US4721950A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluid detector
Assignee: Emerson Electric Co
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Filing: 1986-12-22
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Granted: 1988-01-26
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Expires: 2006-12-22
Abstract
Abstract There is a plurality of probes electrically connected to a central controller. Each of the probes is capable of providing a hydrocarbon signal, a water signal and a dry signal upon sensing these respective environments. The controller includes an audible alarm transducer and a switch for activating circuitry providing either a first alarm mode which provides an alarm in response to a hydrocarbon signal or a second alarm mode which provides an alarm in response to a hydrocarbon signal and also a water signal. A continuous alarm tone is provided upon receiving a hydrocarbon signal while an intermittent alarm tone is provided upon receiving a water signal. A yellow label links a "water" sign and the transducer and a red label links an "oil" sign and the transducer. The yellow label encircles only a small portion of the transducer and the red label encircles the major portion of the transducer so as to provide a visual indication that the shorter, intermittent tone indicates water while the longer, continuous tone indicates hydrocarbon.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond J. Andrejasich
- 👤 Roy F. Kidd
- 👤 Ford C. Jefferson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 20:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/16; B; B67; B67D; B67D7/00; B67D7/04; B67D7/06; B67D7/32; B67D7/3209; G08; G08B; G08B19/00; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/12; G08B21/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
In a fluid detector of the type comprising a plurality of probe means for sensing their fluid environment and for providing a hydrocarbon signal indicative of the presence of hydrocarbon in the probe environment, a water signal indicative of the presence of water in the probe environment, and a dry signal indicative that the probe environment is dry, and a controller means responsive to said signals from said probe means for providing an alarm, the improvement wherein said controller means includes: a means for selecting between a first alarm mode in which said alarm is provided only in response to a hydrocarbon signal from one or more of said probes and a second alarm mode in which said alarm is provided both in response to a hydrocarbon signal from one or more of said probes and also to a water signal from one or more of said probes; and means for providing a first audible alarm in response to said hydrocarbon signal and a second audible alarm in response to said water signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
In a fluid detector of the type comprising a plurality of probe means for sensing their fluid environment and for providing a hydrocarbon signal indicative of the presence of hydrocarbon in the probe environment, a water signal indicative of the presence of water in the probe environment, and a dry signal indicative that the probe environment is dry, and a controller means responsive to said signals from said probe means for providing an alarm, the improvement wherein said controller means includes: a means for selecting between a first alarm mode in which said alarm is provided only in response to a hydrocarbon signal from one or more of said probes and a second alarm mode in which said alarm is provided both in response to a hydrocarbon signal from one or more of said probes and also to a water signal from one or more of said probes; and means for providing a first audible alarm in response to said hydrocarbon signal and a second audible alarm in response to said water signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A fluid detector as in claim 1 wherein said controller includes an audible alarm transducer and a control panel, and said transducer is mounted on said control panel, and further including a visual means for visually indicating that said first audible alarm indicates hydrocarbons and said second audible alarm indicates water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
A fluid detector as in claim 2 wherein said visual means comprises a first label and a first outline in a first color, the first label visually linking said first label and said transducer, and a second label and a second outline in a second color, said second outline visually linking said second label and said transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fluid detector as in claim 3 wherein said first outline and said second outline at least partially encircle said transducer and said first outline encloses a larger portion of the transducer than said second outline.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A fluid detector as in claim 3 wherein said first color is red and said second color is yellow.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A fluid detector as in claim 3 wherein said first audible signal is a continuous tone and said second audible signal is an intermittent tone.
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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) | 1991-01-25 | 1991-07-27 | 1992-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-25 | 1995-07-27 | 1996-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-25 | 1999-07-27 | 2000-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |