Abstract: A system and method for indication of temperature exposures beyond a set of predetermined limits employs the salts of weak acid-strong base or of a strong acid-weak base compound as reactants. A device includes a housing and capsule. A first reactant and a liquid are included within the capsule. The liquid is chosen such that it expands upon freezing. The capsule is sized such that when the liquid freezes and expands, the capsule fractures. A second reactant is provided within the housing. The location of the second reactant and the method of attaching (if any) the second reactant to the housing may take various forms. When the liquid within the capsule freezes, it expands and fractures the capsule. Upon thawing, the reactant within the capsule escapes and mixes with the reactant located outside the capsule. A second embodiment is a time-temperature indicator. A flexible housing is used, allowing the user to manually deform the housing to fracture a capsule enclosed therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, comprising a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer resin, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The adhesive article additionally comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the second layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article also comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A ‘Blue Dot’ stick-on moisture indicator system that includes a stick-on transparent, polypropylene film patch with a sticky, pressure sensitive, hot melt, rubber-resin that applies on one surface, a dimensionally smaller, ‘Blue Dot’ indicator patch and a dimensionally larger, silicon treated, release (peel) liner strip to which a plurality of stick-on film patches with ‘Blue Dot’ indicator patches, are affixed to such that functionally isolates both the moisture sensitive ‘Blue Dot’ (cobalt chloride treated paper) from moisture and the surrounding sticky surface of the stick-on film from debris before the indicator is applied or deployed (adhered) onto a surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a transparent film, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. Additionally, the adhesive article comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, the second layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface of the second layer being in contact with the second major surface of the first layer and a third layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the third layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article then comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A self-expiring badge or label is provided that includes a clear substrate, an opaque adhesive layer, a liner web, and an ink pattern is provided. The clear substrate has a back surface and a front surface with the opaque adhesive layer on the back surface. The liner web has a first surface and a second surface, where the adhesive layer secures the substrate to the first surface. The ink pattern is on at least a portion of the second surface. Upon removal of the liner web from the adhesive layer, the portion remains secured to the clear substrate by the adhesive layer and the clear substrate is foldable to place the ink pattern in contact with the adhesive layer. The ink pattern migrates through the adhesive layer in a selected time interval and is visible through the clear substrate when the ink pattern is in contact with the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A self-expiring badge or label that includes an upper substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and an adhesive activator layer on the lower surface. A protective layer having a first surface and a second surface is provided, with the first surface of the protective layer being removably attached to and overlaying the adhesive layer. A lower substrate is provided that has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being removably attached to and overlaying the second surface of the protective layer. A migrating ink pattern is on the lower surface of the lower substrate. To activate, the upper substrate and at least a portion of the lower substrate are removed from the protective layer to leave a remaining portion of the lower substrate having the migrating ink pattern thereon.

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 trace 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 trace structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a temperature dependent resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode trace structures.

Abstract: The packaged medical article can comprise the medical article and a protective layer capable of inhibiting exposure of the medical article to a color change activator prior to use of the medical article. The medical article comprises a plastic portion and an active color changing specie, wherein the color changing specie is capable of changing color after exposure to a color change activator. The method for producing a medical article can comprise: combining thermoplastic resin with a blocked color changing specie to form a resin mixture and manufacture processing the resin mixture to form a packaged medical article. This manufacturing processing comprises forming the resin mixture into the medical article and packaging the medical article to form a packaged medical article. The color changing specie will not affect the structural integrity of the medical article when it changes color.

Abstract: A control and/or monitoring method for the salting-out of at least one active ingredient impregnated in a first textile material characterized in that: a) said first textile material impregnated with said at least one active ingredient is provided, b) a control tag is affixed on the first textile material, and is made from a second textile material at least partially impregnated with a dye, the quantity of which being adjusted in such a way that the discoloration of said tag is proportional to the salting-out of said at least one active ingredient, c) the quantity of the at least one salted-out active ingredient is evaluated by visualizing the discoloration of the said tag. The invention relates to a control and/or monitoring tag of the salting-out of at least one active ingredient impregnated into a textile material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method which enables the identification of a change in a predetermined condition. The device comprises a fabric material to which is coupled a transitional substance. The transitional substance is configured in order that a change in a predetermined condition, results in an identifiable change in the transitional substance.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose that has at least one layer of stainless steel threads braided about the outer surface of the inner core and a transparent flexible polymeric covering located over the braided stainless steel threads, thereby protecting them from abrasion and corrosion. The covering is not in intimate contact with the circumference of each thread thereby trapping pockets of air between the covering and the threads. A moisture sensitive compound is dispersed through the stainless steel threads under the transparent covering. When the compound becomes wet, it changes from a first color to a second color indicating that the hose has failed.

Abstract: Compositions, devices and processes related to etching of a very thin layer or fine particles of a metal are disclosed for monitoring a variety of parameters, such as time, temperature, time-temperature, thawing, freezing, microwave, humidity, ionizing radiation, sterilization and chemicals. These devices have capabilities of producing a long and sharp induction period of an irreversible visual change. The devices are composed of an indicator comprising a very thin layer of a metal (e.g., polyester film having an extremely thin, e.g., about one hundred Angstroms layer of aluminum) and an activator, e.g., a reactant, such as water, water vapor, an acid, a base, oxidizing agent or their precursors, which is capable of reacting with the said indicator. The indicator retains its opacity and metallic luster, e.g., silvery white, mirror like finish of aluminum layer for a long time. The activator destroys the indicator layer including the naturally formed oxide layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colorimetric gas detector comprising a substrate bearing a material that can react with a gas in an atmosphere being monitored and wherein the reaction causes the material to change the radiation at which the material absorbs or radiates radiation (the color-change material). The material is located in at least one discrete area of the substrate. By providing the color change material in discrete areas, the amount of such material can be reduced and different types of color-change material can be included on a common substrate to detect two or more gases simultaneously.

Abstract: A buoyant-capable sensor system device is disclosed for use alone or on an apparatus such as a straw, stirrer, mixer, stick or utensil which detects the presence or absence of one or more substances in a beverage or liquid food such as soup comprising a sensing element(s) which is either in direct or indirect contact with the beverage or food and a buoyant sensor body to assure user-visibility of the sensing element(s).

Abstract: A medical instrument including an indicator of exposure to fluids applied to the medical instrument.

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 filtering face mask that comprises: (a) a mask body; and (b) at least one diagnostic device for identifying whether the wearer of the mask is infected with a contagious disease.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a fuse having opened-fuse indication, which places two or more coils or conductors in parallel and in thermal contact with an indicating material. The multiple conductors allow a lower level of current to produce sufficient heat or sufficient electrical resistance to transform the indicating material. The multiple conductors can also be made of a reduced diameter, resulting in surge protection at a lower device temperature. The multiple conductor indicator in an embodiment includes a base material. First and second conductors contact the base material. An indicating material thermally couples to the first and second conductors. The indicating material can be on the inside or outside of the fuse body. If on the outside, the body can define a recess, wherein the indicator resides within the recess. The indicator can operate with fuses and other types of circuit protection devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (1) for time-dependent processes, especially for displaying the change of a used toothbrush. The display device (1) consists of a storage chamber (6) containing a liquid and a porous indicator strip (7), which is provided at one point with a dye (8) which dissolves in the liquid (5), which after dissolving in the liquid (5), colors the indicator strip (7) time-dependently over its length. The material of the indicator strip (7), the liquid (5) and the dye (8) are matched to one another such that dye molecules (18) can adhere to the indicator strip (7) until the boundary surfaces (19) of the pores (18) are covered with dye molecules (21) while the remainder of the dye molecules (21) diffuse further in the liquid (5) and the adhesion process thus proceeds time-dependently. This produces a sharp color front.

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 sticker for indicating the presence of hazardous substances on a component comprising a see-through layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; an indicator layer attached to the inner surface and having an indicator/reagent for providing a visible indication of the hazardous substance; and an adhesive located on the inner surface and/or on the indicator layer for attaching the sticker to the component.

Abstract: Novel uses and methods of use for inorganic and macroreticulate polymer bonding to metals to control moisture and oxygen in OLED, and other like devices, are provided. Materials having color change capacity are also provided for the removal of moisture from an OLED, where the material changes color upon reaching its capacity and thereby signals the user that the OLED is no longer protected from moisture damage.

Abstract: A ball valve apparatus for a refrigeration system is described. The ball valve apparatus comprises a ball valve for controlling flow of refrigerant and a moisture indicator for showing a moisture content of the refrigerant, and the moisture indicator and the ball valve are formed as one body. Since a moisture indicator and a ball valve are formed as one body, the installation cost and the size of a refrigeration system can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention present invention relates to improved IRIS Fe oxide paint compositions, to the dried (or cured) residue of such paints, and to devices upon which such paint compositions have been applied (IRIS devices) used to assess reducing conditions in soils, especially wetland soils. The improved IRIS Fe oxide paints contain from about 30 to about 70 mole percent goethite, more preferably, from about 40 to about 60 mole percent goethite, and still more preferably, about 50 mole percent goethite.

Abstract: A Dip and See spoon shape strips detect sugar in food. The sugar tester when briefly dip in the food, it indicates whether or not the product contain sugar. The indicator is impregnated with components and blue background dye. The oxygen liberated in the final reaction binds with dye to produce a series of color changes 30 seconds after wetting the spoon shape strip with sugar solution. Color changes after wetting the strips from blue-green to greenish brown in sugar solution. The tester will present a variation shade of brown. Lighter shade of brown means a small concentration of sugar and darker shade of brown means large concentration of sugar in the food. If strip maintains blue-green color, after wetting it, the product contains no sugar. Results are obtainable by direct comparison of the test strip with the color blocks printed on the instructions. No calculations or laboratory instruments are required. The tester is a quick, safe, reliable and is disposable.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the expiration of goods includes a substrate, a coating of polydiacetylene, said coating having properties of (1) changing from a first color irreversibly to a second color immediately upon being subjected to a specified temperature and (2), upon activation upon contact by an activating agent, changing from said first color to said second color at a temperature lower than said specified temperature after a time delay of at least one hour and an activating agent on a portion but not all of said coating.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a garment has been used comprising integrating an indicator tag to a garment having an indicator material which reacts with any one of body sweat, water or dry cleaning chemicals or provides wear down indication to provide a visual indication of such use. A garment with an indicator tag having an indicator material which reacts with any one of body sweat, water or dry cleaning chemicals or provides wear down indication to provide a visual indication of such use.

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates whether an object has been exposed to a predetermined critical temperature T. The apparatus housing has a reservoir portion and a capillary tube portion in fluid connection with the reservoir portion. A first fluid is contained within the reservoir portion. A second fluid is contained within the capillary portion. A barrier is located intermediate the first fluid and second fluid. The barrier prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing until the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature, and then allows at least a portion of the second fluid to mix with the first fluid when the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature. An observable characteristic of one of the fluids irreversibly changes when the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature. The housing completely encapsulates the fluids and barrier within the housing and prevents evaporation of the fluids and barrier from the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides an article (20) comprising a substrate (1) having a micro-structured surface that defines a plurality of channels (4) and a fluid that is separated from the substrate until activation of the article is desired, wherein the article is designed such that it can be activated at a desired point in time to allow contact of the fluid with at least one of the channels of the substrate, said article being adapted for providing a measurable variable electrical characteristic, said variability being in correspondence with the progress of the fluid as it migrates through the channels of the substrate.

Abstract: A period indicator including a liquid-permeable substrate and an indicative section which is overlaid on a portion of the substrate and which is formed from a liquid-permeable material having a low light refractive index, the indicator containing a volatile liquid, wherein the indicative section is formed by coating a surface of the substrate with an indicative-section-forming material prepared by mixing a binder and finely divided particulate matter having a low light refractive index, the indicative section is composed of two or more regions, and the regions differ in height from one another as measured from the surface of the substrate, as the coating amounts per unit area of the indicative section forming material in respective regions differ from one another. Since the period indicator can indicate the chemical-containing state stepwise, it is useful for indicating the available period of use of a chemical such as a mothproofing agent, an insecticide, a deodorant, or a fragrance.

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 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 timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a redox indicator and a metal salt wherein the indicator undergoes an observable change in color which is related to the desired preselected period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film or a sheet-like moisture indicator that allows one to visually recognize moisture by changing from a non-transparent color such as white to transparent when it is moistened. The present invention also provides a film or a sheet-like time indicator that allows one to visually recognize the passage of a predetermined length of time by becoming transparent when it is moistened. The indicator of the invention has a water-soluble, non-transparent layer formed of a non-transparent, dry film composition, which comprises a water-soluble cellulose derivative, as well as a water-soluble compound containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of monovalent, divalent, and trivalent metals. The indicator may further comprise, on the water-soluble, non-transparent layer, a water-soluble transparent layer, a water-insoluble support layer, and/or an attachment layer (an adhesive layer and a release paper therefor) for attaching the indicator to a test target.

Abstract: A time indicator label comprises a backing layer, an active layer and a barrier layer. Removal of said barrier layer activates said time indicator label.

Abstract: Method for detecting a basic target species in a fuel composition, by (i) adding a spectroscopically active indicator which is capable of reacting with the target species, and (ii) detecting the spectroscopic response (suitably a colour change) of the fuel composition to the presence of the indicator. The method may be used to detect an additive such as a detergent or dispersant additive, in particular in an automotive gasoline or diesel fuel or a lubricating oil. Also provided is a kit for carrying out the method, in particular in the field. The indicator may be a phenolphthalein indicator such as tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester (HTBPE).

Abstract: A useful life indicator is provided to display an indication of the remaining useful life of an associated product such as an impregnated substrate of an air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue is preferably a well having a volatile indicator material positioned therein. The well's cavity is configured to achieve clumping of the remaining indicator material as some volatizes due to capillary attraction. This presents a shrinking display that can be coordinated with the level of use of the air treatment chemical dispenser. The cue may also be used in connection with monitoring other products such as perishable products.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention comprises an electrochemical component that generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage a duration of time. The electrochemical component preferably comprises two or more electrode structures that sandwich a suitable solid-state electrolyte. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a timing device comprises an electrochemical component with an indicating electrolyte and an indicating layer that absorbs or reacts with the indicating electrolyte when an electrode material is depleted, providing a visual indication of the passage of a duration time.

Abstract: A method for modifying an object involves determining a modification rate for the object, creating a first reservoir and a first wicking channel based on the modification rate, where the first reservoir and the first wicking channel are on the object and the first wicking channel is operatively connected to the first reservoir, and filling the first reservoir with a chemical for modifying the object, wherein an amount of chemical in the first reservoir is determined based on the modification rate.

Abstract: A food spoilage sensor of the general formula wherein M is a transition metal ion; D1, D2, D3 and D4 can be the same or different and can be N or P; R1 and R2, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, and R7 and R8 can be the same or different and from, taken together with the adjacent carbon atoms to which they are bonded and joined together, an aromatic or a cyclic group with at least one of the aromatic or cyclic groups possessing one or more polymerizable moieties. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines which are released by food spoilage microorganisms and undergo a detectable color change upon exposure thereto.

Abstract: A humidity indicator includes a first film (F1) covering a surface of a humidity-determining plate (B), and a second film (F2) covering a back of the humidity-determining plate (B). A flat air layer (Au) is formed at least between the first film (F1) and the surface of the humidity-determining plate (B), so that the entire surfaces of humidity-determining faces (M1 to M4), to which cobalt chloride (CO) is exposed, face to the air layer (Au), and a plurality of small holes (H) are formed at distances from one another in the first film (F1) to permit the direct communication of the air layer (Au) with the atmosphere. Therefore, even if an operator picks, with his or her hand, a humidity indicator for determining humidity by the discoloration of cobalt chloride, the cobalt chloride on a humidity-determining face is prevented effectively from adhering to the operator's hand and thus, entering into his or her body.

Abstract: A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

Abstract: A writing system for producing a writing having time-dependent characteristics includes: a pen including: a reservoir containing a fluid; and a writing tip configured to dispense the fluid to a writing surface, wherein the fluid includes a first chemical; and a writing surface including a second chemical chemically reactive with the first chemical, wherein the chemical reaction between the first and second chemicals has a known time dependence, and wherein an extent of chemical reaction between the first chemical and the second chemical is indicative of a time of dispensing of the fluid to the writing surface.

Abstract: A method of confirming reception of a drop of water has the steps of applying a powder on a surface of a gas sensing element, placing the element in a gas passage so as to expose the surface of the element to the gas passage, causing a measured gas to flow through the gas passage, receiving drops of water included in the measured gas on limited areas of the surface of the element such that the drops of water take out the powder applied on the limited areas from the element, and confirming the reception of the drops of water on the surface of the element. The powder has a melting point or a sublimation temperature equal to or higher than 1000° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidity indicator label and to a desiccant packet with the humidity indicator label coupled to it.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a first reservoir (13), a migration medium (11) and activating means for bringing liquid from the first reservoir (13) in contact with the migration medium (11) so that after activation the liquid migrates through the migration medium (11) producing a colour change therein. The activating means comprises a second reservoir (16) connected between the first reservoir (13) and the migration medium (11) whereby after activation the liquid travels relatively rapidly from the first reservoir (13) to the second reservoir (16) and then migrates relatively slowly along the length of the migration medium (11) over time.

Abstract: An improved device for the detection of leakage is achieved when the device includes at least two components, of which at least one is capable of migrating with the liquid within the carrier, and forming a distinct color or other detectable signal with the first component. Such device is not sensitive to normal, ambient humidity and the color signal formed is resistant to being diluted or rinsed away in cases of abundant or repeated leakage.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an oscillating arm and a frame connected thereto for receiving a wiper blade, which device includes a life span indicator, characterized in that said indicator is sensitive to water. The indicator can change its color in dependence on the length of time during which the indicator has-been exposed to water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical indicator that is used to determine whether instruments and other products to be sterilized have experienced a sterilization treatment process or to confirm whether sterilization has been efficiently performed, by the color tone change of the indicator when sterilizing medical instruments and other products and the like by a hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilizing method. The present invention provides an indicator for plasma sterilization, wherein an ink comprising a colorless chromogenic pigment, a coloring assistant, a binder (a binding agent) and a solvent for dissolving these, is applied to or printed on a base material, and wherein a color tone change of the indicator occurs by a hydrogen peroxide low temperature sterilization method.

Abstract: A chemically sensitive warning apparatus capable of changing colors upon contact with a chemical is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises an elongated tape having opposed, first and second major surfaces and warning indicia visible to an individual viewing the first surface to provide visual indication of possible danger or hazardous condition. Mounted to the tape is at least one chemical indicator that is responsive to the presence of at least one chemical by changing colors so as to provide a visual indication of the exposure of the indicator to the chemical. The tape may also include at least one color reference indicia to facilitate interpretation of the color of the chemical indicator when the chemical indicator changes color upon exposure to the chemical.