Fluid detection apparatus and kit, and method of installation thereof
First Claim
1. An apparatus for sensing the presence of a conductive fluid on an upwardly facing generally planar surface of a floor, the apparatus comprising:
- an electrically insulating base dimensioned for installation under the floor such that the upwardly facing generally planar surface is maintained generally planar upon completion of said installation;
first and second sensing conductors connected to said base and extending therefrom in generally parallel, spaced apart relation and being operable to be inserted into at least one opening extending through the floor from a sub-floor contacting surface of the floor to the upwardly facing generally planar surface, whereby conductive fluid on the upwardly facing generally planar surface, in contact with and between said first and second conductors, is operable to conduct an electric current when a sensing circuit is connected to said first and second conductors.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for sensing the presence of a conductive fluid on an upwardly facing generally planar surface of a floor, and a method of installation thereof. The apparatus includes an electrically insulating base dimensioned for installation under the floor such that the upwardly facing generally planar surface is maintained generally planar upon completion of the installation, The apparatus further includes first and second sensing conductors connected to the base and extending therefrom in generally parallel, spaced apart relation and being operable to be inserted into respective openings extending through the floor from a base contacting surface of the floor to the upwardly facing generally planar surface. Conductive fluid on the upwardly facing generally planar surface, in contact with and between the first and second conductors, is operable to conduct an electric current supplied by a sensing circuit connected to the first and second conductors.
25 Citations
31 Claims
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1. An apparatus for sensing the presence of a conductive fluid on an upwardly facing generally planar surface of a floor, the apparatus comprising:
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an electrically insulating base dimensioned for installation under the floor such that the upwardly facing generally planar surface is maintained generally planar upon completion of said installation;
first and second sensing conductors connected to said base and extending therefrom in generally parallel, spaced apart relation and being operable to be inserted into at least one opening extending through the floor from a sub-floor contacting surface of the floor to the upwardly facing generally planar surface, whereby conductive fluid on the upwardly facing generally planar surface, in contact with and between said first and second conductors, is operable to conduct an electric current when a sensing circuit is connected to said first and second conductors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of installing a sensor for sensing the presence of a conductive fluid on an upwardly facing generally planar surface of a floor, the method comprising:
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forming at least one opening in the floor, said at least one opening extending from a sub-floor contacting surface of the floor to the upwardly facing generally planar surface of the floor;
installing an electrically insulating base of the sensor under the floor such that first and second sensing conductors extending from said base are in said at least one opening and such that the upwardly facing generally planar surface of said floor is generally planar; and
connecting said first and second conductors to a sensing circuit operable to supply an electric current to at least one of said first and second conductors such that conductive fluid on the upwardly facing generally planar surface in contact with and between said first and second conductors is operable to conduct said electric current between said first and second conductors.
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20. A method of installing a sensor for sensing the presence of a conductive fluid on an upwardly facing generally planar surface of a floor, the method comprising:
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laying an electrically insulating base of the sensor on a flat surface of a sub-floor to be covered with a floor, such that first and second sensing conductors extend generally perpendicularly from said base, in generally parallel spaced apart relation;
connecting said first and second sensing conductors to a sensing circuit operable to supply an electric current to at least one of said first and second conductors;
installing the floor on said sub-floor such that said first and second sensing conductors extending from said base are in at least one opening in said floor and such that the upwardly facing generally planar surface of said floor is generally planar and not locally raised by said insulated base, whereby conductive fluid on the upwardly facing generally planar surface in contact with and between said first and second conductors is operable to conduct said electric current between said first and second conductors. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A floor water sensor kit comprising:
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an electrically insulating base; and
first and second sensing conductors adapted to cooperate with said base to be secured to said base and to extend in generally parallel spaced apart relation therefrom;
whereby said base and said first and second sensing conductors are operable to be assembled and installed on a sub-floor, under a floor, such that said first and second sensing conductors extend through at least one opening in said floor. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification