Abstract: A nucleating agent composition, a method of forming the nucleating agent and a device comprising the nucleating agent composition are provided. The nucleating agent comprises a nucleating agent comprises silver halide salt with an average particle size of at least 10 nanometer to no more than 100 microns in a polymeric matrix wherein the polymeric matrix has a viscosity of at least 500 cP to no more than 50,000 cP.

Abstract: This invention relates to thin indicating devices, such as time-temperature indicators and a method of making by applying and UV curing one or more layers of indicating composition are disclosed. For example, an indicator layer is applied on substrate and cured with UV light, immediately followed by an application of an activator layer which is cured by UV light. The device can have other layers, such as a permeable barrier between the activator and indicator layer and a top protective layers which are also UV cured. This fast curing method prevents premature reactions, e.g., diffusion of activator into indicator layer and vice versa during manufacturing.

Abstract: A food with an extended shelf-life and a method of extending shelf-life of food is provided herein. The extended shelf-life is provided by treating the food with at least one shelf-life extender selected from a group consisting of an isothiocyanate, a non-aromatic cyclic ketone, a boronic acid, a ligand and their precursors.

Abstract: A food with an extended shelf-life and a method of extending shelf-life of food is provided herein. The extended shelf-life is provided by treating the food with at least one shelf-life extender selected from a group consisting of an isothiocyanate, a non-aromatic cyclic ketone, a boronic acid, a ligand and their precursors.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to indicating devices, such as time-temperature indicators based on lateral diffusion of a vapor of a solid and/or liquid mobile phase (e.g., a sublimeable dye or an activator) through a non-porous stationary phase, such as a thin layer of a polymeric material. The lateral diffusion of the mobile phase creates a noticeable boundary in the stationary phase whose movement depends upon processes, such as time and temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to indicating devices, such as time-temperature indicators based on lateral diffusion of a vapor of a solid and/or liquid mobile phase (e.g., a sublimeable dye or an activator) through a non-porous stationary phase, such as a thin layer of a polymeric material. The lateral diffusion of the mobile phase creates a noticeable boundary in the stationary phase whose movement depends upon processes, such as time and temperature.

Abstract: Described is a self-indicating instant radiation dosimeter (1001) for monitoring high energy radiations, such as X-ray. The dosimeter contains a radiation sensitive, color changing, indicating composition (10), e.g., a diacetylene (R—C?C—C?C—R?, where R and R? are substituents groups) or a radiochromic dye, a polymeric binder (20) and optionally a shelf life extender (50) or an activator (40). The radiation sensitive composition (10) changes color instantly when exposed to high energy radiation. The dose is estimated by comparing the color with a color reference chart or more accurately with a spectrophotometer or an optical densitometer. The radiation sensitive composition (10) is protected from low energy radiation such as UV light, by a layer of low energy absorbing materials, such as UV absorbers.

Abstract: Described is a self-indicating instant radiation dosimeter (1001) for monitoring high energy radiations, such as X-ray. The dosimeter contains a radiation sensitive, color changing, indicating composition (10), e.g., a diacetylene (R—C?C—C?C—R?, where R and R? are substituents groups) or a radiochromic dye, a polymeric binder (20) and optionally a shelf life extender (50) or an activator (40). The radiation sensitive composition (10) changes color instantly when exposed to high energy radiation. The dose is estimated by comparing the color with a color reference chart or more accurately with a spectrophotometer or an optical densitometer. The radiation sensitive composition (10) is protected from low energy radiation such as UV light, by a layer of low energy absorbing materials, such as UV absorbers.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. Ink formulations composed of a metal powder and a proper activator can be used for monitoring several sterilization processes, such as sterilization with steam. When water is used as an activator, a thin layer of metals, such as that of aluminum can be used as steam sterilization or humidity indicator.

Abstract: A general purpose high accuracy dosimeter reader, 80, for determination of a treatment condition, based on comparison of an image of treated dosimeter, 111, with a series of images of pre-treated dosimeter, 114, is disclosed. A dosimeter undergoes noticeable changes, such as a color change upon treatment with certain materials, such as toxic gases and processes, such as ionizing radiation and sterilization is pre-treated. The dosimeter is imaged with an imaging device, 115, such as charge-coupled device camera and images of the dosimeter or the changes, e.g., color change, are stored in an information storage device, 118. In order to determine the treatment condition, the treatment dosimeter is imaged and the image is compared with the series of pre-treated images of the dosimeter using software. The closest match of the treated dosimeter with the pre-treated and pre-imaged dosimeter would indicate the treatment conditions.

Abstract: Described as a self-indicating instant radiation dosimeter (1001) for monitoring high energy radiations, such as X-ray. The dosimeter contains a radiation sensitive, color changing, indicating composition (10), e.g., a diacetylene (R—C?C—C?C—R?, where R and R? are substituents groups) or a radiochromic dye, a polymeric binder (20) and optionally a shelf life extender (50) or an activator (40). The radiation sensitive composition (10) changes color instantly when exposed to high energy radiation. The dose is estimated by comparing the color with a color reference chart or more accurately with a spectrophotometer or an optical densitometer. The radiation sensitive composition (10) is protected from low energy radiation such as UV light, by a layer of low energy absorbing materials, such as UV absorbers.

Abstract: Described is a radiation sensitive imaging film containing a heat fixable radiation sensitive element, e.g., a diacetylene, of the formula: R--C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--R', where R and R' are, e.g., both --CH.sub.2 --O--CONH--(CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH.sub.3. After exposure to X-radiation during diagnostic or X-ray therapy, the resulting image can be permanently dry fixed by a short heating step and then stored for a long period. Processes for making the film, new binder-convertor systems, and a device incorporating the film are described as well as other imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing the film in high energy radiation applications in the health care field.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process of etching the surface of polymeric materials made of polymers having at least one oxidatively degradable functionality which comprises treating said surface with a solution of at least one member of the etchant group consisting of nitronium, nitrosonium ions and complexes thereof, in a solvent containing less than 40% by weight of water and nitroacidium ions and complexes thereof. The process further comprises use of cosolvents and swellants. It also includes pre and post etching steps directed to the preparation of the surface for etching and removal of the etchant respectively.

Abstract: Described is a radiation sensitive imaging film containing a heat fixable radiation sensitive element, e.g., a diacetylene, of the formula: R--C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C--R', where R and R' are, e.g., both --CH.sub.2 --O--CONH--(CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH.sub.3. After exposure to X-radiation during diagnostic or X-ray therapy, the resulting image can be permanently dry fixed by a short heating step and then stored for a long period. Processes for making the film, new binder-convertor systems, and a device incorporating the film are described as well as other imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing the film in high energy radiation applications in the health care field.

Abstract: A one-step process for treating polymer surfaces prior to electroless deposition is disclosed. Polymer parts are dipped in a solution containing a good solvent for the polymer, a substantial non-solvent for the polymer, an etchant and, where one of these is immiscible with one or more of the others, a solubilizing agent miscible with the immiscible components to provide a single liquid phase. Formulations are provided for pre-swelling and etching of functionalized polymers, such as polycarbonate in one, two and three steps. The etched surface can then be plated with electroless nickel or copper with satisfactory adhesion of the plated metals. Swelling agents make polymer molecules on and near the surface of the polymer easily accessible to a degradation agent. A degradation agent degradates the polymer molecules. If required, a solubilizing agent increases the miscibility of the degradation agent and the swelling agent. A wetting agent increases the effectiveness of the etching agent.

Abstract: Formulations are provided for pre-swelling and etching of functionalized polymers, such as polycarbonate in two or three steps. The etched surface can then be plated with electroless nickel or copper with satisfactory adhesion of the plated metals. Swelling agents make polymer molecules on and near the surface of the polymer easily accessible to a degradation agent. A degradation agent degradates the polymer molecules. If required, a solubilizing agent increases the miscibility of the degradation agent and the swelling agent. A wetting agent increases the effectiveness of the etching agent. In a two-step process, polymer parts are first treated with a solution of a swelling agent followed by etching with a solution of degradation agent.

Abstract: Formulations are provided for pre-swelling and etching of functionalized polymers, such as polycarbonate in one, two and three steps. The etched surface can then be plated with electroless nickel or copper with satisfactory adhesion of the plated metals. Swelling agents make polymer molecules on and near the surface of the polymer easily accessible to a degradation agent. A degradation agent degradates the polymer molecules. If required, a solubilizing agent increases the miscibility of the degradation agent and the swelling agent. A wetting agent increases the effectiveness of the etching agent.In the one-step process, polymer parts are dipped in a solution containing at least one swelling agent and at least one degradation agent. In the two-step process, polymer parts are first treated with a solution of a swelling agent followed by etching with a solution of degradation agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring alpha particles and material emitting alpha particles such as radon and its daughters. The device can also be used for monitoring other high energy particles such as cosmic rays, nuclear fission fragments, nucleon ions, and neutrons having energy between 0.1 and 200 MeV.In the operation of the invention, the high energy particles pass through and degrade tracks in a track registering material placed on a carrier substrate. These tracks are enlarged with a developing agent which etches the initial tracks. The enlarged tracks are then visualized by means of a color change in the immediate vicinity of these tracks.