Sensor formed from a deformation heat recoverable material having a predetermined range of temperatures in which recovery occurs and used for measuring a physical characteristic of a system
US5366292A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K5/483
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
For use in a measuring and analysis instrument, a sensor including a sensor element responsive to changes in a quantity to be measured by the instrument. The sensor element is formed from a deformation heat-recoverable material having a predetermined range of temperatures in which recovery occurs. The sensor may include a control mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the sensor element substantially within the predetermined range. The sensor element forms a part of a circuit including a power source, and the control mechanism may include apparatus for selectively heating the sensor element. The sensor element is operatively connected to a signal device for sensing a physical characteristic of the sensor element and generating signals corresponding to the characteristic sensed. The signal device may include a temperature sensor, a force sensor, or a light sensor. A volt meter or ammeter may be used to measure the level of electrical energy required to maintain the sensor element at a constant temperature, thus serving as an analogue for measuring the temperature directly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.