to the upper end of said column for discharging liquid from said column, capacitor electrodes, said capacitor electrodes being coupled to said column below said means for discharging liquid, said capacitor electrodes being electrically coupled to capacitance sensing means for developing an output signal on achievement of a predetermined capacitance between said electrodes, an alarm element, said alarm element being actuated in response to said output signal, timer means coupled to said alarm element whereby said alarm element may be actuated only when said timer actuated valved means is closed, and means for applying pressurized liquid from said stream to said valved means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said capacitor electrodes are a pair of spaced apart metal rings disposed around the outer periphery of said column.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein switching means is coupled to the means for actuating said alarm element, said switching means being actuated by said timer means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said capacitance sensing means is an oscillator which utilizes said capacitor electrodes in a tuned circuit thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for applying pressurized liquid to said valve is a pump.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein by-pass flow means are provided between said pump and said valve, said flow means having a discharge element disposed at least as high as the means for discharging liquid from said column.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the position of said capacitor electrodes along said column is movable.
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) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |