US4598273A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leak detection system for roofs
Assignee: DOMINION FUND III A CALIFORNIA Ltd PARTNERSHIP AS AGENT FOR PARTIES LISTED ON EXHIBIT A LP
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Filing: 1984-08-16
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Granted: 1986-07-01
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Expires: 2004-08-16
Abstract
Abstract A moisture intrusion detection system is provided, wherein a plurality of independent and insular moisture detecting units are placed in a predetermined spaced apart relationship across the surface of a roof structure, or other system incorporating a water impermeable membrane, beneath the water impermeable membrane thereof. Each of the detecting units includes a moisture detecting and power supply unit and signalling unit. When moisture penetrates the water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, a leak condition exists and a water activated battery is activated. Each detecting unit in contact with water is activated. In combination with the detecting units, position and direction locator apparatus are used in combination with the detecting units to localize the source of the leak and the extent of any water damage caused thereby.
Inventors
- 👤 Bynum O. Bryan, Jr.
- 👤 Earl Seagrave
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 22:30
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04D; E04D13/00; E04D13/006; G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/16; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/18; G08B21/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
180 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained independent moisture detecting and signalling units adapted to be placed in a predetermined spaced apart, insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, each of said leak detecting and signalling units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of moisture above a predetermined amount, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting and power supply means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting and power supply means, and housing means enclosing said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means to protect said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means during installation and use and providing ingress of moisture if a leak occurs, whereby if a leak occurs moisture will enter said housing, activate said moisture detecting and power supply means which in turn supplies electrical energy to said signalling means thus indicating that a leak exists so that appropriate remedial action may be taken.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
180 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained independent moisture detecting and signalling units adapted to be placed in a predetermined spaced apart, insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, each of said leak detecting and signalling units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of moisture above a predetermined amount, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting and power supply means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting and power supply means, and housing means enclosing said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means to protect said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means during installation and use and providing ingress of moisture if a leak occurs, whereby if a leak occurs moisture will enter said housing, activate said moisture detecting and power supply means which in turn supplies electrical energy to said signalling means thus indicating that a leak exists so that appropriate remedial action may be taken.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A leak detection system according to claim 1 wherein said signalling means is an electronic radio transmitter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A leak detection system according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of units are set to the same frequency.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A leak detection system according to claim 1 further comprising a signal receiving means for locating the activated signalling means thereby enabling the location of the leak and the extent of the moisture intrusion to be determined.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
115 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained, indenpendent moisture detecting and signalling units adapted to be place in a predetermined spaced apart insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof strucutre, each of said leak signalling and detecting units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of water above a predetermined amount, said moisture detecting and power supply means comprising a water-activatable power source which is rendered active upon contact with moisture when a leak occurs, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
115 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained, indenpendent moisture detecting and signalling units adapted to be place in a predetermined spaced apart insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof strucutre, each of said leak signalling and detecting units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of water above a predetermined amount, said moisture detecting and power supply means comprising a water-activatable power source which is rendered active upon contact with moisture when a leak occurs, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A leak detection system according to claim 5 further comprising a signal receiving means for locating the activated signalling means thereby enabling the location of the leak and the extent of the moisture intrusion to be determined.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
135 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained, independent moisture detecting units adapted to be placed in a predetermined spaced apart insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, each of said leak signalling and detecting units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means comprising a water activatable batter adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of moisture above a predetermined amount, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting and power supply means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting and power supply means, and housing means enclosing said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means to protect said moisture detecting means and said signalling means and said signalling ingress of moisture if a leak occurs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
135 words
A leak detection system for composite roof structures comprising a plurality of self-contained, independent moisture detecting units adapted to be placed in a predetermined spaced apart insular arrangement beneath a water impermeable membrane of the roof structure, each of said leak signalling and detecting units comprising: moisture detecting and power supply means comprising a water activatable batter adapted to be activated and to produce electrical energy upon the introduction of moisture above a predetermined amount, signalling means connected to said moisture detecting and power supply means for emitting a signal upon activation of said moisture detecting and power supply means, and housing means enclosing said moisture detecting and power supply means and said signalling means to protect said moisture detecting means and said signalling means and said signalling ingress of moisture if a leak occurs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
A leak detection system according to claim 7 further comprising a signal receiving means for locating the activated signalling means thereby enabling the location of the leak and the extent of the moisture intrusion to be determined.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A leak detection system according to claim 1 wherein said signalling means comprises a radio transmitter emitting a pulse coded output signal.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-30 | 1989-12-30 | 1990-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-30 | 1993-12-30 | 1994-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-30 | 1997-12-30 | 1998-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |