US3859845A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leak detector
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1973-03-05
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Granted: 1975-01-14
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Expires: 1993-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A detector for sensing a leaking of fluid pressures. The detector is characterized by an hermetically sealed housing confining therewithin a first or normalized pressure, a connector for coupling the housing in direct communication with a suspected leak established within a substantially sealed body, an electrical circuit having a first or normalized configuration and including a pair of circuit-completing electrical contacts and means mounting at least one contact of said pair of contacts on a flexible wall of the housing supporting the contact for movement from a first position along a linear path to a second position in response to an altering of the pressure confined within the housing for thereby altering the configuration of the circuit.
Inventors
- 👤 James T Sawyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/24; H01H35/34; H01H35/346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
An improved portable detector for sensing leaks of pneumatic fluid through a substantially sealed body comprising: a. an hermetically sealed housing confining a predetermined pneumatic pressure; b. said housing comprising a flexible wall and a rigid wall, said walls being opposite each other; c. means for altering the pressure within said housing including a connector adapted to couple the housing in direct communication with an opening formed within a selected, substantially sealed body having a flow of fluid established therethrough; d. an electrical circuit including a pair of electrical contacts located within said housing; e. said flexible wall supporting one contact of said pair of contacts for movement from a first position along a substantially linear path to a second position in response to an altering of the pneumatic pressure within said housing; f. said other of said pair of contacts being supported by said rigid wall; g. means for providing a visual indication of the position of said one contact; h. means including a needle valve in the wall of said housing for determining the rate at which said pressure is altered when a leak has been detected.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
An improved portable detector for sensing leaks of pneumatic fluid through a substantially sealed body comprising: a. an hermetically sealed housing confining a predetermined pneumatic pressure; b. said housing comprising a flexible wall and a rigid wall, said walls being opposite each other; c. means for altering the pressure within said housing including a connector adapted to couple the housing in direct communication with an opening formed within a selected, substantially sealed body having a flow of fluid established therethrough; d. an electrical circuit including a pair of electrical contacts located within said housing; e. said flexible wall supporting one contact of said pair of contacts for movement from a first position along a substantially linear path to a second position in response to an altering of the pneumatic pressure within said housing; f. said other of said pair of contacts being supported by said rigid wall; g. means for providing a visual indication of the position of said one contact; h. means including a needle valve in the wall of said housing for determining the rate at which said pressure is altered when a leak has been detected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 further including biasing means comprising a helical spring around said contacts urging said one contact toward said first position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said connector includes a flexible tube coupled to said housing and a resilient head affixed to the distal end of said tube adapted to be applied to said opening.
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) | 1978-01-13 | 1978-07-15 | 1979-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-13 | 1982-07-15 | 1983-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-13 | 1986-07-15 | 1987-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |