Abstract: An aftertreatment system includes an exhaust reductant tank configured to store an exhaust reductant. A filter is fluidically coupled to the exhaust reductant tank. The aftertreatment system includes a hydrocarbon detection device configured to indicate the presence of a hydrocarbon in the exhaust reductant. A catalyst is included in the system and configured to treat the exhaust reductant flowing through the system. The hydrocarbon detection device can include a hydrophobic paper, and can be disposed in the filter.

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 nasal device for filtering air breathed into a user's nose is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a nasal device includes a body sized and shaped to be secured to at least one of a user's nostrils, and a filter positioned on the body so as to be located over at least one of the user's nasal passages when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril, wherein the filter filters air breathed into the user's at least one nasal passage when the body is secured to the user's at least one nostril.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a humidity indicating apparatus for a dehumidifier which includes a housing, a cavity, a transparent separation plate disposed in the cavity for dividing the cavity into a storage space and a thermal insulating space and a color-changing humidity sensor, wherein the housing has a transparent observation window corresponding to the thermal insulating space and a venting aperture corresponding to the storage space, and wherein the storage space stores the color-changing humidity sensor.

Abstract: A micro-colorimetric sensor for sensing target chemicals that converts time sequence information into a spatial distribution of color. By tracking the spatial color distribution, chemical exposure over time is thus detected, which overcomes the limitation of traditional colorimetric sensors. A porous media is coated on a top surface of the substrate. Multiple sensing chemicals are fused in parallel linear channels into the porous media coating. A plate is affixed over the substrate top surface to cover the plurality of parallel linear channels. An air sample is diffused along the porous media to get a clear pattern of spatial color distribution and color images are captured. Optical parameters like gradient of spatial color distribution, intensity, and absorbance, etc., can be tracked to calculate analytes concentrations.

Abstract: A sterilization package includes a first package layer and a second package layer coupled to the first package layer with a perimeter seal extending around a portion of the sterilization package to define a pouch having a proximal end and a distal end. A first sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer exterior of the pouch and a second sterilization indicium is disposed on the second package layer interior of the pouch. The first and second sterilization indicia are multi-parameter sterilization indicia configured to be responsive to a sterilization process such that the first and second sterilization indicia undergo a visual change to a desired ending color when the package is subjected to complete multi-parameter sterilization conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion tank having an internal cavity separated by a flexible diaphragm to form an upper pressurized gas portion and a lower pressurized fluid portion, and an indicator positioned at an upper part of the expansion tank in communication with the contents of the upper pressurized gas portion. The indicator is configured so as to display a first color if the operating conditions are normal in the pressurized gas portion, and a second color if the amount of moisture detected in the pressurized gas portion greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Further disclosed is a method for detecting whether there is an excessive amount of moisture in a pressurized gas portion of an expansion tank by allowing pressurized gas from the pressurized gas portion to come into contact with the indicator, and viewing the color displayed by the indicator. As such, the tank can be simply visually inspected to determine whether there is a potential failure in the tank.

Abstract: A system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes a surrogate that reacts to a presence of smoke in air ambient to the surrogate and the food products; and the surrogate is configured to change a state to a preselected degree after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by a selected food product. A method of making the system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes placing the surrogate in air ambient to the surrogate in a smokehouse where the food products are to be smoked, configuring the surrogate to change a state after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by the food products; and measuring the change of state of the surrogate.

Abstract: Post-steam sterilization wet pack indicators are described. The indicators generally comprise a moisture-impermeable layer having a first surface and a moisture-indicating layer comprising a reversible colorimetric steam-sterilization-compatible moisture-indicating medium. The moisture-indicating layer is disposed on or near the first surface of the moisture-impermeable layer. The area of the moisture-indicating layer is dimensionally smaller than the moisture-impermeable layer such that the edges of the moisture-impermeable layer extend beyond the edges of the moisture-indicating layer. Articles and packages comprising wet pack indicators are also described.

Abstract: In an example, method of inspecting a thermal protection apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a composite wall and a thermal insulation blanket, where the thermal insulation blanket is coupled to the wall by way of a sealant disposed around, and offset from, a perimeter of the composite wall and disposed between the composite wall and the thermal insulation blanket, and where the wall, the thermal insulation blanket, and the sealant form a plenum chamber within the apparatus. The method includes pressurizing the plenum chamber with pressurized air, heating the pressurized air within the plenum chamber, and inserting a liquid crystal sheet between the wall and the thermal insulation blanket and proximate to a periphery of the sealant, where the liquid crystal sheet is configured to change color when heated pressurized air exits a gap in the apparatus and heats the liquid crystal sheet.

Abstract: A device for the detection of a target analyte in solution is provided. The device comprises a gate-keeper membrane made of a substrate having a first receptor surface for exposure to the target analyte and a second opposing surface exposed to a detector, wherein the substrate is adapted to incorporate pores sufficient to permit passage of a reporter through the membrane from exposure to the first receptor surface to the second opposing surface; one or more receptors anchored on the first surface of the substrate which bind with the target analyte, wherein binding of the receptor with the target analyte alters the passage of the reporter through the pores of the membrane; and one or more detectors which interact with reporter that passes through the membrane and emits a detectable signal that permits quantification of reporter in the detection reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to absorbing elements in respiratory face masks. Applicants have developed a structure for respiratory masks that can both absorb moisture from the face (such as perspiration, as well as from condensed moisture in the breath), and maintain a low breath resistance (won't increase the breath resistance significantly). The structure may comprise an annular structure added to the respiratory masks for moisture management, wherein the annular structure comprises moisture absorbent materials. This structure may also be known as an absorbing element operable to absorb moisture effectively, provide a respiratory mask with improved moisture control characteristics, reduce fogging of a face shield or eyeglasses of the wearer, and reduce the amount of uncomfortable moisture buildup on the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A method for preparing a three-dimensional polymer scaffold (3D-PS) for use in tissue-engineering, the method including the subsequent steps of: providing a polymeric precursor scaffold (p-PS) having at least one biodegradable natural polymer (PA); treating the polymeric precursor scaffold (p-PS) with a cross-linking agent having glutaraldehyde to induce cross-linking of the natural polymer (PA), thereby forming a cross-linked polymer scaffold (x-PS) and subjecting the cross-linked polymer scaffold (x-PS) of step b) to low-pressure plasma treatment involving exposure of the polymer scaffold to an ionized oxygen-containing gas plasma at a pressure in the range of 10?3 to 10?6 bar and a temperature below 40° C.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a time temperature indicator (TTI) which is capable of providing a summary of the time and temperature history of a good to which it is coupled, optionally including with regard to providing an indication as to whether one or more temperature thresholds have been breached. According to other embodiments, the TTI specifically provides an indication as to whether a temperature threshold at or around the freeze point has been breached, optionally even without providing a time and temperature history.

Abstract: Nanoreactors having a metal precursor in a carrier are provided. In some embodiments, upon exposure to heat, the metal precursor forms nanoparticles that can be detected, e.g., by detecting a color change in the nanoreactor and/or by detecting the number and/or size and/or size distribution and/or shape of the nanoparticles. The nanoreactors can be used, in some embodiments, as time-temperature indicators for perishable goods.

Abstract: A manufacturing-state display system that displays a manufacturing status of a product manufactured through a plurality of manufacturing processes, the manufacturing-state display system includes: displaying a graph that indicates a time elapsed from start to end of each of the manufacturing processes based on information on start times and end times of the manufacturing processes, each of the manufacturing processes being segmented in order of execution of the manufacturing processes and time axes being aligned in an identical direction; receiving designation of an area that indicates manufacturing for any product in any manufacturing process on the graph displayed; and reproducing a captured image that corresponds to a start time to an end time of manufacturing for a specific product in a specific manufacturing process, specified by the area of which the designation has been received, among captured images with regard to the manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a thermal protection system coupled to a structural component is provided. The thermal protection system includes a thermally insulative body and at least one layer of thermochromatic material applied thereon such that the at least one layer is positioned between the thermally insulative body and the structural component. The method includes determining a value of a thermochromatic property of the at least one layer of thermochromatic material, wherein the value of the thermochromatic property is responsive to an amount of heat applied to the at least one layer of thermochromatic material, comparing the value to a baseline value of the thermochromatic property, and determining degradation of the thermal protection system when the value of the thermochromatic property deviates from the baseline value.

Abstract: A method is for determining information about liquid droplet fallout during operation of a gas-liquid flare apparatus. The method includes disposing a plurality of tiles in a spaced apart fashion over a monitoring area. A gas hydrocarbon fuel is injected into the gas-liquid flare apparatus to create a combustible flow, and a test fluid is injected into the gas-liquid flare apparatus such that the test fluid is dispersed into the combustible flow. The combustible flow is combusted in in the gas-liquid flare apparatus, resulting in fallout of liquid droplets of the test fluid onto the plurality of tiles. Images of the liquid droplets on the plurality of tiles are analyzed so as to determine the information about liquid droplet fallout in the monitoring area, using a computer. The information about liquid droplet fallout may be used to estimate combustion inefficiency of the gas-liquid flare apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant identification system and, more particularly, to a tracing and tagging agent including a fluorescent tracing compound for substrates such as textiles and lumber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a general-purpose dehumidifying apparatus in which a housing having a dehumidifying member therein is applied to an object to be dehumidified (an electric light (such as a street lamp, a vehicle lamp, etc.), an outdoor or indoor electronic enclosure (such as power distributing equipment, communication equipment, security equipment, a solar system, etc.), and the like), and the dehumidifying apparatus removes internal moisture through an outer valve that opens and closes an outer communicating part of the housing (by closing the outer valve) in a case where the temperature of the object to be dehumidified is low and discharges the moisture of the dehumidifying member to the outside by opening the outer valve when the temperature in a lamp module rises in a case where the temperature of the object to be dehumidified is high.

Abstract: A medical dressing is disclosed herein. The medical dressing, in an embodiment, includes a body and a see-through surface supported by the body. The medical dressing also includes a timer coupled to the body. The timer includes a structure configured to track the passage of time based on liquid diffusion or otherwise without relying on a battery or electrical power source.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for alerting customers to product temperature compliance during delivery whereby a retail product intended to be maintained below one or more temperature threshold values through a supply chain delivery process is identified, a temperature threshold value of the retail product is determined, an irreversible thermochromic indicator having an activation temperature that corresponds to the temperature threshold value of the retail product is identified, the thermochromic indicator is affixed to the retail product prior to commencing the supply chain delivery process, and verification, via a user interface, is obtained from a customer receiving the retail product that the thermochromic indicator is in its inactivated state.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a color indicator that signals when the concentration of an antimicrobial solution changes. In some embodiments, the color indicator is specific for changes in the concentration of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound in an antimicrobial solution. The color indicator can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indictor wands or strips, and test kits.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of water proximate to insulation. A system provided includes an enclosure, and insulation disposed over the enclosure. A moisture reactive compound indicates water proximate to the insulation.

Abstract: A method for detecting leaks in pipelines, particularly those transporting natural gas is disclosed. Leak sensitive particles are added either as soluble particles or in a nitrogen atmosphere which will transmit signals to an appropriate sensor when a leak condition is detected. The sensors can be located along the length of the pipeline or in a pig that will be transported through the pipeline along with the leak sensitive particles.

Abstract: A product including a package is provided. One or more tobacco-containing articles may be received in the package. A power producer may be configured to produce an electrical current. An output mechanism may be configured to receive the electrical current from the power producer and output a perceptible effect. The perceptible effect may, for example, increase a consumer's interest in the product. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A graphically encoded icon comprises a label attached to an object. The label includes a static portion and an intrinsic portion. The static portion has an area of machine-readable indicia. The intrinsic portion includes at least one area comprising a stimuli-responsive material. The stimuli-responsive material is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to a trigger, and the change in state is based on an attribute about the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to indicating devices, such as time-temperature indicators based on lateral diffusion of a vapor of a solid and/or liquid mobile phase (e.g., a sublimeable dye or an activator) through a non-porous stationary phase, such as a thin layer of a polymeric material. The lateral diffusion of the mobile phase creates a noticeable boundary in the stationary phase whose movement depends upon processes, such as time and temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humidity indicating composition comprising (a) an organic pH indicator dye compound, (b) a Bronsted base comprising an organosilane, (c) a moisture-curable binder, (d) an optional rheology additive and (e) an optional alkaline filler.

Abstract: Food freshness indicator ink and method for the manufacture of a food freshness indicator ink. It comprises a varnish that constitutes between 90-98% of the total, the varnish comprising between 5-25% of the total amount of the varnish of at least one film-forming resin or at least one vinylic resin or a mixture thereof, between 10-25% of the amount of the resin of a plasticizer additive and between 50-75% of the total amount of the varnish of solvents, and between 2-10% of the total of metallic salts.

Abstract: A flexible, sterilizable pouch includes a first wall coupled to a second wall and a cavity defined between the first wall and the second wall. The cavity is configured to receive a medical device, and the pouch is configured to seal the medical device within the cavity. At least one of the first wall and the second wall of the pouch includes two layers. Each layer is coupled to the adjacent layer such that a breach in any one layer of the multi-layered wall will not breach the seal of the pouch. A pocket may be formed between the layers of the multi-layered wall and may include a gas under pressure to inflate the corresponding wall to an inflated state.

Abstract: A cover for covering a portion of a hospital bed barrier that includes a sheet of material that has sufficient flexibility and elasticity to stretch from a first configuration to a second configuration. When in the first configuration, the cover is insufficient in size to cover at least a portion of a hospital bed barrier and, when in the second configuration, the cover is sufficient in size to cover at least a portion of a hospital bed barrier.

Abstract: A breather including desiccant for humidity control includes an electronic end of life detection system. A temperature sensor and humidity sensor provide a temperature and humidity of the desiccant to a controller. The controller determines the relative humidity of the desiccant. The controller determines that the desiccant, and thus breather, has reached its end of life (i.e., end of useful life) when the relative humidity reaches a predetermined relative humidity (e.g., 40%). Optionally, a pressure sensor provides a pressure of the reservoir to the controller. The controller determines a fault condition or end of life condition of the breather when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A motor drive device is capable of allowing a user to surely recognize that effect when a cutting fluid adheres to a casing. The motor drive device includes an electronic component and a casing that houses the electronic component. A part of the casing changes color when coming in contact with a cutting fluid and the casing may change to different colors based on the concentration of the cutting fluid.

Abstract: Methods for operating a substrate processing cluster tool include positioning a substrate storage cassette within a factory interface of the substrate processing cluster tool, wherein the substrate storage cassette defines an interior volume dimensioned and arranged to receive one or more substrates, and sensing, by execution of stored instructions by a processor operatively associated with a plurality of sensors, at least one of occurrence of a condition of a plurality of conditions within the interior volume or persistence of a condition of the plurality of conditions within the interior volume. Responsive to the sensing, at least one of generating an alert or performing an alternate operation involving the substrate storage cassette.

Abstract: An indicator including a body configured to be run within a tubular from a first portion to a second portion of the tubular. A sensor disposed at the body configured to detect when a tool run through the tubular has reached the body. A signal generator configured to send notification that the tool has reached the body; and a plunger configured to cause the signal generator to send notification upon being urged relative to the body. A method of verifying a tool.

Abstract: A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including at least a first barcode and at least a second barcode, the at least a second barcode being in a second barcode unreadable state prior to exceedance of the at least one threshold and upon exceedance of the at least one threshold the at least a first barcode becoming unreadable and generally simultaneously the at least a second barcode becoming readable.

Abstract: Embolic materials, suspensions, kits and related methods useful for embolization are disclosed. An embolic material can comprise a resorbable microsphere including cross-linked gelatin as its primary ingredient and having a substantially spherical shape with a diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 1,500 micrometers, inclusive. The microsphere can optionally include one or both of a marker or an active agent. The microsphere can be cross-linked, such as with glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, which can affect the microsphere's in vivo degradation profile and ability to withstand a sterilization process at certain temperatures. In an embodiment, the microspheres can resorb during an in vivo time period of between about 24 hours and about 15 weeks, inclusive. An embolization suspension can include a plurality of resorbable microspheres and a liquid carrier, and the suspension can be disposed in a syringe, vial or other applicator for administration to a patient.

Abstract: A product includes a container, and an indicator carried inside the container, and including an air-reactive material and a protective material on the air-reactive material, and having a first visible characteristic with the protective material, and a second visible characteristic when exposed to air without the protective material. A package including the product, and a method for making the package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of product unit specific indicators, each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedence of at least one threshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, an indicator reader operative to read the product unit specific indicators and to provide output indications and a product type specific indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: A gas sensor, a refrigerator having the gas sensor, and a method for controlling the gas sensor recognizes the ripening degree of a target food on the basis of a variation in color using a pH indicator having a color that is changed with pH variation generated when the pH indicator reacts with target gas, a refrigerator having the gas sensor. The gas sensor for detecting target gas includes: a base provided for gas permeation; and a detection unit provided at the base, and is discolored in response to pH variation generated when reacting with target gas having permeated the base.

Abstract: A persistent color change liquid indicator includes a backing layer, a penetration layer, and a reaction layer. The backing layer has an indication color. The penetration layer includes a liquid structure to allow a liquid to travel through the penetration layer to the reaction layer. The penetration layer is opaque when dry and translucent when exposed to the liquid is to allow the indication color to be visible. The reaction layer reacts to the presence of the liquid such that the visibility of the indication color persists after exposure to the liquid ceases.

Abstract: A witness material for monitoring an environmental history of an object may include a material containing a dye of a type that fluoresces in response to actinic radiation in one or both of a shift in color and a change in intensity when subjected to a predetermined stress above a predetermined level; and the material forming a coating on one or more of an outer container for the object, an inner container for the object, a tape that is applied to an outer container for the object, a tape that is applied to an inner container for the object, a shrink wrap enclosing the object, an outer surface of the object, and an inner surface of the object.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of any specified substance in any medium. A sample of the medium is placed in a capsule, along with a solvent and a sensor configured to test for a target analyte. The solvent comes into contact with the medium in the capsule, and the capsule is agitated to create a dispersion in the solvent of a portion of any target analyte present in the medium. A release mechanism configured to cause conduction of the dispersion to the sensor, so that the sensor produces an indication of presence of the target analyte if the target analyte is present in the medium. The apparatus uses a disposable capsule where the medium in question is placed and the disposable capsule is placed inside a reader and analyzed for presence of the harmful substance.

Abstract: A reaction carrier (14), a measuring device (12) and a measuring method measure a concentration of gaseous and/or aerosol components of a gas mixture. A flow channel (42), extends between two connecting elements (44) and defines a reaction chamber (46) with an optically detectable reaction material (48) that reacts a component of the gas mixture or with a reaction product of the component. The reaction carrier (14) includes a temperature-measuring element (88). The measuring device (12) includes a temperature-measuring element (90) which records a temperature of the measuring device (12) and/or of the reaction carrier (14), and a temperature-determining unit (92) which determines the temperature of the gas mixture as a function of the measurement result of the at least one temperature-measuring element (90). The measuring method includes determining a concentration of the component on the basis of an optically detectable reaction and the determined temperature of the gas mixture.

Abstract: A food expiry label includes a layer of material (such as a water-swollen mammalian gelatine) that undergoes a phase transition (such as from solid to liquid) upon exposure to bacteria or fungi that result in food spoilage. The label may incorporate a tactile surface that the user can feel underneath the layer of gelatine once the gelatine has changed from solid to liquid. Thus a user can detect when a foodstuff is likely to have spoiled or been on the shelf for a predetermined period simply by feeling the label.

Abstract: An absorbent article with a primary visual fullness indicator and a secondary visual wetness indicator.

Abstract: A storage container having a sensor unit and a refrigerator having the same. The storage container includes a container body; a container cover coupled to the container body; a sensor module disposed at least at one of the container body or the container cover; and a coupling member provided as to accommodate at least a portion of the sensor module, and detachably coupled to at least one of the container body or the container cover. The sensor unit is detachably coupled to the storage container, and thus a replacement of the sensor unit may be easily performed.

Abstract: Sensors including thermal load sensors and chemical or biological load sensors, and methods of making the sensors, are disclosed. The sensors may include a solid polymeric matrix and at least one organic indicating material encapsulated within the solid polymeric matrix, wherein the organic indicating material is configured to diffuse into the solid polymeric matrix at a phase transition temperature of the organic indicating material, and wherein an extent of diffusion indicates a target load on the sensor. The target load may, for example, be a thermal load, or a chemical or biological load.

Abstract: A device is presented for use in controlling the quality of a perishable object, while progressing on its supply line, by monitoring the condition of a time-temperature indicator (TTI) associated with the object. The device comprises a sensing assembly for detecting a response of the TTI to a predetermined stimulus and generating measured data representative thereof, said measured data being indicative of the condition of the TTI, thereby enabling the determination of the remaining shelf life of the TTI and thereby any perishable good to which it is attached and calibrated.