Measurement probe with heat cycle event counter

摘要

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.

主权项

1. An apparatus configured to measure a heat or pressure cycle, comprising:
a measurement probe configured to:
detect a characteristic of a medium, andgenerate a measurement signal based on the medium; a memory; a distal temperature responsive or pressure responsive element configured to transition between at least a first state and a second state based on a temperature or pressure condition to which the distal element is exposed; a count circuit configured to:
detect a switch cycle based on the transition of the distal element, andrecord the detection of the switch cycle in the memory by incrementing a cycle count; a battery configured to provide power to the count circuit and the memory; and a housing comprising a coupling configured to couple with a vessel body, the housing configured to house the measurement probe, the distal element, the count circuit, the memory, and the battery, wherein the count circuit records a single detection of the transition of the switch distal element within a period of time regardless of a number of actual transitions of the distal element during the period of time.