Patent · US Expired

Sensor element for detection of hydrocarbons

US5341128A · kind A · utility

30Cited by
4References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 10, 1992
Grant dateAug 23, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 10, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01M3/045
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A sensor for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon containing fluids. It is formed of a first conductor which is formed of a metal wire or metal foil covered by an insulative sheath; a second conductor which consists of a hydrocarbon swellable elastomer and one or more conductive fillers; optionally an abuse/abrasion resistant jacket overlaying and preferably surrounding the two conductors and optionally a hydrocarbon permeable overcoat overlaying the jacket. The sensor may be in the form of a continuous length wire or a tape or a sheet. It may be coupled to an electric supply at one portion and a resistance indicator at the return portion. The resistance indicator is then attached to a signaling device such as a light or alarm.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.