Sensor for detecting hydrocarbons
First Claim
1. A fluid sensor comprising:
- a sensor housing defining a sensing chamber;
a first sensor package disposed within the sensor housing, the first sensor package comprising;
a sensing membrane being adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid;
an actuator disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing, the actuator being moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position; and
, a switch disposed proximate the actuator and within the housing, the switch being operable between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing, a sensor package, an actuator and a switch. The sensor package is disposed within the sensor housing and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator is disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch is disposed proximate the actuator and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch to control an electrical circuit connected therewith.
51 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A fluid sensor comprising:
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a sensor housing defining a sensing chamber;
a first sensor package disposed within the sensor housing, the first sensor package comprising;
a sensing membrane being adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid;
an actuator disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing, the actuator being moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position; and
,a switch disposed proximate the actuator and within the housing, the switch being operable between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A fluid sensor for detecting hydrocarbons, the fluid sensor comprising:
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a sensor housing, the sensor housing defining a sensing chamber and comprising a body portion and a cap portion;
a sensor package disposed within the sensor housing, the sensor package comprising;
a first screen and a second screen; and
,a silicone membrane disposed between the first and second screens, the silicone membrane being adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a hydrocarbon and having at least one aperture therein, the at least one aperture defining a fluid path through the silicone membrane;
an actuator disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing, the actuator being moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position; and
,a switch disposed proximate the actuator and within the housing, the switch being operable between an open and closed position, the switch being biased to the closed position and wherein when the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator moves the switch from the closed position to the open position. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification