Thermal switch with activation indicator
AssigneeAlliedSignal Inc.
InventorByron G. Scott
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A temperature sensitive indicator 24 in the form of a label or decal is affixed to the outside of a thermal switch 20. The temperature sensitive label provides a permanent record of the temperature limits exposed to the thermal switch. The temperature sensitive material changes colors when the thermal switch is exposed to its predetermined temperature limit. The changed color provides a quick and clear indication of an event that caused switch activation. The color indication on the outside surface of the switch also provides a visual indication that is easy to acquire and inspect without the need to have physical access to the switch itself.
Claims16
A thermal switch system comprising:
- a thermal switch for detecting when an external threshold temperature has been reached, wherein said external threshold temperature is caused from other than an electric current through said switch;
- and
- a temperature sensing material coupled to the surface of the thermal switch for indicating if the thermal switch has been exposed to an external temperature above the threshold temperature.
A thermal sensing system for sensing the thermal condition of one or more components of a device, said thermal sensing system comprising:
- a plurality of thermal switches coupled to the one or more components of the device for detecting when an external threshold temperature associated with the coupled switches has been reached, wherein said external threshold temperature is caused from other than an electric current through said plurality of switches;
- and
- a temperature sensing material coupled to the surface of the at least one of said thermal switches for indicating if the at least one thermal switch has been exposed to temperatures above the threshold temperature associated with the coupled component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.