Abstract: A wetness indicating adhesive composition comprising an adhesive base composition incorporating a fluorescing agent in the adhesive base composition that only fluoresces when wet, and not when dry. In one embodiment, the adhesive base composition may be composed of water soluble, or at least partially water soluble, components, and in another embodiment the adhesive base composition may be composed of water sensitive components as for example one or more water insoluble polymers and a surfactant. The fluorescing agent can either be dissolved or dispersed in the adhesive base composition, and is preferably a water soluble fluorescing agent that becomes visible under ultraviolet light only when an article such as a disposable diaper becomes wet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: An indicating desiccant comprises a silica-based material having impregnated thereon a source of copper and a source of bromide, the source of copper being present in an amount up to 0.5 per cent by weight, calculated as Cu with respect to weight of the silica-based material, and the source of bromide being present in an amount such that the weight ration of Br to Cu is at least 5:1. Optionally, the indicating desiccant also comprises a dye or other coloured material.

Abstract: A visual indicating paste composition for detecting of aqueous solutions in hydrocarbons by changes in color. The paste is utilized by placing on a probe and inserting the probe in a storage device for fuel. Said paste comprising: a) a liquid carrier selected from high molecular weight polyols; b) a caustic powder selected from alkaline earth oxides; c) a gelling agent; d) a surfactant consisting of ethoxylated nonylphenol with 9 moles of ethylene oxide; e) a filler material. f) a water scavenger consisting of aluminum isopropoxide; g) an indicator dye; and h) a neutral dye; wherein the paste of the present invention will change color upon contact with an aqueous solution in the pH range of about between 7 and 11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the effective leak detection of refrigerants by the addition of dyes from the general chemical class of naphthalimide fluorescent dyes in a refrigeration system where said refrigeration system employs alone, or in combination, a refrigerant in a hermetic system such as, but not limited to, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and any hydrogen, halogenated or ether derivatives of the methane, hydrogen, halogenated, ether or cyclic derivatives of either ethane, propane, butane, pentane, mixtures of HCFC, HFC, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia.Leakage is determined by inspection of the sealed system using a lamp having an emission wavelength from 300 to 480 nanometers providing an indication of any system leakage.

Abstract: Refrigerant leakage in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employing hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants is determined by adding a mixture of predetermined amounts of a naphthalamide optical brightener with an appropriate lubricant to the system. Inspection of the system under ultraviolet light provides an indication of any leakage occurring in the system of liquid and/or gas.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing a swellable plastic resistive moisture sensor comprising dispersing an additive selected from the group consisting of carbon in powder, dust or soot form, carbon black, graphite, a metal in powder or dust form, and mixtures thereof, into a plastic comprising a polyimide or a copolyimide or both formed from diisocyanate and dianhydride reactants.

Abstract: A method and device involving use of the reaction product of an aldehyde acidified with sulfuric acid in acetone for sensing moisture. The reaction product is used as a coating for colorimetric detection of humidity, the color of the coating changing as a function of the humidity level. The coating is applied to a thin layer chromatography plate which is received in a badge housing to provide a real-time colorimetric dosimeter for monitoring humidity and indicating its presence.

Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical compositions for use in primary, optical/capacitance hygrometric devices. It also provides methods for using these compositions as sensors for the precise measurement of the humidity of gases as well as the apparatus. The chemical compositions, which of themselves sense the change in water vapor pressure, are birefringent, translucent, and anisotropic at a first water vapor pressure/temperature, but non-birefrigent, optically clear, and isotropic at a second vapor pressure/temperature. Optical changes which accompany these phase changes may be amplified. Some compositions, exhibit abrupt and large increases in their dielectric constant coincident with the optical changes which occur at the phase shift point. Others show a large and precisely linear change in dielectric contant over many decades of relative humitity (RH), but the optical shift occurs at a precise point within the range.

Abstract: A solution-type moisture indicating ink to be printed on a substrate and change color at a preselected ambient moisture. The indicator ink includes a solvent carrier system, a moisture indicating substance which changes color under the influence of moisture, and a resin system as a binder to hold the moisture indicating substance to the substrate as well as a film forming and viscosity adjusting agent.

Abstract: The invention provides novel chemical compositions for use in primary, optical/capacitance hygrometric devices. It also provides methods for using these compositions as sensors for the precise measurements of the humidity of gases as well as the apparatus. The chemical compositions, which of themselves sense the change in water vapor pressure, are birefringent, translucent, and anisotropic at a first water vapor pressure/temperature, but non-birefringent, optically clear, and isotropic at a second vapor pressure/temperature. Optical changes which accompany these phase changes may be amplified. Some compositions, exhibit abrupt and large increases in their dielectric constant coincident with the optical changes which occur at the phase shift point. Others show a large and precisely linear change in dielectric constant over many decades of relative humidity (RH), but the optical shift occurs at a precise point within the range.

Abstract: An ion conductive sensor is connected to a current source which, in order to prevent polarization effects, controls current flow through the sensor in spaced or polarity-alternating pulses. If the sensor is a humidity sensor, it is preferably constituted by Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and Na.sub.2 WO.sub.4 in a proportion, by weight, of preferably 2 to 2.5:1:1, sintered on a substrate which has comb electrodes applied thereto. The sensor is especially immune to noise or disturbance pulses from the current supply and is especially suitable for use as an ambient humidity sensor in an automotive vehicle (810).

Abstract: A diffusion-controlled security tag comprising a carrier containing a solution of a compound which changes color upon diffusion or evaporation of the solvent. Preferably the carrier is enveloped in a barrier film which controls the rate of diffusion/evaporation of the solvent from the carrier such that a change in the color of the carrier indicates undesirable storage or product tampering.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator in which an indicator, such as a flowable colorant, is releasably contained within an enclosure at least a portion of which is a volatilizable, preferably sublimable, substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for insulating surfaces for the purpose of preventing or reducing occurrence of condensation on the surface, comprising applying to the surface a layer of a coating composition containing a binder and, distributed therein, granules of an expanded inorganic material having a bulk density of at least 150 kgs/m.sup.3. The invention also provides for a composition suitable for carrying out such process, comprising a binder and granules of an expanded inorganic material of the nature indicated.

Abstract: A relative humidity sensitive material comprises a mixture of at least one hygroscopic salt and an at least partially electrically conductive metal based powder. Each salt in the relative humidity sensitive material has a cationic constituent selected from the group consisting of the alkali and alkaline earth metals and an anionic constituent selected from the group consisting of a chlorate, perchlorate, and chloro aluminate. The metal based powder preferably comprises a metal or metal oxide powder or powder mixture including such constituents as Zr, CO.sub.3 O.sub.4, and MnO.sub.2. Additionally, the material may include a binding agent and a slurry mixture may be formed for placement of the resultant material between electrodes on a substrate so as to form a relative humidity sensor. These sensors are employed either individually or configured in a system used to either indicate or control the relative humidity.