Patent US4107997A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4107997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Alloy sensor
Assignee: APT FINANCAL CORP A CORPOF NV
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Filing: 1975-09-15
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Granted: 1978-08-22
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Expires: 1995-09-15
Abstract
Abstract An alloy composition comprises lead, tin and zinc, each being present in an amount of between about 20 and about 45% by weight. Preferably, the composition also contains small amounts of up to about 0.1% each of copper and tellurium. When in contact with water or other aqueous composition, the alloy generates a current directly proportional to the alloy surface area exposed to the liquid.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvin A. Snaper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:18
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
23 words
A composition consisting essentially of 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and between about 0.001 and about 0.1% by weight copper.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composition consisting essentially of 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and between about 0.001 and about 0.1% by weight copper.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composition comprising 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and between about 0.001 and about 0.1% by weight tellurium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A composition comprising 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and between about 0.001 and about 0.1% by weight tellurium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composition comprising 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and up to about 0.1% by weight copper and up to 0.1% by weight tellurium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A composition comprising 20-45% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and up to about 0.1% by weight copper and up to 0.1% by weight tellurium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The composition of claim 3 wherein said amounts of copper and tellurium are between about 0.01 and 0.1%.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method of detecting the presence of water in a major amount of non-aqueous liquid comprising contacting an alloy of claim 4 with said liquid and sensing current flow from said alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method of measuring the level of an aqueous composition comprising exposing said composition to an electrode of an alloy of claim 4, detecting the magnitude of current passing from said electrode and determining the surface area of said electrode exposed to said composition which is directly proportional to said current magnitude.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A water sensing device comprising an alloy of claim 4, a conductive metal, and a non-conductive material separating said alloy and said metal said metal and said alloy being electrically connected to means for detecting current flow.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
An alloy consisting essentially of between about 30 and 35% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and up to about 0.1% by weight copper and up to about 0.1% by weight tellurium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
An alloy consisting essentially of between about 30 and 35% each by weight lead, tin and zinc and up to about 0.1% by weight copper and up to about 0.1% by weight tellurium.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-08-21 | 1982-02-20 | 1982-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-21 | 1986-02-20 | 1986-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-21 | 1990-02-20 | 1990-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |