Abstract: A method is provided for making thermochromic pigments in microcapsules having unusually small particle sizes.

Abstract: A microencapsulated pigment including a leuco dye system is incorporated as one or more layers in a roll of adhesive tape. The tape is applied and may be rubbed by hand or another object to induce a color change. The change may serve as an indicator that the tape is well adhered for masking purposes in a painting operation, or to present a design where only selected portions of the tape are rubbed to induce the color change. The microencapsulated pigment may be constructed so that the color change is irreversible or reversible.

Abstract: A method is provided for making thermochromic pigments in microcapsules having unusually small particle sizes.

Abstract: A new leuco dye produces a yellow color while demonstrating also exceptional light and thermal stability under light.

Abstract: A children's coloring pad may incorporate thermochromic pigments that are specially formulated to develop color and clear color by respective applications of cold and hot temperatures. The pad may be used in a similar manner as with respect to finger painting, but without the residual mess.

Abstract: An article of clothing is coated or impregnated with a coating that contains thermochromic pigment. The pigment is constructed to change color when wet with water, and/or to provide a hyperthermic warning when a person wearing the clothing is over-warm.

Abstract: A method is provided for making thermochromic pigments in microcapsules having unusually small particle sizes.

Abstract: A method is provided for making thermochromic pigments in microcapsules having unusually small particle sizes.

Abstract: Promotional codes are printed using thermochromic inks in a manner that conceals the codes until a beverage or other article is cooled sufficiently to reveal the codes.

Abstract: A microencapsulated pigment including a leuco dye system is incorporated as one or more layers in a roll of adhesive tape. The tape is applied and may be rubbed by hand or another object to induce a color change. The change may serve as an indicator that the tape is well adhered for masking purposes in a painting operation, or to present a design where only selected portions of the tape are rubbed to induce the color change. The microencapsulated pigment may be constructed so that the color change is irreversible or reversible.

Abstract: A children's coloring pad may incorporate thermochromic pigments that are specially formulated to develop color and clear color by respective applications of cold and hot temperatures. The pad may be used in a similar manner as with respect to finger painting, but without the residual mess.

Abstract: A microencapsulation process is improved by adding a stabilizing agent that contains one or more catalytic organo-metal oxide materials, such as metal soaps. This functions as a crosslinker by causing unsaturated bonds in the microcapsule walls to react, thereby stabilizing the microcapsules against the effects of additives to coatings that, otherwise, degrade the functionality of thermochromic or photochromic materials at the microcapsule core.

Abstract: Thermochromic coatings are improved by mixing thermochromic capsules with polymer resins in a manner that imparts shelf stability to flowable precursors that may be cured quickly using dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and/or other acid catalysts to form relatively hard coatings that are capable of withstanding machine operations, such as the operations needed to make beverage can lids, bottle caps, pull tabs and the like.

Abstract: A thermochromic ink or print varnish is formulated and printed to form a level indicator.

Abstract: Dye and developer components of a leuco dye system are separately microencapsulated. The microcapsule walls are fragile to the point of being easily ruptured. The microcapsules are mixed combined into a coating composition that is applied to a substrate and dried. Forces applied to the substrate, such as by the application of fingers or a writing instrument, rupture the capsule to produce a color change by interaction of the leuco dye system components that are released upon rupture of the capsules.

Abstract: A thermochromic leuco dye composition contains a leuco dye moiety including one or more tri-aryl substituted pyridines, a UVA developer moiety including at least one UVA developer selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid and derivatives thereof, and biphenyls and derivatives thereof, and a carrier selected from the group consisting of a fatty ester, fatty alcohol, fatty amide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A thermochromic ink contains scented microcapsules.

Abstract: Thermochromic coatings are improved by mixing thermochromic capsules with polymer resins in a manner that imparts shelf stability to flowable precursors that may be cured to form relatively hard coatings that are capable of withstanding machine operations, such as the operations needed to make beverage can lids, bottle caps, pull tabs and the like.

Abstract: An item contents verification system, and associated method, for use in an assembly line of carrier-totes (if used) each containing at least one of a plurality of items having a labeling. Also, a labeling for use with a computerized inspection apparatus for verification of items, and associated method.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system has a plurality of interconnected stations for transporting a carrier containing a material. Pneumatic travel tubes interconnect the stations. Each station has a rotatable cartridge assembly with a first tube for pass-through of the carrier, a second tube for loading the carrier, and a third tube for receiving the carrier. Each tube is configurable to be aligned with the travel tubes. A wear plate assembly is in slidable communication with the rotatable cartridge assembly. The wear plate assembly has a center plate with a solid portion, an opening for passing the carrier, and an air-pass opening. A computer system controls the configuration of the interconnected stations to provide transport of the carrier between stations while passing through intermediate stations without stopping movement of the carrier. A user interface provides for entering commands to the pneumatic transport system.