Temperature activated systems

• US 7,048,730 B2
• Filed: 12/22/2003
• Issued: 05/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dennis N. Petrakis
• Original Assignee: Dennis N. Petrakis
• Inventors: Petrakis, Dennis N.
• Primary Examiner(s): SMITH, RICHARD A
• Application Number:
  US10/744,768
• Publication Number:
  US 20040134412A1
• Time in Patent Office: 883 Days
• Field of Search: 222/541.1, 222/541.2, 222/541.3, 222/541.4, 222/541.5, 222/541.6, 222/54, 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 604/892.1, 604/20, 604/21, 604/93.01, 604/131, 604/132, 604/134, 604/135, 60428801-28804, 128/DIG.12
• US Class Current: 604/890.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/00 Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature G01K7/42 takes precedence
• 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 or otherwise opening the shell. 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 shape memory material activator;

a shell containing a substance, and

a restrained mechanical element, the mechanical element creating a path through the shell when unrestrained by the shape memory material activator, wherein the path is created by a stored elastic energy released by the mechanical element when the shape memory material activator attains a predetermined temperature.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device produces a sound signal upon path creation.

3. An implant device for opening a shell containing a substance, the implant device comprising:

a shape memory material activator;

a shell containing a substance; and

a restrained mechanical element, wherein the mechanical element creates a path through the shell when unrestrained by the shape memory material activator, when the shape memory material activator attains a predetermined temperature.

4. The implant device of claim 3, wherein the path is created by a stored elastic energy released by the mechanical element.

5. The implant device of claim 3, wherein the device produces a sound signal upon path creation.

6. 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 when a predetermined temperature of the shape memory material is attained, wherein the shape memory material activator creates the path through the shell by converting a shell wall to a permeable wall.

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

a shell containing a substance, wherein the shell includes a peelable wall; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell when a predetermined temperature of the shape memory material activator is attained, and the shape memory material activator peels the peelable wall away from a remainder of the shell.

8. 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 when a predetermined temperature of the shape memory material activator is attained, wherein the path through the shell provides variable release of the substance, and further wherein the shape memory material activator creates the path through the shell by converting a shell wall to a permeable wall.

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

a shell containing a substance, wherein the shell includes a peelable wall; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell when a predetermined temperature of the shape memory material activator is attained, wherein the path through the shell provides a variable release of the substance and the shape memory material activator peels the peelable wall away from a remainder of the shell.

10. A transdermal patch device for opening a shell containing a substance, the transdennal patch device comprising:

a shape memory material activator;

a shell containing a substance, and

a restrained mechanical element, the mechanical element creating a path through the shell when unrestrained by the shape memory material activator, when the shape memory material activator attains a predetermined temperature.

11. The transdermal patch device of claim 10, wherein the path is created by a stored elastic energy released by the mechanical element.

12. The transdermal patch device of claim 10, wherein the device produces a sound signal upon path creation.