Abstract: A sealing system is provided. The sealing system may include a wheel, a tire disposed about the wheel and defining a chamber between the wheel and the tire, and a first passage to the chamber through the wheel. A fuse plug may be disposed within the first passage. The fuse plug may comprise an annular body having a second passage defined by an inner wall. A groove may be formed circumferentially about an outer surface of the annular body. A seal ring may be configured to settle in the groove and sealably engage the first passage. A fusible material may be retained within the second passage defined by the inner wall.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a check valve that includes a valve body having a bore and a seat along the bore, a fluid inlet at a first end of the bore, and a fluid outlet a second end of the bore, a stopper selectively movable along the bore to contact the seat, the bore being occluded when the stopper is in contact with the seat, a first bias member on a first side of the stopper within the bore, the first bias member providing a first bias force upon the stopper in a first direction, and a second bias member on a second side of the stopper within the bore, the second side being opposite the first side, the second bias member providing a second bias force upon the stopper in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrosurgical device is disclosed. Opposing longitudinal clamshells are formed, and each clamshell includes a face having a generally planar major portion. Longitudinal grooves are formed in a clamshell, and an electrical conductor in a disposed in a groove. The faces are aligned to form an electrical passage including the electrical conductor in the groove and a spaced-apart fluid passage with another groove. The clamshells are welded together to form a shaft member such that the electrical passage and the fluid passage are fluid tight along a major longitudinal portion of the shaft. Electrodes are attached to the distal end of the shaft and are in electrical communication with the electrical conductor.

Abstract: A non-metallic pop-up “doneness” indicator to indicate that a food item has reached a desired temperature, including a housing, a stem, button indicator and an actuation subassembly. Methods of manufacture are included.

Abstract: A thermal indicator device is disclosed for providing an indication that an article of food is heated to a certain level of preparedness. The thermal indicator device comprises a stake and a marker secured to the stake. The stake comprises an end adapted for insertion into the food. The marker is adapted for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The marker is retained in the retracted position via a string, and actuated to the extended position via an internal spring. Accordingly, at a temperature below the melting temperature, the string maintains the marker in the retracted position, and when the internal temperature of the food rises to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature, the string melts to permit release of the marker into the extended position. Once the string melts, the internal spring actuates the marker into the extended position for visual indication.

Abstract: A multi-stage temperature indicating device having a housing having a bore formed therein having a closed end and an open end, the housing having a first neck region spaced from the closed end, a first internal cavity between the first neck region and the closed end, a second internal cavity between the first neck region and the open end; an indicator rod comprising a first stem stretch and a second stem stretch; an extension segment having a first extension stretch and a second extension stretch, the second extension stretch slidably cooperating with the first stem stretch; the indicator rod and the extension segment slidably positioned in the bore; and a fusible material retaining the indicator rod and the extension segment in the housing, wherein different portions of the fusible material soften at different predetermined temperatures, whereby upon the softening of a first portion of the fusible material allows a spring to urge the indicator rod a first distance out of the housing indicating that a first t

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to thermoresponsive switching materials that undergo a thermal transition over a narrow temperature range and to devices, such as actuators, indicators, and sensors, prepared from such compositions.

Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.

Abstract: Wheel and other bearing restraint jam nuts and early warning visual warning indicators for use with bearing hubs including driven and non-driven wheel bearing hubs wherein each jam nut is adapted to be received on either a threaded drive axle tube spindle or an axle spindle by use of a convention tool and such that the jam nut is of a size to obstruct wheel bearing hub separation in the event of a bearing failure and wherein a portion of the jam nut is engageable to force an indicator outwardly of the wheel bearing hub whenever the wheel bearing hub is not properly rotating about it's axis of rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of a potential problem with the bearings or other components within the wheel or other bearing hub.

Abstract: The use of thermopolymeric switching medium in temperature monitoring devices in which thermopolymeric switching medium is used as a retaining materials and are based on polymeric compositions that can be designed and programmed to meet selective parameters in production and performance. The thermopolymeric switching mediums can be formulated in a pure state or can include additives, such as fillers or active materials to impact the characteristics of the thermopolymeric switching component.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of times in which a surgical fitting has been autoclaved, the device including a body which includes first and second sets of teeth and a bimetallic indexing ring having teeth thereon, the arrangement being such that on thermal expansion and contraction of the indexing ring, its teeth engage those of the body so as to rotate the ring in a step wise manner relative to the body so as to thereby indicate the number of heat cycles to which the indicating device has been subjected, the indexing ring being the only movable part of the device.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for indicating when a specified temperature has been exceeded in a fluid flow through a conduit. Such conduit having an aperture and the temperature indicator being mountable in such aperture and engagable therewith such that the temperature indicator projects through such aperture and into such fluid flow in such conduit. The temperature indicator includes a housing which substantially encloses an internal chamber and has a bore extending from the internal chamber to an external surface of the housing. An indicator member is disposed, at least in part, within the internal chamber and extends into the bore. A biasing element is disposed within the internal chamber and exerts a biasing force between the housing and the indicator member and urges the indicator member toward the bore. A bonding agent forms a bond between the indicator member and the housing to thereby restrain the indicator member from movement toward the bore under action of the biasing element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive warning device and a related method for visually detecting an increase in the temperature of the outer surface of an electrical insulator, which may indicate the unsafe flow of leakage electrical current through the electrical insulator, prior to a fire, an explosion or some other unsafe event. When the temperature of the outer surface of the electrical insulator increases to a preselected temperature, a visual indication of this rise in temperature will be provided by the ejection of a spool from a heat-sensitive warning device which has been attached to the outside of the electrical insulator.

Abstract: A pop-up thermometer having an elongate housing formed with a longitudinally extending bore, a plurality of internal neck regions, and a plurality of internal cavities. The neck regions each having a minimum diameter portion and a neck locking surface extending outwardly from the minimum diameter portion of the neck. An indicator rod slidably disposed in the bore of the housing includes at least one stem stretch having a diameter less than the remainder of the bore and a stem locking surface extending outwardly from said stem stretch. A fusible material fills the internal cavities. When the fusible material is in solid form, the neck locking surface exerts a substantially downward directed force on said stem locking surface on the rod to resist upward movement of the rod relative to the housing.

Abstract: A timer for poultry and other products comprises a barrel having a closed end and an open end surrounded by an external flange. Within the barrel is a stem which is spring-based upwardly but held in the barrel by an alloy or organic material which releases the stem at a pre-determined cooking temperature. In the past there has been a tendency for the stem to move upwardly ("creep") before the pre-determined cooking temperature is reached. The present invention applies an adhesive to the top of the external barrel flange and the bottom of a flange on the upper end of the stem to prevent creep and also to obstruct entry of juices into the barrel. Alternatively an accelerator for said adhesive is applied to said external barrel flange to shorten the time for curing said adhesive.

Abstract: A pop-up thermometer having an elongate housing formed with a longitudinally extending bore, first and second internal neck regions, a first internal cavity and a second internal cavity. An indicator rod slidably disposed in the cavity includes a front end portion, a first stem stretch extending from the front end portion and terminating in a raised portion, a second stem stretch extending from the raised portion and a rear end portion spaced from the front end portion. The front end portion and the first stem stretch are positioned in the first internal cavity while the second stem stretch is positioned in the second internal cavity. The first stem stretch has a lesser cross sectional diameter than the front end portion of the rod. A fusible material substantially fills the first internal cavity, engaging the front end portion and at least a portion of the first stem stretch to retain the indicator rod in the housing.

Abstract: An end of life indicator for a universal joint comprises an indicator member that monitors the temperature of the cross member of the universal joint. As the universal joint approaches the end of its life, the cross member exceeds expected temperatures as the bearings begin to wear. At a temperature above the typical operational temperature expected with a properly functioning universal joint, but below the temperature wherein the universal joint could be damaged or seize, a portion of the temperature indicator melts allowing the indicator to move to the actuated position. An operator will be able to visually identify the universal joint as approaching the end of its life. In one preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a plug at a position spaced forwardly of the indicator piston, with the plug holding the piston at the non-actuated position. When the plug melts, the indicator is spring biased to an outwardly actuated position where the operator will be able to visually identify an actuated indicator.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed for providing an indication that a food item has attained a predetermined temperature. The indicator comprises a barrel having a cavity wherein a plunger is disposed in a retracted position using a retaining material. The retaining material melts when a predetermined temperature is reached releasing the plunger towards an extended position. The retaining material comprises (1) a fatty ketone and (2) at least one other organic compound selected from the group consisting of fatty amides and fatty anilides.

Abstract: A device for indicating a time-temperature thermal history of a refrigerated product over a specific temperature range. The device includes a container having a high-viscosity fluid therein, the fluid remaining in either a liquid or gaseous state over the entire specific temperature range. A mobile portion moves within the fluid as a result of a return force of an elastic component. The displacement of the mobile portion indicates the time-temperature thermal history of the product over the specific temperature range.

Abstract: A temperature indicator including a barrel and shaft wherein the shaft has a number of integrally formed, longitudinally spaced seals which engage the internal bore of the barrel in order to keep the bore of the barrel sealed from any incursion of cooking juices into the barrel and from the outflow of any melted temperature sensitive material.

Abstract: Temperature indicator for refrigerated products operating on the principal of solidification and melting of liquid bodies at room temperature is provided with a transparent envelope containing a capsule filled with an aqueous solution which is liquid at room temperature. The capsule includes a fracture point causing it to split into two parts due to solidification of the solution, and further includes a compressed spring positioned so that when the capsule is fractured, the spring remains compressed as long as the solution is in the solid state, and visibly and irreversibly separates the two parts of the capsule if the solution turns to a liquid. The monitoring device serves to verify that the temperature is maintained either between two limits or below or above a critical temperature.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed for providing an indication that a food item has attained a desired temperature. The indicator includes an organic retainer that maintains a plunger in a retracted position until the material from which the retainer is constructed yields. When the retainer yields, a spring urges the plunger toward an extended position to indicate that the food item has attained the desired temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm system suitable for use in warning of overheating in rotatable bearings 4 having first and second bearing portions. The alarm system comprises an alarm signal generator means having a thermally activated engagement element 8 on a first bearing portion or body 6 connected thereto. The element 8 is in thermal connection with the bearing 4 and is formed and arranged so as to be driven from a first primed retracted position into a second deployed extended alarm position upon reaching a predetermined temperature. In the alarm position the element 8 contacts an engaging portion 12 on the second bearing portion so as to produce a distinctive alarm signal indicating that said bearing 4 has exceeded the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A temperature warning device for indicating when a threshold temperature has been exceeded includes a threaded bolt having a bolt head and a bolt body. The bolt head and bolt body have a longitudinal bore defined by a surrounding surface with the bore having a closed end and an open end at the bolt head. A plunger in the bore has a plunger head and a plunger body terminating at the open end of the bore. A retaining cap is secured in the bore of the bolt head and has a cap hole through which the plunger body freely extends. A sleeve of a fusible material is contained in the bore which melts at the threshold temperature. This sleeve substantially fills a volume of the bore radially between the plunger body and the surrounding surface of the bore and longitudinally between the plunger head and the cap. A compressed spring is located in the bore between the closed end and the plunger head.

Abstract: The locator includes a main body having a cup formed therein by an upright wall in which an indicator is slidably disposed. A spring within said main body urges the indicator upwardly to the surface of newly laid molten asphalt. A heat fusible retainer is carried within the upright wall of the main body in the path of the locator to normally retain same in place against spring action. Heat from the asphalt causes fusing of the retainer for release of the indicator which is repositioned to the surface of the asphalt material to facilitate locating of a buried street cover. A method is disclosed for paving a roadway having utility covers in place in the roadway.

Abstract: A method of making and using a liquid crystal cumulative dosimeter container including a resilient outer body sealed to confine a first liquid crystal composition constituent and a second liquid crystal composition constituent and having at least one transparent section to permit observation of the color of the confined composition, and a barrier contained completely within and physically unattached to the outer body for separating the first constituent from the second constituent, whereby disruption of the barrier allows the first constituent to mix with the seocnd constituent. The barrier is formed either by encapsulating one or both of the constituents or by using air bubbles.

Abstract: A color changing device for monitoring the time-temperature storage history, i.e. shelf life, of perishable products. The device is constructed of an activator tape, containing an activator composition matrix, an indicating tape, containing an indicating composition matrix and an optional barrier matrix between the activator tape and the indicating tape. At least one matrix is a pressure sensitive adhesive. The activating composition, e.g. an organic acid such as citric acid, diffuses through the barrier and/or indicating matrix to continuously contact the indicating composition, e.g. an acid-base dye indicator such as 2,2',4,4',4",-pentamethoxy triphenylmethanol, to produce a visually observable color change at the temperature being monitored. The color intensifies with time and temperature, as more activator composition diffuses into the indicating matrix.

Abstract: A device which will indicate whether thawing of a frozen item has occurred. The invention consists of a housing containing an internal cavity which is visible through a transparent section of the outside housing wall. A frozen plug is visible within said cavity. Said plug may consist of pure-water-ice or ice containing additives affecting color and/or freezing temperature. Said housing may also contain a tension-loaded indication apparatus which is held in a fixed position by means of the frozen plug. Should thawing take place, the frozen plug would melt, thus allowing the tension-loaded indication apparatus to vary its position. Subsequent refreezing would not return the device to its initial condition.

Abstract: A perilously overheated-axle of an over-the-road motor vehicle can be sensed with a novel temperature responsive gauge of the fusible link and spring-loaded button type. When an over-heated-axle melts the gauge fusible link and propels the gauge spring-loaded button toward a plunger surrounded by a tubular fitting for the axle hubcap plug, the plunger is rammed forwardly of the hubcap plug to provide a visually discernible warning that the axle has perilously overheated and requires immediate corrective servicing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a screw stopper including an anti-freeze device used for water pipe valve and fitted to the lower end portion of an open/close movable valve of said water pipe valve comprises: a small perforation penetrated centrally on the lower portion of the said screw stopper; a water-through recess formed on a countersink portion of the said screw stopper; a small movable member including a small valve for opening and closing an aperture of the said small perforation, and said small movable member partially defining an water-through passage; a pair of springs for holding said small movable member, at least of which is made of shape-memory alloy; an outer cylinder for holding said pair of springs screwed and fitted to the said screw stopper; and a packing for sealing up water by a valve seat.

Abstract: A temperature warning device for monitoring the temperature of an article and for providing a dependable signal that a preselected temperature has been reached. The device includes an axially extending bore into which a heat responsive element, a driver, and a sensing indicator are arranged. The bore is normally sealed by a closure plug to prevent failure due to contaminants. Upon reaching a preselected temperature the element exerts force against the driver which in turn forcibly removes the closure plug, exposing the indicator.

Abstract: A poultry or meat cooking timer has a hollow barrel with an open top slidably receiving a stem with an inner end immersed in a fusible holding material in the barrel to normally hold the stem within the barrel against the force of a spring in the barrel urging the stem outwardly therefrom. The stem has an integral tapered flange thereabout that is force fitted through an inner barrel ridge near the top of the barrel bore and the stem has a large top with a substantially flat surface for engaging a barrel flange for positively sealing the stem and barrel in normal retracted stem position to prevent intrusion of foreign substances into the barrel bore prior to stem release by the fusible material at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method of operating an expandable chamber formed with a valve opening in a wall of the chamber, which permits the surrounding environment, such as high temperature steam, to enter the chamber is used. A temperature responsive delay valve closes the chamber to capture a quantity of the steam in an autoclave sterilizing cycle. The closing of the valve is delayed until the high temperature steam has been applied for a predetermined time. A later reduction in pressure surrounding the chamber causes the chamber to expand, which provides an indication that an adequate sterilizing cycle has been provided. The expansion force may also be used to permit a container to close at the end of a sterilizing cycle.

Abstract: A heat detection apparatus comprising a display face having a protruding member extending therefrom disposed in a fixed frame means and connected to a tension means in a tensioned mode, said protruding member and display face maintained in a first position under tension by a solid retention means disposed with the distal end of said protruding member in communication with said protruding member and frame means with said retention means meltable at an elevated temperature, and wherein melting of said retention means permits relaxation of said tension means resulting in said protruding member and display face moving to a second position under relaxation, and further wherein said display face displays a first indicator of non-elevated temperature in the first position and a second indicator of elevated temperature in the second position.

Abstract: A freeze preventing valve which comprises a valve cage body longitudinally provided with a cylindrical guide at the upper part thereof in a valve housing connected to a steam feed pipe, a valve element having a shaft disposed through the guide of the valve body to be able to open an exhaust port opened at the lower end of the housing and to be elevationally guided in the guide of the housing, a spring of shape memory alloy interposed between the lower surface of the valve body and the valve element for urging the valve element to close the valve element, a bias spring mounted between the upper surface of the valve body and the shaft protruding from the guide of the valve element upwardly for urging the valve element to open the valve element. Thus, the valve element of the freeze preventing valve is effectively supported and guided in the housing via the guide of the valve body.

Abstract: A freeze preventing valve which comprises a valve body longitudinally provided with an inserting hole at the upper part thereof in a hollow valve housing connected to a steam feed pipe, a valve element having a shaft disposed movably through the inserting hole of the valve body to be able to open an exhaust port at the lower end of the housing and to be vertically guided through the inserting hole of the housing. A collar is secured at an intermediate position on the shaft and a spring of shape memory alloy is interposed between the upper surface of a valve seat of the valve housing and the lower surface of the collar for urging the valve element to close the valve, by moving the valve element upwardly. A bias spring is mounted between the lower surface of the upper part of the valve body and the upper surface of the collar for urging the valve element to open the valve.

Abstract: An elongated container, open at end, is nearly filled with frozen fluid. Urethane foam insulation around the container admits access only to the open end of the container with the frozen fluid level below the insulation. An elongated heat conducting indicator member fits loosely within the container so that fluid may pass therebetween. An elastic band over the end of the indicator/conductor and around the base of the insulation maintains an end of the indicator/conductor in contact with the frozen fluid. The indicator/conductor is calibrated in degree-hours or other temperature-time units. The indicator/conductor may be a hollow flat-bottomed tube with air inside acting as the heat conductor from the exterior air to the contact end of the block of frozen fluid.

Abstract: A disposable cooking thermometer has a hollow barrel with a neck therein containing a stem that is spring loaded to move out of an open upper end of the barrel and is held within the barrel by a fusable material about an inner stem end in spaced relation below the barrel neck and about an internal barrel projection below the neck so that initial softening of the fusable material releases the stem to move a first predetermined distance whereat the material engages the barrel underneath the neck until the material melts to release the stem to move a second predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuse for a wheel equipped with a pneumatic tire.The fuse is constituted in the form of a screw (1) whereof the head (7) is traversed by an evacuation duct (3) receiving a check valve (8) obturating this duct (3); the fuse being characterized by the fact that it comprises a retainer (17), a part of which is embedded in the head, and another part cooperates with the check valve to hold it.

Abstract: A vehicle parking aid and signaling device having a housing section which encloses an electrical circuit connected with an electric switch for opening and closing the circuit and the circuit operatively connected with a signaling light or buzzer. The switch is actuated by having a movable lever arm maintained in direct engagement with an expandable elastic bulb which is operatively connected with a deformable tubular member filled with a fluid and which causes the elastic bulb to expand momentarily and effect closing of the electrical circuit containing the signaling light or buzzer when a wheel of a vehicle moves over and compresses the deformable tubular member; thereby indicating when the vehicle has reached a predetermined position.

Abstract: A device for indicating the attainment of a sterile condition in an autoclave is described. The device provides a yes/no indication of the attainment of sterility through the use of a fusible material to prevent premature indication. The fusible material has the formula ##STR1## wherein said --OR.sup.

Abstract: Pressure drop detectors are provided which are suitable for use in pressurized fluid fire alarm systems. The pressure drop detectors have pressurized fluid circuits provided as channels in the surface of a block of material, including one channel connected to a source of fluid pressure. The channels are associated with valve regions by means of which, with a first diaphragm pressed thereagainst, a required one or more of the channels can be closed off.The pressure drop detectors have a normally pressurized region of the first diaphragm which by means of a first piston normally supports a mechanical linkage of the detector. If the pressure drops however on release of pressure in the circuit connected to the detector, the collapsing of the first diaphragm allows the mechanical linkage to be released thus actuating a fire alarm.

Abstract: A thermally-responsive indicating device comprising a housing which defines a cavity therein, an indicating means in said cavity, a biasing means in said cavity, and a class of nitrogen-containing organic locking means in said cavity, wherein said locking means is adapted to fuse at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A signal device for detecting a faulty steam trap and the like by being responsive to the temperature of steam flow in a pipe. The signal device is a spring wire looped on one end around the pipe and normally connected, at the other end, to the pipe by a metal pellet of low melting point. Upon attainment of a predetermined pipe temperature from steam flow, the pellet will melt and release said wire which spring to a vertical position. The wire carries a signal that can be seen at a distance to denote abnormally high temperature caused by steam flow.

Abstract: Forms of an indicator attached to the casings of rocket motors in the field to show the readiness of rocket motors using solid fuel are described. Each form described includes a viscous material, as for example a wax, disposed in a chamber and a spring-loaded member which moves in accordance with changes in ambient temperature over a period of time. The amount of movement is analogous to change in the characteristics of the solid fuel.