Abstract: Signaling methods and apparatuses are described for preventing flood irrigation water from overflowing in a trench, field, or other area. Signaling devices may include indicators such as a reflector, a flag, a light, or a sound device provided on an end of an elongate member having its opposite end engaged with the ground. A stake is driven into the ground near the elongate member in the trench or other area where water will flow. A breakaway link such as a strip of paper is engaged to either the indicator or the elongate member and also to the stake, causing the elongate member to be bent downward, with the breakaway link located in the trench where water will flow. When exposed to the flow of water, the breakaway link weakens and eventually tears such that the elongate member springs upward carrying the indicator with it, signaling an operator that water has reached that location in the trench.

Abstract: An exposure indicating device disposed in a respirator system. The exposure indicating device comprises a diffractive optical element. The exposure indicating device comprises a material having an index of refraction that changes as a function of exposure to a chemical vapor, where the exposure indicating device provides an optical signal that changes in optical property as a function of exposure to the chemical vapor.

Abstract: A chemical indicator or ink, and methods for manufacture thereof, comprises at least one carbon dioxide-sensitive reactive dye which is capable of detecting changes in carbon dioxide concentration in a fluid under fluid and/or gas phase pressure of carbon dioxide above approximately (1) bar. The present chemical indicators or inks are useful in the monitoring of relatively high carbon dioxide pressure environments, such as in carbonated drinks. The present invention also relates to containers for holding a carbonated liquid, and closures therefore, comprising a carbon dioxide indicator or a carbon dioxide-sensitive ink, wherein the carbon dioxide indicator and/or the ink comprises at least one carbon dioxide-sensitive reactive dye which is capable of detecting changes in carbon dioxide concentration in a fluid under fluid and/or gas phase pressure of carbon dioxide above approximately (1) bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus related to a swallowing indicator for a solid object that is not intended to be ingested is disclosed. The indicator can be integrated with solid objects such as batteries or children's toys. The indicator stains the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth or throat when the object is swallowed, thus warning a caretaker. The indicator can be attached to or integrated with a solid object. The indicator may further comprise a bitterant.

Abstract: A color-changing emulsion for use in a freeze indicator can employ a dispersion medium, for example, an aqueous liquid, a first reactant phase and a second reactant phase, which two reactant phases can both be dispersed in the dispersion medium. The first reactant phase includes a hydrophobic liquid and a first reactant, for example, a color precursor such as a leuco dye. The second reactant phase can include a hydrophobic liquid, and includes, or can be, a second reactant, for example, a color developer such as a leuco dye developer. The first and second reactant phases can be essentially unmixed, and can be co-reactable to provide a color change. In response to a freezing temperature, the color-changing emulsion can coagulate and change color irreversibly. An intense color change can be obtained by using, for example, a suitable leuco dye precursor and developer.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of corrosive material in drywall utilizing a testing device having a metal pin for insertion in the drywall, where the pin forms a visible layer when it reacts with corrosive materials in the drywall.

Abstract: Discrete sensing elements are described that can be integrated into dental hygiene products and can provide rapid and direct feedback to a user as to oral environmental status and as to the performance of the intended oral care product. Selectively tuned elements can both sense and report relevant information including usage time, adequacy of performance during use, training for better usage, and/or the physical or biological status as can be measured by direct oral contact. Sensing and reporting mechanisms can be tuned for increased or decreased sensitivities. Sensing elements can comprise one or more discrete optical changes, structural changes, or other physical changes to the dental hygiene product as a means of alerting a user of a stimulus. Use of optical reference colors provides a high level of accuracy and objectivity as to the status of a sensing event. Enabling delivery and application compositions and methods are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon dioxide indicator using chitosan and a food package comprising the same. The carbon dioxide indicator senses variation in partial pressure of carbon dioxide present in a head space of the package and thus visibly displays the result. The carbon dioxide indicator rapidly reacts at a specific critical point (pH 7.0) or less, thus being considerably highly sensitive.

Abstract: A method of revealing exposure of a substrate to an environmental stimulus includes exposing the substrate to the environmental stimulus, where the substrate includes at least one indicia, where each of the at least one indicia includes a plurality of chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to about 1.1, and a colorant; and the at least one indicia exhibits a change in color in response to the environmental stimulus.

Abstract: A signaling light source facilitates locating personnel under adverse conditions such as in a smoky environment and resists damage from exposure to a harsh user environment A lighting unit includes at least one, and preferably two, of the signaling light sources also includes at least one personnel identifying red-green-blue (“RGB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) Disclosed methods for operating the signaling light source include energizing operation of a LED light source by supplying a sequence of electrical current pulses which repeat at a rate which causes emitted light to pulse visually, supplying electrical current to a pair of LEDs alternatively connected either in series or in parallel depending upon battery operating condition, and monitoring smoke density in environment around the signaling light source and modulating the intensity of emitted light responsive to smoke density.

Abstract: Co-topo-polymeric indicator compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Indicator compositions of the invention include a polymer and undergo a color change, which may be reversible or irreversible, in response to an applied stimulus, e.g., temperature. Aspects of methods of producing the compositions include setting a fluid co-topo-polymeric precursor composition into a solid product and then subjecting the solid product (either immediately or after a delay period) to polymerizing conditions to produce the desired indicator composition. Also provided are indicator devices that include the indicator compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Fuse state indicators include temperature responsive elements adapted to visually display a number of different fuse states. The displays may include distinct colors and markings that are made visible or concealed from view based on temperature ranges that the fuse is exposed to in use. Various temperature sensitive elements and various markings are disclosed to convey at least three distinct fuse states to interested persons at the location of the fuse.

Abstract: A packaging bag and a drying agent with a moisture absorption indicator function are provided without using a heavy metal harmful to the human body. The packaging bag includes a first packaging material (10) and a second packaging material (20). The first packaging material (10) is provided on an outermost side thereof with a transparent barrier film (12) having a barrier property against water vapor. The second packaging material (20) has a light-reflective or light-absorbing film (24) and a pattern printed layer (23) overlaid on a bag interior side thereof, the pattern printed layer (23) having a printed moisture-absorbing indicator pattern (30). A desiccant-containing resin film (11, 21) which becomes transparent due to moisture absorption is overlaid on a bag interior side of at least one of the first packaging material (10) and the second packaging material (20).

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicating device and methods of manufacturing and reading this device. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator (TTI) device comprises at least one active reactant being at least a part of a component that is configured to be either an electrical component or transformable into an electrical component, said at least one active reactant being selected to be affectable by a chemical and/or physical reaction effecting a change in at least an electrical property of said electrical component at a rate that is time-temperature dependent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilizable pouch for surgical instruments. The pouch comprises a sterilant permeable sheet with a first sealing strip and a sterilant impermeable sheet with a second sealing strip. The sealing strips are sealed together to define the pouch. At least one sealable open portion is for sealing the pouch after surgical instruments are located inside the pouch. An indicator material for indicating sterile processing conditions inside the pouch is located on an inner surface of the sterilant impermeable sheet inside the pouch.

Abstract: A food product temperature and freshness monitoring device and method is provided. The device comprises a thermochromic seal or label that monitors the temperature of food stuff and alters its appearance when the food temperature rises above a predefined limit for a given period of time. The present invention provides a device with a predefined temperature for which the pigment of an imbedded material alters its color from a first color to a second color, and does not revert to its original color after passing a threshold time-temperature. The pigment is sandwiched between a layer of thermally conductive material on a first, product-facing side, followed by a thermally insulative material on a second, outward-facing side. The seal provides an indicator to determine whether food stuff has been shipped and stored in an appropriate environment to prevent spoilage. The seal monitors the food temperature, as opposed to the ambient air temperature.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a humidity indicator and a method for fabricating the same. The humidity indicator includes a substrate, and a composite disposed on a predetermined region of the substrate. The composite includes a hydrophilic polymer and a Ni-containing compound. The humidity indicators of the disclosure are reusable, halide-free, and cobalt-free, meeting the requirement of environmental friendliness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet label that includes a submergence check layer capable of being discolored according to an environmental change (e.g., water, moisture, dampness, etc.). The disclosed wet label includes an adhesive layer; a coating layer provided under the adhesive layer; and a submergence check layer provided under the coating layer, which is discolored according to an internal environmental change, wherein the coating layer blocks environment changes from contacting the submergence check layer. Furthermore, a discolored part of the submergence check layer may be visually checked.

Abstract: A UV radiation (UVR) response indicator comprises a first UVB and/or UVA radiation sensitive material which has been modified so as to display an altered characteristic in a delayed manner in response to UVB and/or UVA radiation exposure. The UV indicator is capable of displaying exposure to increased UV radiation over a period of time. The present invention also relates to a method of displaying a relative amount of exposure to UVR by a UV indicator over a period of time. The invention is particularly useful in detecting the level of exposure to sunlight or sunbed radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device capable of exhibiting a time-temperature dependence that comprises an upper layer carrying a first reactant selected from a group of materials such as chelating agents and a base layer carrying a second reactant adapted to react with the first reactant upon triggering. A barrier layer is provided between the upper layer and the base layer. Visual characteristic is changed depending on time and temperature after triggering had occurred while the device is not susceptible to environmental conditions and can be stored in room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention relates to a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a pathogen is in communication with the vascular access device.

Abstract: A color-changing emulsion for use in a freeze indicator can employ a dispersion medium, for example, an aqueous liquid, a first reactant phase and a second reactant phase, which two reactant phases can both be dispersed in the dispersion medium. The first reactant phase includes a hydrophobic liquid and a first reactant, for example, a color precursor such as a leuco dye. The second reactant phase can include a hydrophobic liquid, and includes, or can be, a second reactant, for example, a color developer such as a leuco dye developer. The first and second reactant phases can be essentially unmixed, and can be co-reactable to provide a color change. In response to a freezing temperature, the color-changing emulsion can coagulate and change color irreversibly. An intense color change can be obtained by using, for example, a suitable leuco dye precursor and developer.

Abstract: A fluid detecting adhesive article that indicates when a substrate or device to which the adhesive article is applied has been submerged in a fluid, such as water. The adhesive article may be an adhesive tape, label or sheet.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A wetness indicating composition is disclosed that changes color in response to a change in pH. The composition comprises a water-insoluble, thermoplastic polymer composition, a superabsorbent polymer, a wetness indicator, and surfactant. The wetness indicating composition is useful in disposable absorbent articles, e.g., disposable diapers, feminine napkins, medical dressings and beddings for humans and animals.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed that detects the presence of a chemical residue. The indicator includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and a first portion and a second portion joined at a fold line. The first portion is smaller in area than the second portion. An adhesive coats the upper surface of at least the second portion of the substrate. A first reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the first portion of the substrate. When the second portion is contacted with a surface containing the chemical residue, the residue adheres to the adhesive and when the first portion is subsequently folded along the fold line so that the upper surfaces of the substrate contact each other, a portion of the adhesive on the second portion remains exposed and the first reactant and chemical residue react to provide the color indicia indicating the presence of the chemical residue.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicator comprising a substrate and an optical grating structure fabricated on the substrate, the grating structure being formed from an indicator material comprising a binder and deliquescent salt and varying in volume by the effect of moisture. Further, the invention relates to a method for fabricating an indicator wherein a substrate is coated by an indicator material forming an optical grating structure, and the optical grating structure is fabricated onto the substrate, and use of an indicator for detecting quality and/or authenticity. Furthermore, the invention relates to a package and a method for detecting a change induced by moisture without breaking the package.

Abstract: An aircraft air system includes a gas turbine engine, a bleed air duct directing compressed air bled from a compressor to an inner compartment within the aircraft, and an air contamination detector located downstream of the gas turbine engine compressor. The air contamination detector includes a visual indicator which detects the presence of a fluid contaminant within the bleed air.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a time passage indicating apparatus which comprises a substrate, a background layer on the substrate, and a time passage indicating layer on the background layer. The background layer and the time passage indicating layer bond to each other through a first and second polymer binder. The background layer displays a background color. The time passage indicating layer displays an initial color in an initial state that is different from the background color, and a final color in a final state that is substantially the same as the background color, so as to indicate the end of a time period where the time passage indicating layer transforms from the initial state to the final state.

Abstract: A structural assembly and methods are provided to facilitate corrosion inspection, such as in those regions of a structure that may otherwise be visibly inspected only following at least partial disassembly of the structure. The structural assembly may include a structure and a coating disposed upon at least a portion of the structure that has optical properties that change in response to corrosion. The structural assembly may also include a fiber optic sensing network including a plurality of optical fibers and a sensor. The plurality of optical fibers are configured to expose the coating to incident optical signals and to receive responsive optical signals at least partially dependent upon any change in the optical properties of the coating. The sensor is configured to receive the responsive optical signals from the plurality of optical fibers. This sensor may also be configured to analyze the responsive optical signals to detect corrosion.

Abstract: A chemical exposure indication device is disclosed. The device is removably attachable to a structure and includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface and an indicating layer overlying the first substrate surface. The indicating layer includes a coating material that is chemically reactive with a pre-determined chemical compound that is known to degrade the structure. When the coating material is exposed to that corrosive compound in a pre-determined level associated with degradation of a metallic structure, the coating material provides a visual indication of the presence of the corrosive compound.

Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.

Abstract: An exposure indicating device disposed in a respirator system. The exposure indicating device comprises a diffractive optical element. The exposure indicating device comprises a material having an index of refraction that changes as a function of exposure to a chemical vapor, where the exposure indicating device provides an optical signal that changes in optical property as a function of exposure to the chemical vapor.

Abstract: The oxygen detecting device (10) of the present invention includes an oxygen detector sheet having a sheet carrier (13) having a porous inorganic material filled therein which has been impregnated with an oxygen detecting fluid, and a film (11) having a predetermined oxygen transmittance for covering and sealing the sheet carrier (13). Since the sheet having the porous inorganic material filled therein is adopted, the oxygen detecting device has an excellent light resistance, leading to clear recognition of coloration for a long period of time. Because of excellent light resistance, the device keeps excellent property even after long exposure to a fluorescent lamp in a display case for displaying foods. Thus the device is suitable for checking quality of commercial products.

Abstract: A combined unit of a humidity indicator and a desiccant pack is provided in which the humidity indicator (I) has one end portion bonded to one end portion of the desiccant pack (D) and can pivot around between a standby position (Ia) in which the indicator (I) overlaps one face of the desiccant pack (D) and an in-use position (Ib) in which it overhangs outside from one end edge (De) of the desiccant pack (D)), with the pivot center in the bonding portion or the vicinity thereof. This enables the humidity indicator to overlap the desiccant pack in the standby position when it is in an unused state, and after being enclosed within a packaging bag the humidity indicator and the desiccant pack can be kept as far away from each other as possible within the packaging bag, thus enabling detection of the humidity of the interior of the bag to be carried out precisely and appropriately.

Abstract: Air leaks in a vacuum bag are detected using a leak detection film covering the inside face of the bag. The film includes a gas permeable binder carrying oxygen sensitive material that changes in physical appearance at the location of an air leak. The film may be adhered to the inside face of the bag or may form a separate membrane that is placed over a layup being molded in the bag. The film may be illuminated with light having a wavelength selected to cause the film to luminesce.

Abstract: There is provided a moisture indicator for a heat and moisture exchange (HME) device that uses a pre-colorant and an activator applied to an inner surface of the HME device. The colorant undergoes a color change of Delta E (?E) of equal to or greater than 3 units upon exposure to moisture but not upon exposure to high humidity. The colorant is visually obvious to the unaided human eye under normal light conditions through the body of the device. The HME device with the visual indicator for moisture can indicate to the care-giver that it is time to change the HME device.

Abstract: A time indicator that provides a color indicia after a predetermined period of time has passed after activation. The time indicator includes a substrate, e.g., a clear or transparent substrate, having an upper surface and a lower surface and a first portion and a second portion joined at a fold line. The first portion is of a smaller area than the second portion. An adhesive coats the upper surface of at least the second portion of the substrate. A first reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the first portion of the substrate and a second reactant is adhered to the upper surface of the second portion of the substrate. When the first portion is folded along the fold line so that the upper surfaces of the substrate contact each other, a portion of the adhesive on the second portion remains exposed. This exposed area may be used to attach the indicator to an article or documents.

Abstract: A packaging bag and a drying agent with a moisture absorption indicator function are provided without using a heavy metal harmful to the human body. The packaging bag includes a first packaging material (10) and a second packaging material (20). The first packaging material (10) is provided on an outermost side thereof with a transparent barrier film (12) having a barrier property against water vapor. The second packaging material (20) has a light-reflective or light-absorbing film (24) and a pattern printed layer (23) overlaid on a bag interior side thereof, the pattern printed layer (23) having a printed moisture-absorbing indicator pattern (30). A desiccant-containing resin film (11, 21) which becomes transparent due to moisture absorption is overlaid on a bag interior side of at least one of the first packaging material (10) and the second packaging material (20).

Abstract: A method for identifying overheated spots in liquid-filled electrical devices, comprising the steps of: a) determining the locations of potentially overheatable spots in said device and mapping said locations; b) positioning a tag consisting of one or more chemical indicators on potentially overheatable spots in said devices, wherein when said tags are exposed to a given high temperature, they are depolymerized into thermal degradation products which are diffused into the liquid; c) identifying the thermal degradation products by analytical methods; and d) locating the overheated places according to the identified thermal degradation products and the map of locations of said tags; wherein the tags comprise polymers and copolymers, which are substantially absent from the liquid of the device at normal working conditions.

Abstract: A method of revealing exposure of a substrate to an environmental stimulus includes exposing the substrate to the environmental stimulus, where the substrate includes at least one indicia, where each of the at least one indicia includes a plurality of chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to about 1.1, and a colorant; and the at least one indicia exhibits a change in color in response to the environmental stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a time passage indicating apparatus which comprises a substrate, a background layer on the substrate, and a time passage indicating layer on the background layer. The background layer and the time passage indicating layer bond to each other through a first and second polymer binder. The background layer displays a background color. The time passage indicating layer displays an initial color in an initial state that is different from the background color, and a final color in a final state that is substantially the same as the background color, so as to indicate the end of a time period where the time passage indicating layer transforms from the initial state to the final state.

Abstract: A composition for coating a surface includes a carrier and an indicator distributed throughout the carrier. The indicator is configured to modify an appearance of the coating. The indicator facilitates determining a thickness of the coating in response to the appearance of the coating.

Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for activation of at least one element is disclosed. The apparatus (1) comprises at least one activation layer (20), at least one migration layer (40) arranged at the at least one activation layer (20) and being permeable to a fluid (70). The fluid (70) causes in use a change of doping level in the at least one activation layer (20) which activates the at least one element. The element may comprise an electrochromic display element (220), an electrical switch, a time controlled resistor, a galvanic element (210) or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a time passage indicating apparatus which comprises a substrate, a background layer on the substrate, and a time passage indicating layer on the background layer. The background layer and the time passage indicating layer bond to each other through a first and second polymer binder. The background layer diplays a background color. The time passage indicating layer displays an initial color in an initial state that is different from the background color, and a final color in a final state that is substantially the same as the background color, so as to indicate the end of a time period where the time passage indicating layer transforms from the initial state to the final state.

Abstract: An indicator that reacts with at least one gaseous compound in such a way that the color of the indicator is changed. The indicator is a layer formed on a substrate and including metallic silver and/or metallic copper.