Abstract: A life-saving device for protection against drowning, the device incorporating buoyancy apparatus for holding the potential drowning victim and an attached transmitter above water. A receiver and alarm device converts the signal from the transmitter into audio and visual alarms which summon help.

Abstract: A safety device for locating an individual fallen into the sea includes a visual indicator in the form of a dye and an intermittently operated lamp (3), and a radio transmitter (9) for transmitting a radio signal. The dye is contained in a vessel (4) having a trap door and control circuits (12) are provided having a power source (5) and automatically operated by a water sensitive microswitch (10) to open the trap door of the dye vessel (9), energize the intermittent lamp (3) and energize the radio transmitter (9), all of the components being integral with a helmet (1) worn by the individual. A radio receiver may also be provided on a boat for receiving signals transmitted from the radio device and guiding the boat to the radio device.

Abstract: A signal-carrying member responsive to the presence of a solvent and suitable for use in a security cable or a liquid leakage detector, comprises a conductive ink 20, consisting of a particulate conductive material and a non-conductive carrier medium, printed on to a non-conductive strip 17 and conductors 16 such that when the printed material is contacted by a solvent to which the carrier medium is sensitive, conductive material will be released from the printed material and can be used to vary a signal passed through the signal-carrying member.

Abstract: A novel electro-mechanical switch device is disclosed which is suitable for use in a factory production line to detect and control the flow of workpieces or articles of manufacture along the line. The switch device includes a pair of switches (101, 102) operative in response to the workpieces passing thereby along the production line, a switch circuit (13) electrically connected to the switches (101, 102), and a moisture detector (15). The pair of switches are so designed that the operation of one switch is delayed with respect to the other. The switch circuit (13) functions in response to the operation of the switches and the moisture detector (15) to provide a warning signal when one of the switches fails to operate within a predetermined delay time with respect to the other switch, as well as when the moisture detector senses a presence of moisture.

Abstract: A battery-powered, liquid-detection alarm and shut-off system includes an elongated sensor, an electronic controller, and a spring biased shut-off valve assembly. The sensor comprises two partially exposed conductors separated by protruding ridges of insulation. The protruding-ridge configuration enables the sensor to detect small quantities of surface water and yet be insensitive to humidity. The electronic controller maximizes battery life and protects against false alarms caused by electrical interference. The shut-off valve assembly comprises a 1/4-turn ball valve and a valve-actuating assembly. The valve is set by being manually cocked to an open position, engaging a lever actuated cam and preloading a valve shut-off spring. The valve is then closed by momentarily passing an electrical current through a temperature-activated memory-shaped spring located on the valve assembly. The current is supplied by the electronic controller in response to detection of liquid by the sensor.

Abstract: A device for detecting leakage of liquid through a ceiling comprising at least one liquid concentrating tray having peripheral flanges for support from ceiling panel support rails and surfaces between said flanges sloping toward narrow troughs, electric conductors for conducting electricity, sensor terminals for contacting the liquid, warning device for warning of a leak in the ceiling, and a current source for actuating the warning means when the liquid contacts the sensor terminals. The sensor terminals are connected in parallel by the electric conductors to the electric current source and the warning device in the electric circuit.

Abstract: A system for automatic and real time detection of the presence or absence of a substance in an environment by monitoring variations in light energy transmitted through an optical fiber having a specially processed sensitive probe area. The sensitive probe area is positioned on, about or within the environment where a substance is to be detected. Because of differences in optical indices of refraction and energy absorption characteristics of different substances, the presence of different substances at the processed sensitive area will cause different proportional and characteristic attenuation of the light energy passing through the optical fiber. Changes in light energy transmission can be interpreted automatically to provide an indication of the condition of an environment.

Abstract: A novel electro-mechanical switch device is disclosed which is suitable for use in a factory production line to detect and control the flow of workpieces or articles of manufacture along the line. The switch device includes a pair of switches (101, 102) operative in response to the workpieces passing thereby along the production line, a switch circuit (13) electrically connected to the switches (101, 102), and a moisture detector (15). The pair of switches are so designed that the operation of one switch is delayed with respect to the other. The switch circuit (13) functions in response to the operation of the switches and the moisture detector (15) to provide a warning signal when one of the switches fails to operate within a predetermined delay time with respect to the other switch, as well as when the moisture detector senses a presence of moisture.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a water sensor unit wherein a plurality of water related appliances or equipment can be simultaneously monitored and in the event of sensing water with respect to any one of the several items being monitored appropriate action is taken such as shutting off the power to the unit and simultaneously shutting off the water supply to that particular unit. The sensor unit comprises a plurality of electronic circuits which include a "memory" permitting retention of a ground fault even through a power failure for up to 500 hours.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a diagnostic and biofeedback study and treatment of enuresis having an undergarment to be worn by the patient and sensors for detecting the presence of urine positioned thereon, a monitoring device with a time keeping component, a computer chip for recording the time of each detected enuresis incident, an alarm generating component having several operating modes and a power source component. Further, the apparatus has wires for electrically interconnecting the sensors and the monitoring device, and a clip for attaching the monitoring device to the undergarment.

Abstract: A soil permeameter and method of measuring soil conductivity utilizes a core device that is open at one end that is inserted a measure depth into the soil to be tested. A vertically elongated measuring column is connected to the core device and both are supplied with water sufficiently to develop a pressure head in the column. A timer and a data storage device responsive to the timer are provided to measure and store the time intervals for the level of liquid in the column to fall equal increments. The value of soil conductivity is calculated as a function of the depth of core insertion and the stored time intervals. Both horizontal and vertical components of soil conductivity can be determined separately.

Abstract: A moisture presence alarm system has a sensor system which extends over an area to monitored and a detector device which receives signals from the sensor system. This has spatially separated conductors in contact with a moisture absorbent material. The position of the leak is determined by selective interrogation of pairs of conductors. The conductors may be in an orthogonal matrix (A1 . . . X1 . . . A2 . . . X2), each conductor (10,11) being associated with a moisture absorbent strip (12,13).

Abstract: A moisture and dew-detection sensor comprises a fabric and a moisture sensing resistive substance adhered in a substantially continued and dispersed state to the fabric, and a plurality of fine voids are formed in the moisture and dew-detection sensor. A response time and an accuracy of the sensor in accordance with the present invention are superior due to the existence of the plurality of voids.

Abstract: A fluid detecting alarm system includes a source of electric current, an alarm electrically connected to the source, a normally open switch electrically connected to the alarm for de-energizing the alarm when the switch is open and energizing the alarm when the switch is in current-conducting condition, and a medium, responsive to the presence of the fluid, for causing the switch to conduct current. In particular, a self-contained liquid water detecting system has a well with a mouth opening through a lower wall of a case. The switch takes the form of two electrodes, spaced apart, and bridged by a dry pulverulent salt, substantially nonconductive when dry and conductive when wet. The open mouth of the well is closed by an adhesive coated foraminous sheet, to retain the salt but to permit liquid water to pass through to wet the salt to cause it to conduct sufficiently to energize the alarm.

Abstract: An alarm device for monitoring the watering needs of a plant which comprises a stick surmounted by a cylindrical box containing the electrical elements. The stick is buried in the soil of a pot holding a plant. The alarm device is powered by a battery easily installable and consists of a conductive probe detector located at the buried end of the stick. It also comprises a first integrated circuit which is switched by a backwards connected amplifier acting as a very high impedance switch which minimizes power consumption. The circuit emits a series of pulses when a threshold resistance level is reached. These pulses trigger a melody integrated circuit which produces a pleasant singing melody destined to draw the attention of the plant grower to the watering needs of a plant. The tune is repeatedly reproduced until the soil resistance detected by the probe detector has exceeded a threshold resistance level.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a liquid-vapor change of phase in a fluid substance traveling through a conduit comprises a detector housing providing a path of travel for fluid and interposed in a portion of the fluid-carrying conduit in which the change of phase is to be detected, a source of radiation disposed for directing radiation into the path of travel and a detector for detecting radiation disposed generally at an opposite side of the path of travel from the said source. The arrangement is such that radiation from the source will pass through the fluid in the path of travel prior to reaching the detector. The detector is responsive to radiation detected thereat for producing a corresponding electrical signal. A detector circuit is responsive to the electrical signal produced by said detector for producing an output signal indicative of a liquid-vapor change of phase of the fluid in the conduit.

Abstract: A meter is disclosed for measuring water content, particularly of soil. The probe (1) of the measuring device, fed with the needle electric pulse, is constituted of a set of waveguides connected parallely in the embranchment (2) with the microprocessor controller (10) of the electronic assemblies of the measuring device. Waveguides of the probe are installed in chosen layers of the material studied. The directly measured quantity is the sequence of time periods separating subsequent reflections of the electromagnetic wave propagating in the probe from the particular probe impedance discontinuties. The electromagnetic wave propagation velocity in a chosen layer of the medium is calculated on this basis, and therefrom the dielectric constant of the medium, and finally its moisture content upon which the dielectric constant depends.

Abstract: A collection basin for collecting leakage from an automatic dishwashing machine. A drain or pump may be provided for removing the leakage collecting in the basin. Flanges extending along the sidewalls of the basin in combination with the sidewalls facilitate installation and removal of the dishwashing machine by guiding the machine support legs.

Abstract: Instrumentation and monitoring systems utilize, as differential temperature sensors, heated, split-well thermowells of duplex design, mounted to the sidewall of a pressure vessel and communicating through a penetration in the sidewall with the fluid state within the vessel. Each probe has at least one parallel axial bore therein, a related, selected pair of probes receiving respective heater and temperature sensing elements in the associated bores and together functioning as a differential temperature sensor producing distinguishable, differential temperature outputs representative of the presence of steam versus water. The systems monitor the differential temperature outputs of plural such sensors to produce alarm indications and perform verification and error checking of the sensor output indications.

Abstract: A moisture detection device that is responsive to moisture or foam in the vacuum port of a water extraction unit, which creates a circuit break in the electrical power to the extraction unit. The device includes two conductors mounted in the vacuum port of an extraction unit, a monitoring system, by pass switch, and delay for fool proof detection of moisture overflow from the recovery tank of water extractors.

Abstract: A device for indicating values which are of interest in hydroculture applications is characterized in that the device includes a tube open at one end thereof and attached to a vessel at another end thereof. A probe including a sensor is disposed proximate the one end of the tube for responding to liquid. An IC connected to the sensor includes an electronic system 12 and an optical or acoustic signal transmitter (15) is connected to the electronic system galvanically or in a wireless manner. This arrangement makes it possible to reliably indicate any absence of liquid and to read the indication with ease.

Abstract: At least a pair (4) or a band of wires of an electrically conducting material is longitudinally embedded in the fiber composite material forming the building element (2) and firmly secured to the fiber composite material over the whole length of the wires. A weak current source (7) is connected to the free ends of the wires. The current conduction is then monitored, the capacitance is measured or the current conduction and the capacitance are measured.

Abstract: A method for detecting water saturation of thermal insulation located between a flowline and metal sheathing at a location where the flowline is positioned in a metal casing. Electrical resistance measurements are made between the metal sheathing and flowline, between the casing and the sheathing, and between the casing and the flowline. The resistance values and/or direct voltage and current measurements are used to determine actual resistance through the insulation as an indication of water saturation.

Abstract: A method for detecting water saturation of thermal insulation located between a flowline and metal sheathing at a location where the flowline is positioned in a metal casing. Electrical resistance measurements are made between the metal sheathing and flowline, between the casing and the sheathing, and between the casing and the flowline. The resistance values and/or direct voltage and current measurements are used to determine actual resistance through the insulation as an indication of water saturation.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the presence, in an area served by a water supply line, of unwanted water indicative of a malfunction. The apparatus responds to the sensing of water by operating a remote solenoid-actuated valve, to shut off the water supply. Three operative conditions of the apparatus, "standby", "alarm" and "manual remote shut off", are provided, enabling an operator to selectively actuate the valve independently of the sensor.

Abstract: A liquid leakage sensor having spaced apart pairs of insulated conductors on oppositge sides of a strip of insulation and aperture access from one side of the strip to conductors on the other side. Can be wrapped about small pipes or objects without conductor breakthrough of insulation and electrical contact with pipe.

Abstract: An electrical detection system for locating a position of interest in a medium which is electrically conductive includes a signal generator, a source, a sink and at least two probes. The probes are disposed in the medium equidistantly spaced from either the sink or the source. A signal generated by the generator flow from the sink and to the source and will also flow to the probes. The probes are connected to input terminals of a comparator to thereby compare the signal strengths at the probes. The probes are movable to different positions in the medium to determine a cross-over position such that, at the cross-over position, the perpendicular bi-sector of the line joining the probes indicates the point of interest by pointing in the general direction thereof.

Abstract: Combination hydrocarbon and water level sensor systems for use in connection with underground storage sites, such as gasoline storage tanks, industrial waste sites, and the like, with a solar cell power source and an LCD display located above ground and providing directly viewable indication of the presence or absence in the underground environment of "HYDROCARBON" and/or "WATER", with the absence of such being indicated by "OK". In the preferred form, a pod containing an adsorptive type hydrocarbon gas sensor and a galvanic cell type liquid water sensor is suspended by electrical cable means from a well cap in which the solar cell and LCD display are installed.

Abstract: A wetness detection system for detecting dampness in diapers or other articles of clothing includes a detector/transmitter which is attachable to the diaper or clothing. The detector/transmitter produces and transmits a signal when no urine or other conductive matter is present in the diaper or clothing, and this signal is received by and retransmitted from a retransmitting station which may, for example, be located on the bed of the person wearing the diaper or clothing. The retransmitted signal is ultimately received at a central station for alerting an attendant when a wetness condition is detected. Since signals are transmitted when no urine is present, the absence of signals over some predetermined period of time indicates that wetness is present.

Abstract: Basement flooding due inter alia, to drain overflow or sump pump failure is a common problem. An apparatus for solving the problem includes a cover for closing a basement floor drain, a tubular casing extending through the cover into the drain, a pair of spaced apart conductors in the casing for completing an electrical circuit when water rises through the open bottom end of the casing to a predetermined level, and a control circuit connected to the conductors and to a solenoid valve in the building water supply pipe for closing the latter, so that no additional water enters the drain to exacerbate an already bad condition. A second pair of spaced apart conductors on the floor of the basement is coupled to the control circuit to give the same response in the presence of floor moisture. An audible alarm is sounded as part of the response to detected water.

Abstract: An immersion detector circuit interrupter having a sensor located around the electrical components of an appliance and a relay for interrupting the delivery of alternating current to the appliance whenever the sensor conducts a current at a predetermined voltage. The sensor is connected in series with a zener diode, a regular diode, the coil of the relay and to another two diodes which are connected to two alternating current conductors which provide electrical current to the appliance. The sensor is generally always at an electrical potential opposite or substantially different than the electrical potential of the electrical components at any particular point in time.

Abstract: A urine-detecting device adapted to be associated with a baby's diaper detects and signals the presence of urine after a sufficient time delay from the initiation of urination so as not to interfere with the baby's act of urination. The signal is audio and optionally with visual. The device is aiming at safety, compactedness and convenience. It combines sensing means and fastening means with signalling means attached to it. A fastening means such as a safety pin with spaced apart electrical conductors on it is used to engage the device to a diaper. When urine bridges the space between the conductive a detection circuit is completed which activates the signal.

Abstract: The soil moisture alarm device comprising of a conductivity sensor, a photoelectric light sensor, an ON-OFF controllable audio generator, a buzzer and a DC battery as a source of power. The device can be placed in the pot permanently. It will not work without ambient light, so that it will not disturb people at night when they are sleeping.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of electrically conductive fluids, and upon such detection functioning to provide an audio alarm signal, and/or terminate electrical power to equipment that is causing fluid leakage. When used in conjunction with a washing machine, wherein the tube over-flows, or the pump or pump discharge hose leaks to cause water spillage, or where leakage occurs from the machine's cold or hot water supply hoses, the device will operate to deactivate the water pump and water supply solenoid valves, and provide an audio signal. Also, the device may be used to provide an audio alarm signal, and/or provide electrical power to a stand-by emergency pump to withdraw fluids, and prevent flooding. The device features a fluid sensing unit and a control unit operating on 90 to 125 volts AC low current.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for a building including an air conditioner, a thermostat for controlling operation of the air conditioner, and alternating current electrical control means including circuitry for effectively maintaining operation of the air conditioner and wherein said system comprises a relay including a switch normally closed in the absence of adverse presence of water, at least one water sensor functioning as a switch in the presence of water, and a triac including first and second terminals and a gate, said triac preventing flow of current to the relay and permitting flow of current when the gate of the triac receives flow of an electrical current.

Abstract: A means and method for detecting the presence of electrically conducting fluid whereby a signal is actuated upon the presence of fluid. The method of the invention includes placing two conducting members at the location to be monitored. A gating device having an electrical pathway to the signal device is actuated upon receiving sufficient biasing voltage. A voltage dividing network allows sufficient bias in voltage in two ways, either by the shorting of the two conducting members of the probe by electrically conducting fluid, or by the breaking of the circuit path between the electrical power source and the probe ends. The means of the invention utilizes a gating device having a biasing input connected to the middle of a voltage dividing network. Two conducting elements of a probe are attached to a point before the voltage dividing network and in the middle of the voltage dividing network respectively.

Abstract: An improved moisture sensing device, incorporating a new type of sensor, represents a significant improvement in the performance of bedwetting detection devices. The sensor involved offers a substantial advance in the response time of the system as well as full sensitivity over the entire perineal area.

Abstract: A water content detecting device for any type of diaper such as a cloth made reusable diaper, a paper made disposable diaper, or the like includes a sensing unit for sensing the degree of wetness of the diaper and an informing unit for transmitting the information representing the degree of wetness to a nursing person at a remote place. The sensing unit is detachably interposed in the diaper to be detected. The sensing unit is composed of a water impermeable upper sheet, a water permeable lower sheet, and a pair of metal layers placed between the upper sheet and the lower sheet and extending in the longitudinal direction of the sheets in parallel. One of the metal layers is covered with an electrical insulating layer. The informing unit is connected to the sensing unit through a pair of leads, and composed of a water content detecting circuit for detecting the change of electrostatic capacitance between the two metal layers of the sensing unit, a wave form shaping circuit, and an oscillating circuit.

Abstract: A plurality of probes are electrically connected to a central controller. Each of the probes is capable of providing a hydrocarbon signal, a water signal, and a dry signal to the controller upon sensing these respective environments. The controller includes an alarm transducer, relays, a keyboard, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) connected to a microprocessor and associated memories. A software program stored in memory is utilized by the microprocessor to permit users to individually select alarm conditions for each probe and relay and the latching condition for each relay which conditions are stored in memory. The probes that activate each relay may also be selected and stored. There is an RS232 port connected to the microprocessor circuit via which probe status can be requested by and communicated to a remote terminal. Upon receipt of probe signals corresponding to the selected alarm and latching conditions, the microprocessor activates the alarm and relays as programmed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting unintentional urination by a user includes an elongated belt of a liquid impermeable flexible material to which a urine sensing pad is detachably mounted. An electrical circuit carried by the belt, which may include a transmitter for sending a encoded signal to a receiver at a remote location, is responsive to the detection of urine by the urine sensing pad to provide an indication of this condition. The electrical circuitry is shielded from corrosive urine by the belt assembly. In one form, the urine sensing pad is detachably mounted to the belt by a combination of hook and eye fabric and snap fittings. Also, the urine sensing pad may be enclosed by a sheath of soft liquid absorbent material. In another form, the urine sensing pad is contained within a paper envelope.

Abstract: A plurality of probes for sensing their fluid environment are electrically connected to a controller. The controller includes an alarm transducer, relays, a keyboard, and a display connected to a microprocessor and associated memories. Under keyboard control and software direction the microprocessor is operable in a monitor mode in which it monitors the probes and activates the transducer, relays, and display in response to probe signals corresponding to selected alarm conditions, and in a program mode in which the alarm conditions, relay latching conditions, and probe to relay assignments may be selected via the keyboard. A hardware timer interrupts the microprocessor periodically to clock a software timer which provides six second and six minute timers. When monitor mode is exited, the six second timer is reset and if a security code is not entered in six seconds the timer elapses and the system returns to monitor mode.

Abstract: An ink jet recorder includes an ink acceptor having an ink absorber arranged to face an ink jet head, and a detector for detecting the degree of absorption ability of the ink absorber. When the detector detects the loss of absorption ability of the ink absorber, it issues an alarm signal.

Abstract: A glove apparatus for deterring thumbsucking, including a glove body to which is affixed a battery-operated electrical alarm arrangement. The alarm arrangement includes a module containing a battery, an alarm device, and an electrical contact mounted in the wristband of the glove body for surface contact by the electrical contact with the user's wrist. An electrical wire lead extending through the glove body connects the module electrically with another electrical contact insulatively attached to the outward surface of the thumb portion of the glove body to be exposed outwardly without being in surface or other electrical contact with the user's thumb. When the user inserts the thumb into the mouth, a continuous electrical circuit is completed through the alarm arrangement and through the user's body to enable the battery to activate the alarm device to sound an audible alarm alerting the user to remove the thumb from the mouth.

Abstract: A moisture detector for detecting the presence of moisture between two electrodes includes an AC sensing network coupled to an indicator circuit by an opto-isolator to isolate impedances between the two circuits. The battery life of the detector is extending by a unique pulsing technique that creates current drain in the sensing circuit for only brief intervals of time. The pulsing technique enables the indicator circuit to keep an electronic switch in a closed-loop security system in an on state.

Abstract: A moisture sensing system for sensing the presence of moisture, with a molded yoke and opening which assures positive separation of electronic connections, with non-metalic conductors composed of electrically conductive plastic. Isolating resistors are provided so that the sensor strip may be safely used without fear of electrical shock from inadvertant feedback.

Abstract: A machine oil deterioration detection apparatus having a copper thin film resistor formed on an electrically insulating holding member and immersed in a machine oil. The copper thin film resistor is corroded by acid produced in accordance with deterioration of the machine oil, thus changing the resistance of the resistor. The change in resistance is detected by a detection circuit, connected to the thin film resistor, for detecting the resistance of the thin film resistor.

Abstract: Two thermistors are mounted in a fluid detection probe, one thermistor having its surface exposed to the ambient fluids, and the other encapsulated in an insulator, such as RTV, that has a thermal conductivity greater than air. The thermistors are connected in a resistance bridge circuit between ground and a positive digital circuit voltage, which circuit applies power to the thermistors, heating them. The side of the thermistors toward the positive voltage is connected to the inputs of a comparator. When air is present, the encapsulated resistor cools more than the exposed one and, therefore, the encapsulated resistors resistance is higher producing a higher voltage at its comparator input than the exposed resistor. In the presence of a liquid, the RTV insulates its thermistor from the cooling effect of the liquid, and its comparator input voltage is therefore lower than the voltage of the exposed thermistor comparator input.

Abstract: A moisture sensor having an oscillator circuit with its output frequency directly proportional to moisture percentage present in the substance of interest. The oscillator circuit includes two spaced plates in the substance and functioning as a capacitor. The frequency of the oscillations changes as the capacitance between the plates changes due to the moisture present between the plates. The sensor is particularly adapted for use as a soil moisture detector and provides indications of wet or dry conditions.

Abstract: Water content sensing and informing system for a disposable diaper consisting of water permeable inner sheet, water absorber, and water impermeable outer sheet, comprises at least one pair of metal layers, one surface of one layer being covered with an electric insulating layer, formed between the water impermeable outer sheet and the water absorber, a detector for detecting water content absorbed in the diaper, and an informing mechanism for informing the detected result. The pair of metal layers is isolated with constant distance to each other and extended in the longitudinal direction of the diaper. The pair of metal layers is formed in a thin layer by a lamination or vacuum evaporation of a metal leaf. The informing mechanism is selected from a visual, auditory, remote informing device using an oscillator and receiver, or combination of these.

Abstract: A surface liquid detector is disclosed for detecting liquids spilled on surfaces such as floors. A temperature-sensitive thermistor probe is used in a bridge circuit to detect the change in resistance in the thermistor due to the change in thermal conductivity that occurs when a liquid contacts the probe. The device is characterized by the ability to detect either conductive or nonconductive liquids, such as water or oil spills.