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: 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: A device for retaining and trussing the hocks of poultry carcass in juxtaposition and proximal to the carcass during processing, packaging, shipping, storage, and/or cooking. The present invention, including hock retaining members, can be constructed of a unitary, plate-like member of resilient material and can include two openings for fitting about and retaining the hocks, an anchor to be affixed to the carcass, and a connecting means between the hock retaining members and the anchor. The connecting members provide a spring force to keep the hocks and thus the legs juxtaposed to the carcass and each other.

Abstract: The use of thermopolymeric switching medium in temperature monitoring devices in which thermopolymeric switching medium is used as a retaining materials and are based on polymeric compositions that can be designed and programmed to meet selective parameters in production and performance. The thermopolymeric switching mediums can be formulated in a pure state or can include additives, such as fillers or active materials to impact the characteristics of the thermopolymeric switching component.

Abstract: A temperature indicator (10) including an elongated piece of tubing (12), a top cap (14), a bottom tip (16), a first media (22) with a first melting point, and a second solid media (24) with a second melting point. Mixing of the first and second media (22, 24) produces a color change within the tubing, which is noticeable at the top end of the indicator, which in use is sticking out of the food product.

Abstract: A timer for poultry and other products comprises a barrel having a closed end and an open end surrounded by an external flange. Within the barrel is a stem which is spring-based upwardly but held in the barrel by an alloy or organic material which releases the stem at a pre-determined cooking temperature. In the past there has been a tendency for the stem to move upwardly ("creep") before the pre-determined cooking temperature is reached. The present invention applies an adhesive to the top of the external barrel flange and the bottom of a flange on the upper end of the stem to prevent creep and also to obstruct entry of juices into the barrel. Alternatively an accelerator for said adhesive is applied to said external barrel flange to shorten the time for curing said adhesive.