Shape memory alloy thaw sensors
First Claim
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1. A temperature sensor comprising:
- a) an indication surface;
b) at least one member having a first shape at temperatures below a critical temperature and a second shape at temperatures above the critical temperature, where each member assumes the second shape when the temperature rises above the critical temperature but does not return to the first shape when the temperature falls below the critical temperature;
c) a plurality of indicators mounted with the members, where the indicators obscure the indication surface when the members are in the first shape, and where the indicators do not obscure the indication surface when the members are in their second shape.
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Abstract
A sensor permanently indicates that it has been exposed to temperatures exceeding a critical temperature for a predetermined time period. An element of the sensor made from shape memory alloy changes shape when exposed, even temporarily, to temperatures above the Austenitic temperature of the shape memory alloy. The shape change of the SMA element causes the sensor to change between two readily distinguishable states.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A temperature sensor comprising:
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a) an indication surface; b) at least one member having a first shape at temperatures below a critical temperature and a second shape at temperatures above the critical temperature, where each member assumes the second shape when the temperature rises above the critical temperature but does not return to the first shape when the temperature falls below the critical temperature; c) a plurality of indicators mounted with the members, where the indicators obscure the indication surface when the members are in the first shape, and where the indicators do not obscure the indication surface when the members are in their second shape. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification