Spring-bodied device for in-situ overheat alert for equipment
US9097593B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K5/483
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.