Raychem Limited

Denis I Wales

Robert S Wasley

Neil A Edwards

Ray F Stewart

John G Lahlouh

James P Reed

Peter L Brooks

Mauro Bonomi

Larry R Reeder

Michael Masia

Laurence M Welsh

Louis M Frank

Kenneth McCoy

Paul D Hauptly

James C Holmes

Thomas W Tolles

Detection of events, e.g. liquid leaks and other changes in varibles. The event causes two conductors to become electrically connected, and thus creating a system in which the connection point can be located by measuring the potential drop from one end of one of the conductors (called the locating member) to the connection point. Preferably a fixed current flows through the connection, so that the result is independent of the resistance of the connection. The locating member can be a continuous resistive wire, preferably coated with a conductive polymer; such a locating member can form part of a sensor cable in which the elongate components of the circuit are in a wrapped configuration, or part of a cable in which the conductors are separated by a member shaped to prevent capillary action of a liquid from connecting the conductors. Alternatively the locating member comprises a plurality of discrete resistors. Preferably the system is arranged so that the sensitivity of the system is not dependent on the location of the fault and/or is such that only connections within a certain range of resistance will activate the system. The voltage drop is preferably calculated by comparing it to the voltage drop over a resistor of known size. Particular event-sensitive connection means are preferably employed for the detection of hydrocarbons and for the detection of acids.

Elongate sensors comprising conductive polymers, and methods and

An apparatus for detecting the occurrence of an event, e.g. the presence of a liquid leak. The apparatus includes an elongate flexible core consisting of elongate elements which are twisted together. The elongate elements comprise first and second sensing members, which each have an electrically conductive outer surface and are physically separated from one another, and at least two elongate insulating members. These elongate elements are covered by a flexible braid which exerts a compressive force on the core. In one aspect of the invention, the flexible braid undergoes a reversible change in appearance when exposed to electrolyte, indicating the location of a leak.

Detection apparatus

An apparatus for applying a sleeve on a pipe comprises a dispenser for wrapping material and guides which define the path followed by the dispenser around the pipe. The guides are held on the pipe so that they are immovable as the sleeve is formed.

Apparatus and method for applying sleeves to pipe

Growing community of inventors

Millbrae, CA, United States of America

Denis I Wales