Patent ID: 8485723

Claim:
A sensor assembly operable for sensing a predetermined condition, said sensor assembly comprising: a sensor unit including: an elongated, resilient sensor element; a support for said sensor element; structure releasably holding said sensor element in a first configuration on said support, said sensor element operable to assume a second configuration different than said first configuration when said condition occurs; and a detector separate from said sensor element and including a transmitter unit operable to transmit interrogating electromagnetic radiation to said sensor element, said sensor element having a first response to said radiation when the sensor element is in said first configuration, and a second response different from said first response when the sensor element is in said second configuration, said sensor element comprising an amorphous or nanocrystalline sensor microwire having a positive magnetostriction property, said first and second responses being respective remagnetization responses; said detector operable to detect the difference between said first and second responses.