Abstract: An apparatus for PVD is provided. The apparatus includes a chamber, a pedestal disposed in the chamber to accommodate a wafer, and a ring. The ring includes a ring body having a first top surface and a second top surface, and a barrier structure disposed between the first top surface and the second top surface. The barrier structure can further include at least a first portion and a second portion separated from each other. The second vertical distance is equal to or greater than the first vertical distance.

Abstract: Aircraft stringers having carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material reinforced flanges are disclosed. An example stringer to be coupled to a skin of an aircraft comprises a flange. The flange includes a first portion of a first stiffening segment. The flange further includes a first portion of a second stiffening segment coupled to the first portion of the first stiffening segment. The flange further includes a CFRP reinforcement segment coupled to the first portion of the first stiffening segment and to the first portion of the second stiffening segment. The CFRP reinforcement segment strengthens the first portion of the first stiffening segment and the first portion of the second stiffening segment.

Abstract: A component equipped with a high-visibility impact detection system. The component includes a composite layer with a minimum impact energy level known to potentially cause damage to the composite layer, a high-visibility layer covering at least a portion of the composite layer, and a top layer covering the high-visibility layer. The top layer is configured to fracture, and expose the high-visibility layer, when subjected to an impact energy level greater than or equal to the minimum impact energy level known to potentially cause damage to the composite layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a predetermined stimulus, and the invention further may include a method for manufacturing aspects of that device.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a temperature traceable indicator capable not only of displaying temperature history, but also adding other additional information. To that end, a temperature traceable indicator according to the present invention is provided with a base material and a temperature indicating laminate disposed on the base material, and is characterized in that the temperature indicating laminate is provided with a coloring layer including a color former, a color developing layer including a color developer for inducing the coloration of the color former, and a barrier layer disposed between the coloring layer and color developing layer, and the barrier layer includes a barrier agent that is immiscible with the color developer, is frozen at a first temperature, and melts beyond a second temperature so as to allow the color developer to become diffused in the coloring layer so that color is produced.

Abstract: Low-cost techniques for sensing ambient temperatures in a container or package using phase change materials are provided. In one aspect, a temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: at least one phase change material configured to transition from an amorphous state to a crystalline state upon exposure to temperatures above a predetermined threshold temperature for a given duration. A method of monitoring temperature exposure of a consumer good using the temperature sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tube having an outer surface coated with one or more inks is provided, each ink encapsulated in capsules that rupture under one or more specific loading conditions to display a visually perceptible color. The tube may be used to determine the load capabilities of the tube, to optimize the tube construction and to determine load magnitudes of windable materials and/or the winding process.

Abstract: A new and useful thermochromic liquid crystal Indicator is disclosed that provides an indication of the temperature of the Object to which the Indicator is attached, and is an improvement over the existing art for at least the fact that the impact of ambient air circulating around the Indicator and circulating the Object is reduced by several means, such as i) the use of a novel cap or housing to isolate the liquid crystal Structure from ambient air and from touching or ii) using a novel liquid crystal formulation that reduces the reaction time of the thermochromic liquid crystal contained in the Indicator to changing temperatures conveyed by the ambient air. The new and useful liquid crystal Indicator can also employ either a template or a colored filter as a mask that narrows the colors and narrows the range of temperatures indicated by the Indicator.

Abstract: The drug tracking system may be used to screen a subject's bodily waste and to identify a drug the subject has consumed. The system includes drug tags which include a one or more food dyes, each detectable in a subject's bodily waste using photographic or absorption spectroscopic analysis. The system may further include a database in which is stored the spectral signature of each drug tag and the unique drug associated with each drug tag. A spectral analysis obtained by analyzing a bodily waste sample may be entered into the database. The database may include instructions for comparing the spectral analysis to the spectral signature of each drug tag. The instructions may further report the unique drug associated with a drug tag which has a spectral signature matching the spectral analysis.

Abstract: A wear indicator is provided for a wear member of a machine wherein the wear member is subject to wear during use of the machine. The wear indicator may include a plug member configured to be positioned in a region of the wear member subject to wear. The plug member may be oriented with a central axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of wear of the wear member. The wear indicator may include a plurality of perceptibly different and distinct axial cross sections taken perpendicular to the central axis of the plug member in axially spaced planes along the central axis.

Abstract: Blood collection apparatus includes a blood collection container and a mix detection unit operatively coupled to the blood collection container. The mix detection unit includes a device to produce a data signal indicative of the extent to which the blood collection container is moved in a manner to promote mixing of blood collected into the container and an anti-coagulant also present in the container. A method described herein provides for filling a blood collection container with blood, inverting the blood collection container by hand to mix the blood with an anti-coagulant, and viewing or listening to an indication generated by a mix detection device attached to the blood collection container, wherein the indication provides information about the appropriate amount of mixing for the blood.

Abstract: The invention provides a tamper resistant assembly that that securely contains a valuable material. The assembly has a container for holding the valuable material, an optional carrier that contains the container, one or more cover components that enclose the valuable material in the container, and one or more labels having a plurality of devices that reveal tampering by distortion of at least one of the plurality of devices. The label(s) are positioned so that dislodging a cover component causes a detectable distortion in at least one of the plurality of devices, thereby revealing tampering with the assembly. In one embodiment the label can be affixed partially to a surface of a cover component and partially to a surface of the container or the optional carrier. Also disclosed are methods of detecting tampering and method of manufacturing a temper-resistant assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for use with a surface cleaning appliance, such as a steam mop, includes a cleaning composition and at least one visually discernible indicator that alerts a user to the condition of the cleaning pad. The visually discernible indicator can change color as the cleaning composition is consumed.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to a sensor assembly having a first component configured to melt when a temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a first value below a minimum value of a predetermined temperature range, a second component configured to melt when the temperature of the sensor assembly reaches a second value above a maximum value of the predetermined temperature range, and a third component configured to monitor a volume of fluid disposed in a vessel when the temperature of the sensor assembly is within the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: Cable assemblies react to electrical power. A visual indicator in a cable assembly changes color in response to the electrical power. The visual indicator, for example, may respond to heat or electromagnetic field in the cable assembly. In smart cables, a controller may activate the visual indicator in response to the electrical power applied to the cable.

Abstract: A guide system for guiding actions of an individual includes a guide system controller and a head wearable display device that includes a display that is viewable by an individual wearing the device. An information signal from the controller to the head wearable display device generates a visual image on the display corresponding to the information signal that is viewable by the individual, with the visual image providing guidance to the wearer to perform an action and the display being generally transparent and the visual image electronically generated and virtually over laid on a physical object or surface when viewed through the display. Upon completion of an action associated with the visual image, a confirmation signal is provided to the controller.

Abstract: We disclose a drug tracking system and method of use which may be used to screen a subject's bodily waste and to identify the drug the subject has consumed. The system includes a drug that is tagged with a food dye that may be detected in the subject's bodily waste using absorption spectroscopic analysis. The subject consumes the tagged drug and a user obtains a sample of the subject's bodily waste. The user may analyze the subject's urine using an absorption spectroscopic technique. The user may enter the emission spectrum obtained from the absorption spectroscopic analysis into a database that includes the signature emission spectra from multiple food dyes that are used as drug tags. The emission spectra may be compared and the identity of the food dye and its associated drug may be determined.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a reflective tire marking system for use as a warning indication to highlight the width of large vehicles, the system including a reflective tire marking inserted into an outer edge of a tire lug, wherein the reflective tire marking is made of a reflective rubber.

Abstract: The invention provides a tamper resistant assembly that that securely contains a valuable material. The assembly has a container for holding the valuable material, an optional carrier that contains the container, one or more cover components that enclose the valuable material in the container, and one or more labels having a plurality of devices that reveal tampering by distortion of at least one of the plurality of devices. The label(s) are positioned so that dislodging a cover component causes a detectable distortion in at least one of the plurality of devices, thereby revealing tampering with the assembly. In one embodiment the label can be affixed partially to a surface of a cover component and partially to a surface of the container or the optional carrier. Also disclosed are methods of detecting tampering and method of manufacturing a temper-resistant assembly.

Abstract: Cable assemblies react to electrical power. A visual indicator in a cable assembly changes color in response to the electrical power. The visual indicator, for example, may respond to heat or electromagnetic field in the cable assembly. In smart cables, a controller may activate the visual indicator in response to the electrical power applied to the cable.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilization indicating tape having a breathable and liquid impervious film, wherein the tape is printed with a sterilization indicator ink. The tape is compatible with a wrap polymer for recycling. The tape is used to hold a wrapped package closed so that it can be sterilized and stored. The ink changes color upon sterilization to show the user that the package has been subject to sterilization. The tape is desirably made from the same or a similar polymer to the wrap polymer so that they may be recycled together.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a cable capable of matching exposed dimensions of conductors with a predetermined dimension to perform good processing at the time of distal end processing. In a cable (10) in which a pair of insulated wires (1) each of which is formed by covering a conductor (4) with an insulator (5) is mutually stranded and a periphery of these stranded insulated wires (1) is covered with a sheath (6) made of an inner sheath (2) and an outer sheath (3), the conductor (4) is formed by assembling a plurality of stranded wires (4a) each of which is formed by wholly stranding a plurality of wires (4b), and by further wholly stranding the stranded wires (4a).

Abstract: A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, kits and systems for enhancing distance determination of an object from a point of reference within a terrain. One or more devices are provided which are visually distinct in appearance. The devices are placed within a terrain such that devices of a similar visual appearance are at a first distance from the point of reference, objects of a similar appearance different than the first set of objects are placed at a second distance from the point of reference, and so on. The use of one or more devices representing one or more distances from a point of reference can be used to determine a position of one or more items within the terrain based on its position relative to the devices.

Abstract: A valve position indicator assembly is disclosed herein. The valve position indicator assembly includes a gearing assembly operable to transmit an input rotation to an output rotation. The gearing assembly includes a first gearing member driven to the output rotation by the input rotation. A rate of the output rotation is a fraction of and less than a rate of the input rotation. The valve position indicator assembly also includes a position indicia engaged with the first gearing member such that the indicia and the first gearing member jointly move together. The valve position indicator assembly also includes a scale plate including a plurality of graduated indicia defining a scale of rotation movement of the first gearing member. The scale plate is disposed proximate to the first gearing member such that the position indicia passes across the scale of the scale plate during the output rotation.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an anti-tampering composition for use with capsules and corks of a wine closure or other good or article, including a composition comprising a natural wax and an ink present in the natural wax, the composition being suitable for printing on various substrates and having high stability, and having at least 60 wt % natural wax based on the total weight of the composition. Also provided are methods of detecting exposure of an article or good to elevated temperatures, and methods of making an anti-tampering system for a good or article such as a beverage bottle capsule or cork.

Abstract: An indicating assembly for a container in which pressurized fluid is stored comprises a valve assembly connected to the pressurized container and having a fluid passage for receiving the pressurized fluid and a piston movable within the valve assembly along a longitudinal axis in response to fluid pressure within the fluid passage. The assembly further comprises an indicating member movable in response to longitudinal movement of the piston between a first condition providing a first indicator portion representing fluid pressure below a threshold pressure and a second condition providing a second indicator portion representing fluid pressure above the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying areas of a processing plant in which a glove is damaged. The system includes utilizing color-coded sets of gloves in different areas or processing steps within the plant. All the gloves used in a particular plant are provided with a unique identifier. If a piece of a glove is located in the product within the plant, the color of that piece indicates the area or process of the plant in which the glove was used. If a piece of a damaged glove is located in the product at a remote destination, the unique identifier in that piece is matched with a registry to determine the plant in which the glove was used. The color of the piece then helps the plant to identify where the damaged glove was used. The system and method are particularly helpful in the food processing industry, especially meat processing.

Abstract: Described herein are temperature condition indicators (e.g. freezing, threshold temperature, thermal history indicators, etc.) comprising three phase emulsions. Methods of forming and using these indicators, and products that include these indicators, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A replacement indicator can be operatively associated with an elastomeric article such that the replacement indicator is visually observable. In some cases, the replacement indicator can be secured on or along the elastomeric article. Gas spring assemblies and pneumatic tires including a replacement indicator, as well as methods of manufacture are also included.

Abstract: A time validation indicator is disclosed comprising at least a receiving layer and an activating layer. The receiving layer comprises at least one or more masking colorants and one or more deactivators that cause and maintain the one or more masking colorants in an initial colored state. The activating layer comprises at least one or more migratory activators that migrate into the receiving layer upon at least a portion of the receiving layer being placed in contact with at least a portion of the activating layer to initiate a predetermined time period. The migration of the one or more migratory activators into the receiving layer causes at least a portion of the one or more masking colorants to advance to a final colorless state resulting in a visual color change of the receiving layer that indicates the predetermined time period has elapsed. Also disclosed are methods for creating and using the inventive time validation indicator.

Abstract: A beverage counting device comprising a wrist band and one or more counters secured to the wrist band where the counters permit an individual the ability to record and display the number of beverages they have consumed. A method for using a beverage counting device comprising the steps of: providing a beverage counting device comprising a beverage counting device comprising a wrist band and one or more counters secured to the wrist band where the counters permit an individual the ability to record and display the number of beverages they have consumed; a) obtaining a beverage to drink; b) actuating a button on the counter to record the beverage; c) consuming the beverage; and d) repeating steps a) through c) until no further beverages are consumed.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for devices for detection of a biofilm by a color change in a moisture-indicating substance, such as a chemical or a dye. The moisture indicating material may be supported by a substrate and sealed to keep moisture from the moisture indicating material. Alternatively, the moisture indicating material may be supported in a pouch and sealed by the pouch. The color change results from an ingress of moisture accompanying growth of a biofilm. The moisture-indicating substance may be used with indwelling or other devices to detect a biofilm. When the biofilm has sufficiently degraded the seal, an ingress of moisture and its accompanying pH may cause a color change in the moisture-indicating substance to signify the presence of the biofilm. Methods of manufacture and use of the disclosed devices are also described.

Abstract: A valve position indicator assembly is disclosed herein. The valve position indicator assembly includes a gearing assembly operable to transmit an input rotation to an output rotation. The gearing assembly includes a first gearing member driven to the output rotation by the input rotation. A rate of the output rotation is a fraction of and less than a rate of the input rotation. The valve position indicator assembly also includes a position indicia engaged with the first gearing member such that the indicia and the first gearing member jointly move together. The valve position indicator assembly also includes a scale plate including a plurality of graduated indicia defining a scale of rotation movement of the first gearing member. The scale plate is disposed proximate to the first gearing member such that the position indicia passes across the scale of the scale plate during the output rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.

Abstract: A compressor in fluid communication with a filter is disclosed. A gauge is used with the filter and is configured to react to a pressure drop across the filter and indicate an increasing amount of contaminants captured by the filter. The gauge is provided with a dial having multiple scales thereon. A unitary indicator, such as a needle, is further provided with multiple indicating portions which can be used to indicate a property of the fluid, such as a differential pressure across the filter, and can simultaneously indicate a property, such as an economic cost associated with running the compressor with a filter having accumulated contaminants.

Abstract: A flame resistant fabric with tracing yarns includes a flame resistant fabric with a first non-tracing yarn, and a second tracing yarn. The first non-tracing yarn and/or the second tracing yarn include flame resistant fibers being selected from the group consisting of inherently flame resistant fibers and treated fibers. When the flame resistant fabric is exposed to heat, flames, long-term excessive UV light, or the like, the first non-tracing yarn is adapted to hold its color and the second tracing yarn is adapted to change colors.

Abstract: The thaw indicator is a device to determine if a frozen space has gone thru an undesired temperature change and if so remains in an alert position until manually reset even if the temperature corrects itself. It's made up of three major components a base, a piston indicator and a transparent tube. When frozen the thaw indicator looks like a thermometer when unfrozen it looks like a thermometer that has jumped out of its case indicating a change of temperature and state with great certainty. It has been designed to stay out of the way but in plain sight.

Abstract: A system for assisting a distressed diver in order to communicate with the surface includes a housing that includes a portion containing a gas canister and an upper portion that is in fluid contact with an expandable balloon. By manipulating the upper portion, a needle or other activation mechanism dispenses the gas in the canister and allows the balloon to inflate. The housing is lifted by the balloon to the surface and is attached to a lockable spool reel tethered to the diver. The balloon may be also inflated for other uses in buoyancy, notification, and to frighten potentially dangerous threats when the spool reel is locked at an appropriate depth.

Abstract: This bookmark comprises a flat anchor and a ribbon. The anchor has non-aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive on its back, to enable it to adhere to a book surface such as the inside back cover. The adhesive is weak enough that the bookmark may be detached and used in another book without leaving significant residue. The ribbon is attached to the anchor so that it the user can slide it to lengthen or shorten the upper part of the ribbon. The user drapes the upper part of the ribbon over the tops of the desired pages and back down into the book to mark a particular page. The user may adjust the length of the ribbon so that it slightly protrudes from the bottom of the book. The anchor may contain graphic images or text.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, a medical sterile container has a container interior for accommodating articles to be sterilized. The medical sterile container comprises a pressure-activatable sterilization status detection device for detecting a sterilization status of the sterile container. In a second aspect of the invention, a method for determining the sterilization status of a medical sterile container having a container interior for accommodating articles to be sterilized is provided. While the sterile container is undergoing a sterilization process in a sterilization apparatus, pressure differences to which the sterile container is thereby subjected are detected, and the sterilization status sterile is allocated to the sterile container if during the sterilization process a limit value for a pressure gradient per time unit is exceeded.

Abstract: A visual indicator used to indicate a disposition of an end of a tape comprises a colored layer, and one or more layers of elongate polymer elements, or one or more polarizing layers, or one or more dichroic filter layers. When the tape is stretched as a piece is torn or cut away, an orientation of the polymer elements, or a polarization configuration, or a thickness of the dichroic layers is changed, changing a color, opacity, or reflectance visually evident at the end of the tape. In other embodiments, the visual indicator comprises one or more visible lines that run diagonally across the width of the tape, either in successive sections or along the entire length, so that a discontinuity between the line at the end and at an adjacent point on the remainder of the tape indicates the disposition of the end and an approximate amount of tape remaining.

Abstract: An electro permanent magnetic system (10) for anchoring ferromagnetic material, with magnetic state indicator (14), comprising: an electro permanent magnetic module (12), a control unit (11) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12), an electrical connection system (13) between said control unit (11) and said electro permanent magnetic module (12); a magnetization indicator (14) for said electro permanent magnetic module (12) associated with the electro permanent magnetic module (12); characterised in that said magnetization indicator (14) is a bistable indicator having two stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) not requiring electrical power to remain in one of said stable states; said magnetization indicator (14) being electrically fed only in association with the magnetization or demagnetization of said electro permanent magnetic module (12), to pass from one stable state to the other of said two stable states.

Abstract: Devices to measure bearing wear are known for bearings such as rod-ends, wherein the rod-end must either be removed completely from its installed position or relocated relative to the device each time wear in a different axis is to be measured. Such devices also tend to be relatively large and cumbersome. The present invention provides a device 10 which is a fully portable light-weight apparatus that precisely measures bearings in two axes. When employed for the purpose of assessing bearing wear, the invention is capable of obtaining the measurement in confined spaces, without the need to remove the bearing from its fully installed position or reorient the bearing housing to facilitate both measurements. By using the disclosed apparatus, a user may ascertain the serviceability of a bearing by detecting the level of wear in the bearing allowing timely replacement and/or repair.

Abstract: A wear-indicating bearing and method of detecting wear in a bearing are disclosed. The bearing includes a bearing stack having a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis defined between the first and second ends. The bearing stack includes a plurality of elastomeric layers sandwiched between non-elastomeric shim layers, where each layer is concentric about the longitudinal axis. At least one elastomeric layer is a marker layer configured to indicate wear of the bearing. The marker layer is made up of a first elastomeric composition and a second elastomeric composition, wherein the first and second elastomeric compositions have optically different characteristics. Upon fatigue of the bearing, the first elastomeric composition is detectable through a fracture extending from an exterior surface of the bearing stack.

Abstract: A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.

Abstract: A fluid tank has a housing that has an upper end wall, a side wall, and a lower end wall that together define a cavity. A flexible diaphragm is connected to the side wall within the cavity and separates the cavity into an upper portion, which is sealed to contain a pressurized gas, and a lower portion, which is sealed to contain a pressurized fluid. An indicator is positioned in the upper wall of the housing and has an indicator arm and a visual indicator. The indicator arm is not visible and the visual indicator is visible with the indicator in a first position and the indicator arm is visible and the visual indicator is not visible with the indicator in a second position.

Abstract: A cable system is disclosed including a central cable; an inner membrane having a higher minimum bend radius than the central cable and surrounding the cable, thereby forming an inner chamber around the central cable, the inner chamber containing a gas or at least one chemical; and an outer membrane surrounding the inner membrane and forming an outer chamber around the inner chamber, the outer chamber comprising a gas or at least one chemical. When the minimum bend radius of the inner membrane is exceeded, the inner membrane fractures or breaks, and the gas or at least one chemical from the inner chamber enters the outer chamber to create a chemiluminescence reaction, color, or smell.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an area is disclosed herein. Specifically, a chemical-based system is disclosed. The system can comprise a chemical, chemical compound or chemical mixture. The system can, in one embodiment, permanently crush and/or flatten upon contact with no ability to be repaired or concealed after contact with a disturbance by an intruding force. The disturbance to chemical leaves behind impressions, which can be used to determine characteristics about intruding forces.

Abstract: A defrost indicator including: a body member defining a cavity; two or more fluids, each having one or more of a different composition or characteristic; and wherein when the two or more fluids are exposed to a predetermined temperature, the two or more fluids mix or interact to produce a different composition or characteristic.