Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode includes a layer provided on a substrate comprising a two-dimensional error-correcting barcode symbol. The bar code symbol further includes a barcode region, an empty region, and a dynamic region. The barcode region includes a plurality of modules in a static color state and the empty region has an area. Additionally, the dynamic region is provided on the substrate and positioned within the area of the empty region. The dynamic region includes a dynamic indicator having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change between an initial state and an end state, causing a change in the color state of the dynamic indicator. Additionally, the color state indicates exposure to the environmental condition.

Abstract: An indicator includes a substrate, a two-dimensional barcode symbol provided on the substrate, a space on the substrate surrounding the barcode symbol, and a historical environmental condition indicator on the substrate. The two-dimensional barcode symbol may be printed on the substrate, preferably in a rectangular, and more preferably in a square configuration. The two-dimensional barcode is printed preferably in black and white and more preferably according to a certain standard. The space on the substrate surrounding the barcode symbol has four quadrants. Additionally, the historical environmental condition indicator is preferably a historical temperature indicator, which occupies space on the substrate in at least two of the four quadrants. The historical environmental condition indicator preferably occupies three and more preferably occupies four of the four quadrants.

Abstract: A sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode includes a layer provided on a substrate comprising a two-dimensional error-correcting barcode symbol. The bar code symbol further includes a barcode region, an empty region, and a dynamic region. The barcode region includes a plurality of modules in a static color state and the empty region has an area. Additionally, the dynamic region is provided on the substrate and positioned within the area of the empty region. The dynamic region includes a dynamic indicator having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change between an initial state and an end state, causing a change in the color state of the dynamic indicator. Additionally, the color state indicates exposure to the environmental condition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for combining preprinted information together with coded sensor information within a two-dimensional barcode. The sensor information may be of an environmental, physical or biological nature, and records a cumulative change in status of the environmental or biological condition to which the labeled product has been exposed. A sensor dye chemistry is employed that undergoes a continuous chemical or physical state change in response to the occurrence of the environmental condition. The continuous change is between an initial state and an end state causing a change in the color state of the sensor dye embedded within the sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode, encoding sensor digital information. Sensor information is recovered utilizing the error-correction feature during barcode decoding.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: Systems for switchable RFID tags responsive to an environmental sensor are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a RFID tag having an antenna and an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the antenna, a plurality of sensor devices electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, and an electrical connection between the integrated circuit and the plurality of sensor devices. The integrated circuit is configured to sense whether each of the plurality of sensor device is in a conductive state or in a non-conductive state, and produce a different output based on the state of the each of the plurality of sensor devices. The output is adapted to be transmitted through the antenna to a reader.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for combining preprinted information together with coded sensor information within a two-dimensional barcode. The sensor information may be of an environmental, physical or biological nature, and records a cumulative change in status of the environmental or biological condition to which the labeled product has been exposed. A sensor dye chemistry is employed that undergoes a continuous chemical or physical state change in response to the occurrence of the environmental condition. The continuous change is between an initial state and an end state causing a change in the color state of the sensor dye embedded within the sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode, encoding sensor digital information. Sensor information is recovered utilizing the error-correction feature during barcode decoding.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon includes a carrier layer, a release layer, and a thermally transferable ink layer. The ink layer includes an active ink having a chemistry that is configured, responsive to the occurrence of an environmental, physical or biological condition, to undergo a chemical or physical state change causing a change in the color state of the active ink.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for combining preprinted information together with coded sensor information within a two-dimensional barcode. The sensor information may be of an environmental, physical or biological nature, and records a change in status of the environmental or biological condition to which the labeled product has been exposed. A sensor dye chemistry is employed and when a specified condition of the sensed property occurs it causes a change in the color state of sensor dye modules embedded within the sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode, encoding sensor digital information. Sensor information is recovered utilizing the error-correction feature during barcode reading.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are delayed reaction threshold temperature indicators and methods of making and activating the same, the delayed reaction threshold temperature indicators including a first substrate, first and second layers, and a housing secured to the substrate. The first layer includes a first reactant and an optional meltable polymer, and the second layer includes a meltable polymer and a second reactant. The meltable polymer is configured to keep the first and second reactants from interacting with each other. When exposed to temperatures at and/or above a desired threshold for a period of time, the meltable polymer melts and allows the first and second reactants to come into contact with each other, thereby producing a visual change in appearance.

Abstract: An ascending/descending indicator can include a sealed housing that contains a deep eutectic solvent (DES) within the housing. The DES can include two or more components and is configured to exhibit a first characteristic when at a first temperature and to assume a second characteristic when exposed to a second temperature and to substantially maintain the second characteristic even when again exposed to the first temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are gel-based temperature indicators that include a first absorbent substrate having opposing first and second faces and a first gel coupled to the first face. In some embodiments, the first gel is a gel at a first temperature, and the first gel turns to liquid at a second temperature. In some embodiments, the first absorbent substrate is configured to allow the first gel upon turning to liquid to diffuse through the first face toward the second face.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for combining preprinted information together with coded sensor information within a two-dimensional barcode. The sensor information may be of an environmental, physical or biological nature, and records a change in status of the environmental or biological condition to which the labeled product has been exposed. A sensor dye chemistry is employed and when a specified condition of the sensed property occurs it causes a change in the color state of sensor dye modules embedded within the sensor-augmented two-dimensional barcode, encoding sensor digital information. Sensor information is recovered utilizing the error-correction feature during barcode reading.

Abstract: Systems for switchable RFID tags responsive to an environmental sensor are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a RFID tag having an antenna and an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the antenna, a plurality of sensor devices electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, and an electrical connection between the integrated circuit and the plurality of sensor devices. The integrated circuit is configured to sense whether each of the plurality of sensor device is in a conductive state or in a non-conductive state, and produce a different output based on the state of the each of the plurality of sensor devices. The output is adapted to be transmitted through the antenna to a reader.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: Systems for switchable RFID tags responsive to an environmental sensor are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a primary RFID tag and a secondary RFID tag, and a switch being associated with the primary RFID tag and the secondary RFID tag in a manner that the primary RFID tag and the secondary RFID tag are not activated at the same time. Each RFID tag may include an integrated circuit and an antenna. The system may also include at least two first electrical terminals electrically connecting the primary RFID tag to the switch, and at least two second electrical terminals electrically connecting the secondary RFID tag to the switch.

Abstract: A dual-function heat indicator for monitoring two or more modes of heat exposure is described. A manufacturing process for the dual-function heat indicator is also described. Dual-function heat indicators as described may be useful for monitoring the exposure of host products, with which the dual-function heat indicators may be associated, to cumulative ambient heat exposure and to a peak ambient heat exposure, and for other purposes.

Abstract: A color-changing environmental stimulus indicator includes a substrate, an active indicator placed above the substrate, and a reference component. The active indicator is configured to change color in response to an environmental stimulus. The reference component is also color changeable in response to an environmental stimulus. The reference component is configured to have a similar appearance to the active indicator at an end point. The environmental stimulus includes one or more of temperature, cumulative temperature, humidity, pH, and ultraviolet radiation.