Temperature responsive systems

• US 20060260534A1
• Filed: 03/17/2004
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dennis N. Petrakis
• Original Assignee: Dennis N. Petrakis
• Inventors: Petrakis, Dennis N
• Granted Patent: US 7,445,616 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 116/216
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/02 Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 5/483 using materials with a configuration memory, e.g. Ni-Ti alloys

Abstract

A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential. The devices may be armed, prior to the beginning of their service life, to be placed in a state of readiness to release their substances once the path is created. Prior to arming they may be maintained at any temperature, incapable of releasing their substances. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Claims

1. A device for opening a shell containing a substance, the device comprising:

a shell containing a substance; and

a shape memory material activator configured to be deformed in response to only a single action and to subsequently create a path through the shell upon attainment of a predetermined temperature.

2-15. -15. (canceled)

16. A temperature actuated activator, comprising:

a shape memory material activator configured to be deformed in response to only a single action wherein the actuator is placed in a state of readiness to respond to temperature changes of the shape memory material activator.

17-33. -33. (canceled)

34. A method for arming a temperature activated device to release a substance, comprising:

deforming a shape memory material activator by a single action only, whereby the device is placed in an active state of readiness to release the substance when the shape memory material activator attains a predetermined temperature.

35-44. -44. (canceled)

45. A self-propelled device comprising:

a shape memory material activator configured with traction means, wherein;

the traction means enable the shape memory material activator to self propel.

46-63. -63. (canceled)

64. A self-propelled substance delivery system comprising:

a shape memory material activator configured with traction means and,

a track configured with traction means, wherein

the traction means enable the shape memory material activator to self propel along the track and deliver a substance.

65-89. -89. (canceled)

90. A self-driven track system comprising:

a shape memory material activator configured with traction means and,

a track configured with traction means, wherein

the traction means enable the shape memory material activator to drive the track.

91-115. -115. (canceled)

116. An energy conservation system comprising:

a plurality of self-powered devices configured with traction means

a plurality energy transmission means configured with traction means, wherein;

the traction means allow for coupling of energy from the self-powered devices to energy transmission means.

117-136. -136. (canceled)

137. A shape memory material activated device, the device comprising:

a plurality of shells containing a substance; and

a shape memory material actuator variably deformed, wherein;

different parts of the shape memory material activator respond to different temperatures, within a predetermined temperature range, to create a path through the shell walls.

138-153. -153. (canceled)

154. A shape memory material activated device for opening a shell containing a substance, the device comprising:

a shell containing a substance bounded by a porous barrier;

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell upon attainment of a predetermined temperature, whereby;

the substance passes through the porous barrier.

155-179. -179. (canceled)

180. A shape memory material activated device for opening a shell containing a substance, the device comprising:

a shell containing a substance; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell by pressure altering means.

181-207. -207. (canceled)

208. A shape memory material activated device for delivering a substance, the device comprising:

a shell containing a substance; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell when subjected to a temperature change within a predetermined temperature range, whereby;

the delivery of the substance effectively stimulates one or more senses.

209-223. -223. (canceled)

224. A system of shape memory material activated substance delivery devices, the system comprising:

a plurality of shape memory material activated substance delivery devices configured to release their substances within predetermined temperature ranges, wherein;

the delivery of the individual substances collectively produce a combined effect.

225-235. -235. (canceled)