Abstract: In methods and systems for activating a label including a thermochromic ink used as a time/temperature indicator, the label has a first or printing section, and a second or thermochromic ink section. A package parameter, such as the weight of a food package or portion, is determined and printed on the printing section of the label. The label is advanced to an activation energy station. At least the thermochromic ink section of the label is exposed to activation energy, such as heat or radiation. The label is then quickly moved to a cooling station. At the cooling station, at least the thermochromic ink section of the label is quickly cooled, to activate the label for use as a time/temperature indicator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring item sourcing and handling information. The present disclosure provides a device for tracking and tracing a product or item's source and handling history. The present disclosure may, for instance, be applied to any product that is packaged, distributed, shipped, or requiring or using cold chain distribution where a greater quality of freshness of a product is desired or where preventing distribution or removing from distribution of a product exposed to a preselected condition such as an undesirable environmental temperature is desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.