Temperature activated systems

• US 7,287,485 B2
• Filed: 05/19/2006
• Issued: 10/30/2007
• 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:
  US11/436,612
• Publication Number:
  US 20060207495A1
• Time in Patent Office: 529 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
• US Class Current: 116/216
• 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 shape memory material activated device for opening a shell containing a substance, thereby allowing the passing of a substance, the device comprising:

a shell containing a substance; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through the shell in response to exposure of the shape memory material to a temperature below a predetermined temperature, wherein the passing of the substance provides a color change indication that is time and temperature dependent based upon the time the shape memory material activator has been below the predetermined temperature.

2. A device for releasing a substance to a reservoir, the device comprising:

a shell, said shell having an imperforate wall that encapsulates and contains a first substance;

a reservoir containing a second substance and being in close proximity to said shell wall; and

a shape memory material activator configured to create a path through said shell wall when the shape memory material activator attains a predetermined temperature, to release the first substance into the reservoir to contact the second substance, wherein the release of the first substance is repeatable with the temperature cycling of the shape memory material.

3. A shape memory material activated temperature sensor for controlling the passing rate of a substance, the sensor comprising:

an inner shell comprising a permeable wall for controlling the passing of a substance capable of providing a visual indication;

an outer shell configured to seal the permeable wall of the inner shell; and

a shape memory material activator for controlling the opening and closing of the outer shell,

wherein the passing rate of the substance produces a cumulative visual record.

4. A shape memory material activated temperature device, the device comprising:

a shape memory material activator; and

an enclosure, said enclosure including a first substance and a shell, said shell having an imperforate wall that encapsulates and contains a second substance,

wherein the shape memory material activator is located outside the enclosure and is configured to act on the enclosure to indirectly create a path through the shell wall, thereby allowing the first and second substances to contact each other.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein one substance is capable of changing the color of the other substance.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the path in the shell is created in response to the shape memory material attaining a predetermined temperature.

7. A remote temperature sensor, the sensor comprising:

an enclosure containing a substance, said enclosure further including a window defining an indicating surface and a shape memory material temperature detection mechanism for sensing a remote temperature, the window and detection mechanism being spaced apart within the enclosure,

wherein the temperature sensed by the shape memory material temperature detection mechanism is depicted by the indicating surface as a color change of the enclosure substance.

8. A remote temperature sensor, the sensor comprising:

an enclosure containing a substance, said enclosure further including a first chamber having an indicating surface, a second chamber spaced from the first chamber and containing a shape memory material temperature detection mechanism for sensing a remote temperature; and

a conduit connecting the first and second chambers,

wherein the temperature sensed by the share memory material temperature detection mechanism is depicted by the indicating surface as a color change of the enclosure substance and is a cumulative indication of the temperature and time history sensed by the detection mechanism.

9. A shape memory material activated temperature device, the device comprising:

a shape memory material activator; and

an enclosure, said enclosure including a first substance and a shell, said shell having an imperforate wall that encapsulates and contains a second substance,

wherein the shape memory material activator pressurizes the enclosure and is configured to act on the enclosure to indirectly create a path through the shell wall, thereby allowing the first and second substances to contact each other.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein one substance is capable of changing the color of the other substance.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the path in the shell is created in response to the shape memory material attaining a predetermined temperature.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the shape memory material is located within the enclosure.