Leak detection system for roofs

• US 4,598,273 A
• Filed: 08/16/1984
• Issued: 07/01/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Mid Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Bynum O. Bryan Jr, Earl Seagrave
• Inventors: Seagrave, Earl, Bryan, Bynum O. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US06/641,516
• Time in Patent Office: 684 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539, 340/602, 340/604, 340/605, 340/618, 52/173 R, 52/1, 200/61.04-61.07, 73/73, 73/592, 73/304 R, 73/307, 73/290 R, 318/482, 318/483, 324/61 R, 324/61 P
• US Class Current: 340/539.26
• CPC Class Codes: E04D 13/006 Provisions for detecting water leakage
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/16 using electric detection means G01M3/045, G01M3/06, G01M3/12, G01M3/20, G01M3/24, G01M3/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/20 responsive to moisture

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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. A leak detection system according to claim 1 wherein said signalling means is an electronic radio transmitter.

3. A leak detection system according to claim 2 wherein said plurality of units are set to the same frequency.

4. 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.

9. A leak detection system according to claim 1 wherein said signalling means comprises a radio transmitter emitting a pulse coded output signal.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.