Electrical fault detection device for a waterborne structure and method therefor
OwnerMatthew L. Loydinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device for indicating the presence of an electrical fault for a waterborne structure includes a current tap electrically coupleable to an electrically conductive frame member of the waterborne structure and a grounding member configured for placement in water adjacent to the waterborne structure. An indicator is electrically coupled to the current tap so that an electrical charge supplied to the conductive frame member may be transmitted through the current tap and to the indicator. The indicator is electrically coupled to the grounding member to form a circuit.
Claims20
A device for indicating the presence of an electrical fault for a waterborne structure, comprising:
- a current tap electrically coupleable to an electrically conductive frame member of the waterborne structure;
- a grounding member configured for placement in water adjacent to the waterborne structure;
- an indicator electrically coupled to the current tap such that an electrical charge supplied to the conductive frame member is transmitted through the current tap and to the indicator, wherein the indicator is electrically coupled to the grounding member to form a circuit.
The device according to claim, wherein the indicator comprises a mounting member configured to be rigidly secured to the waterborne structure.
A method of indicating the presence of an electrical fault on a waterborne structure, comprising:
- coupling a current tap to a frame of the waterborne structure, the frame being electrically conductive;
- placing a grounding member in water adjacent to the waterborne structure;
- providing an indicator electrically coupled to the current tap such that an electrical charge supplied to the conductive frame member is transmitted through the current tap and to the indicator, wherein the indicator is electrically coupled to the grounding member to form a circuit.
A safety device for a boat dock, comprising:
- an alarm device configured provide an alert to a person upon being triggered by an electrical fault of the boat dock,
- a triggering device configured to trigger the alarm device, comprising:
- a current tap electrically coupleable to an electrically conductive frame member of the boat dock;
- a grounding member configured for placement in water adjacent to the boat dock, and
- a detector configured to detect the presence of an electrical current flowing between the current tap and the grounding member, and configured to send a triggering signal to the alarm device upon detection of the current.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.