Critical Temperature Indicator (CTI)
OwnerMichael Tyler Sellsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A temperature indication apparatus includes a compact, two-piece, length-adjustable housing sized for installation in an OEM dipstick port. A temperature-actuated mechanism within the housing employs a phase-change material that restrains a compressed spring below a predetermined activation temperature and releases the spring upon transition at or above the activation temperature. Release of the spring drives a flag from a stowed position to a deployed position visible external to the housing, providing a visual indication of overheating to facilitate shutdown and maintenance.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- an upper housing having upper threads;
- a lower housing having lower threads configured to mate with the upper threads;
- a cap coupled to the upper housing and defining an aperture;
- a retainer including a retainer rod and a second head;
- a flag mechanically coupled to the retainer and configured to be viewable through the aperture;
- a first head coupled to the flag and axially opposed to the second head;
- a spring disposed between the first head and the second head and configured to exert a biasing force tending to separate the first head and the second head;
- and
- a temperature-sensitive material disposed between the first head and the second head and configured to restrain the spring below a threshold temperature and to release the spring upon the temperature-sensitive material changing state at or above the threshold temperature.
An apparatus comprising:
- an upper housing having upper threads and a first axial end;
- a lower housing having lower threads and a second axial end, the lower threads configured to mate with the upper threads to adjust an insertion depth of the device;
- a cap attached to the first axial end of the upper housing and including an opening;
- a retainer including a retainer rod extending along an axis of the apparatus and terminating at a lower, second head;
- a flag attached to the retainer and movable between a non-visible position and a visible position at the opening, wherein the flag includes a cylindrical tube for through which the retainer rod is inserted;
- a first head attached to the flag and facing the second head;
- a spring disposed between the first head and the second head;
- and
- a temperature-responsive restraining element comprising a phase-change material positioned adjacent the spring and configured to mechanically restrain the spring in a first state and to permit expansion of the spring in a second state reached at a predetermined temperature, thereby driving the flag toward the visible position.
An apparatus comprising:
- a retainer having a second head and a retainer rod coupled to the second head;
- a flag coupled to the retainer;
- a first head coupled to the flag and axially opposed to the second head;
- a spring disposed between the first head and the second head;
- and
- a temperature-sensitive material disposed with the spring between the first head and the second head, the temperature-sensitive material being configured to maintain the spring in a restrained condition below a threshold temperature and to allow the spring to extend at or above the threshold temperature so as to drive the flag from a stowed position to a deployed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.