Patent ID: 8963565
Filing Date: 2015-02-24
Classification: G01N,G01R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A sensor to detect liquid spilling in a covered structure in a confined environment, comprising: a cord, an insulated electric wire mounted into a core of the cord, and a sensing composite coated onto an exterior surface of the cord; wherein the sensing composite comprises particles or powder of an electrically-conductive material dispersed in a matrix that is hydrophilic or that is highly solvable to aqueous fluids; the concentration, dispersion and/or orientation of the electrically conductive particles or powder are arranged to make the sensing composite electrically conductive in an ambient with relative humidity below about 70% and to increase an electrical resistance of the sensing composite above a threshold of percolation conductivity collapse after ingress of an aqueous liquid into the sensing composite; and wherein the electric wire and the sensing composite form a continuous electric circuit on which resistance measurements are performed, to indicate the presence of the spilled liquid.