Fluid leakage sensors

• US 6,112,579 A
• Filed: 06/26/1998
• Issued: 09/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen A. Tryba
• Original Assignee: Stephen A. Tryba
• Inventors: Tryba, Stephen A.
• Primary Examiner(s): LARKIN, DANIEL SEAN
• Application Number:
  US09/106,035
• Time in Patent Office: 802 Days
• Field of Search: 73/40.5 R, 73/49.1
• US Class Current: 73/40.50R
• 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: G01M 3/18 for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/183 for pipe joints or seals
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/2807 for pipes G01M3/2892, G01M3/30 take precedence

Abstract

A conductive fluid leakage sensor capable of detecting a leak from a first electrically conductive or non-conductive container with a conductive liquid disposed therein, has a second or outer electrically conductive coating surrounding a first conducting or non-conducting inner container. An electrical connection is made between the outer member and to the conductive fluid disposed within the container, so that conductive fluid leaking from the container that comes into contact with the outer electrically conductive coating creates a pulse, which may be sensed by a sensing apparatus providing an indication thereof.

Claims

1. A fluid leakage sensor, consisting of:

A. an inner member means for containing an electrically conductive fluid, said inner member means being fabricated from a relatively high resistance material;

B. an outer electrically conductive member, disposed about said inner member means, said outer electrically conductive member being fabricated from a material having a relatively low electrical resistance; and

C. coupling means disposed on at least one end of said inner member means and said outer member for coupling a signal appearing across said outer member and said electrically conductive fluid contained within said inner member means to a sensing apparatus that is coupled to an output means.

2. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 1, further including means for providing an indication that the conductive fluid has leaked from said inner member means.

3. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said output means provides an audible indication.

4. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said output means provides a visual indication.

5. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said output means provides a control voltage means for activation of an electrical device.

6. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said inner member means and said outer member are connected across a voltage source of approximately 1.5 volts.

7. A fluid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein said inner member means is elongated and said coupling means is disposed on at least one end of said inner member means and said outer member, said outer member being adapted to be connected across a voltage source, wherein said coupling means is connected to a sensing means for sensing when said electrically conductive fluid leaks from said inner member means to said outer member.

8. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, comprising in combination:

A. an electrically non-conductive inner member means for containing an electrically conductive fluid having an electrically conductive ferrule disposed therein, said ferrule being in electrically conductive contact with said electrically conductive fluid;

B. an electrically conductive outer member disposed about said inner member means having an electrically conductive clamping ferrule means disposed thereon for clamping said electrically conductive outer member and said electrically non-conductive inner member means upon said electrically conductive ferrule;

C. said electrically conductive clamping ferrule means and said electrically conductive ferrule being adapted to be connected across a voltage source; and

D. electrical circuit means for sensing when said electrically conductive fluid is leaking from said electrically non-conductive inner member means to said electrically conductive outer member.

9. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, comprising in combination:

A. an electrically non-conductive inner member means for containing an electrically conductive fluid having an electrically conductive ferrule disposed therein, said ferrule being in electrically conductive contact with said electrically conductive fluid;

B. an electrically conductive outer member disposed about said inner member means having an electrically conductive clamping ferrule means disposed thereon for clamping said electrically conductive outer member and said electrically non-conductive inner member means upon said electrically conductive ferrule;

C. said electrically conductive clamping ferrule means and said electrically conductive ferrule being insulated by an insulating means disposed therebetween, said insulating means being;

i) a toroid having a centrally disposed aperture;

ii) having a first conductive surface,

iii) having a second conductive surface, and

iv) having insulation disposed between said first conductive surface and said second conductive surface,

adapted to be connected across a voltage source; and

D. electrical circuit means for sensing when said electrically conductive fluid is leaking from said electrically non-conductive inner member means to said electrically conductive outer member.

10. A fluid leakage sensing apparatus, according to claim 9, wherein said first conductive surface and said second conductive bottom surface are adapted to receive wire conductors thereon for connection to said electrical circuit means.