Importance

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Abstract

For use in a measuring and analysis instrument, a sensor including a sensor element responsive to changes in a quantity to be measured by the instrument. The sensor element is formed from a deformation heat-recoverable material having a predetermined range of temperatures in which recovery occurs. The sensor may include a control mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the sensor element substantially within the predetermined range. The sensor element forms a part of a circuit including a power source, and the control mechanism may include apparatus for selectively heating the sensor element. The sensor element is operatively connected to a signal device for sensing a physical characteristic of the sensor element and generating signals corresponding to the characteristic sensed. The signal device may include a temperature sensor, a force sensor, or a light sensor. A volt meter or ammeter may be used to measure the level of electrical energy required to maintain the sensor element at a constant temperature, thus serving as an analogue for measuring the temperature directly.

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First Claim