Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: A temperature-activatable time-temperature indicator that can be used to monitor the historical exposure of a host product to ambient temperatures includes an optically readable, thermally sensitive indicator element. The indicator element can be inactive below a base temperature and is intrinsically thermally responsive at or above an activation temperature which is equal to or greater than the base temperature. The indicator can record cumulative ambient temperature exposure above the activation temperature irreversibly with respect to time. The indicator element can include a synthetic polymeric material, and optionally, a dye. A side-chain crystallizable polymer such as poly(hexadecylmethacrylate), that is solid below the base temperature and is a viscous liquid above the activation temperature can be employed. Intense indicator element colors can be obtained using an appropriate dye or dyes. Various structural configurations of indicator are described and illustrated.

Abstract: A defrost indicator including: a body member, at least a portion of which is capable of having a restrained shape or size and an unrestrained shape of size; and an indicia disposed on at least one surface of the body member, an appearance of the indicia being different in the restrained shape or size than in the unrestrained shape or size; wherein the body member is restrained into the restrained shape by freezing one or more liquids associated with the body member.

Abstract: A defrost indicator including: a body member defining a cavity; two or more fluids, each having one or more of a different composition or characteristic; and wherein when the two or more fluids are exposed to a predetermined temperature, the two or more fluids mix or interact to produce a different composition or characteristic.

Abstract: A temperature sensing indicator provided with a capsule having a temperature sensing material contained that can be used without being affected by the temperature of fingers and allows the capsule to be easily broken. The temperature sensing indicator irreversibly indicates that a sensed temperature is not lower than a predetermined temperature or not higher than the predetermined temperature when a capsule containing a temperature sensing material is broken. The temperature sensing indicator has a body base made of a plastic material having a recess section formed therein; the capsule contained in the recess and containing the temperature sensing material, an absorbing member mounted on the upper part of the recess, and in which a through hole that exposes a portion of the upper surface of the absorbing member is formed. Pressing the display label crushes the recess in the body base to break the capsule.

Abstract: A release of the frozen solvent trapped inside a solidified gel occurs when the temperature increases, followed by a dissolving of a reactive substance present in a membrane that is located in direct physical contact with the gel, resulting in the reabsorption of the reactive substance dissolved in the solvent into the solid gel layer within a constant time. In this manner, the components generating color change come together within the solid gel layer initiating a reaction to change the color of the indicator layer. Thus, the increase in temperature above a melting point of the solid gel layer is enough to activate the intelligent label with an irreversible color change.

Abstract: A temperature-activatable time-temperature indicator that can be used to monitor the historical exposure of a host product to ambient temperatures includes an optically readable, thermally sensitive indicator element. The indicator element can be inactive below a base temperature and is intrinsically thermally responsive at or above an activation temperature which is equal to or greater than the base temperature. The indicator can record cumulative ambient temperature exposure above the activation temperature irreversibly with respect to time. The indicator element can include a synthetic polymeric material, and optionally, a dye. A side-chain crystallizable polymer such as poly(hexadecylmethacrylate), that is solid below the base temperature and is a viscous liquid above the activation temperature can be employed. Intense indicator element colors can be obtained using an appropriate dye or dyes. Various structural configurations of indicator are described and illustrated.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. A temperature-sensitive, active material-containing actuator is pre-selected to operate at a pre-determined temperature indicative of impending equipment failure and placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-selected temperature the actuator signals this by displaying a flag or providing some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may issue an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical and electro-mechanical equipment, for example equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. Some pre-determined temperature, greater than the highest normal operating temperature of the equipment, is presumed or known to be indicative of impending equipment failure if no remedial action is taken. A resettable, temperature-sensitive device, containing a shape memory alloy actuator, pre-selected to operate at the pre-determined temperature, is disclosed. The device is placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-determined temperature, the shape memory alloy actuator causes the device to display a flag or provide some other passive visual indication. Alternatively, or additionally, the actuator may trigger an electrically-powered alert including visual or audible alerts or a wireless communication.

Abstract: An indicator device for a filter includes a filter replacement indicator that is actuatable by thermal expansion. The indicator device can be included in a filter. Also, a vacuum cleaner including a filter having the indicator device.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive label is described. The temperature-sensitive label has a container provided with means for the application on an item to be monitored and housing a temperature-sensitive system made up of a filiform shape memory member. The filiform shape memory member is restrained to a filiform bias member provided with an engaging seat, and is introduced in such a way that in case of exposure to a temperature lower than a preset critical threshold temperature (Tc), the filiform shape memory member performs a phase transition, causing an irreversible disengagement condition visible through a transparent window.

Abstract: A cooking vessel sidewall cover is provided with an opening therein and a screen is placed over the opening, with the screen including a layered structured between the cover opening and the vessel to include a non-opaque substrate, a layer of thermochromic colorant that changes from a opaque color to a non-opaque color when exposed to a predetermined temperature, and a layer of indicia material which is visible from an outer side of the substrate opening when the thermochromic ink changes to a non-opaque color. The cover may also include protective transparent or translucent window members on either side of the opening, and the substrate may be attached by way of an adhesive.

Abstract: In combination a mouth guard and a temperature sensor which includes a plastic molded mouth guard including a mouth portion, a bite portion and a gum shield. The mouth guard molded with a dispersion of an over temperature color plastic and a normal color plastic, such that the mouth guard displays a combination of the normal color and the over temperature color. The normal color plastic contains a thermo chromatic ink based coloring which transforms the normal color portion of the dispersion to second color at a preselected transformation temperature. The transformation temperature is selected to indicate over heating of the human body by transformation of the mouth guard from the combination of the normal color and the over temperature color to a combination of the second color and the over temperature color.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a critical temperature indicator and a manufacturing method thereof. The critical temperature indicator may be mass-produced and indicates a red warning mark in the case of an improper maintenance state by monitoring a maintenance temperature profile from the first manufacturing instant to the final use of a frozen or chilled food as time lapses. An upper section is formed of a base film. A developing media member is formed of a micro-porous film to be positioned correspondingly to the upper section such that the developing media member is joined with the upper section. A time control section is formed by engraving a movement path of developing media on the developing media member by means of a printer, cutter or the like.

Abstract: A temperature indication structure for a thermometer includes a temperature indication portion made of a heat conductive layer to receive a heat flow. A structure with temperature indication markings is disposed on or above the temperature indication portion. A reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer is formed on the temperature indication portion to overlap the structure of the temperature indication markings. The heat conductive layer is adapted to conduct the heat flow to the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer, producing a sensed temperature and a color changing zone of the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer in response to the sensed temperature thereby exhibiting a corresponding temperature value.

Abstract: A thermometer includes a protective structure and a tip member with a thermal contact surface secured to the protective structure. A heat conductive layer includes a sensing portion disposed in the tip member and a temperature indication portion disposed in the protective structure. A structure with temperature indication markings is laid out along the temperature indication portion. A reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer is formed on the temperature indication portion to overlap the structure of the temperature indication markings, in which the sensing portion is adapted for sensing the thermal contact surface to conduct heat flow to the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer, producing a sensed temperature and a color changing zone of the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer in response to the sensed temperature thereby exhibiting a corresponding temperature value.

Abstract: A heat conductive structure for a thermometer with a structure with temperature indication markings includes a probe structure with a thermal conductive surface. A temperature indication portion is disposed adjacent to the probe structure. A reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer is formed on the temperature indication portion to overlap the structure of the temperature indication markings. The probe structure is adapted for sensing the thermal contact surface to conduct heat flow to the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer, producing a sensed temperature and a color changing zone of the reversible temperature-sensitive color changing layer in response to the sensed temperature thereby exhibiting a corresponding temperature value.

Abstract: A fuel system component may include a body arranged for use in storing or moving fuel within the fuel system, and an indicator associated with the body to provide an indication when the body is subjected to a condition outside of a threshold. The indicator may be responsive to one or more environmental or system conditions outside of a threshold. For example without limitation, the indicator may be responsive to one or more of temperature, pressure, corrosion and electrical conditions to provide an indication when at least one condition exceeds a threshold for that condition.

Abstract: Indicator inks, indicators formed by printing or otherwise utilizing the inks and host products utilizing the indicators are disclosed. Reactivity-enhancing adjuvants stimulate enhanced thermal reactivity of diacetylenic or other indicator agents capable of responding to ambient thermal conditions with a visual change signaling an end point. The diacetylenic or other agents may be sensitive or relatively insensitive to ambient temperatures. Use of a reactivity-enhancing adjuvant provides a useful means for adapting the reactivities of indicator agents to the response characteristics of prospective host products, for example perishables such as vaccines or fresh fish and maturables such as fruit, cheese and wine. Some exemplary adjuvants include low-temperature polymerization initiators, for example methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and polymerization accelerators, for example cobalt compounds. Such initiators and accelerators can also be used in combination.

Abstract: A device for indicating that an ambient temperature has fallen to or below a predetermined lower threshold temperature. The device includes: a porous membrane having first and second spatially separate zones; a first freezable liquid infused in the porous membrane, the first freezable liquid having a freezing point corresponding to the predetermined lower threshold temperature; a second liquid for contacting the first zone of the porous membrane, the second liquid being immiscible with the first liquid; and an indicator window for indicating migration of the second liquid from the first zone to the second zone. The membrane infused with the first liquid is impervious to the second liquid above the threshold temperature and is permeable to the second liquid at or below the threshold temperature. The device is useful in applications where products degrade below a certain lower threshold temperature.

Abstract: A low temperature history indication plate 31 made of a low thermal expansion material used within an apparatus is provided on the outer surface of the apparatus. A surface of the low temperature history indication plate 31 is mirror polished. Simply by observing the low temperature history indication plate 31, it can be determined whether or not martensitic transformation has occurred.

Abstract: A multi-stage temperature indicating device having a housing having a bore formed therein having a closed end and an open end, the housing having a first neck region spaced from the closed end, a first internal cavity between the first neck region and the closed end, a second internal cavity between the first neck region and the open end; an indicator rod comprising a first stem stretch and a second stem stretch; an extension segment having a first extension stretch and a second extension stretch, the second extension stretch slidably cooperating with the first stem stretch; the indicator rod and the extension segment slidably positioned in the bore; and a fusible material retaining the indicator rod and the extension segment in the housing, wherein different portions of the fusible material soften at different predetermined temperatures, whereby upon the softening of a first portion of the fusible material allows a spring to urge the indicator rod a first distance out of the housing indicating that a first t

Abstract: The gas-actuated thermometer is formed as a unitary, monolithic glass structure with a gas bulb at one end and an indicator tube extending therefrom. The bulb and tube are permanently and hermetically sealed to contain the actuating gas therein. A closed cell foam indicator resides in the indicator tube. The indicator travels along the tube in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the gas within the bulb and adjacent portion of the tube. A second gas or mechanical spring is provided in the opposite end of the tube to balance the pressure of the indicator gas. The indicator tube, and preferably also the bulb, are flattened to an elliptical or similar cross-sectional shape. This facilitates the fit of the device for use as an oral medical thermometer, and the wider cross section enables both Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales to be marked along the indicator tube.

Abstract: A color-changing emulsion for use in a freeze indicator can employ a dispersion medium, for example, an aqueous liquid, a first reactant phase and a second reactant phase, which two reactant phases can both be dispersed in the dispersion medium. The first reactant phase includes a hydrophobic liquid and a first reactant, for example, a color precursor such as a leuco dye. The second reactant phase can include a hydrophobic liquid, and includes, or can be, a second reactant, for example, a color developer such as a leuco dye developer. The first and second reactant phases can be essentially unmixed, and can be co-reactable to provide a color change. In response to a freezing temperature, the color-changing emulsion can coagulate and change color irreversibly. An intense color change can be obtained by using, for example, a suitable leuco dye precursor and developer.

Abstract: An irreversible label or indicator of whether a surface or object has received microwave exposure and to delineate microwave heating or oven heating. Because microwave cooking has become an ubiquitous method for food preparation, and that energy and power in a microwave oven can vary from one unit to another, and within the spatial volume of the appliance, it is desirable to have a dynamic indicator that can provide an effective indicator of microwave exposure under such conditions.

Abstract: A freeze indicator, which is preferably a self-activating freeze indicator. The freeze indicator has a substrate with a freeze indicator composition coated thereon wherein the freeze indicator has a liquid diacetylene; and a catalyst or catalyst precursor and a protective cover.

Abstract: Solid polymerizable diacetylenic monomer compositions, including compositions co-crystallized from a diversity of solvent systems under diverse cooling conditions, can exhibit diffraction patterns associated with the color development reactivities of the compositions. High reactivity compositions are disclosed and high reactivity and low reactivity phases can be identified. A low angle powder X-ray diffraction peak can indicate the presence of one or more crystal phases in a composition. A fingerprint region can exhibit fingerprint patterns of diffraction peaks associated with different reactivities. Information about polymerization of the diacetylenic monomers is disclosed using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (“NMR”) characterization. Diacetylenic monomer compositions useful in ambient condition indicators, for example time-temperature indicators are disclosed.

Abstract: Finely divided particles preferably formed into tablets or into pellets of granular temperature indication material are used as a thermometer and are brought into contact with a surface to measure surface temperature by a change in appearance of the indication material at a known temperature. Pellets are made from comminuted solid temperature indicating material shaped into a pill or tablet. In a version of the invention different temperatures are indicated by separate parts of the product, such as by separate stacked layers assembled as a composite unit to form an article of manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the provision of activated temperature-sensitive and/or time-sensitive indicators for product marking. A first variant is characterized by the activation of an indicator and the subsequent application of a protective filter to the indicator, with the indicator being conveyed along an activation device and along a protective filter application unit subsequent to it in the conveying direction. A second variant is characterized by the activation of an indicator already provided with a protective filter. The invention furthermore relates to apparatus for the carrying out of the named methods as well as to a product marking which was manufactured in accordance with the methods in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive probe includes a portion to be inserted into food, and a pop-out portion having a primary indicator. The primary indicator is retained at a retained position by the release mechanism responsive to a temperature of the probe portion being below a predefined temperature, and extends to a position at least 0.7 inches beyond the retained position in response to the release mechanism releasing the indicator.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes a casing having top and bottom walls with at least one wall connecting the top and bottom walls so that the casing is sealed, the top, bottom, and side walls being constructed of a heat resistant material. The sensing device includes a probe having a first portion attached to the casing bottom wall and extending downwardly and a second portion situated inside the interior space, the first and second portions being operatively connected to one another to transfer thermal energy therebetween. The probe second portion is coated with a thermochromic material that is color responsive to temperature. At least one wall of the casing defines an aperture that is covered by a material that is heat resistant, the probe second portion being viewable through the aperture for determining a temperature of an article of meat.

Abstract: A non-metallic pop-up “doneness” indicator to indicate that a food item has reached a desired temperature, including a housing, a stem, button indicator and an actuation subassembly. Methods of manufacture are included.

Abstract: A temperature recorder in the form of a tubular cover and with an inside piston, in which an altered position of the piston is carried out by a mechanical movement released from a bimetal washer, which, when making a sudden change, changes its form from convex to concave when a determined temperature level is reached. Two line-formed screen patterns, a picture formed by colored lines on the inner surface of the tubular cover, shows a certain pattern in the original position, and a different pattern is shown when an inside piston has been moved vertically inside the outer tubular cover. Friction between the outside of the piston and the inner surface of the tubular cover forms a braking means. A reset button can by means of a magnet or a spring repulse or press back the piston which is in the top of the tubular cover and has a magnet and the piston will be pressed back within the tubular cover to its original position and the first patterns will be shown clearly again by the line-formed screen pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicating device and methods of manufacturing and reading this device. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator (TTI) device comprises at least one active reactant being at least a part of a component that is configured to be either an electrical component or transformable into an electrical component, said at least one active reactant being selected to be affectable by a chemical and/or physical reaction effecting a change in at least an electrical property of said electrical component at a rate that is time-temperature dependent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for detecting the internal temperature of a foodstuff 2, with at least one temperature sensor 3 that is arranged in a first housing section 4, which can be inserted into the foodstuff 2 for the measurement, while a second housing section 10 protrudes from the foodstuff 2. The autonomous device further comprises a voltage source 7, an electronic analyzing unit 6 for checking at least one predetermined temperature condition, and a temperature indicator 8. For precise, especially continuous measuring of the internal temperature of the foodstuff 2 during the preparation, in particular during a grilling process, the first housing section 4 is designed to remain within the foodstuff 2, and for this purpose, at least the analyzing unit 6 and the temperature indicator 8 are arranged in the first housing section 4, and the second housing section 10 is designed so that information shown by the analyzing unit 6 on the temperature indicator 8 can be perceived.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal history sensor having a plurality of substrates positioned adjacent to an item. The substrates include different compositions, such that the substrates respond to thermal exposures with different changes in electrical conductivity or magnetic permeability. By measuring the electrical or magnetic properties of the substrates following thermal exposure, information about the thermal history may be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention relates to a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature indication pipe joint, including a shell, wherein a water conduit is arranged in said shell, and including a heat transmission unit which has a first end in said water conduit and a second end connected to the center of a spiral double sheet metal, said spiral double sheet metal further has an indicating needle extended from its other end. By utilizing the double sheet metal to sense the change of temperature and deform accordingly, the water temperature can be indicated, which can reduce the cost and achieve a simpler structure compared to the digital thermometer used before; when rotating the cover of the present invention, the quantity of water stream will be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention provides an indicator excellent in constitutional simplicity and capable of indicating both the temperature of an article to be indicated and elapsed time at that temperature, as well as an indicator of simple constitution capable of indicating the level of deformation of the article by external force. Disclosed is an external stimulus indicator including a polymer composition composed of a polymer and a dye, wherein the polymer composition has the dye fixed in a specific molecular dispersion state in the polymer, and when kept at a temperature not lower than a specific temperature for at least a predetermined time or deformed to at least a certain level by external force, changes its color to a hue different from the initial hue thereof.

Abstract: Freeze indicators can include an indicator dispersion, a liquid medium, indicator particles dispersed in the liquid medium and a particulate inorganic nucleating agent to inhibit supercooling of the liquid medium. The inorganic nucleating agent can have an ionic surface coating which can help provide a sharp end point. Optionally, freeze indicators can include indicator particles comprising an organic material and a softener to soften the indicator particles and provide the freeze indication with an enhanced visual appearance. Another option is to provide a temperature-sensitive stabilizer to inhibit coagulation of the indicator dispersion at temperatures above the liquid medium frozen state melting point while permitting coagulation of the indicator dispersion at the liquid medium frozen state melting point.

Abstract: A freeze indicator can include an indicator dispersion having an aqueous liquid medium and organic material indicator particles dispersed in the aqueous liquid medium. The indicator dispersion can have an initial appearance before freezing and an irreversibly different appearance after freezing and can exhibit a freeze-onset temperature of about ?1.9° C. or higher. Some factors helpful to providing a relatively high freeze onset temperature are employment of a proteinaceous ice-nucleating agent, control of pH, use of a protein stabilizer and control of the ratio of protein stabilizer to ice-nucleating agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub arrangement (1) having at least one wheel hub (2) which is mounted rotatably via at least one wheel bearing (3) on a bearing journal (4) of an axle body (5) which is mounted on a vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the wheel hub arrangement (1) can have a brake system (6). The bearing journal (4) is assigned a display device for displaying critical temperature loading of the wheel bearing (3) and/or the brake system (6), wherein this display device has a display element which responds when critical temperature loading is exceeded.

Abstract: An apparatus indicates a temperature of an object. The apparatus includes a porous substrate, a mirror image of a first image pattern printed with a first phase-change ink having a first phase change temperature on a first side of the porous substrate, and an adhesive layer applied to the first side of the porous substrate to enable the porous substrate to be affixed to an object.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a temperature indicator stick includes a housing having an interior configured to receive the temperature indicator stick configured to indicate a predetermined temperature through a physical change or a chemical when exposed to the predetermined temperature. A gear is supported by the housing that extends from beyond an exterior of the housing into the interior of the housing to engage the temperature indicator stick. Accordingly, rotation of the gear from the exterior causes a retraction or advancement of the temperature indicator stick to and from the interior of the housing.

Abstract: To provide a temperature-sensitive indicator which, when using the temperature-sensitive indicator having a capsule packed with a heat-sensitive material, enables easy rupture of the capsule, without being affected by the temperature of a finger of a user. The indicator includes: a base; a concave portion formed in the base; a capsule accommodated in the concave portion and packed with a heat-sensitive material; an absorbing member placed on the capsule; pressing means which is arranged above the absorbing member, and which is formed of a transparent heat insulating material; and a cover which covers at least the capsule and the absorbing member. By pressing on the capsule using the pressing means 6, the capsule is ruptured.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an adhesive thermometer, comprising: a sense unit, a display unit and an attachment unit, where the display unit and the sense unit are combined into a rectangular parallelepiped, and the display unit is located at the top while the sense unit at the bottom. The attachment unit is formed by an adhesive pad and the rectangular parallelepiped, which makes the sense unit to be disposed for exposing downward. The bottom of the adhesive pad is provided with gluey substance, and a protective pad is stuck to the gluey substance for temporary attachment. When using, simply tear down the protective pad and stick the thermometer to both ends of a measured location by means of the exposed gluey substance, and adhere the sense unit to the measured location to sense the temperature, followed by exhibiting the sensed temperature at the display unit in terms of different message types: numeral, color, sound or odor.

Abstract: According to a precise critical temperature indicator and a control method thereof of the present invention, the precise critical temperature indicator comprises as one body: a blocking boundary layer which is positioned between a spreading material member including an operation button and spreading medium members including a spreadable area for a spreading material; and a temperature sensor which is controlled and operated as the spreading material passes through the blocking boundary layer and contacts the spreading medium member according to a user's pressing of the operation button. As a result, operation of the temperature sensor is easily controlled using the operation button. Also, the precise critical temperature indicator does not require a process of cooling a product down to below a critical temperature before using the product, due to the hermetic sealing of the spreading material member.

Abstract: An indicator device for a filter includes a filter replacement indicator that is actuatable by thermal expansion. The indicator device can be included in a filter. Also, a vacuum cleaner including a filter having the indicator device.

Abstract: A wearable temperature-sensing apparatus for measuring an ambient environmental temperature or a surface temperature of an object. The sensing apparatus comprises a fail-safe audible indicator for indicating to a user a magnitude of the temperature.

Abstract: A cooking vessel sidewall cover is provided with an opening therein and a screen is placed over the opening, with the screen including a layered structured between the cover opening and the vessel to include a non-opaque substrate, a layer of thermochromic colorant that changes from a opaque color to a non-opaque color when exposed to a predetermined temperature, and a layer of indicia material which is visible from an outer side of the substrate opening when the thermochromic ink changes to a non-opaque color. The cover may also include protective transparent or translucent window members on either side of the opening, and the substrate may be attached by way of an adhesive.