Abstract: Prior to logging of a process flags for locking at all addresses of a logging area of a tag are set to state 1 by means of an interrogator. A high limit (h) and a low limit (l) of an interval (l-h) of such values (v) of a physical parameter are determined, which are proper for preserving usability of a tagged article. Said values (v) acquired with a sensor and acquisition times related thereto are converted into less numerous data characterizing the process by observing said limits (h, l). Said data characterizing the process are logged in said logging area. Said process log cannot be modified in any way at a later stage. The invention also provides for an efficient observation of longer period of the process in the tagged article in order to inspect the usability thereof.

Abstract: A self-heating patch includes a bottom barrier layer, an air-activated heat-generating layer, an air regulation layer, optionally a top barrier layer, and optionally a skin contact layer, wherein the air-activated heat-generating layer is encapsulated by the air regulation layer and bottom barrier layer, and/or the top and bottom barrier layers, and the temperature of the patch, when the air-activated heat-generating layer has been exposed to air, and when the top barrier layer if present is removed, is controlled at least in part by the air regulation layer; and a perimeter seal seals the air regulation layer to the bottom barrier layer around the perimeter of the patch. Optionally a temperature-responsive mechanism, such as a wax, can be used to reduce oxygen intake into the self-heating patch and thereby control the temperature of the self-heating patch during use. Optionally, a portion of the self-heating patch can be thermoformed.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.

Abstract: Prior to logging of a process flags for locking at all addresses of a logging area of a tag are set to state 1 by means of an interrogator. A high limit (h) and a low limit (l) of an interval (l-h) of such values (v) of a physical parameter are determined, which are proper for preserving usability of a tagged article. Said values (v) acquired with a sensor and acquisition times related thereto are converted into less numerous data characterizing the process by observing said limits (h, l). Said data characterizing the process are logged in said logging area. Said process log cannot be modified in any way at a later stage. The invention also provides for an efficient observation of longer period of the process in the tagged article in order to inspect the usability thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for dispensing an activated electronic monitoring device (EM device), such as a data logger. The invention can activate an EM device and verify activation before dispensing the EM device. The invention comprises a receptacle for storing a plurality of unactivated EM devices, a separator for separating an indivdual EM device, a reader for activating and verifying activation of the EM device, and a sorter for dispensing activated EM devices into an accept container that is readily accessible. EM devices that fail to activate can be dispensed into a reject container. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a controller that typically comprises a microprocessor having stored instructions. The controller can typically communicate with the EM device via the reader to activate the EM device and verify activation. The controller may also be used to program or write instructions to the EM device.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.

Abstract: The invention is a method of validating a label that includes the steps of reading a product-specific code disposed on an item; retrieving a stored verification code corresponding to the product-specific code; reading a label verification code disposed on a label having a serial number encoded thereon; and determining whether the stored and label verification code match. If the stored and label verification codes match, the label is considered valid. In one embodiment, once the label is validated, the product-specific code and the serial number may be combined to generate a unique item-level identification code for the particular item. The use of the stored verification code and label verification code may help prevent attaching an incorrect label to the item.

Abstract: The invention is a handheld device that is adapted for wireless communication with an electronic monitoring device, and includes a control unit and dedicated operating system configured to analyze data retrieved from a data logger and determine if the electronic monitoring device has been exposed to an environmental condition exceeding a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the handheld device may be configured to generate a sensory output if the data indicates that the predetermined threshold may have been exceeded. The handheld device may also have an associated memory component configured to store the retrieved data. In some embodiments, the reader may also be configured to calculate the remaining shelf-life of an item that is in a monitoring relationship with the electronic monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method of using a device that is communcatively disposed between a scanner and a conventional point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The device (IPDP) can be used to process and distinguish between product-specific information, such as a UPC bar code, and item-specific information, such as a serial number. The IPDP transfers product-specific information to the POS terminal where it is processed in a conventional manner. The item-specific information is transferred to a separate item-level processor that analyzes the data and communicates with an item-level database. The item-level database can be used to verify the specific item's authenticity, expiration date, warranty registration, and the like. As a result, the system can be used to help prevent counterfeiting.

Abstract: The invention is a method of monitoring the temperature to which an object has been exposed. The invention comprises combining a Time-Temperature Indicator (TTI) with an electronic monitoring device to determine whether the temperature to which the object has been exposed may have exceeded a predetermined threshold. The TTI device can be used to make a rapid initial determination as to the acceptability of the temperature history. The temperature history stored in the electronic monitoring device can be retrieved if visual inspection of the TTI indicates that the temperature history may possibly have exceeded the predetermined threshold. As a result, rejection of goods based on inaccurate TTI readings can be reduced or prevented, and the amount of time needed to retrieve data from an electronic monitoring device can be limited to only those circumstances where the initial visualization of the TTI indicates the possibility of an unacceptable temperature history.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to vicinal hydroxyl-functionalized hydrocarbon polymers having a mole ratio of methylene to hydroxyl group of greater than 1 and to films, coatings and articles useful in packaging applications containing said polymers.

Abstract: A new and novel linear, regio-regular vicinal functionalized polymer methods of forming the same are described. The polymer has a linear hydrocarbon polymer backbone with vicinal functional groups having oxygen and/or nitrogen atom containing groups, such as hydroxy, carboxylic acid or ester, carbonyl acetate, amide, nitrile and the like, pendent from the polymer backbone chain in a regio-regular manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to Packaging Materials and Packaging Articles having a structure composed of a substantially linear, regio-regular functionalized hydrocarbon polymer having C4-C12 hydrocarbon polymer repeating units wherein each unit has at least one functional group uniformly pendent therefrom.

Abstract: A new and novel linear, regio-regular vicinal functionalized polymer methods of forming the same are described. The polymer has a linear hydrocarbon polymer backbone with vicinal functional groups having oxygen and/or nitrogen atom containing groups, such as hydroxy, carboxylic acid or ester, carbonyl acetate, amide, nitrile and the like, pendent from the polymer backbone chain in a regio-regular manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymeric compositions capable of providing enhanced crosslinking efficiency, to single and multilayer films having the subject composition contained within at least one layer of said film, to a method of treating said film to provide enhanced crosslink within said at least one layer of the film and to the resultant cross-linked film product as well as articles made from said cross-linked film product.

Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of a thermoplastic, homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, as well as many others. The homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a monolayer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers therto. Finally, also included is an RF-sealable film comprising such copolymers.

Abstract: Improved compositions for scavenging oxygen are disclosed. These materials, characterized by low degree crystallinity and a glass transition temperature of lower than -15.degree. C., have high oxygen scavenging rates at low temperatures. The composition comprises an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon and a transition metal salt catalyst and can be incorporated into various types of layers. It is preferable that the composition be incorporated into layers of multilayered articles used for packaging oxygen-sensitive products such as food products.

Abstract: Film and sheet materials, and articles made therefrom, such as bags, pouches, trays, etc., comprise one or more layers of a thermoplastic, homogeneous alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer, preferably an ethylene/styrene copolymer. The alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymer has properties which can can provide a desired performance characteristics such as impact resistance, printability, RF sealability, free shrink, optics, as well as many others. The homogeneous alpha-olefin-vinyl aromatic copolymer may be present in a mono-layer film, either alone or in a blend, or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film. Also included is a multilayer thermoformable article comprising a web having a film of such alpha-olefin/vinyl aromatic copolymers thereto. Finally, also included is an RF-sealable film comprising such copolymers.