Patent US4926129A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4926129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Sensor assembly for detecting multiple events and distinguishing between them
Assignee: Tyco International Ltd
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Filing: 1988-10-12
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Granted: 1990-05-15
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Expires: 2008-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A sensing assembly suitable for detecting both a first event which involves the presence of an electrolyte and a second event which does not involve the presence of an electrolyte, and for distinguishing between them. The assembly comprises a first conductor and a second conductor which is electrically insulated from the first conductor in the absence of both first and second events but becomes electrically connected to the first conductor by either an ionic connection in the presence of a first event or an electronic connection in the presence of a second event. The assembly also comprises a sensing apparatus of determining whether the connection is ionic or electronic. The assembly is useful for detecting leaks of hydrocarbons, e.g. gasoline, and water in storage tanks.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S. Wasley
- 👤 James C. Holmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 15:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/042; G01M3/045; G01M3/16; G01M3/165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A sensor assembly for detecting a first event which involves the presence of an electrolyte and for detecting at least one second event which does not involve the presence of an electrolyte, and for distinguishing between the first and second events, the assembly comprising (1) a first conductor; (2) a second conductor which (a) is electrically insulated from the first conductor in the absence of both first and second events, (b) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the first event through an ionic connection, and (c) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the second event through an electronic connection; (3) means for determining whether the connection between the first and second conductors is an ionic connection or an electronic connection.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A sensor assembly for detecting a first event which involves the presence of an electrolyte and for detecting at least one second event which does not involve the presence of an electrolyte, and for distinguishing between the first and second events, the assembly comprising (1) a first conductor; (2) a second conductor which (a) is electrically insulated from the first conductor in the absence of both first and second events, (b) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the first event through an ionic connection, and (c) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the second event through an electronic connection; (3) means for determining whether the connection between the first and second conductors is an ionic connection or an electronic connection.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and the second conductors comprises a metal core in contact with a conductive polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 2 wherein each of the first and the second conductors comprises a metal core in contact with a conductive polymer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 2 wherein the metal core is surrounded by conductive polymer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 2 wherein at least part of the conductive polymer has been crosslinked.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the polymer has been crosslinked by irradiation to a level of 2 to 3 Mrad.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second conductor is insulated by means of an electrically insulating braid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the braid comprises polyester.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the braid has apertures which have a smallest dimension of 0.001 inch to 0.020 inch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the braid has apertures which have a depth of 0.001 to 0.020 inch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrolyte is water.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second event involves detecting the presence of an organic solvent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the solvent is a hydrocarbon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second event involves detecting a change in temperature.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second event involves detecting a change in pressure.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of detecting leaking fluid in a dual wall containment tank, said method comprising (1) positioning a sensor assembly between the inner and the outer wall of the dual wall containment tank, said sensor assembly being capable of detecting a first event which involves the presence of an electrolyte and detecting at least one second event which does not involve the presence of an electrolyte, and for distinguishing between the first and second events, said assembly comprising (a) a first conductor; (b) a second conductor which (i) is electrically insulated from the first conductor in the absence of both first and second events, (ii) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the first event through an ionic connection; and (iii) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the second event through an electronic connection; and (c) means for determining whether the connection between the first and second conductors is an ionic connection or an electronic connection; and (2) connecting said assembly to a source of electrical power to allow monitoring of the assembly.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
180 words
A method of detecting leaking fluid in a dual wall containment tank, said method comprising (1) positioning a sensor assembly between the inner and the outer wall of the dual wall containment tank, said sensor assembly being capable of detecting a first event which involves the presence of an electrolyte and detecting at least one second event which does not involve the presence of an electrolyte, and for distinguishing between the first and second events, said assembly comprising (a) a first conductor; (b) a second conductor which (i) is electrically insulated from the first conductor in the absence of both first and second events, (ii) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the first event through an ionic connection; and (iii) becomes electrically connected to the first conductor upon occurrence of the second event through an electronic connection; and (c) means for determining whether the connection between the first and second conductors is an ionic connection or an electronic connection; and (2) connecting said assembly to a source of electrical power to allow monitoring of the assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 16 wherein the first event involves detecting the presence of water and the second event involves detecting the presence of a hydrocarbon.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 17 wherein the hydrocarbon is gasoline.
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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) | 1993-05-14 | 1993-11-13 | 1994-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-14 | 1997-11-13 | 1998-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-11-13 | 2002-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |