Abstract: An improved hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic circuit assembly comprising lines and hydraulic components. The hydraulic components comprise a hydraulic actuator comprising a cylinder, defining an interior, a reciprocating piston within the interior dividing the interior into first and second regions, and a first shaft extending from the piston, through the first region and out through a first opening in the cylinder. At least two of the hydraulic components and the reservoir fluidly coupled to one another by the lines. Hydraulic leak warning apparatus, fluidly coupled into the hydraulic fluid reservoir, is constructed to provide a signal indicating a possible hydraulic fluid leak. The invention includes the structure that compensates for changes in the volumes of fluid within the first and second regions as the piston moves within the cylinder so that actuation of the hydraulic actuator has no effect on the fluid level within the reservoir.

Abstract: A water detection device and alarm. The water detection device includes protruding electrodes above and below the device which detect water on a surface below the device, and water dripping from above the device. The electrodes are rod-shaped, and can penetrate a material to detect moisture in subsurface regions of the material. The device has a lifting ring, and may be placed in difficult to access positions by means of the lifting ring. A deflector cone directs water from above the device into a splash ring. When water or moisture completes a circuit between two of the electrodes, an alarm enunciator signals the presence of water.

Abstract: A water detection system for detecting water and activating an alarm is provided. The water detection system includes an alarm relay and a water sensor. The water sensor includes a solid state switching and amplifying circuit for detecting low levels of current flow and amplifying the signal to activate the alarm relay. In one embodiment, the water detection system further includes an alarm panel, including visual and audible alarms activated by the alarm relay. In one embodiment, the water detection system includes multiple water sensors for providing zone protection. In one embodiment, the alarm relay is configured to shut-down the device causing the presence of water. A method for implementation of the water detection system is also provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting leaks in membranes, etc., for liquid media, whereby the membrane is provided, over at least one partial area of its surface extension, with at least one electrical conductor that produces a change in a measurement signal of the electrical resistance of the conductor when a change occurs on the membrane surface, the membrane being provided with a swellable nonwoven that joins or separates the conductors when influenced by the liquid.

Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fluid; said method comprising providing one or more oscillators transmitting electromagnetic energy; providing one or more resonant circuits receiving electromagnetic energy from the oscillators; bringing the fluid and the one or more resonant circuits into contact with each other so that the receptions of electromagnetic energy of the resonant circuits are changed; and detecting changes of the transmissions of the oscillators by changes in one or more characteristics thereof upon the changes in the receptions of the electromagnetic energy of the resonant circuits; and use thereof for the detection of fluid levels, empty containers, and leak of fluids from containers and bodies containing said fluids; e.g. for monitoring collection of drain fluid from a human or for monitoring leak of fluid from a human suffering from urinary and/or fecal incontinence.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dry/wet state of a dual thermistor bead sensor over a wide operating temperature range comprises the steps of: conducting first and second predetermined currents through one and another of the thermistor beads of the sensor, respectively, the second predetermined current being substantially less than the first predetermined current; measuring a first voltage across the one thermistor bead in response to the first predetermined current and generating a first signal representative thereof; measuring a second voltage across the other thermistor bead in response to the second predetermined current and generating a second signal representative thereof; modifying the second signal by an offset and gain to generate a third signal; and detecting the dry/wet state of the sensor over the wide operating temperature range based on the first and third signals.

Abstract: Accordingly, a tank, preferably on a wheeled vehicle such as a railcar or trailer, is provided with a protective liner. Two electrodes are preferably permanently mounted within the tank and respectively connected to a monitor. Another two ground connections are made from the monitor to the tank. At least one of the two probes in the tank are utilized with the monitor to measure the voltage between the tank and the selected probe. When the tank is filled with an ionic solution, a breach of integrity of the liner results in a voltage corresponding to the difference in potentials of the metals forming the probe and tank is read by the monitor. This triggers an alarm. Furthermore, the monitor provides a voltage or current from probe to probe, probe to shell, and shell to shell on a periodic basis to measure and then record the performance of the liner.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-monitoring residential appliance equipped with a control circuit included with appliance logic and also including a water detector communicatively coupled to the control circuit. The invention accordingly provides a cost effective solution that will allow a resident to prevent much of the damage previously faced as a result of water leaks and other appliance or fixture malfunction.

Abstract: A system is provided to monitor for moisture at separate locations interior to exterior structure cladding. The system includes a plurality of moisture sensors, at least one of which is disposed at each location to be monitored. Upon activation by the presence of moisture at its respective said location, the moisture sensor generates a signal. The system may also include a receiver in communication with the moisture sensors, to provide an identifier of the location of an activated moisture sensor. The moisture sensors and receiver may communicate via wiring, or wirelessly. The system so provided may be disposed within a single structure, or within a plurality of structures, with the receiver disposed within such a structure or remote to any such monitored structure.

Abstract: An on-vehicle flood alarm system is disclosed to install a water level sensor in the bottom side of the floor of the motor vehicle, which water level sensor works when the motor vehicle's ignition switch turned off, and sends a control signal to a microprocessor when the distance between the water level sensor and the level of water accumulated on the ground became shorter than a predetermined distance, which microprocessor drives a GSM communication device to give a flood alarm short message to the owner of the motor vehicle when continuously received the control signal ten times within two minutes. By means of the aforesaid performance, the on-vehicle flood alarm system informs the owner of the motor vehicle to take the necessary action at an early stage, preventing soaking of the motor vehicle in water and reducing the cost of repairing.

Abstract: The invention is a water monitoring system and device. The water monitoring system includes an alarm-processor unit that is communicatively connected to a water detector, preferably embodied as a sensor probe. A housing for the alarm-processor unit is adapted for attachment to an appliance. The invention provides alarm notification in the form of a high-pitched audible sound emitted from a speaker. In an alternative embodiment, the invention provides a user-adjustable control for adjusting the sensitivity level of the water monitor, and for adjusting a detected water level.

Abstract: A window fan assembly comprising a housing with openings therein for an air stream through the housing; at least one fan is mounted in the housing for generating the air stream through the openings of the housing; and a sensor connected to the housing, the sensor being disposed on the housing for detecting moisture particles associated with the air stream, upon the detection of a moisture particle of a predetermined size, the sensor causes an interruption of the air stream by stopping the fan operation.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dry/wet state of a thermistor bead comprises the steps of: generating a current waveform that transitions between first and second current levels; conducting the current waveform through the thermistor bead; measuring a voltage waveform across the thermistor bead in response to the current waveform; measuring a slope of the voltage waveform in response to the first and second current levels and generating a first signal indicative of the measured slope; differentiating the voltage waveform to produce a voltage pulse representative of a transition of the voltage waveform from one voltage potential to another and generating a second signal indicative of the polarity of the voltage pulse; and detecting the dry/wet state of the thermistor bead based on the first and second signals. Apparatus for embodying this detection method is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The keyboard portion of a notebook computer has incorporated in its key switch membrane section a liquid detection electrical circuit with a series of normally open detection switch structures positioned be contacted and shorted out by liquid spilled on the keyboard. A spilled liquid short-circuiting of any of these normally open membrane switch structures during operation of the computer automatically creates a liquid spill output signal that is responsively utilized to shut down the computer before its system electronics can be contacted, short-circuited and damaged by liquid spilled on the keyboard and entering the interior of the computer therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a monitoring method and system for signaling a predetermined status in an article (20) having a monitored portion (22). The monitoring system includes an interrogator (30) which is located in an operative proximity to the article, and is configured to provide input energy with a predetermined input frequency. A status signaling device (24) is located at the monitored portion (22) of the article. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when the monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive transponder (28) is in an operative communication with the sensor (26). In a particular aspect of the invention, the transponder can be an electronic transponder.

Abstract: An engine oil contamination sensor includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. A sensing area is established between the electrodes. The sensor is oriented in an oil pan such that the sensing are is completely submerged in engine oil. A microprocessor is connected to the sensing electrodes and includes a program for determining whether antifreeze is dispersed in the engine oil.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive article (20) having a monitored portion (22), and a status signaling device (24) for communicating a change in status of the monitored portion. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when said monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive electronic transponder (28) can be cooperatively connected with the sensor (26). The transponder (28) can be configured to receive electromagnetic input energy which has been provided to the transponder at a predetermined input frequency, and can be configured to respond with operative indicator data when the monitored portion (22) is in the second condition.

Abstract: Sensor device and an analyzing device specifically adapted to be used in conjunction with diapers for incontinent patients, is adapted to transmit the sensed data to a remote analyzing system, the monitoring can be performed with the patient in various situations and positions, the sensor is adapted to be coupled to a computer system which can monitor and analyse the various data so as to manipulate the information and extract various types of valuable data, the sensor is adapted to sense both variations in moisture and in temperature as well as other physiological data such as the glucose level of the urine from the patient, or other biochemical data emanating from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing moisture in a diaper comprises a portable alarm unit, a pouch-like diaper insert made from waterproof dental bib material with an opening at one end and a moisture sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material. The wick strip has a substantially short front non-conductive portion protruding out of the diaper insert for placement in a diaper crotch area and a substantially long back portion having a pair of screen-printed spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end to the alarm unit. The conductive ink bands include a terminal tortuous conductive ink pattern screen-printed in close proximity to the substantially short first wick portion to increase moisture contact surface area, minimize moisture transfer distance and significantly reduce the alarm unit response time.

Abstract: A sensing and measuring circuit, employing a positive-temperature-coefficient sensing device, for detecting the presence and approximately measuring the quantity or concentration of heat-absorptive substances such as water. May be used for sensing a quantity of rainfall or irrigation water, or for detecting and giving an alarm or initiating remediation for leakage of water, oil, or other fluids from confinement to an unauthorized location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting the wetting of a window. Signals from the condensation sensor are used to control an air conditioning, heating, and/or ventilation unit. The signals of the rain sensor, on the contrary, are used to control a windshield wiper or washing unit for vehicles. A sensor unit, which comprises two sensors, is placed on the interior of the window. In a preferred variant, both are coupled to a common switchable evaluation unit, so that through mutual evaluation of the two sensors or their signals, both incipient condensation on the interior of a vehicle window and the wetting of the exterior, e.g., by rain, is detected. In an improvement of the invention, both sensors are integrated into a sensor module.

Abstract: A monitor and control system that responds to alarm signals representing different hazardous conditions in an environment having a number of utility service supply lines, such as a home residence. One or more sensors coupled to the processor are each associated with one or more of the service supply lines. Each sensor produces an alarm signal in response to a hazardous condition attributable to an associated supply line. Each associated supply line is provided with a control device that is coupled to an output of the processor, and the processor is configured to produce one or more output signals in response to an alarm signal at a given input. Each control device is arranged to disable its associated supply line with respect to a sensed hazardous condition in response to a corresponding output signal from the processor.

Abstract: A sensor and associated circuitry for sensing and reacting to the presence of a fluid or other material having heat capacity. A positive-temperature-coefficient device initiates a switching step when the amount of heat-capacity material reaches a certain level, or is totally absent. The switching step may trigger an alarm or control circuit to rectify the fluid level.

Abstract: A method for generating an electrical signal and a sensor device (10) for executing the method. The signal is generated because of a change in a fluid-filled space. A sensor element (12) of the sensor device (10) detects the heat transfer over time between the sensor element (12) and the fluid. The sensor element (12), which has a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity and to which a voltage has been applied, is brought to a temperature which lies outside the range of the fluid temperatures. In the passive phase, the fluid is brought to a constant passive temperature by a heat transfer between the sensor element (12) and the surroundings. The sensor device (10) provides a constant passive output voltage. A heat transfer between the sensor element (12) and its surroundings takes place in the active phase by changes in the fluid-filled space. The sensor device (10) provides an active output voltage, which is different from the passive output voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing moisture in a diaper comprises a portable alarm unit, a pouch-like diaper insert made from waterproof dental bib material with an opening at one end and a moisture sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material. The wick strip has a substantially short front non-conductive portion protruding out of the diaper insert for placement in a diaper crotch area and a substantially long back portion having a pair of screen-printed spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end to the alarm unit. The conductive ink bands include a terminal tortuous conductive ink pattern screen-printed in close proximity to the substantially short first wick portion to increase moisture contact surface area, minimize moisture transfer distance and significantly reduce the alarm unit response time.

Abstract: Sensor device and an analyzing device specifically adapted to be used in conjunction with diapers for incontinent patients, is adapted to transmit the sensed data to a remote analyzing system, the monitoring can be performed with the patient in various situations and positions, the sensor is adapted to be coupled to a computer system which can monitor and analyse the various data so as to manipulate the information and extract various types of valuable data, the sensor is adapted to sense both variations in moisture and in temperature as well as other physiological data such as the glucose level of the urine from the patient, or other biochemical data emanating from the patient.

Abstract: An earth stratum flush monitoring method and a system thereof. Multiple transmitter units are embedded in the earth stratum at predetermined depth intervals. When the earth stratum is flushed, the respective transmitter units will be one by one flushed and displaced and shocked or rotated in accordance with the change of flush depth of the earth stratum. A shock sensor in each transmitter unit will sense this shock. The radio signal transmitters of the transmitter units will emit different encoded radio signals. A signal receiving apparatus disposed on the ground receives the signals and a computer reads the signals so as to monitor and know the real-time flush depth of the earth stratum. The detected real-time flush depth is then transmitted to an early warning unit for the early warning unit to read and judge and emit an alarm in time.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for an operator to monitor the whereabouts of a subject, the apparatus comprising a portable remote unit connected to the subject, the remote unit including a remote unit power supply, a radio transmitter for sending a substantially constant remote unit radio signal, a radio receiver for receiving a base unit radio signal, a remote unit alarm, and a dye pack for releasing dye substantially responsive to submersion of the remote unit in water.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a soil mixture sensing device for sensing moisture levels in a particular soil area under surveillance, the device having a porous body (11) which in use is placed in the soil area under surveillance, the body (11) having at least two zones, a first one of said zones (11) having pore sizes that approximate a range of pores in typical soils, a second one of the zones (14) having pores arranged to be small enough to remain hydrated at matric tensions of the soil solution significantly above those which cause the first zone (11) to dehydrate, the first zone (11) containing a first electrode (12) and the second zone (14) containing a second electrode (16), each of which are paired with an electrode (17) common to both said zones (11) and (14) whereby, as the matric tension of the soil solution in the soil in the surveillance area increases, the pores within the first zone (11) progressively dehydrate causing electrical resistance between the first electrode and the common elect

Abstract: A liquid flow meter (50), including a microcontroller (60) and associated algorithm, monitors urine flow through a cartridge trap (20). Measuring the duration of such flow and the number of times the urinal is used will determine, in accordance with preset criteria, when servicing or replacement is needed, and alerts a service person to that effect by a warning light (68) or other signal. Because urine has a high mineral content, it is electrically conductive, effective to complete circuits between closely spaced metal contacts (62a-62c, 64a-64c) coupled to the PROM, which allows the manner and existence of the urine to be detected. The liquid flow meter is installed in the cartridge trap by utilizing and placing a split ball stem (52) located at the base of the meter into a mounting hole (42) located in the center of the drain holes (36) on the cartridge cover (26).

Abstract: A patient position monitoring apparatus and method includes an article configured to be worn by a patient. The article includes a plurality of resonators with each resonator responsive to a wireless excitation signal for causing the unique change in the excitation signal or for outputting a unique wireless response signal. The resonators are stimulated with a first wireless excitation signal when the article is being worn by a patient. The unique change in the excitation signal and /or the unique response signal of each resonator responding to the first excitation signal is determined. From the thus detected response, a signal strength of the unique change in the excitation signal and/or the unique response signal for each responding resonator is determined. From the thus determined signal strengths, the relative locations of the responding resonators with respect to each other can be determined.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes at least one sensor for sensing a presence of a vehicle occupant, and for sensing a dangerous environmental condition within a vehicle, at least one system for emitting a warning based upon the output of the at least one sensor, and a device for transmitting a signal from the at least one sensor to the warning device.

Abstract: A patient fluid discharge monitoring method and apparatus includes at least one article configured to be worn by a patient, the article having absorbent material and a RF tag received adjacent the absorbent material. The RF tag is excited with an excitation signal and the response of the RF tag to the excitation signal is detected. The detected response of the RF tag is compared to a predetermined response. The RF tag has a first detected response when the absorbent material has no fluid therein and a second detected response when the absorbent material has fluid therein.

Abstract: An automatic diaper wetness warning device includes a diaper, a wetness signal transmitting device and an externally disposed signal receiver. The diaper is provided with a wetness signal transmitting device including a signal transmitting and a positive and negative pole sensing electric wire assembly. A suitable length of the inner end of the wire assembly is provided with an insulation coating material that can conduct electricity when wet, and is wound into a signal actuating section embedded in the diaper in a position that can readily absorb urine. When the insulation coating material of the signal actuating section is wet and becomes short circuit, the signal transmitter will automatically generate a signal, which is received by the signal receiver. The signal receiver sends a suitable warning to remind a person taking care of the user of the diaper to change diaper.

Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system for detecting unexpected bleeding from a bleed site of a medical patient and for alerting medical attendant(s) thereof, wherein the system consists of an electrical circuit having a sensor for detecting the presence of blood at a bleed site, the sensor being operative to switch on a warning that such bleeding is occurring, and a structure for mounting the system proximate the bleed site.

Abstract: An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A monitoring and alarm system for detecting excessive bleeding from medical patients and for alerting medical attendant(s) thereof, the system comprises a relatively thick sheet-like base of electrically non-conductive, blood porous material having a proximal side adapted for mounting directly on a patients skin or on a porous protective gauze or bandage or the like thereon at a site on the patients body where heavy bleeding can occur due to inadvertent opening of a wound or incision, or due to inadvertent extraction of a syringe, I.V. tube, catheter or the like, the base has a distal side, a normally open electrical circuit positioned adjacent the distal side and spaced from the proximal side a predesigned distance, electrically actuable visual, sound or physical alarm electrically connected into the circuit, and electrical switching for the circuit responsive to contact with blood to close the circuit and actuate the alarm to alert the medical attendant(s) to the excessive bleeding.

Abstract: A body fluid leak sensing device adapted for correctly informing only a caretaker of a leak of body fluid. The sensing device is miniaturized so as to properly operate in any worn state. A liquid sensor applicable to the body fluid leak sensing device is disposable and highly sensitive to even a small amount of body fluid. A sensor (1) comprises a water absorber (11) formed of a porous material with a high electrical resistance and an insulating coating film (14) on which the ends (12a, 13a) of the electrodes (12, 13) are secured at its sides and spaced from each other in such a way that one end (11a) of the water absorber (11) is exposed. There are provided means for detecting leak of body fluid by measuring the resistance of the sensor (1) and means for informing according to the detection.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a distinctive article (20) having a monitored portion (22), and a status signaling device (24) for communicating a change in status of the monitored portion. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when said monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive electronic transponder (28) can be cooperatively connected with the sensor (26). The transponder (28) can be configured to receive electromagnetic input energy which has been provided to the transponder at a predetermined input frequency, and can be configured to respond with operative indicator data when the monitored portion (22) is in the second condition.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a monitoring method and system for signaling a predetermined status in an article (20) having a monitored portion (22). The monitoring system includes an interrogator (30) which is located in an operative proximity to the article, and is configured to provide input energy with a predetermined input frequency. A status signaling device (24) is located at the monitored portion (22) of the article. The status signaling device includes a sensor (26) which can indicate a change of state that occurs when the monitored portion (22) of the article (20) changes from a first condition to a different, second condition. A passive transponder (28) is in an operative communication with the sensor (26). In a particular aspect of the invention, the transponder can be an electronic transponder.

Abstract: An infant monitoring system providing a communication link between an infant wearing a diaper sleeping in a crib and its mother at a remote station, the system alerting the mother in the event the baby in the crib has ceased to breathe or has a fever, or is awake and crying. The system includes a module attached to the diaper at a position engaging the belly of the baby and including three sensors. The first sensor responds to rhythmic belly movement accompanying breathing to produce a corresponding pulsatory signal that is interrupted only when the baby ceases to breathe. The second sensor is responsive to the temperature of the belly to yield a varying signal whose magnitude is high should the baby have a fever. The third sensor is responsive to sound to yield an audio signal, should the baby be awake and crying. These sensor signals are applied through a multiplexer to a microwave transmitter to modulate a microwave carrier.

Abstract: A personal care monitoring system having at least one condition detecting sensor and a corresponding condition indicator. The condition detecting sensor may indicate detection of wetness, such as caused by enuresis. Alternatively, or additionally, the condition detecting sensor may indicate that the physical position of the wearer of the device has not been adjusted for over a predetermined amount of time after which the likelihood of the development of bedsores increases. The indicator may be any desired type of indicator, preferably alerting one of the senses that the monitored condition has been detected. For instance, the indicator may be a light, an audible alarm, or a vibrating device. A processing means preferably is provided to control operation of the various components of the monitoring system. Moreover, the processing means may be programmed to store information pertaining to the operation of the components of the monitoring system.

Abstract: An automated device monitors moisture content in exterior sheathing of a building for detecting moisture intrusion into the sheathing walls. A plurality of moisture sensors are embedded in selected exterior walls of the building behind the cladding and are adapted to provide signals representative of the moisture content in the walls at each of the selected locations. A control unit is operatively connected with each of the plurality of moisture sensors for generating an alarm signal when at least one of the signals representative of the moisture content in the plurality of walls is indicative of a moisture content in excess of a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An underground storage tank monitoring system and method uses special micropower impulse radar probes, with one such probe being inserted into each storage tank. The micropower impulse radar probes use flexible waveguides which extend downward to the tank bottom such that micropower radar impulses travel to and from the liquid surface via a wave guide, with the lapse between emission and reception of the impulse indicating a distance from the probe, and thus a liquid level. Each micropower impulse radar probe is connected to a dedicated spread spectrum transmitter which collects level and status information from the probe, encodes and transmits it to a matching spread spectrum receiver nearby. The receiver converts the coded signals into electrical signals and forwards them to a processor, a modem and a back-up battery are located. The processor stores the liquid level information for later transmission, along with liquid dispensed and liquid replaced information, to a central monitoring site via the modem.

Abstract: A detector unit (1) which, in the presence of moisture, operates a remote alarm via a wire-less link is contained within a sealed liquid-impermeable housing (2). The unit is powered by electrical charge stored in a capacitor, which may be rapidly recharged by inductive coupling. Remote sensing electrodes (69, 70) are formed by depositing an electrically conductive ink onto a disposable moisture-absorbent tail (65).

Abstract: A water leak detection apparatus comprises a sensor, a control unit and a valve module. The sensor is adapted to be placed below a water line or coupling. The valve module is positioned as far upstream on a water line as possible. The control unit actuates the valve module and an audible alarm when the sensor detects a water leak. The valve module closes a valve positioned along the water line to restrict flow through the water line until the control unit has been manually reset. The control unit also features a trigger button to allow the valve to be manually cycled for cleaning, for instance.

Abstract: A safety float device for air conditioning units for providing easy and convenient installation of a switch to air conditioning systems. The safety float device for air conditioning units includes a switch assembly having a housing, a switch disposed in the housing, and wires extending from the switch; and also includes a float assembly having an arm member movably connected to the switch, and further having a float support member securely attached to an end of the arm member, and also having a float member securely and removably attached to the float support member; and further includes a fastening assembly being securely attached to the housing of the switch assembly for removably fastening to an air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A retrofittable electric valve operating mechanism is provided which can be attached to an existing manual valve configuration while still allowing the manual feature of the valve to be utilized in two different manners. The configuration includes features which allow for certain misalignment of elements lying along the drive path, and can be installed without disturbing the existing plumbing associated with the valve.