Moisture sensing apparatus and interior protection system

An improved moisture-responsive system for closing an opening of a vehicle in response to sensing of moisture in excess of a predetermined level comprising;

• moisture sensing means for sensing moisture and for providing a moisture output signal in response to sensing of moisture in excess of a predetermined level;
• closure means for closing said opening in response to a command signal;
• circuit means coupled to said closure means and to said moisture sensing means for providing said command signal in response to said moisture output signal, said circuit means further including means for sensing an obstruction of the closing of said opening and temporarily terminating said command signal, reversing said closure means for a predetermined time to effect at least a partial unclosing of said opening whenever said moisture output signal is provided, and reinstating said command signal after said predetermined time;
• said moisture sensing means comprising:
• a pair of parallel electrically conductive plates arrayed upon a nonconductive substrate;
• an insulating barrier separating said conductive plates, said insulating barrier extending above said conductive plates and terminating in a bulbous portion with edges extending over said conductive plates to define grooves for securing and aligning said conductive plates and to provide means for establishing said predetermined level;
• whereby, said moisture sensing means senses moisture whenever moisture collects on said conductive plates to a level sufficient to traverse said bulbous portion and electrically connect said conductive plates.