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US 6,581,474 B2Granted
Triboluminescent indicator system
AssigneeSandia National Laboratories
InventorsSteven H. Goods, Paul M. Dentinger, Leroy L. Whinnery, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is provided a light emitting device comprising a plurality of triboluminescent particles dispersed throughout a low density, frangible body and activated by rapidly crushing the body in order to transfer mechanical energy to some portion of the particles. The light emitted by these mechanically excited particles is collected and directed into a light conduit and transmitted to a detector/indicator means.
Claims22
A light indicating assembly comprising:
- a body comprising a brittle porous polymer foam;
- a plurality of triboluminescent particles dispersed throughout said body;
- a source of mechanical energy;
- means for directing said mechanical energy onto at least a portion of said body, said means for directing disrupting and crushing said portion of said body and fracturing at least some portion of said triboluminescent particles;
- and
- a light sensing means.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.