EP3497683B1 - Shock detector systems - Google Patents
Shock detector systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3497683B1 EP3497683B1 EP17839941.6A EP17839941A EP3497683B1 EP 3497683 B1 EP3497683 B1 EP 3497683B1 EP 17839941 A EP17839941 A EP 17839941A EP 3497683 B1 EP3497683 B1 EP 3497683B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- shock
- shock detector
- water
- detector
- detectors
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 title claims description 331
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 235
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 40
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 22
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 15
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 5
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 206010013647 Drowning Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010014405 Electrocution Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/18—Status alarms
- G08B21/185—Electrical failure alarms
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/08—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to the presence of persons in a body of water, e.g. a swimming pool; responsive to an abnormal condition of a body of water
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
- G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
- G08B25/10—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
Definitions
- One of the problems that occur with an electrical fault in a body of water is that the current leakage into the body of water from the electrical fault can injure or kill a person through electrocution, which is often referred to as electric shock drowning.
- This invention relates generally to shock detectors and, more specifically, to shock detectors that can be used to prevent electric shock drowning by detecting the presence of an electric field and alerting a person that the body of water comprises a hazard to a swimmer or a person coming into contact with the body of water.
- the current leakage occurs from a faulty electrical connection on a boat or dock although other sources may create a hazardous water condition.
- Another problem with harmful electrical conditions in a body of water such as harmful voltage or harmful current conditions that may injure or kill a person, is that the harmful electrical conditions may be localized in the body of water so that one portion of the body of water contains a harmful electrical condition while another portion of the same body of water does not contain the harmful electrical condition. That is, the harmful electrical condition is dependent on various conditions including any underwater structures. Consequently, the existence and the shape of field of the harmful electrical condition proximate a shock detector may be beyond the visual alarm range or the audible alarm range of the shock detector.
- a shock detector indicates the presence of a harmful electrical condition and in another location in the same body of water a further shock detector, which may be out of sight of the first shock detector, does not indicate a harmful electrical condition. As a result one may not be alerted to a nearby presence of the harmful electrical condition until one is within the field of the harmful electrical condition.
- the invention is defined by the scope of independent claims 1 and 6 and relates to a shock detector system comprising a set of shock detectors for determining the existence of a harmful electrical condition in a body of water proximate each of the set of shock detectors.
- Each of the shock detectors responsive to a harmful electrical condition in a region proximate the shock detector through self-activation of a "danger signal" such as a visual and audible alarm on the shock detector and each of the shock detectors also responsive to a signal of a harmful electrical condition from another shock detector through a wireless activation of a "caution signal" on the shock detector.
- the shock detector system generating two types of signals a "caution signal” that alerts a person that the body of water does contain remote regions that contain harmful electrical conditions that could injure or kill a person and a “danger signal” that indicates the body of the water proximate the shock detector contains a harmful electrical condition.
- the shock detector system including an open water shock detector for measuring the existence of a harmful water voltage in a body of water through the measurement of a voltage gradient on a set of water electrodes with the shock detector including a self testing feature to indicate the shock detector is operating properly before full activation of the shock detector so that when the shock detector in an activated condition the shock detector is useable to either alert a person to a harmful water condition or to allow an operate to use the shock detector to isolate the source of an electrical short in the body of water through a displacement of the shock detector in the body of water.
- Figure 1 shows a free floating, buoyant, open water shock detector 10 floating upright in a body of water 8 having a water line 9 with the upper housing 17a of shock detector 10 including a resilient bumper 12 located around the outer perimeter of the shock detector.
- the resilient bumper which is shown located above the water line 9, protects the shock detector in the event the shock detector accidently bumps into an object while floating in the body of water.
- the shock detector 10 includes a transparent or see through hemispherical shaped dome 13 extending from a top housing 17a, with a green LED light 13 and a red LED light 14 that are both visible from afar through the transparent dome 13.
- a feature of the invention is the use of a ballast in the bottom of the floating shock detector that causes the shock detector 10 to float in the upright condition as shown in Figure 1 as well as causes the shock detector to right itself in the event the shock detector is accidently flipped upside down as it floats in the body of water.
- the ballast may either be a dead weight placed in the floating shock detector or it may be strategically placed integral components of the shock detector so that the weight of the strategically placed external and internal shock detector components comprise the necessary ballast for generating a self righting force or torque to the shock detector 10 that is sufficient to return the shock detector to the floating condition as shown in Figure 1 in the event the shock detector tips over due to an external force such as a wave.
- a feature of the open water shock detector 10 is that it is ungrounded since it floats in the body of water and measures a voltage gradient within the body of water.
- shock detector housing and dome are both waterproof and weatherproof, which enables the shock detector to operate while floating in a body of water as well as all types of weather .
- FIG 2 is a bottom view of the floating shock detector 10 of Figure 1 , which comprises an ungrounded shock detector since it measures voltages between electrodes located in the body of water without reference to an electrical ground.
- the shock detector determines the presence of a harmful voltage gradient in the body of water as the shock detector free floats in a body of water.
- the processor in shock detector 10 measures voltage between a set of spaced apart water electrodes 20, 21 and 22, which are integral to the shock detector, to obtain a voltage difference between the electrodes i.e. a voltage gradient in the body of water and compares to a known voltage gradient that is sufficient to cause injury or death to a person in the body of water.
- shock detector of the invention measures the voltage gradient in the body as it floats in a body of water 8
- the shock detector may also be attached to a structure such as a dock and used to measure a voltage difference between a water electrode and an earth ground. In either case the shock detector can determine a hazardous water voltage condition i.e. a voltage gradient within the body of water that could injure or kill a person coming into contact with the body of water.
- the voltage gradient which is referred herein as a water voltage, is based on a measured voltage difference between any of the three electrodes or may be computed based on an average of the measured voltage difference between the three water electrodes.
- the magnitude of voltage gradient in the body of water is a function of whether the voltage gradient can injure or kill a person that comes into contact with the body of water.
- the shock detector 10 determines if there is a voltage gradient in the body of water that may injure or kill a person that enters the body of water.
- a feature of the shock detector 10 is that the shock detector can determine the existence of a harmful water voltage gradient in a body of water even though the shock detector is remote from a structure in contact with the body of water.
- the shock detector measures an AC water voltage such as an AC water gradient in the body of water to determine if the water voltage i.e. the AC voltage gradient is such that it would injure or kill a person.
- AC voltages may be present one may measure a DC voltage gradient or in other cases one may measure both AC and DC voltage gradients to determine if the AC or DC water voltage is such that it would injure or kill a person.
- Figure 2 shows the underside 11 of shock detector 10 revealing a set of three circular metal water electrodes located on the bottom side of an ungrounded shock detector 10 that floats in a body of water.
- the ungrounded shock detector 10 includes, a first water electrode 20, a second water electrode 21 and a third water electrode 22 with the water electrode 21 spaced from the water electrode 22 by the distance x and the water electrode 22 spaced from the water electrode 20 by the distance y with the three electrodes extending through a common plane.
- the water electrode 20 and water electrode 21 are located along a right angle with the apex located at water electrode 22 and all three water electrodes, which are below the water line, are connected to a processor in shock detector 10 that measures the electric potential between electrodes to obtain the voltage gradient (i.e. volts per foot) in the body of water 8 to determine whether the voltage gradient in the body of water is such that it could cause injury or kill a person who enters the body of water.
- a set of three water electrodes allows one to determine the voltage gradient in different directions in the electric field in some applications one may use a set of two water electrodes to determine the voltage gradient in the body of water and in other applications four or more water electrodes may be used to measure the voltage gradients in the body of water.
- Figure 3 is a top view of the floating shock detector 10 showing the central location of the transparent dome 13 with a green LED light 14 and a red LED light 15 visible through the dome 13.
- the dome provides enhanced visibility since it allows the LED lights to be seen by a person located laterally of the shock detector or a person located above the shock detector.
- An audible alarm 16 such as a beeper or a buzzer is also located on the top housing 17a of the shock detector.
- An opening 19 in top housing 17a forms a loop that allows one to insert a cord therethrough so one can attach the cord to the shock detector.
- the cord allows the shock detector 10 to be tethered in place in a body of water 8 with an anchor or the like.
- the shock detector may be tethered to a dock or to a boat to alert persons to the existence of a harmful voltage gradient in a range around the floating shock detector.
- the feature of a tethered floating shock detector is also useful to a boater coming into an unknown dock since the boater can lower the shock detector into the body of water using the cord attached to the shock detector to test for the presence of a harmful electric field in the body of water before stepping out of the boat.
- a further advantage of a tethered floating shock detector is that when the boat is in open water one can lower the floating shock detector into the water around the boat to determine if there is a harmful electrical field around the boat, which may be caused by an electrical short in the boat wiring.
- shock detector described herein may be used in water adjacent a land site or in open water to determine if a voltage gradient is present in the water, which is sufficient to injure or kill a person coming into contact with the body of water.
- Figure 4 is a schematic illustrating electronic communications between various components of the shock detector 10 and a circuit board 30 containing a processor 32, which in this example includes a transducer 32a.
- the audible alarm 16 connects to processor 32 on circuit board 30 through electrical lead 16a.
- the Red LED light 13 or visual alarm connects to processor 32 on circuit board 30 through electrical lead 13a and similarly the green LED light 14 or visual alarm connects to processor 32 on circuit board 30 through electrical lead 14a.
- a battery 33 Located proximate the circuit board 30 is a battery 33 having a first terminal with a lead 33a connected to processor 32 and a second terminal with a lead 33b connected to processor 23.
- the battery 33 provides power to operate the processor 32 as well as the visual alarms 13, 14 and the audible alarm 16.
- the set of water electrodes 20,21 and 22 are shown located in a body of water 8 with an electrical lead 20a, connecting water electrode 20 to processor 32, an electrical lead 21a connecting water electrode 21 to processor 32 and an electrical lead 22a connecting water electrode 22 to processor 32 with all the water electrodes located below the water line 9.
- the use of three water electrodes enables measurement of water voltage in the body of water between three different locations.
- the shock detector 10 measures the water voltage between three electrodes to obtain a voltage gradient within the body of water.
- the voltage gradient in a body of water is generally highest proximate a current leak, which is the source of the electrical failure, and decreases the further away from the source of the electrical failure thus creating a potential field within the body of water that decrease in distance from the source of the electrical failure.
- the processor 32 determines if the strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water is such that it would kill or injure a person coming into contact with the body of water.
- FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating the method of self-testing of the shock detector 10, which comprises the steps of checking battery voltage under various conditions before the shock detector begins monitoring the voltage gradient in the body of water to determine if a hazardous electrical condition exists i.e. where the voltage gradient is sufficient to deliver an electric shock that can cause injury or death to a person that comes into contact with the body of water.
- the shock detector processor 32 automatically performs a sequence of battery tests under different load conditions.
- the self-test includes measuring the battery voltage with an open circuit (no load across the terminals of the battery), which is referred to as the open circuit voltage (OCV) test (50) of the battery in the shock detector. If the OCV voltage of the battery is low (51) (i.e. below a preselected voltage threshold) the processor 32 stops the test (52) and prevents the shock detector from start up. If the OCV voltage of the battery is good (53) i.e. above the preset preselected voltage threshold the processor (32) begins the next step by checking the battery voltage under various load conditions.
- OCV open circuit voltage
- the first test of the battery voltage under load condition is with the green LED light on as illustrated by the green LED test (54). If the battery voltage is below the preselected voltage (i.e. bad) with the green LED on, the processor (32) within the shock detector 10 prevents shock detector start up. On the other hand if the battery voltage with the green LED on is above the preselected voltage (i.e. good) (57) the processor (32) proceeds to the next step in the battery self test cycle where the battery voltage is tested with the red LED on. If the processor determines the battery voltage with the red LED on is bad (59), i.e. below a preselected voltage the processor 32 stops the operation of the shock detector. If the battery voltage of the shock detector is good with the red LED on (61) i.e.
- the processer 32 sends a signal to start the shock detector (62) for measuring the voltage gradient in the body of water.
- the cycle for self-test where the battery voltage is measured under different conditions may be repeated after start up to ensure that the battery voltage remains sufficient to measure the voltage gradient and emit an alarm over an extended period of time if the shock detector should detect the presence of harmful voltage gradient or if the battery should be replaced.
- a further optional feature of the invention is that once the shock detector 10 passes the battery self test the shock detector 10 automatically begins monitoring the voltage gradient in a body of water.
- the shock detector 10 provides real time information on the existence of harmful voltage gradient in the body of water, the strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water and the status of the battery in the shock detector through a combination of a red LED light, a green LED light and an audio alarm or beeper.
- This latter feature of measuring the level or strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water enables shock detector 10 use as a diagnostic tool to determine the location of a voltage leak in the body of water by moving the shock detector in the body of water to find the region in the body of water where the voltage gradient is the highest since the voltage gradient generally decreases with distance from the source of the leak.
- Figure 6 is a flow chart of the operation of shock detector 10, which illustrates the method of determining the presence of water voltage as well as the level of the voltage gradient during four field conditions.
- Figure 6 shows that during the voltage-measuring phase the processor begins by measuring the battery voltage (70). If the battery voltage is OK (above a preselected level) and there is no AC voltage in the body of water (71) the processor causes a green LED light to flash at a frequency f o (72).
- the processor causes the green LED light to flash at a frequency f x and an audible alarm to beep (74) where the frequency f x is different from the frequency f o .
- the shock detector through the type of signals alerts the observer that that there is no water voltage but in one case it alerts the observer that the battery in the shock detector should be replaced even though no AC voltage has been detected.
- the processor causes the red LED light to flash and an audible alarm to beep (76) thus alerting the person to the hazardous condition as well as the fact the battery is low and needs to be replaced.
- the processor in the shock detector provides more information such as the level of AC voltage gradient in the body of water.
- the processor provides an audible alarm as well as visual alarm signals, which are based on difference in frequency of the flashing of the Red LED light.
- the processor also has the ability to determine different levels of voltage gradients and alert an operator not only to the existence of a water voltage and a voltage gradient but the level or strength of the voltage gradient. As shown in the Figure 6 flow chart, if the processor determines that the water voltage gradient is less than a preselected water voltage gradient V 1 (78) the processor causes the Red LED light to flash at a frequency f 1 and the audible alarm to beep (79).
- the processor determines the water voltage gradient is greater than V 1 but less than V 2 where V 1 and V 2 are preselected water voltage gradients (80) the processor causes the red LED to flash at a frequency f 2 and the audible alarm to beep (81) where the frequency f 2 is different from f 1 .
- the processor determines the water voltage gradient is greater than V 2 but less than V 3 where V 3 is a preselected water voltage gradient (82) the processor cause the red LED light to flash at a frequency f 3 and the audible alarm to beep (83) where the frequency f 3 is different from f 2 and f 1 .
- the processor determines the voltage gradient in the body of water is greater than V 3 (84) the processor then cause the red LED light to flash at a frequency f 4 and the audible alarm to beep (85) where the frequency f 4 is different from f 3 , f 2 and f 1 .
- an optional feature of the invention is that the shock detector 10 provides unique open water informational signals responsive to a range of voltage conditions to alert an operator to the water voltage danger in the body of water but also the level of the voltage gradient in the body of water.
- the feature of being able to send different signals for different voltages in the body allows the shock detector to become a diagnostic tool for locating the cause of the electrical short in open water by using the shock detector to locate where the voltage gradient in the body of water is the highest. That is by displacement or movement of the shock detector in the body of water one can determine where the voltage gradient is highest by the change in frequency of the flashing red LED light. By searching in the area where the shock detector measures the highest voltage gradient one limits the search area thus enabling one to more quickly find the problem causing voltage leak into the body of water.
- FIG. 7 shows a non claimed example of a water propelled shock detector 90, which is identical to shock detector 10 except shock detector 90 includes means to move the shock detector from location to location in an open body of water.
- shock detector 90 includes a first propeller 91 and a second propeller 94, an internal power source such as a battery and a radio-control 92 as typically used in powered model boats.
- a remote control box 95 and a joy stick 95a allows the operator to move the shock detector 90 to different locations in the body of water through control of the rotation of propellers 93 and 94 while the red LED light 97, the green LED light 98 and the beeper 99 provide information as to the presence of a voltage gradient but also the strength of the voltage gradient.
- the shock detector can be moved about in the body of open water without a person coming into contact with the body of water.
- steering of the shock detector can be controlled by use of two propellers other methods of steering including a single pivoting propeller may be used as an optional feature of the invention.
- a remote controller 95 an operator can remain on shore and away from contact with the water as the operator moves the shock detector 90 to various locations in the body of water, where the shock detector 90 can determine the existence as well as the strength of the voltage gradient.
- This feature of a remote controlled shock detector is not only useful in locating regions of high water voltage but is also useful in extending the range of the shock detector since the shock detector can be moved to a different location in the body of water to determine if there exists a harmful voltage gradient at a different location. That is, the shock detector typically has a useful range in determining a voltage gradient since the water voltage gradient decreases the further one is from the source of the electrical short. The decrease in water voltage gradient based on the distance from the electrical short is dependent on various factors including the salinity of the water. With the water propelled shock detector 90 one can move the shock detector about in the body of water to determine if harmful voltage gradients exist in other portion of the body of water.
- This feature is also useful in cases where the harmful water gradient is outside the normal range of the shock detector since one shock detector can be used to monitor harmful voltage gradients over an extended range by moving the shock detector from location to location. In other cases one may program the remote to direct the shock detector to automatically measure the voltage gradients at different locations in the body of water.
- shock detector 90 is a transmitter 91 that can send information on the harmful voltage gradient to a remote location.
- the transmitter output may be in communication with an emergency squad, a power company or an entity that can respond if the shock detector determines a water voltage gradient has exceed a dangerous threshold that would injure or electrocute a person.
- Figure 8 shows the shock detector 10 may be moved about in open water through the coupling of the shock detector 10 to a conventional remote controlled model powerboat 39, which is attached to shock detector 10 by an electrically insulating cord 29.
- the model boat 39 and its remote control can be used to tow the shock detector 10 to various open water positions on the body of water.
- One of the optional features of the invention is the use of electrically insulated cord 29, which is secured to the shock detector 10 to prevent a person from coming into contact with a harmful voltage gradient as a person places the shock detector into the body of water while holding on to the electrical insulated cord 29. Since the shock detector is portable one needs to avoid contact with the body of a water 8 during placement of the shock detector 10 in the body of water since the electrically insulated cord can prevent injury or harm to the person during the placement of the shock detector into the body of water in the event the water contains a harmful voltage gradient.
- a reference to Figure 9 shows a body of water 100 with a shock detector system 130 comprising a set of five shock detectors 105, 106, 107, 108 and 109 with each shock detector capable of independently determining the existence of a harmful electrical condition that could kill or injure a person in a region proximate each of the shock detectors.
- the body of water 100 includes a dock 101 with a floating shock detector 105 proximate the dock 101, a floating shock detector 106 proximate the dock 102, a floating shock detector 107 proximate the dock 103 and a dock mounted shock detector 109 mounted on dock 104.
- a further floating shock detector 108 is located in open water and away from the docks.
- a boat 125 shown in the body of water is approaching the docks.
- an on shore monitoring station 111 for receiving signals from each of the shock detectors.
- each of the signals received by the shore station identifies any shock detector that is detecting a harmful electrical condition proximate the shock detector and therefore the portion of the body of water that contains the harmful electrical condition and should be avoided.
- a feature of monitoring station 110 is that one can observe the status of each of the set of shock detectors to determine a location of the portion of the body of water that contains a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person.
- FIG 10 shows a partial schematic view of the shock detector system 130.
- Each of the shock detectors includes a visual alarm, an audible alarm and a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with each other and with a remote control station. That is, shock detector 105 incudes an audible alarm 105a, a visual alarm 105b and a transceiver 106c.
- shock detector 106 incudes an audible alarm 106a, a visual alarm 106b and a transceiver 106c; shock detector 107 incudes an audible alarm 107a, a visual alarm 107b and a transceiver 107c, shock detector 108 incudes an audible alarm 108a, a visual alarm 108b and a transceiver 108c and shock detector 109 incudes an audible alarm 109a, a visual alarm 109b and a transceiver 109c.
- Figure 10 shows the set of shock detectors, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 with dashed lines indicating two way wireless communication between the shock detectors when one of the shock detectors in this case shock detector 109 detects a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person in the body of water proximate the shock detector.
- Figure 10 shows that if there is no voltage present in the body of water no signals are sent from the shock detector 109 as indicated by No Voltage (140).
- transceiver 109c transmits an alarm signal (51) to shock detector 108, an alarm signal (52) to shock detector 107, an alarm signal (53) to shock detector 106 and an alarm signal (54) to shock detector 105.
- Figure 11 illustrates a shock detector system 130 where shock detector 109 detects a hazardous electrical condition proximate shock detector 109 but shock detectors 105, 106, 107 and 108 do not detect a hazardous electrical condition proximate shock detectors 105, 106, 107 and 108.
- the shock detector 109 When a hazardous electrical condition is detected proximate shock detector 109 the shock detector 109 generates a danger signal comprising both a visual and audible alarm.
- the audible alarm signal (142) activates the audible alarm 109a as indicated by the sound waves 109e emanating from audible alarm 109a.
- the visual alarm signal (143) generates a visual signal 109d from visual display 109b, which may be a flashing light or the like including a flashing LED.
- visual display 109b which may be a flashing light or the like including a flashing LED.
- the presence of a harmful voltage condition in the body of water proximate shock detector 109 activates both the visual alarm 109b and the audible alarm 109a thereby generating a "danger signal" alerting a person to the existence of a hazardous electrical condition proximate shock detector 109.
- there is no hazardous electrical condition proximate the shock detectors 105, 106, 107 and 108 even though each are in the same body of water, a condition that occurs as a natural result of the path followed by the electrical energy in the body of water.
- the extent of the harmful electrical field in a body of water is dependent on various conditions within the body of water and may not remain static. Consequently, one region of the body of water may have a harmful electrical condition while another may not. Although one portion of the body of water may contain a region with a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person there is usually no definite boundary between the regions that contain the harmful electrical condition and those that do not contain the harmful electrical condition.
- Shock detector 109 which senses the presence of a harmful electrical condition provides both a visual signal 109d and an audible signal 109e i.e. a "danger signal” to alert a person to the presence of a hazardous electrical condition in the body of water.
- the transceiver 109d in shock detector sends an alarm signal 51 to shock detector 108 that generates a visual signal 108d from visual indicator 108b i.e. a "caution signal”.
- the transceiver 109c in shock detector sends an alarm signal 52 to shock detector 107 that generates a visual signal 107d from visual indicator 107b i.e.
- shock detector 106 that generates a visual signal 106d from visual indicator 106b i.e. a "caution signal”
- an alarm signal 54 to shock detector 105 that generates a visual signal 105d from visual indicator 105b i.e. a "caution signal”.
- shock detectors 105, 106, 107 and 108 which are in the same body of water as shock detector 109, do not detect a hazardous electrical condition they generate a "caution signal” to alert those in the area that there is a region of the body of water that does contain a hazardous electrical water condition that could injure of kill a person.
- the shock detector 109 which detects the hazardous electrical condition, generates both a visual signal and an audible alarm (danger signal) while the other shock detectors generate a single signal (caution signal) to alert a person that other regions of the body of water may contain a hazardous electrical condition.
- a boat 125 entering the area becomes aware of hazardous electrical conditions in other regions of the body of water 100.
- the remote shock detectors which do not detect the harmful electrical condition, may show a "caution signal” that may be both an audible alarm and a visual alarm, however, the audible alarm or the visual alarm for the "caution signal” would be a different signal than the "danger signal” so that one could readily determine if the harmful electrical condition is actually present proximate the shock detector that is being observed.
- the frequency of light flashes or the frequency of the audible alarm could be different for the "caution signal” and "danger signal.
- the shock detector system 130 includes five shock detectors 105, 106, 107, 108 and 109 that are all operable for determining the existence of a harmful electrical condition in a body of water proximate the shock detector. If the harmful electrical condition is present by one or more but not all of the shock detectors in the body of water a signal is sent to the other shock detectors, which do not sense a harmful electrical condition, to activate an alarm that indicates the presence of hazardous condition somewhere in the body of water other than by the shock detector.
- the system 130 generates two types of signals, an immediate danger signal that may be both a visual and an audible alarm that warns a person of the local existence of the hazardous condition proximate the shock detector and a caution signal, which is sent to shock detectors outside the water with the harmful electrical condition to warn a person that a hazardous electrical field may be nearby although not at the shock detector that generates the caution signal.
- an immediate danger signal may be both a visual and an audible alarm that warns a person of the local existence of the hazardous condition proximate the shock detector
- a caution signal which is sent to shock detectors outside the water with the harmful electrical condition to warn a person that a hazardous electrical field may be nearby although not at the shock detector that generates the caution signal.
- each of the shock detectors 105, 106, 107 and 108 are responsive to a harmful electrical condition in a region proximate the shock detector through the self activation of a visual and an audible alarm on the shock detector located in the region of the body of water containing the harmful electrical condition as well as the remote activating of a different alarm signal on a shock detector in a region of the body of water, which does not contain a harmful electrical condition through the use of a transceiver in each of the shock detectors.
- shock detectors there may be two shock detectors indicating the present of a hazardous electrical condition present two of the shock detectors while the other shock detectors in the system indicate that there is a hazardous electrical condition somewhere in the body of water.
- all five of the shock detectors may be indicating a harmful electrical condition present each of the shock detectors.
- the shock detector system provides a range of messages to those in the area.
- the transceivers in the shock detectors may transmit a signal to an on land monitoring station 110 where a person can be alerted to a harmful water condition even though the person may not be able to hear or see the alarm signals from the shock detectors in contact with the body of water.
- each of the shock detectors include two-way wireless communication with each other so that if a one of the shock detectors of the set of shock detectors activates a danger signal such as an audible and visual alarm in response to a harmful voltage proximate it automatically communicates with other shock detectors in the set of shock detectors to activate a different alarm i.e. a "caution signal" on each of the other shock detectors to thereby alert a person proximate the other shock detectors that there is a harmful electrical condition in the body of water although the harmful electrical condition may not be proximate the other shock detectors in the set of shock detectors.
- a danger signal such as an audible and visual alarm in response to a harmful voltage proximate it automatically communicates with other shock detectors in the set of shock detectors to activate a different alarm i.e. a "caution signal" on each of the other shock detectors to thereby alert a person proximate the other shock detectors that there is a harmful electrical condition in the body of water although
- shock detectors remain live. That is, the shock detectors continue to monitor harmful electrical conditions in the body of water even though they a shock detector may be emitting a caution signal, which is a warning of a harmful electrical condition proximate another shock detector. Should a shock detector, which is emitting a caution signal, detect a harmful electrical condition the shock detector caution signal changes to a danger signal. In the example where only a visual alarm is used for a caution signal and both a visual alarm and an audible alarm are used for the alarm signal the visual alarm signal changes to both a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal when the region proximate the shock detector contains a harmful electrical condition.
- the shock detectors in the system include shock detectors for delivering two alert states i.e. a "caution signal”, which indicates there is a harmful electrical condition somewhere in the body of water and a “danger signal” condition that indicates there is a harmful electrical condition proximate the shock detector.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
Description
- None
- None
- None
- One of the problems that occur with an electrical fault in a body of water is that the current leakage into the body of water from the electrical fault can injure or kill a person through electrocution, which is often referred to as electric shock drowning. This invention relates generally to shock detectors and, more specifically, to shock detectors that can be used to prevent electric shock drowning by detecting the presence of an electric field and alerting a person that the body of water comprises a hazard to a swimmer or a person coming into contact with the body of water. Typically, the current leakage occurs from a faulty electrical connection on a boat or dock although other sources may create a hazardous water condition.
- It is known that if a swimmer encounters a body of water with an electric field the swimmer can be electrocuted with a voltage gradient of as little as two volts per foot. The mere presence of the swimmer in the electric field causes the current flowing in the water to take a path of least electrical resistance through the swimmers body since the wet skin on a swimmer's body has a lower electrical resistance than the water surrounding the swimmer. If the voltage gradient is sufficiently high the current flowing through the swimmer's body can electrocute the swimmer. In still other cases a person may be electrocuted if he or she comes into incidental contact with a body of water, which has leakage from an electrical source.
- In addition to the existence of a harmful voltage gradient in a body of water there is a need to safely locate the source of the harmful voltage gradient as well as to ensure those proximate the body of water that the water does or does not contain a hazardous electrical field. An example for a portable electric shock detector which has an alarm that alerts persons that a measured voltage between water electrodes has exceeded a dangerous threshold to injure or electrocute persons is provided in document
US2014/062512 . - Another problem with harmful electrical conditions in a body of water, such as harmful voltage or harmful current conditions that may injure or kill a person, is that the harmful electrical conditions may be localized in the body of water so that one portion of the body of water contains a harmful electrical condition while another portion of the same body of water does not contain the harmful electrical condition. That is, the harmful electrical condition is dependent on various conditions including any underwater structures. Consequently, the existence and the shape of field of the harmful electrical condition proximate a shock detector may be beyond the visual alarm range or the audible alarm range of the shock detector. Thus, one may find that in one location in the body of water a shock detector indicates the presence of a harmful electrical condition and in another location in the same body of water a further shock detector, which may be out of sight of the first shock detector, does not indicate a harmful electrical condition. As a result one may not be alerted to a nearby presence of the harmful electrical condition until one is within the field of the harmful electrical condition.
- The invention is defined by the scope of independent claims 1 and 6 and relates to a shock detector system comprising a set of shock detectors for determining the existence of a harmful electrical condition in a body of water proximate each of the set of shock detectors. Each of the shock detectors responsive to a harmful electrical condition in a region proximate the shock detector through self-activation of a "danger signal" such as a visual and audible alarm on the shock detector and each of the shock detectors also responsive to a signal of a harmful electrical condition from another shock detector through a wireless activation of a "caution signal" on the shock detector. The shock detector system generating two types of signals a "caution signal" that alerts a person that the body of water does contain remote regions that contain harmful electrical conditions that could injure or kill a person and a "danger signal" that indicates the body of the water proximate the shock detector contains a harmful electrical condition.
- The shock detector system including an open water shock detector for measuring the existence of a harmful water voltage in a body of water through the measurement of a voltage gradient on a set of water electrodes with the shock detector including a self testing feature to indicate the shock detector is operating properly before full activation of the shock detector so that when the shock detector in an activated condition the shock detector is useable to either alert a person to a harmful water condition or to allow an operate to use the shock detector to isolate the source of an electrical short in the body of water through a displacement of the shock detector in the body of water.
-
-
Figure 1 shows a shock detector floating in a body of water; -
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the floating shock detector ofFigure 1 revealing a set of three water electrodes; -
Figure 3 is a top view of floating shock detector showing the visual and audible alarms; -
Figure 4 is a schematic illustrating electronic communications between various components of the shock detector; -
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method of self-testing of the shock detector; -
Figure 6 is a flow chart of the shock detector illustrating the method of determining the presence and the amount of voltage in a body of water; -
Figure 7 shows a shock detector with a propulsion system; -
Figure 8 shows the shock detector towed and controlled by a model boat. -
Figure 9 shows a body of water with a set of shock detectors located in different locations on the body of water; -
Figure 10 shows a partial schematic view of a set of shock detectors; and -
Figure 11 shows the partial schematic view ofFigurer 10 showing the alarm response of shock detectors when one of the shock detectors determines the existence of a harmful electrical condition proximate only one of the shock detectors. -
Figure 1 shows a free floating, buoyant, openwater shock detector 10 floating upright in a body ofwater 8 having awater line 9 with theupper housing 17a ofshock detector 10 including aresilient bumper 12 located around the outer perimeter of the shock detector. The resilient bumper, which is shown located above thewater line 9, protects the shock detector in the event the shock detector accidently bumps into an object while floating in the body of water. In this example, theshock detector 10 includes a transparent or see through hemisphericalshaped dome 13 extending from atop housing 17a, with agreen LED light 13 and ared LED light 14 that are both visible from afar through thetransparent dome 13. The lower housing 17b ofshock detector 10, which is below thewater line 9, is shown partially cut away to reveal aballast 18 in the bottom ofshock detector 10. A feature of the invention is the use of a ballast in the bottom of the floating shock detector that causes theshock detector 10 to float in the upright condition as shown inFigure 1 as well as causes the shock detector to right itself in the event the shock detector is accidently flipped upside down as it floats in the body of water. The ballast may either be a dead weight placed in the floating shock detector or it may be strategically placed integral components of the shock detector so that the weight of the strategically placed external and internal shock detector components comprise the necessary ballast for generating a self righting force or torque to theshock detector 10 that is sufficient to return the shock detector to the floating condition as shown inFigure 1 in the event the shock detector tips over due to an external force such as a wave. A feature of the openwater shock detector 10 is that it is ungrounded since it floats in the body of water and measures a voltage gradient within the body of water. A further feature ofshock detector 10 is that the shock detector housing and dome are both waterproof and weatherproof, which enables the shock detector to operate while floating in a body of water as well as all types of weather . -
Figure 2 is a bottom view of thefloating shock detector 10 ofFigure 1 , which comprises an ungrounded shock detector since it measures voltages between electrodes located in the body of water without reference to an electrical ground. In this example the shock detector determines the presence of a harmful voltage gradient in the body of water as the shock detector free floats in a body of water. The processor inshock detector 10 measures voltage between a set of spacedapart water electrodes water 8 the shock detector may also be attached to a structure such as a dock and used to measure a voltage difference between a water electrode and an earth ground. In either case the shock detector can determine a hazardous water voltage condition i.e. a voltage gradient within the body of water that could injure or kill a person coming into contact with the body of water. - The voltage gradient, which is referred herein as a water voltage, is based on a measured voltage difference between any of the three electrodes or may be computed based on an average of the measured voltage difference between the three water electrodes. In either event the magnitude of voltage gradient in the body of water is a function of whether the voltage gradient can injure or kill a person that comes into contact with the body of water. In the example shown the
shock detector 10 determines if there is a voltage gradient in the body of water that may injure or kill a person that enters the body of water. A feature of theshock detector 10 is that the shock detector can determine the existence of a harmful water voltage gradient in a body of water even though the shock detector is remote from a structure in contact with the body of water. In the example shown the shock detector measures an AC water voltage such as an AC water gradient in the body of water to determine if the water voltage i.e. the AC voltage gradient is such that it would injure or kill a person. In some cases where DC voltages may be present one may measure a DC voltage gradient or in other cases one may measure both AC and DC voltage gradients to determine if the AC or DC water voltage is such that it would injure or kill a person. -
Figure 2 shows the underside 11 ofshock detector 10 revealing a set of three circular metal water electrodes located on the bottom side of anungrounded shock detector 10 that floats in a body of water. Theungrounded shock detector 10 includes, afirst water electrode 20, asecond water electrode 21 and athird water electrode 22 with thewater electrode 21 spaced from thewater electrode 22 by the distance x and thewater electrode 22 spaced from thewater electrode 20 by the distance y with the three electrodes extending through a common plane. In this example thewater electrode 20 andwater electrode 21 are located along a right angle with the apex located atwater electrode 22 and all three water electrodes, which are below the water line, are connected to a processor inshock detector 10 that measures the electric potential between electrodes to obtain the voltage gradient (i.e. volts per foot) in the body ofwater 8 to determine whether the voltage gradient in the body of water is such that it could cause injury or kill a person who enters the body of water. While a set of three water electrodes allows one to determine the voltage gradient in different directions in the electric field in some applications one may use a set of two water electrodes to determine the voltage gradient in the body of water and in other applications four or more water electrodes may be used to measure the voltage gradients in the body of water. -
Figure 3 is a top view of thefloating shock detector 10 showing the central location of thetransparent dome 13 with agreen LED light 14 and ared LED light 15 visible through thedome 13. The dome provides enhanced visibility since it allows the LED lights to be seen by a person located laterally of the shock detector or a person located above the shock detector. Anaudible alarm 16 such as a beeper or a buzzer is also located on thetop housing 17a of the shock detector. Anopening 19 intop housing 17a forms a loop that allows one to insert a cord therethrough so one can attach the cord to the shock detector. The cord allows theshock detector 10 to be tethered in place in a body ofwater 8 with an anchor or the like. In addition the shock detector may be tethered to a dock or to a boat to alert persons to the existence of a harmful voltage gradient in a range around the floating shock detector. The feature of a tethered floating shock detector is also useful to a boater coming into an unknown dock since the boater can lower the shock detector into the body of water using the cord attached to the shock detector to test for the presence of a harmful electric field in the body of water before stepping out of the boat. A further advantage of a tethered floating shock detector is that when the boat is in open water one can lower the floating shock detector into the water around the boat to determine if there is a harmful electrical field around the boat, which may be caused by an electrical short in the boat wiring. A feature useful in the event persons want to swim from the boat. Thus, the shock detector described herein may be used in water adjacent a land site or in open water to determine if a voltage gradient is present in the water, which is sufficient to injure or kill a person coming into contact with the body of water. -
Figure 4 is a schematic illustrating electronic communications between various components of theshock detector 10 and acircuit board 30 containing aprocessor 32, which in this example includes atransducer 32a. In this example theaudible alarm 16 connects toprocessor 32 oncircuit board 30 through electrical lead 16a. The Red LED light 13 or visual alarm connects toprocessor 32 oncircuit board 30 throughelectrical lead 13a and similarly the green LED light 14 or visual alarm connects toprocessor 32 oncircuit board 30 through electrical lead 14a. - Located proximate the
circuit board 30 is abattery 33 having a first terminal with a lead 33a connected toprocessor 32 and a second terminal with a lead 33b connected to processor 23. In this example thebattery 33 provides power to operate theprocessor 32 as well as thevisual alarms audible alarm 16. - The set of
water electrodes water 8 with anelectrical lead 20a, connectingwater electrode 20 toprocessor 32, anelectrical lead 21a connectingwater electrode 21 toprocessor 32 and an electrical lead 22a connectingwater electrode 22 toprocessor 32 with all the water electrodes located below thewater line 9. The use of three water electrodes enables measurement of water voltage in the body of water between three different locations. In this example, theshock detector 10 measures the water voltage between three electrodes to obtain a voltage gradient within the body of water. - The voltage gradient in a body of water is generally highest proximate a current leak, which is the source of the electrical failure, and decreases the further away from the source of the electrical failure thus creating a potential field within the body of water that decrease in distance from the source of the electrical failure. In this example the
processor 32 determines if the strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water is such that it would kill or injure a person coming into contact with the body of water. - An optional feature of the invention described herein is that before initiating measurements of voltage gradient the shock detector performs a self-test to let a person know the shock detector is operative and ready to be placed in a body of water to determine if the water contains a harmful electrical condition.
Figure 5 shows a flow chart illustrating the method of self-testing of theshock detector 10, which comprises the steps of checking battery voltage under various conditions before the shock detector begins monitoring the voltage gradient in the body of water to determine if a hazardous electrical condition exists i.e. where the voltage gradient is sufficient to deliver an electric shock that can cause injury or death to a person that comes into contact with the body of water. - To initiate the battery self-test the
shock detector processor 32 automatically performs a sequence of battery tests under different load conditions. In this example the self-test includes measuring the battery voltage with an open circuit (no load across the terminals of the battery), which is referred to as the open circuit voltage (OCV) test (50) of the battery in the shock detector. If the OCV voltage of the battery is low (51) (i.e. below a preselected voltage threshold) theprocessor 32 stops the test (52) and prevents the shock detector from start up. If the OCV voltage of the battery is good (53) i.e. above the preset preselected voltage threshold the processor (32) begins the next step by checking the battery voltage under various load conditions. The first test of the battery voltage under load condition is with the green LED light on as illustrated by the green LED test (54). If the battery voltage is below the preselected voltage (i.e. bad) with the green LED on, the processor (32) within theshock detector 10 prevents shock detector start up. On the other hand if the battery voltage with the green LED on is above the preselected voltage (i.e. good) (57) the processor (32) proceeds to the next step in the battery self test cycle where the battery voltage is tested with the red LED on. If the processor determines the battery voltage with the red LED on is bad (59), i.e. below a preselected voltage theprocessor 32 stops the operation of the shock detector. If the battery voltage of the shock detector is good with the red LED on (61) i.e. above the preselected voltage theprocesser 32 sends a signal to start the shock detector (62) for measuring the voltage gradient in the body of water. Typically, the cycle for self-test where the battery voltage is measured under different conditions may be repeated after start up to ensure that the battery voltage remains sufficient to measure the voltage gradient and emit an alarm over an extended period of time if the shock detector should detect the presence of harmful voltage gradient or if the battery should be replaced. - A further optional feature of the invention is that once the
shock detector 10 passes the battery self test theshock detector 10 automatically begins monitoring the voltage gradient in a body of water. In operation mode theshock detector 10 provides real time information on the existence of harmful voltage gradient in the body of water, the strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water and the status of the battery in the shock detector through a combination of a red LED light, a green LED light and an audio alarm or beeper. This latter feature of measuring the level or strength of the voltage gradient in the body of water enablesshock detector 10 use as a diagnostic tool to determine the location of a voltage leak in the body of water by moving the shock detector in the body of water to find the region in the body of water where the voltage gradient is the highest since the voltage gradient generally decreases with distance from the source of the leak. -
Figure 6 is a flow chart of the operation ofshock detector 10, which illustrates the method of determining the presence of water voltage as well as the level of the voltage gradient during four field conditions.Figure 6 shows that during the voltage-measuring phase the processor begins by measuring the battery voltage (70). If the battery voltage is OK (above a preselected level) and there is no AC voltage in the body of water (71) the processor causes a green LED light to flash at a frequency fo (72). - If the battery voltage in the
shock detector 10 is low (below a preselected level) and there is no AC voltage in the body of water (73) the processor causes the green LED light to flash at a frequency fx and an audible alarm to beep (74) where the frequency fx is different from the frequency fo. In this mode the operator is alerted to replace the battery in the shock detector. Thus the shock detector through the type of signals alerts the observer that that there is no water voltage but in one case it alerts the observer that the battery in the shock detector should be replaced even though no AC voltage has been detected. - If the battery voltage in the shock detector is low (i.e. below a preselected level) (75) and there is AC voltage in the body of water the processor causes the red LED light to flash and an audible alarm to beep (76) thus alerting the person to the hazardous condition as well as the fact the battery is low and needs to be replaced.
- If the battery voltage in the shock detector is OK (i.e. above a preselected voltage) and there exists an AC voltage in the body of water (77) the processor in the shock detector provides more information such as the level of AC voltage gradient in the body of water. In this example the processor provides an audible alarm as well as visual alarm signals, which are based on difference in frequency of the flashing of the Red LED light.
- The processor also has the ability to determine different levels of voltage gradients and alert an operator not only to the existence of a water voltage and a voltage gradient but the level or strength of the voltage gradient. As shown in the
Figure 6 flow chart, if the processor determines that the water voltage gradient is less than a preselected water voltage gradient V1 (78) the processor causes the Red LED light to flash at a frequency f1 and the audible alarm to beep (79). - If the processor determines the water voltage gradient is greater than V1 but less than V2 where V1 and V2 are preselected water voltage gradients (80) the processor causes the red LED to flash at a frequency f2 and the audible alarm to beep (81) where the frequency f2 is different from f1.
- If the processor determines the water voltage gradient is greater than V2 but less than V3 where V3 is a preselected water voltage gradient (82) the processor cause the red LED light to flash at a frequency f3 and the audible alarm to beep (83) where the frequency f3 is different from f2 and f1.
- In the event the processor determines the voltage gradient in the body of water is greater than V3 (84) the processor then cause the red LED light to flash at a frequency f4 and the audible alarm to beep (85) where the frequency f4 is different from f3, f2 and f1.
- Thus, an optional feature of the invention is that the
shock detector 10 provides unique open water informational signals responsive to a range of voltage conditions to alert an operator to the water voltage danger in the body of water but also the level of the voltage gradient in the body of water. The feature of being able to send different signals for different voltages in the body allows the shock detector to become a diagnostic tool for locating the cause of the electrical short in open water by using the shock detector to locate where the voltage gradient in the body of water is the highest. That is by displacement or movement of the shock detector in the body of water one can determine where the voltage gradient is highest by the change in frequency of the flashing red LED light. By searching in the area where the shock detector measures the highest voltage gradient one limits the search area thus enabling one to more quickly find the problem causing voltage leak into the body of water. -
Figure 7 shows a non claimed example of a water propelledshock detector 90, which is identical toshock detector 10 exceptshock detector 90 includes means to move the shock detector from location to location in an open body of water. In thisexample shock detector 90 includes afirst propeller 91 and asecond propeller 94, an internal power source such as a battery and a radio-control 92 as typically used in powered model boats. Aremote control box 95 and ajoy stick 95a allows the operator to move theshock detector 90 to different locations in the body of water through control of the rotation ofpropellers red LED light 97, thegreen LED light 98 and thebeeper 99 provide information as to the presence of a voltage gradient but also the strength of the voltage gradient. Thus, the shock detector can be moved about in the body of open water without a person coming into contact with the body of water. Although, steering of the shock detector can be controlled by use of two propellers other methods of steering including a single pivoting propeller may be used as an optional feature of the invention. Thus, with the use of aremote controller 95 an operator can remain on shore and away from contact with the water as the operator moves theshock detector 90 to various locations in the body of water, where theshock detector 90 can determine the existence as well as the strength of the voltage gradient. This feature of a remote controlled shock detector is not only useful in locating regions of high water voltage but is also useful in extending the range of the shock detector since the shock detector can be moved to a different location in the body of water to determine if there exists a harmful voltage gradient at a different location. That is, the shock detector typically has a useful range in determining a voltage gradient since the water voltage gradient decreases the further one is from the source of the electrical short. The decrease in water voltage gradient based on the distance from the electrical short is dependent on various factors including the salinity of the water. With the water propelledshock detector 90 one can move the shock detector about in the body of water to determine if harmful voltage gradients exist in other portion of the body of water. This feature is also useful in cases where the harmful water gradient is outside the normal range of the shock detector since one shock detector can be used to monitor harmful voltage gradients over an extended range by moving the shock detector from location to location. In other cases one may program the remote to direct the shock detector to automatically measure the voltage gradients at different locations in the body of water. - A further optional feature of
shock detector 90 is atransmitter 91 that can send information on the harmful voltage gradient to a remote location. For example, the transmitter output may be in communication with an emergency squad, a power company or an entity that can respond if the shock detector determines a water voltage gradient has exceed a dangerous threshold that would injure or electrocute a person. -
Figure 8 shows theshock detector 10 may be moved about in open water through the coupling of theshock detector 10 to a conventional remote controlledmodel powerboat 39, which is attached toshock detector 10 by an electrically insulatingcord 29. In this example, themodel boat 39 and its remote control can be used to tow theshock detector 10 to various open water positions on the body of water. - One of the optional features of the invention is the use of electrically insulated
cord 29, which is secured to theshock detector 10 to prevent a person from coming into contact with a harmful voltage gradient as a person places the shock detector into the body of water while holding on to the electricalinsulated cord 29. Since the shock detector is portable one needs to avoid contact with the body of awater 8 during placement of theshock detector 10 in the body of water since the electrically insulated cord can prevent injury or harm to the person during the placement of the shock detector into the body of water in the event the water contains a harmful voltage gradient. - A reference to
Figure 9 shows a body ofwater 100 with ashock detector system 130 comprising a set of fiveshock detectors water 100 includes adock 101 with a floatingshock detector 105 proximate thedock 101, a floatingshock detector 106 proximate thedock 102, a floatingshock detector 107 proximate thedock 103 and a dock mountedshock detector 109 mounted ondock 104. A further floatingshock detector 108 is located in open water and away from the docks. Aboat 125 shown in the body of water is approaching the docks. In addition to the floatingshock detectors shock detector 108 there is included an on shore monitoring station 111 for receiving signals from each of the shock detectors. In this example, each of the signals received by the shore station identifies any shock detector that is detecting a harmful electrical condition proximate the shock detector and therefore the portion of the body of water that contains the harmful electrical condition and should be avoided. A feature ofmonitoring station 110 is that one can observe the status of each of the set of shock detectors to determine a location of the portion of the body of water that contains a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person. -
Figure 10 shows a partial schematic view of theshock detector system 130. Each of the shock detectors includes a visual alarm, an audible alarm and a transceiver for two-way wireless communication with each other and with a remote control station. That is,shock detector 105 incudes anaudible alarm 105a, a visual alarm 105b and atransceiver 106c. Similarly,shock detector 106 incudes anaudible alarm 106a, a visual alarm 106b and atransceiver 106c;shock detector 107 incudes anaudible alarm 107a, avisual alarm 107b and atransceiver 107c,shock detector 108 incudes anaudible alarm 108a, a visual alarm 108b and atransceiver 108c andshock detector 109 incudes anaudible alarm 109a, a visual alarm 109b and a transceiver 109c. -
Figure 10 shows the set of shock detectors, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 with dashed lines indicating two way wireless communication between the shock detectors when one of the shock detectors in thiscase shock detector 109 detects a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person in the body of water proximate the shock detector.Figure 10 shows that if there is no voltage present in the body of water no signals are sent from theshock detector 109 as indicated by No Voltage (140). However, if a voltage is detected (141) the processor in the shock detector generates three signals, a first audible alarm signal (142) forshock detector 109, a second visual alarm signal (142) forshock detector 109 and a third transceiver signal (144) that is transmitted to each of the other shock detectors. In this example transceiver 109c transmits an alarm signal (51) toshock detector 108, an alarm signal (52) toshock detector 107, an alarm signal (53) toshock detector 106 and an alarm signal (54) toshock detector 105. -
Figure 11 illustrates ashock detector system 130 whereshock detector 109 detects a hazardous electrical conditionproximate shock detector 109 butshock detectors proximate shock detectors proximate shock detector 109 theshock detector 109 generates a danger signal comprising both a visual and audible alarm. In this case the audible alarm signal (142) activates theaudible alarm 109a as indicated by thesound waves 109e emanating fromaudible alarm 109a. In addition the visual alarm signal (143) generates avisual signal 109d from visual display 109b, which may be a flashing light or the like including a flashing LED. As can be seen the presence of a harmful voltage condition in the body of waterproximate shock detector 109 activates both the visual alarm 109b and theaudible alarm 109a thereby generating a "danger signal" alerting a person to the existence of a hazardous electrical conditionproximate shock detector 109. In this example there is no hazardous electrical condition proximate theshock detectors -
Shock detector 109, which senses the presence of a harmful electrical condition provides both avisual signal 109d and anaudible signal 109e i.e. a "danger signal" to alert a person to the presence of a hazardous electrical condition in the body of water. At the same time thetransceiver 109d in shock detector sends analarm signal 51 toshock detector 108 that generates a visual signal 108d from visual indicator 108b i.e. a "caution signal". Similarly, the transceiver 109c in shock detector sends analarm signal 52 toshock detector 107 that generates a visual signal 107d fromvisual indicator 107b i.e. a "caution signal", analarm signal 53 toshock detector 106 that generates a visual signal 106d from visual indicator 106b i.e. a "caution signal"; analarm signal 54 toshock detector 105 that generates avisual signal 105d from visual indicator 105b i.e. a "caution signal". Thus, even though theshock detectors shock detector 109, do not detect a hazardous electrical condition they generate a "caution signal" to alert those in the area that there is a region of the body of water that does contain a hazardous electrical water condition that could injure of kill a person. In the example shown theshock detector 109, which detects the hazardous electrical condition, generates both a visual signal and an audible alarm (danger signal) while the other shock detectors generate a single signal (caution signal) to alert a person that other regions of the body of water may contain a hazardous electrical condition. Thus aboat 125 entering the area becomes aware of hazardous electrical conditions in other regions of the body ofwater 100. - In another example the remote shock detectors, which do not detect the harmful electrical condition, may show a "caution signal" that may be both an audible alarm and a visual alarm, however, the audible alarm or the visual alarm for the "caution signal" would be a different signal than the "danger signal" so that one could readily determine if the harmful electrical condition is actually present proximate the shock detector that is being observed. For example, either or both the frequency of light flashes or the frequency of the audible alarm could be different for the "caution signal" and "danger signal.
- Although more or less shock detectors may be used in this example the
shock detector system 130 includes fiveshock detectors system 130 generates two types of signals, an immediate danger signal that may be both a visual and an audible alarm that warns a person of the local existence of the hazardous condition proximate the shock detector and a caution signal, which is sent to shock detectors outside the water with the harmful electrical condition to warn a person that a hazardous electrical field may be nearby although not at the shock detector that generates the caution signal. While the example shown describes the detection of a hazardous electrical conditionsproximate shock detector 109 each of theshock detectors land monitoring station 110 where a person can be alerted to a harmful water condition even though the person may not be able to hear or see the alarm signals from the shock detectors in contact with the body of water. - An optional feature of the invention is that each of the shock detectors include two-way wireless communication with each other so that if a one of the shock detectors of the set of shock detectors activates a danger signal such as an audible and visual alarm in response to a harmful voltage proximate it automatically communicates with other shock detectors in the set of shock detectors to activate a different alarm i.e. a "caution signal" on each of the other shock detectors to thereby alert a person proximate the other shock detectors that there is a harmful electrical condition in the body of water although the harmful electrical condition may not be proximate the other shock detectors in the set of shock detectors.
- Another optional feature of the invention is that the shock detectors remain live. That is, the shock detectors continue to monitor harmful electrical conditions in the body of water even though they a shock detector may be emitting a caution signal, which is a warning of a harmful electrical condition proximate another shock detector. Should a shock detector, which is emitting a caution signal, detect a harmful electrical condition the shock detector caution signal changes to a danger signal. In the example where only a visual alarm is used for a caution signal and both a visual alarm and an audible alarm are used for the alarm signal the visual alarm signal changes to both a visual alarm signal and an audible alarm signal when the region proximate the shock detector contains a harmful electrical condition. Thus, the shock detectors in the system include shock detectors for delivering two alert states i.e. a "caution signal", which indicates there is a harmful electrical condition somewhere in the body of water and a "danger signal" condition that indicates there is a harmful electrical condition proximate the shock detector.
Claims (11)
- A shock detector system (130) comprising:a set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) capable of independently determining the existence of a harmful electrical condition in a body of water (8, 100) where the harmful electrical condition could kill or injure a person in the body of water (8, 100);wherein the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) comprises a first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) and a second shock detector (109), wherein the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) is located in a body of water that does not contain a harmful electrical condition, that could injure or electrocute a person, and wherein the second shock detector (109) is located in a body of water that does contain the harmful electrical condition, that could injure or electrocute a person,wherein the each of the shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) comprises:a housing (17a, 17b) having a first water electrode (20) for immersing in a body of water (8, 100) and a second water electrode (21);a processor (32) for measuring a harmful electrical condition between said first water electrode (20) and said second water electrode (21) in a region proximate the shock detector (109);an audible alarm (16) for alerting a person to the existence of a harmful electrical condition in the body of water (8, 100) proximate the shock detector (109) where the harmful electrical condition is such that it could injure or electrocute a person;a visual alarm (13, 14) for alerting a person to the existence of the harmful electrical condition in the body of water (8, 100) proximate the shock detector (109) where the harmful electrical condition is such that it could injure or electrocute a person; anda transceiver (105c, 106c, 107c, 108c, 109c),characterized in that:the transceiver (105c, 106c, 107c, 108c, 109c), on the second shock detector (109), for communication with thefirst shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) located in a region in the body of water (8, 100) that does not contain the harmful electrical condition with said transceiver (105c, 106c, 107c, 108c, 109c) activating a visual alarm (13, 14) on the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) but not the audible alarm (16) on the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) in response to the harmful electrical condition proximate the second shock detector (109) to thereby alert a person to the existence of a harmful electrical condition in the region proximate the second shock detector (109) but not in the region proximate the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108).
- The shock detector system (130) of claim 1 including an on shore receiver (110) for monitoring an alarm status of the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) and the second shock detector (109), where the on shore receiver (110) is responsive to a wireless signal from the first and second shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109).
- The shock detector system (130) of claim 1 wherein the harmful electrical condition is a harmful voltage gradient or a harmful voltage.
- The shock detector system (130) of claim 1 wherein each of the first (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) and second (109) shock detectors in the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) is battery powered; orincluding a monitoring station wherein at least one shock detector (109) of the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) is dock mounted and AC powered; orwherein at least one shock detector (109) of the set of first and second shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) is a battery powered floating shock detector (109).
- The shock detector system (130) of claim 1 including a monitoring station providing the status of each first and second shock detectors of the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) to determine a location of the portion of the body of water (8, 100) that contains a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person, wherein at least one of the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) is a battery powered floating second shock detector (109).
- A method of monitoring a body of water (8, 100) to determine a presence of a harmful electrical condition that could injure or kill a person comprising the steps of:placing a second shock detector (109) of a set of shock detectors in a second portion of a body of water (8, 100) where the second shock detector (109) includes a first alarm for alerting a person to the existence of the harmful electrical condition proximate the second shock detector (109) through the activation of the first alarm on the second shock detector (109); andcharacterized in that:
placing a first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) of the set of shock detectors in a first portion of the body of water (8, 100) where the first shock detector (109) is in communication with the second shock detector (109) and includes a second alarm for alerting a person to the existence of a harmful electrical condition in the second portion of the body of water (8, in the absence of a harmful electrical condition in the first body of water (8, 100) proximate the first shock detector (109) by providing a caution signal . - The method of claim 6 wherein the step of placing the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) in the first portion of the body of water (8, 100) comprises placing an electrode into the first portion of the body of water (8, 100).
- The method of claim 6 including the step of transmitting a wireless signal from the second shock detector (109) to the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) in response to the existence of the harmful electrical condition proximate the second shock detector (109) wherein the wireless signal activates a caution signal on the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) that indicates the presence of the harmful electrical condition proximate the second shock detector (109) but not proximate the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) where at least one shock detector of the set of shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) is a battery powered floating first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108), or wherein the method includes the step of placing one of the set of shock detectors (109) on shore with at least one electrode on the one of the set of shock detectors (109) in contact with the body of water (8, 100).
- The method of claim 6 including placing a remote monitoring station in communication with the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) and the second shock detector (109) to provide a remote signal of the status of the body of water (8, 100) proximate the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) and the second shock detector (109).
- The method of claim 6 including the step of changing the caution signal on the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) to a danger signal when the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) detects a harmful electrical condition proximate the first shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108).
- The method of claim 6 including the step of placing shock detectors (10, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109) of the set of shock detectors in the body of water (8, 100) comprising placing one AC powered shock detector (109) and one battery powered shock detector (10, 105, 106, 107, 108) in the body of water (8, 100).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/330,129 US9799193B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2016-08-11 | Shock detector systems |
PCT/US2017/000037 WO2018031058A1 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2017-07-05 | Shock detector systems |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3497683A1 EP3497683A1 (en) | 2019-06-19 |
EP3497683A4 EP3497683A4 (en) | 2020-03-11 |
EP3497683B1 true EP3497683B1 (en) | 2022-11-02 |
Family
ID=61162373
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17839941.6A Active EP3497683B1 (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2017-07-05 | Shock detector systems |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3497683B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3033700A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018031058A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5369365A (en) * | 1989-05-04 | 1994-11-29 | Waitman; David B. | Combined water field strength and conductivity meter |
US5202638A (en) * | 1991-04-01 | 1993-04-13 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Agriculture | Power density measuring apparatus and method |
WO2010078617A1 (en) * | 2009-01-06 | 2010-07-15 | Safe-Tech Industries Pty Ltd | Pool monitoring system |
US9285396B2 (en) * | 2012-08-28 | 2016-03-15 | Birchtree, Llc | Shock detector |
US8643360B1 (en) * | 2012-09-02 | 2014-02-04 | George S. Cargill, III | In-water voltage gradient detector |
-
2017
- 2017-07-05 CA CA3033700A patent/CA3033700A1/en active Pending
- 2017-07-05 EP EP17839941.6A patent/EP3497683B1/en active Active
- 2017-07-05 WO PCT/US2017/000037 patent/WO2018031058A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3497683A1 (en) | 2019-06-19 |
WO2018031058A1 (en) | 2018-02-15 |
CA3033700A1 (en) | 2018-02-15 |
EP3497683A4 (en) | 2020-03-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10996253B2 (en) | Shock detector | |
US9799193B2 (en) | Shock detector systems | |
US11002770B2 (en) | Shock detector | |
US10573156B2 (en) | Hand held probe for detecting the presence of voltage in bodies of water | |
US8686713B2 (en) | In-water voltage gradient detector | |
US20200126390A1 (en) | Shock awareness systems | |
EP3497683B1 (en) | Shock detector systems | |
KR20210012385A (en) | Smart safety life jacket and safety management system using it | |
CN107146474B (en) | Fishing boat safe early warning method based on big data | |
KR20210025346A (en) | Fishing tools on the sea and under the sea monitoring system | |
JPH0995298A (en) | Drowning rescue device | |
JP5964381B2 (en) | Fall accident monitoring method and fall accident monitoring system | |
CA3016467A1 (en) | Shock awareness systems |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190228 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20200210 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: G08B 21/08 20060101AFI20200204BHEP Ipc: G08B 25/10 20060101ALI20200204BHEP Ipc: G08B 21/18 20060101ALI20200204BHEP |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20200702 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20220603 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1529338 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20221115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602017063355 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20221102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1529338 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230302 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230202 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230302 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230203 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602017063355 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20230803 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230706 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20230731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230705 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20230705 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230705 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230731 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230705 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20221102 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230731 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20230731 |