Importance

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Abstract

An electronic component failure indicator for clearly visably indicating on the surface of an electronic component to be tested a self sustaining indication of the functional operational status of the component. It is used for easily locating and identifying the exact used electronic component that has failed while it is still in a circuit and also later after it is removed from a circuit without the need of test equipment and electrical power. It includes an electronic testing circuit which continually monitors one or more parameters of the electronic component other than temperature. Upon a determination that one or more parameters has deviated from a normal condition, the test circuit generates an appropriate signal. This in turn causes a visable change in an indicator that is visable on the surface of the electronic component being monitored. In some embodiments, this may constitute a color change of the indicator, and in other embodiments, it may cause a bending or movement of the indicator. In the preferred embodiment, the generation of a signal by the test circuit causes current to flow through a wire heating means that heats a thermo-sensitive material, thereby changing the color of the thermo-sensitive material. This thermo-sensitive material is positioned so as to be visible on the surface of the electronic component. By examining the surface of the electronic component and in particular the visable change indicator, a person can determine whether or not the electronic component has failed.

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First Claim