Abstract: A new and useful composition of matter, solid at room temperature, is disclosed, comprising: (1) an effective amount of a suitable nucleating agent substantially uniformly dispersed in (2) a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive for encapsulating a temperature-sensitive solid mixture having a given nucleation efficiency and which melts at a predetermined temperature, whereby the suitable nucleating agent is (a) inert to both the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the temperature-sensitive solid mixture, and (b) capable of raising the nucleation efficiency of said solid mixture. The novel composition of matter overcomes the extreme super-cooling achieved by temperature-indicating compositions of matter in U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,552 (which change color with a change in phase) without the use of classical nucleating agents being employed in such temperature-indicating compositions of matter.

Abstract: A new and useful container is disclosed for storing "sharps", e.g., surgical needles or blades, comprising: (a) base means formed of a reusable and sterilizable material containing a source of magnetism; (b) collecting means for surgical needles or blades, said collecting means shaped to provide an interlocking fit with said base means; and (c) cover means with said collecting means to form an enclosure, said cover means capable of tight-fitting engagement with and placement over said collecting means to prevent said surgical needles or blades from escaping from said enclosure when said cover means is in tight-fitting engagement with said collecting means, said collecting means and said cover means attached to each other by hinge means, said collecting means being provided with locking means to lock said cover means with said collecting means when said cover means is in tight fitting engagement with said collecting means.

Abstract: Novel and stable compositions of matter are disclosed which change color sharply upon a transition from a liquid state to a solid state or from a solid state to a liquid state, which change of state is at substantially a predetermined temperature corresponding to a temperature to be measured.The constituents of the novel compositions of matter comprise:1. a solvent (I) consisting of a single substance or a mixture of substances and adapted to change from a solid state at substantially a predetermined temperature to a liquid state and2. an indicator system (II) consisting of one or more substances different from (I), characterized in that(a) (II) is soluble in (I) when the latter is in the liquid phase, and(b) (II) changes color visible to the naked eye when (I) passes from the solid to the liquid phase or from the liquid to the solid phase.Thermometers containing said stable compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and useful all plastic disposable thermometer is disclosed, which dispenses with the prior art employment of an aluminum or other metal-based substrate. The novel thermometer can either be employed with opaque indicator means or with heat-sensitive compositions of matter that change color with a change in phase, such as those enumerated in copending application Ser. No. 946,935, filed Sept. 28, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,552.

Abstract: A novel temperature indicating device is disclosed comprising: (a) a flat or gradually curved heat-conducting carrier having one or more cavities, each substantially filled with a novel composition of matter (NTICM), as described herein; or in the alternative, with (1) a `classical` composition of matter which changes from opaque to transparent upon a corresponding change from solid to liquid on top of an (2) indicator means located at the bottom of the cavity; said composition of matter, whether novel or not, being substantially without impurities and containing a substantially spherical void space between the bottom of the cavity; and (b) a transparent cover sheet means in sealing engagement with the heat conducting carrier means overlying and above the cavity, which spherical void space acts to magnify the color change if the novel compositions of matter are present or the presence of an indicator means upon melting of the `classical` compositions of matter in the cavity.

Abstract: A new and useful composition of matter is disclosed, having one utility for use in a disposable, reversible thermometer. The novel composition of matter comprises (1) a suitable heat-sensitive composition (for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,552); (2) a suitable matrix-forming amorphous material; and (3) a suitable film-forming material that is more crystalline than the matrix-forming amorphous compound. Preferably, the composition also contains a solubilizing compound.

Abstract: Novel and stable compositions of matter are disclosed which change color sharply upon a transition from a liquid state to a solid state or from a solid state to a liquid state, which change of state is at substantially a predetermined temperature corresponding to a temperature to be measured.The constituents of the novel compositions of matter comprise:1. a solvent (I) consisting of a single substance or a mixture of substances and adapted to change from a solid state at substantially a predetermined temperature to a liquid state and2. an indicator system (II) consisting of one or more substances different from (I), characterized in that(a) (II) is soluble in (I) when the latter is in the liquid phase, and(b) (II) changes color visible to the naked eye when (I) passes from the solid to the liquid phase or from the liquid to the solid phase.Thermometers containing said stable compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an adapter for use with and attachment to a disposable thermometer. The adapter is an elongated substantially rigid member having an open window in one end thereof. A means is provided for retaining the disposable thermometer to the member. The thermally-responsive portion of the thermometer is in alignment with the window for providing improved thermal response for the thermally-responsive portion of the thermometer when used with the adapter. The adapter is made especially for use with the thermometer in rectal temperature applications.