Temperature activated systems

• US 7,455,668 B2
• Filed: 10/30/2007
• Issued: 11/25/2008
• 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:
  US11/979,066
• Publication Number:
  US 20080066675A1
• Time in Patent Office: 392 Days
• Field of Search: 116/216, 116/221, 374/102, 374/104, 374/105, 374/106, 374/187, 374/205, 374/206, 222/54, 222/541.2, 222/541.3, 222/541.4, 222/541.5, 222/541.6, 604/890.1, 604/891.1, 604/20, 424/408, 424/452, 424/453, 424/454
• 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 on demand of a sensor, the device comprising:

an imperforate shell for passing a substance through its wall;

a sensor;

an energy source; and

a shape memory material actuator forming an electric circuit with the sensor and the energy source and configured to undergo shape change with the energy provided by the energy source, when demanded by the sensor and to create a permanent path through the shell,

whereby a substance passes along the permanent path.

2. A shape memory material activated device for the passing of a substance, the device comprising:

an imperforate shell having flexible walls for allowing the shell to change shape within a range of shapes;

a seal for allowing the passing of the substance; and

a shape memory material activator configured to change the shape of the shell while being subjected to a temperature change, wherein the seal allows the passing of the substance when the shape memory material changes the shape of the shell beyond the range of shapes while said shell maintains its structural integrity.

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

an imperforate shell, said shell containing a substance;

wherein, the shape memory material forms a substantial portion of the entire shell so that when subjected to a temperature change within a predetermined temperature range, changes the shape of the shell and creates a path through the shell.

4. A device for the passing of a substance, the device comprising:

a shape memory material defining the entirety of a shell volume, and

a seal for the passing of the substance, said seal and said shape memory material forming an imperforate shell,

whereby the seal allows the passing of the substance when the shape memory material changes temperature within a predetermined temperature range.