Fluid detection and containment apparatus
First Claim
1. A fluid detection and containment apparatus for fluid-filled devices comprising:
- a base, said base including a canal located between an exterior wall and a centrally-located platform, said canal having a tapered floor such that fluid in contact with said floor is gravitationally directed to a reservoir;
at least one fluid detector having at least one control point, for detecting at least one of the group consisting of a presence of said fluid, a height of said fluid, and combinations thereof for activating said control point upon such detection;
at least one fluid displacement mechanism located in or proximate to said reservoir having at least one control circuit coupled to said control point, said control circuit controlling said fluid displacement mechanism based upon a status of said control point; and
at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication between said reservoir and at least one drainage area;
wherein energization of said fluid displacement mechanism causes said fluid in said reservoir to be discharged from said reservoir through said fluid conduit to said drainage area.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.
32 Citations
1 Claim
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1. A fluid detection and containment apparatus for fluid-filled devices comprising:
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a base, said base including a canal located between an exterior wall and a centrally-located platform, said canal having a tapered floor such that fluid in contact with said floor is gravitationally directed to a reservoir; at least one fluid detector having at least one control point, for detecting at least one of the group consisting of a presence of said fluid, a height of said fluid, and combinations thereof for activating said control point upon such detection; at least one fluid displacement mechanism located in or proximate to said reservoir having at least one control circuit coupled to said control point, said control circuit controlling said fluid displacement mechanism based upon a status of said control point; and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication between said reservoir and at least one drainage area; wherein energization of said fluid displacement mechanism causes said fluid in said reservoir to be discharged from said reservoir through said fluid conduit to said drainage area.
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneeKevin M. Murphy, LLC
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Original AssigneeKevin M. Murphy, LLC
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InventorsMurphy, Kevin Michael
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Primary Examiner(s)Wu; Daniel
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Assistant Examiner(s)Tang; Son M
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Application NumberUS12/366,710Publication NumberTime in Patent Office942 DaysField of Search340602-605, 340612-616, 340/623, 137312-314, 137/558US Class Current340/605CPC Class CodesG08B 21/20 responsive to moistureY10T 137/5762 With leakage or drip collec...Y10T 137/5907 Collector for waste liquid ...Y10T 137/8342 Liquid level responsive ind...
