Abstract: Visual and electronically readable temperature indicators and methods of making the same have an electric circuit with a microchip and a bridge within the circuit, and a facing material over the electric circuit. The bridge includes either a single layer or multiple layers that include a conductive material, a phase change material having a pre-selected melt temperature, a binder, a first colorant that is soluble in the phase change material and/or a second colorant that is a special effect pigment. In operation, at temperatures below the pre-selected melt temperature, the bridge is electrically conductive, and at a temperature at or above the pre-selected melt temperature, the phase change material melts and dilutes the conductive material, so that the bridge is electrically non-conductive, and a color change occurs that is visible to the user through the facing material such as through a transparent window or in an absorbent material.

Abstract: Visually and electronically readable temperature indicators have an electric circuit having a microchip and a bridge within the circuit and a porous substrate in direct contact with the bridge. The porous substrate has a first end protruding beyond a perimeter of the bridge with a temperature sensitive composition of a pre-selected melt temperature as a dry coating thereon. The bridge is formed of a conductive material and a binder. At a temperature at or above the pre-selected melt temperature, the temperature sensitive composition melts, migrates along the porous substrate to a position in contact with the bridge, thereby rendering the bridge electrically non-conductive or less conductive than an originally conductive state of the bridge, and provides a visible indication that the pre-selected melt temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A printable ink for reversible thermal indicators that includes microcapsules retaining therein a core material that is opaque as a solid and transparent as a liquid, and a binder and a rheology modifier as a carrier for the microcapsules. The binder and the rheology modifier are either the same substance or different substances. The microcapsules in the printable ink retain the core material therein for repeated, reversible transitions from solid to liquid and liquid to solid.

Abstract: Visual and electronically readable temperature indicators and methods of making the same have an electric circuit with a microchip and a bridge within the circuit, and a facing material over the electric circuit. The bridge includes either a single layer or multiple layers that include a conductive material, a phase change material having a pre-selected melt temperature, a binder, a first colorant that is soluble in the phase change material and/or a second colorant that is a special effect pigment. In operation, at temperatures below the pre-selected melt temperature, the bridge is electrically conductive, and at a temperature at or above the pre-selected melt temperature, the phase change material melts and dilutes the conductive material, so that the bridge is electrically non-conductive, and a color change occurs that is visible to the user through the facing material such as through a transparent window or in an absorbent material.

Abstract: A printable ink for reversible thermal indicators that includes microcapsules retaining therein a core material that is opaque as a solid and transparent as a liquid, and a binder and a rheology modifier as a carrier for the microcapsules. The binder and the rheology modifier are either the same substance or different substances. The microcapsules in the printable ink retain the core material therein for repeated, reversible transitions from solid to liquid and liquid to solid.

Abstract: A device for monitoring conditions within an environment in which an item is disposed includes a environment monitoring tag operably disposed adjacent an article to sense environment surrounding said article and store environmental data sensed, wherein said tag is equipped with software and hardware to communicate said data using Near Field Communication and a hand held communication device equipped with software and hardware to communicate using Near Field Communication to receive environmental data sensed by said tag and analyze said data.

Abstract: A device, system and method for monitoring conditions within an environment in which an item is disposed includes a reusable environment monitoring tag operably connected to a return postcard that can be disposed adjacent an item to be monitored, the tag equipped to sense and store surrounding environmental conditions thereof and an electronic reader electronic reader which upon receipt of the a return postcard having the tag therein in a predetermined range receives environmental data sensed and stored by the tag and analyze the data. The method includes mailing the return postcard to a receiving site for reading.

Abstract: A temperature descending indicator which gives a visual indication when the indicator has been exposed to temperatures below a set threshold temperature includes a container having a translucent portion, a first temperature sensitive gel of a first color which will convert to liquid when it is exposed to temperatures below the set threshold temperature, and a second temperature sensitive gel of a second color which will convert to liquid when it is exposed to temperatures below the set threshold temperature, wherein the second temperature sensitive gel is disposed adjacent the translucent portion in a manner to obscure the visibility of the first temperature sensitive gel. A method of making the indicator includes disposing one color gel over the other.