Leak detection mat and system
US6639517B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/5762
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A water leak detector system with alarm can be used to monitor inaccessible areas under various household appliances and warn of water leaks. A leak detection mat, having base layer of varying and appropriate sizes has disposed on it one or more pairs of electrodes arranged in a pattern around the upper surface of the base mat such that the two wires of each pair are parallel to the other and generally separated at a constant distance, and together the pair is positioned in a pattern across the surface. An absorbent layer is affixed to the base layer, covering and in contact with the electrodes. The absorbent layer may be impregnated with a soluble ionic salt to increase electrical conductivity when the adsorbent layer is wetted. A sensing and transmitting circuit having two input connections is affixed to the base substrate, with one end of each electrode attached to one of the input connections of the sensing and transmitting circuit. A plurality of leak detection mats may be used in a single system, each mat located under a potential water leak source. Upon water falling upon and being adsorbed by the adsorbent layer, the electrical resistance between the two electrodes at point…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.