Method of determining when electrode pads are unsuitable for use by detecting relative humidity
AssigneeKoninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
InventorsKim J. Hansen, Thomas A. Solosko
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sealed package for housing an electrical component. The package includes at least two package portions. Determining elements within the sealed package determine at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the package and/or an electrical function parameter of the component. An indicator is operatively connected to the determining elements to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.
Claims6
A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising:
- determining means within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the sealed package;
- and
- an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package without having to unseal the package,
- wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means and indicator are integral and comprise a humidity detector that includes humidity sensitive ink, wherein said ink changes color as the humidity level changes and
- further wherein the indicator further comprises at least one reference region that indicates ink color corresponding to at least one of acceptable and unacceptable humidity levels.
A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising:
- determining means within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the sealed package;
- and
- an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package without having to unseal the package,
- wherein the parameter comprises humidity and the determining means comprises a humidity sensor,
- and further wherein the humidity sensor further includes at least one lead wire that extends from the sealed package for operatively connecting to an apparatus external to the package.
A method for determining functionality of a component in a sealed package, the method comprising:
- determining at least one parameter comprising at least one ambient condition within the sealed package without having to unseal the package;
- determining whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable value at which the component functions;
- and
- indicating whether the parameter corresponds to an acceptable operational value for the component,
- wherein determining the at least one parameter comprises operatively connecting the component to a device external to the package, and
- further wherein the at least one ambient condition comprises humidity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.