Abstract: A surgical device employs a longevity circuit for preventing operation after a specified time based on safe use expectations. The surgical device delivers a therapy signal via a handpiece having electrodes in proximity to the surgical site. The therapy signal is a high frequency electrical signal delivered from a generator coupled to the handpiece, and activated by a control signal. A therapy circuit established by coupling the handpiece and generator delivers the therapy signal, and is monitored for activation based on a time since a first activation, a number of activations, or an aggregate time of activated intervals. A usage limit defines the activation lifespan, and is employed for monitoring either the therapy circuit or the control circuit, to determine a usage history. Following expiration of a safe usage limit, a longevity circuit in the handpiece disables the handpiece for successive uses, and is independent of a connection to a particular generator.

Abstract: A wearable terminal apparatus includes an enclosure, a dial provided in the enclosure and having on-dial markings, a first timepiece hand, a second timepiece hand, a third timepiece hand, a processing section that controls rotation of the first timepiece hand, the second timepiece hand, and the third timepiece hand, and a measured value acquisition section that acquires a measured value. The processing section controls placement of the timepiece hands among the on-dial markings in such a way that the first timepiece hand is placed in a position corresponding to a lower limit value of the measured value, the second timepiece hand is placed in a position corresponding to an upper limit value of the measured value, and the third timepiece hand is placed in a position corresponding to the measured value.

Abstract: A surgical device employs a longevity circuit for preventing operation after a specified time based on safe use expectations. The surgical device delivers a therapy signal via a handpiece having electrodes in proximity to the surgical site. The therapy signal is a high frequency electrical signal delivered from a generator coupled to the handpiece, and activated by a control signal. A therapy circuit established by coupling the handpiece and generator delivers the therapy signal, and is monitored for activation based on a time since a first activation, a number of activations, or an aggregate time of activated intervals. A usage limit defines the activation lifespan, and is employed for monitoring either the therapy circuit or the control circuit, to determine a usage history. Following expiration of a safe usage limit, a longevity circuit in the handpiece disables the handpiece for successive uses, and is independent of a connection to a particular generator.

Abstract: A system comprising a measurement device and a handheld device is disclosed, the system adapted to withstand, detect, record, and display heat cycle event counts. The measurement device comprises a sensor for measuring and a heat cycle detection unit. The heat cycle detection unit comprises a temperature or pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. The handheld device comprises a screen, a button, a communication circuit, and a processing system. The communication circuit is configured to communicate with the measurement device and a computing device and the processing system is configured to receive non-measurement information from the measurement device, display the received information on the screen, and cycle the received information displayed on the screen based on an actuation of the button, wherein the handheld device is used to display a heat sterilization cycle count of the measurement device.

Abstract: A system comprising a measurement device and a handheld device is disclosed, the system adapted to withstand, detect, record, and display heat cycle event counts. The measurement device comprises a sensor for measuring and a heat cycle detection unit. The heat cycle detection unit comprises a temperature or pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. The handheld device comprises a screen, a button, a communication circuit, and a processing system. The communication circuit is configured to communicate with the measurement device and a computing device and the processing system is configured to receive non-measurement information from the measurement device, display the received information on the screen, and cycle the received information displayed on the screen based on an actuation of the button, wherein the handheld device is used to display a heat sterilization cycle count of the measurement device.

Abstract: A measurement device is disclosed, embodiments of which are adapted to withstand, detect, and record detection of heat cycle events, including autoclave cycles. Embodiments of the measurement device comprise a sensor for measuring a characteristic of a medium and a heat cycle detection unit. Embodiments of the heat cycle detection unit comprise a temperature or atmospheric pressure responsive element, a detection module, data interface, and data memory. In one disclosed embodiment, the temperature or pressure responsive element is configured to respond to a characteristic of a heat cycle event while the heat cycle detection unit is off. In another disclosed embodiment, the detection module is configured to automatically power off the heat cycle detection unit in response to detecting an autoclave cycle. Methods of using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. A temperature-sensitive, active material-containing actuator is pre-selected to operate at a pre-determined temperature indicative of impending equipment failure and placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-selected temperature the actuator signals this by displaying a flag or providing some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may issue an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: A sterile display for a sterile container includes a thermally actuatable display apparatus for the display of a first and a second sterility condition of the sterile container. The display apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism having an actuator element which can be transferred, by means of external heating, from a first stress state in which the first sterility condition can be displayed, to a second stress state in which the second sterility condition can be displayed. The adjustment mechanism includes a thermo-bimetal element wherein, by means of its actuation, the actuator element of the adjustment mechanism can be transferred from the first stress state to the second stress state.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: A temperature recorder in the form of a tubular cover and with an inside piston, in which an altered position of the piston is carried out by a mechanical movement released from a bimetal washer, which, when making a sudden change, changes its form from convex to concave when a determined temperature level is reached. Two line-formed screen patterns, a picture formed by colored lines on the inner surface of the tubular cover, shows a certain pattern in the original position, and a different pattern is shown when an inside piston has been moved vertically inside the outer tubular cover. Friction between the outside of the piston and the inner surface of the tubular cover forms a braking means. A reset button can by means of a magnet or a spring repulse or press back the piston which is in the top of the tubular cover and has a magnet and the piston will be pressed back within the tubular cover to its original position and the first patterns will be shown clearly again by the line-formed screen pattern.

Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: An actuated gauge pointer that includes a shape memory alloy element configured to move the gauge pointer when activated is provided. The actuated gauge pointer includes a first shape memory alloy element disposed within the perimeter of the gauge pointer housing. Additionally, the actuated gauge pointer may include a second shape memory alloy element to provide temperature compensation, and a bias member to return the gauge pointer to an initial condition.

Abstract: The apparel indicating thermometer has a housing, a circular dial board disposed within the housing, a pointer situated on the face of the dial board, and a thermometer movement attached to a back surface of the housing. The thermometer movement has an arbor which rotates in response to a temperature change. The arbor extends through the housing and the dial board to engage the pointer on the face of the dial board. The dial board face includes a graduated scale indicating degrees of temperature and color-coded segments representing different temperature ranges. Each color-coded segment includes depictions of appropriate pieces of clothing for each temperature range. When the arbor rotates, the position of the pointer is adjusted to indicate the temperature and the appropriate corresponding clothing. Consequently, children and individuals with cognitive disabilities may easily refer to the thermometer to make dressing decisions.

Abstract: A cooking thermometer having an audible alarm includes a skewer having a segment of a shape memory alloy wire disposed therein. The upper end of the shape memory allow wire is secured to a connecting rod which is operatively associated with a cam assembly. When the skewer and hence the shape memory alloy wire is heated, the shape memory alloy commences a phase transformation from martensite to austenite and contracts. The cam assembly serves to translate the up and down motion of the connecting rod into rotational motion which is transmitted through a spur gear assembly to a pivoting pointer positionable over a temperature indicia plate. A helical spring assembly is positioned on the top of the connecting rod which exerts stress on the connecting rod and shape memory alloy wire during the phase transformation to extend the temperature transformation range and improve and optimize the linearity of the transition.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a cooking thermometer having an audible alarm and triggering mechanism therefore. The cooking thermometer includes a skewer having a segment of nitinol wire disposed therein. The nitinol wire is secured to a connecting wire which extends upwardly into the housing and is vertically displaceable within the skewer. The connecting wire extends out of the skewer into a wire guide having a curvilinear passage therein which is adapted to allow sliding displacement of the connecting wire therethrough. The upper end of the connecting wire is fixedly attached to a gear assembly whereby sliding displacement of the connecting wire causes the rotation of the gear assembly, which engages a spur gear train which is connected to a pivoting pointer positionable over the temperature indicia plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a coiled temperature sensitive bi-metallic spring. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material slowly rotates, causing a pointer and triggering disk to rotate. When the rotation achieves a predetermined position, a pre-wound coil spring is permitted to engage a drive gear which operates a hammer device so as to provide an audible signal. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

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 shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a novelty musical kettle that plays a song when liquid inside the kettle is heated. The kettle body contains a circular flute instrument with a release flap at a first end and a closed second end. When the water is heated, the flap opens allowing pressure to enter the instrument. Also, when the liquid is heated, a release strip releases a rachet which in turn releases a manually pre-wound rotating drum with a drive mechanism. As the drum unwinds, a plurality of multilevel cams along the drum's outer circumference lift a plurality of corresponding actuation valves. The actuation valves unseal and reseal a plurality of apertures along the circular instrument. When the aperture is open, the pressure inside escapes and a musical note is played. The unwinding drum continually unseals and reseals the apertures in a preprogramed manner, thus playing a song.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a temperature sensitive spring in bi-metallic communication. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material and spring slowly rise causing the disk to rotate back to its original position. When the original position is reached, the actuation pin on the temperature pointer activates a series of levers which release a manually pre-wound coil spring. The unwinding of the coil spring activates a large gear which then activates a small gear causing a clapper with a plurality of wings to spin in circles and repeatedly ring a bell. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: A temperature indicating device utilizing a housing having an exterior and an interior which includes first and second chambers. First and second chambers communicate with one another. An opening through the housing allows communication between the interior and exterior of the housing. A bimetallic element which is capable of assuming first and second configurations is positioned within the second chamber. A movable member is found in the first chamber and contacts the bimetallic elements when the bimetallic elements assumes the first configuration. A spring bias the contact between the movable member and the bimetallic element and urges movement therebetween when the bimetallic element assumes the second configuration. A signal indicates such movement by utilization of the opening between the exterior and interior of the housing.

Abstract: A thermometer includes a probe portion having a central axis, an adjustment member secured to the probe portion in a manner preventing relative rotation thereof, and a dial portion which is rotatable relative to the probe portion about the central axis thereof for calibrating the thermometer. The adjustment member is a nut having lobes whereby torque can be applied to the adjustment member by hand for effecting relative turning movement of the probe portion and the dial portion without use of a turning tool.

Abstract: An indicator movable between a set and an alarm position is latched in the set position by a thermally responsive latch disposed to sense ambient temperature within electrical equipment. If a high temperature event occurs, the latch releases the indicator, which moves under resilient bias to its indicating position to present a visible signal that such an event has occurred. Once temperature has dropped below the alarm value within the electrical equipment, the indicator can be moved back to the set position where it is relatched for continued temperature sensing.

Abstract: A dishwasher clean/dirty indicator is disclosed for showing a user whether dishes in a dishwasher are clean or dirty. The indicator is configured either as a portable or built-in device. The portable configuration is described in this abstract which begins with a frame (32), containing bearing surfaces. The frame rests within a dish rack (60) of a dishwasher (58). A release arm (44) with vertical and horizontal sections, pivots on the frame bearing surfaces. A drinking glass (62) or similar dish is placed on the horizontal section of the release arm when the dishwasher is loaded, holding the release arm in the loaded position. A release spring (54) retracts the release arm to the unloaded position when the dishwasher is emptied. A latch (48) is pivotably connected to the vertical section of the release arm. Affixed to the frame is a faceplate (34) including sign members (39) with the words clean and dirty, and a spring housing (38).

Abstract: A temperature regulating control device and method of making the same are provided, the device comprising a housing, a movable selector unit carried by the housing for selecting a temperature the control device is to tend to maintain, and an ambient temperature sensing means carried by the selector unit for indicating the ambient temperature being sensed by the temperature sensing means.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting the number of times a medical instrument has been sterilized includes an indicator having sequential indicia and a heat responsive member for indicating a next one of the indicia. Mechanical, fluid mechanical and electronic versions of the invention are disclosed. In the mechanical version, the indicator can be a ratchet member having teeth, a pawl and a display surface containing indicia. A heat responsive element such as a bimetallic member engages the teeth of the ratchet and advances the ratchet each time the apparatus is subjected to the heat of sterilization. A housing with a window masks the display to indicate one of the indicia as advanced by the heat responsive element. Preferred embodiments of the mechanical version include a ring-like ratchet member with interior teeth and an exterior display surface. The number of teeth is preferably one or more less than the number of indicia so that upon advancing the ratchet member to the last indicia, it can be advanced no further.

Abstract: This device comprises a casing (2) of synthetic material containing a motor element (7) made of at least one alloy which memorizes its shape and having associated with it a movement transmission element consisting of a piston (9) and a rod (10) and acting on at least one indicator element (4) irreversibly recording each overstepping of a predetermined temperature, the casing being provided with transparent windows permitting the state of the indicator element or elements to be viewed.Application to the monitoring of the overstepping of a temperature.

Abstract: An improved use counter for endoscopic instruments is mounted in the ferrule of the distal portion of an endoscopic instrument having separable proximal and distal portions. The counter includes a ratchet wheel having inner and outer teeth and a bimetallic coil having a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end of the bimetallic coil is attached to a hub portion of the ferrule and the free end of the bimetallic coil engages the inner teeth of the ratchet wheel. An inwardly extending tooth in the ferrule engages the outer teeth of the ratchet wheel to prevent backward movement of the ratchet wheel. The outer surface of the ratchet wheel is also provided with incremental indicia viewable through a window in the ferrule. As the bimetallic coil is heated and cooled when the instrument is sterilized, the free end of the coil engages and advances one tooth of the ratchet wheel. Movement of the free end is preferably limited by stops.

Abstract: A thermometer housing of a generally cylindrical configuration is arranged for floating reception within a bathtub, with the thermometer housing including a top wall divided into a first and second semi-annular indicator surface, with an indicator arrow operative through a bi-metallic spring arranged for deflection from the first to the second indicator surface upon bathtub water elevated to a second zone of temperature to be classified as inappropriate for bathing. A stabilizer weight member is mounted to the bottom wall to maintain alignment and emergence of the housing side wall within the associated bathtub body of water.

Abstract: This device comprises a casing of synthetic material containing a motor element made of at least one alloy which memorizes its shape and having associated with it a movement transmission element consisting of a piston and a rod and acting on at least one indicator element irreversibly recording each overstepping of a predetermined temperature, the casing being provided with transparent windows permitting the state of the indicator element or elements to be viewed.

Abstract: A low cost device which changes rapidly, significantly, irreversibly, and accurately when it is exposed to a predetermined temperature is disclosed. The device of the present invention employs a bimetallic disk which changes its configuration when it is exposed to a predetermined temperature. Before firing, the disk is captured by a recess in the device casing. When the disk is exposed to a predetermined temperature, it changes configuration and escapes its confinement from its orginal location in the recess. A spring propels the disk from its original location to a different location. Additionally, the spring ensures that the disk cannot return to its original location. This device has a minimal number of parts so that it is easily and inexpensively manufactured. It can be configured to sense either high temperature or low temperature. The low temperature device can be used in conjuction with irreversible temperature labels such that the combination records both a high and a low temperature exposure.

Abstract: In a thermostatic bimetallic measuring element, an adjustment lever (5) which bears a thermostatic bimetallic body (6) is held, on the one hand, by a collar (24) of a setting eccentric (12) and, on the other hand, by a holding section (14) which is formed on a section of the adjustment lever (5) which engages through a slot in a rear plate (1) of the thermostatic bimetallic element and rests against the back of the rear plate (1). By turning the setting eccentric (12), displacement of the adjustment lever (5) is possible around an imaginary of actual pivot shaft which engages into the slot.

Abstract: This device comprises a casing of synthetic material containing a motor element made of at least one alloy which memorizes its shape and having associated with it a movement transmission element consisting of a piston and a rod and acting on at least one indicator element irreversibly recording each overstepping of a predetermined temperature, the casing being provided with transparent windows permitting the state of the indicator element or elements to be viewed.

Abstract: A collapsible steamer basket for insertion into the interior of a vessel. Vegetables or the like can be placed inside the basket and steamed. The basket has a plurality of foldable apertured leaves which overlap and conform to the interior of the vessel. A built-in signal device is provided for audibly signalling when the interior of the vessel reaches a predetermined temperature to avoid burning of the foods being steamed.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device having a gauge and a stem assemblies and utilizing a flexible coupling to transmit rotation through predetermined angles from a helical temperature sensitive element, to an indicator, further utilizing means to rotate the gauge assembly relative to the stem assembly. The gauge assembly includes a dial and the stem assembly includes the indicator, a stem, and the helical temperature sensitive element whereby rotation of the gauge assembly with respect to the stem assembly allows calibration of the dial to the indicator to reflect the appropriate temperature reading on the dial of the gauge assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge style, pop up, differential pressure indicator includes a threaded body member, a cover structure and a cylindrical indicator button, which carries a magnet at its lower end, and is slidably supported in the cover for movement between a depressed, hidden position and an extended indicating position. The button is engaged at one side by a leaf spring which in the depressed position urges a lip on the button under a ledge in the cover to serve as a detent. A piston slidably supported in the body is subject to differential fluid pressures and carries a magnet at its upper end, poled in a manner to repel the magnet in the indicator button to urge the latter against the bias of the detent spring and upwardly to the extended, indicating position. A semicircular bimetal strip supported in the cover engages the detent spring at lower temperatures to prevent false release of the indicator button due to cold weather, high fluid viscosity situations.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring temperature, including: a body which experiences a change in shape in response to a change in the temperature of the body; a rotatable device having an axis of rotation and an optical transmissivity which varies circumferentially and radially relative to the axis of rotation; a light conductor device disposed for passing a light beam along a beam axis which intersects the rotatable device at a location spaced from the axis of rotation; and an arrangement for rotating the rotatable device about the axis of rotation while the light beam impinges on the rotatable device such that the rotatable device permits light to be transmitted therethrough with an intensity which varies in time as a function of the distance between the beam axis and the axis of rotation, with one of the devices being mounted on the body such that a change in the shape of the body in response to a change in body temperature produces a corresponding change in the distance between the axis of rotation and the beam axis

Abstract: An over-temperature indicator for freezers includes an indicator pin slidable mounted within a cylindrical housing in which is mounted a bistable bimetal thermostat disk which is engaged by a magnet mounted to an end of the indicator pin. A cup shaped insulator is mounted over a substantial portion of the cylindrical housing to provide a thermal time delay. An over-temperature condition triggers the bistable bimetal disk to snap, causing the magnet to release and enabling gravity to urge the indicator pin into an indicating position.

Abstract: Detector apparatus adaptably mountable about the external surface of steam pipes and condensate pipes, and wherein the apparatus includes a curved temperature sensitive bi-metallic element fixedly mounted at one end and with the opposed end being free to flex. A push arm is mounted at the free end of the bi-metallic element in engagement with a temperature indicating element for indicating a temperature either within or outside of a range of desired maximums and minimums, utilizing calibrated reference in the form of a rotatable dial. The surface temperature of the steam or condensate pipe being monitored is determined. The apparatus is provided with mounting member or system capable of use in combination with cylindrical surfaces within a range of diameters.

Abstract: A temperature sensing transducer has a mechanically vibrating member whose rigidity varies with temperature, changing the resonant frequency. An output signal is generated having a frequency controlled by the vibrating member. The rigidity is caused to vary with temperature by making the vibrating member from a material whose modulus of elasticity is sensitive to temperature changes in the desired measurement range. Also by making the vibrating member of a bimetal shaped as a frusto-conical disk, the rigidity of the disk changes with temperature due to internal strains.

Abstract: A device for indicating whether a container has been both exposed to a critical temperature and not subsequently opened which includes a housing, a temperature-sensitive member which assumes a first position and a second position within the housing, and a rigid member connected to the temperature sensitive member which moves into view when the temperature sensitive member assumes its second position upon exposure to a critical temperature, and moves out of view when the container is opened.

Abstract: A shutter 4 is movably mounted in a housing 6 for actuation between given positions by an SME (shape memory effect) element 8 in response to a given level of current flow through the SME element 8 causing I.sup.2 R heating of the latter above its transition temperature. The shutter 4 may be an indicator flag exposed by a window 10 in the housing 6, or may interrupt an optic beam 22.

Abstract: A metallic bell-type alarm device for indicating the need for refueling or otherwise adjusting the heat generated within a wood stove or the like. The device is mounted on or adjacent to a stove at a location where it can respond to heat fluctuations in the stove. It comprises a metallic casing and base plate having mounted therein a bimetallic spring having a free-riding clapper washer mounted thereon and a trigger rod that cooperate to sound a bell alarm when significant temperature changes cause the spring to react to change position and strike the metal casing to sound a bell alarm.

Abstract: A temperature verification device employs a coiled bimetallic strip having its temperature responsive, rotatable outer end engaged with an indicator flag which is connected with a finger-like projection spaced outwardly from the indicator flag. A stop member is provided in the path of the distal end of the finger-like member and is adapted to engage the distal end when the flag member is moved in one direction, for example, clockwise. Movement of the flag member in the opposite direction can be achieved because the resilient finger-like member will slide past the stop member. All of the structure is confined in a casing having an opening through which the flag indicator may be observed under certain conditions. The stop member can be positioned at any selected location about the periphery of the casing to function as a holding means for the flag indicator at a preselected temperature threshold.

Abstract: The circular crystal of a temperature indicating instrument has a circular flange rotatable in a channel in the instruments' casing. Fingers on the casing have teeth which mesh with teeth on the flange. The fingers yieldably hold the crystal in place but the crystal can be forcibly rotated.The crystal has a slotted post thereon and on said post is a bimetallic spiral coil the inner end of which is in the post's slot. Another post in the casing covers the slot to keep the coil in place on the former post.On the back of the casing is a supporting bracket adjustable to several positions.

Abstract: A heat alarm for releasing a strong readily noticeable odor when subjected to heat above a preselected level. A glass container having an elongated breakable neck portion is filled with an odoriferous fluid. When the neck portion is broken, the fluid can escape from the container. The fluid upon contact with the atmosphere creates a strong odor the presence of which is immediately apparent to all persons within the surrounding area. A heat reactive member that bends upon being subjected to heat above a preselected level is arranged around the neck portion of the container. When this heat reactive member is subjected to heat above the preselected level, the member bends and breaks the neck portion of the container thereby enabling the fluid to escape.

Abstract: Tamper proof apparatus for verification that a critical temperature has been reached or exceeded includes a permanently sealed casing and cap containing a thermal element connected to a rotatable cam having a temperature indicator extending outwardly therefrom adapted to rest under a transparent window in the cap when critical temperature has been reached. Maximum and minimum temperature stops on the cap prevent movement of the indicator beyond preselected positions. An opening through the cap engages a removable shipping pin cooperating with either the maximum or minimum temperature stop to prevent movement of the indicator during shipment or storage. A locking spring connected to the cap traverses the lateral surface of the cam until the spring engages a shoulder formed in the cam. The shoulder and spring have, respectively, a first spur and a second spur that engage in permanently locked position when a critical temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector unit (10) includes a housing, heating means (20) within the housing and arranged to heat the contact lens case (21) and the contact lenses therein to a disinfecting temperature and for terminating the application of heat thereafter to allow the contact lenses to cool, and temperature indicating means (30) that includes a partially opaque viewing window (17) formed in the housing, a movable member (36) having a substantially planar surface (37) which includes temperature indicia corresponding to a "HOT" condition of the lens case, and a bi-metallic member (32) responsive to the temperature of the heating means (20) for moving the movable member planar surface toward and away from window (17) to indicate the "HOT" condition or a condition where the lens case is cool enough for handling.

Abstract: A unit (10) for disinfecting contact lenses includes a housing, heating means (20) arranged to heat a contact lens case (21) and the contact lenses therein and means (30) for indicating the temperature condition (HOT or COLD) of the lens case. The temperature indicating means includes a viewing window (17) formed in the housing, a prismatic lens (38) within the housing and behind the viewing window, and pivotally mounted indicia (39) behind the prismatic lens that indicates if the lens case is cool enough to handle following the disinfecting heating cycle.