Measuring and testing – Gas analysis – Moisture content or vapor pressure
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-08
2001-02-06
Oen, William (Department: 2855)
Measuring and testing
Gas analysis
Moisture content or vapor pressure
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182507
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to water sensing devices, and more particularly to a sensor that positively detects the presence of water in a mechanical fashion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water sensors are well known in the art. One conventional design approach uses water pressure to indicate the presence of water since water pressure increases rapidly with depth. However, such sensors are ineffective in shallow water (i.e., less than five feet) where the difference between the water pressure and ambient air pressure is very small. Another conventional design approach is to sense the presence of water in an electronic fashion. However, these sensors require a power source which must be checked/replaced periodically, generally have more potential failure modes, require extensive testing using fault tree analysis, and may not be robust enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water sensor.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a water sensor that positively detects the presence of water in a shallow water environment.
Still an other object of the present invention is to provide a water sensor that detects the presence of water in a simple mechanical fashion.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, a water sensor includes a housing that has at least one inlet port formed therein for allowing water to pass therethrough when submerged in water. A drive piston is mounted in the housing for sliding engagement therein. A water-activated driver is coupled to the drive piston and is in communication with the inlet port(s). The water-activated driver is inert in air and reactive with water to exert pressure on the drive piston and so that the drive piston moves in the housing. A movable indicator is mounted relative to the housing and is positioned to be responsive to movement of the drive piston. The movable indicator moves from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the drive piston.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2977798 (1961-04-01), Dean
patent: 3857284 (1974-12-01), Carron et al.
patent: 4793180 (1988-12-01), Stewart et al.
Lewis Keith B.
Sanford Matthew J.
Bechtel, Esq. James B.
Bergen, Esq. Peter J. Van
Oen William
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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