Patent ID: 8269597

Claim:
A fuse state indicator comprising: a fuse; at least one temperature sensitive element coupled to the surface of the fuse, wherein the at least one temperature sensitive element is capable of undergoing at least one visible change upon being subjected to a plurality of temperature ranges, wherein the at least one temperature sensitive element detects heat generated from the fuse; wherein the at least one temperature sensitive element comprises: a transparent lens; a plurality of thermochromic liquid crystals adjacent to the transparent lens; and a backing layer adjacent to the plurality of thermochromic crystals; wherein the plurality of thermochromic liquid crystals are positioned in a first orientation when not exposed to a particular temperature range and are positioned in a second orientation when exposed to the particular temperature range; wherein the first orientation prevents a substantial portion of light from passing through the plurality of thermochromic liquid crystals and the second orientation allows a substantial portion of light to pass through the plurality of thermochromic liquid crystals; and a marking coupled to the backing layer, wherein the marking indicates a fuse state.