Patents by Inventor M. Dale Tom

M. Dale Tom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4297686
    Abstract: A resistive liquid detection and shut-off system is used to protect a floor area from water damage. An elongated sensor comprising a flexible plastic tape with an adhesive backing and a pair of conductive metal strips detects liquid drips, flows and trickles, but not liquid beads. A detection circuit measures resistivity changes in the sensor, and an output circuit activates a solenoid-operated water shut-off valve in response to predetermined resistivity changes in the sensor. A connector comprising a body of electrically insulating material with electrical terminals thereon connects portions of the elongated sensor together so that they can have any length and relative position. A battery may provide the power for the entire system, with a battery voltage monitoring circuit also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Inventor: M. Dale Tom