Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: A dual bar code for detecting contamination. When no contamination is present, a first bar code identifies the product. When contamination is present a second bar code identifies the presence of contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contamination detector associated with a double bar code that includes coded indicia used to identify the presence of conditions indicative of microbial contamination, including toxic contaminants, bacterial metabolites, and other microbial secretions. Of the two bar code symbols associated with the contamination detector, the first identifies the product or container, while the second bar code symbol is designed to identify the presence of contaminants. When contamination is not detected, the first bar code symbol is scanner readable, whereas the second bar code symbol is not. Once contamination is detected, bars in both bar code symbols can appear or disappear causing the first bar code symbol to become scanner unreadable and the second bar code symbol to become scanner readable.

Abstract: A metal co-ordinated complex in a medium, e.g. a palladium-fluorophore, may be used to detect food spoilage products by the release of a detectable component by preferential binding of the metal to, for example, sulphur compounds or amines. It can be easy to detect food spoilage in sealed packs.

Abstract: A method is proposed for measuring water permeability of substrates (1). A reactive compound (Ca, Ba) which reacts with a diffusing material, e.g. water, is applied on the substrate and the change in time of transmissivity, reflectivity of the layer is monitored in time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for detecting the presence of a chemical contaminant. The device comprising a resilient indicator element which is biased into a first position and is anchored in the first position by means of a failure element. The failure element is made of a material which fails in the presence of a chemical to be detected, thereby releasing the indicator element from its first position and allowing it to move under its own resilience into a second position in order to provide an indication of the presence of the contaminant.

Abstract: A temperature history indicator means for affixing to goods. A temperature related phase change in a material within the indicator leads to an indication that a high temperature event has occurred. A preferred format has a water-soluble, lipid-insoluble dye immobilised within a lipid selected to have a melting point at a particular temperature and has all components made from edible materials. Upon melting, the dye dissolves in water present in a secondary phase or the goods themselves giving a visual indication. Another format has a primary reagent within a solid lipid and a secondary reagent held with a secondary phase such that melting of the lipid allows the primary reagent to react with the secondary reagent, providing an indication of a high temperature event. Time-dependent formats are also considered.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating compressed air from a rail yard compressed air supply pipeline leading from a central air compressor to outlets at remote locations in a rail yard prior to charging air brake lines of trains with compressed air from the pipeline to prevent contaminants such as moisture, entrained atomized oil and/or particulates such as rust from getting into the air brake line of the train. The apparatus includes an air line, an air inlet connector at one end of the air line, an outlet connector at the other end of the air line, and at least one separator device interposed in the air line between the inlet connector and the outlet connector for separating contaminants from a stream of compressed air passing through the apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method of making a device for indicating a change in condition is disclosed. A first embodiment is a device for indicating a transition from a frozen condition to a thawed condition is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a 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: A method is proposed for measuring water permeability of substrates (1). A reactive compound (Ca, Ba) which reacts with a diffusing material, e.g. water, is applied on the substrate and the change in time of transmissivity, reflectivity of the layer is monitored in time.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a tube (2) having opposed ends with at least one of the opposed ends having a reservoir (10a, 10b) for storing a reactant or an indicator, a transport system (12) extending from the reservoir to the other of the opposed ends of the tube (2) for transporting at least one of the reactant or the indicator until they contact each other, a reactant, and an indicator which when in contact with the reactant via the transport means (12) emits an observable change in property wherein the minimum length of the period of time corresponds to the time it takes for the reactant and indicator to contact each other. Thc tube (2) has a shape which undergoes at least two material changes of direction exceeding 90° and up to 180° from one of the opposed ends to the other.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple glass ceramic substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to a component subject to thermal stressors, each of the glass ceramic substrates react with a different rate of nucleation and crystal growth and thus yield a specific measure of opacity. By comparing these values representing the opacity for each glass ceramic substrate, or thermal history fingerprint, to baseline data, information about the expected remaining useful lifetime of the component may be obtained.

Abstract: A critical temperature indicator according to the present invention produces a visual, irreversible indication that the indicator has been subjected to a selected critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator includes a transparent housing, and a temperature sensitive transformable material operably contained within the transparent housing which includes mixture of water, nucleating agent (preferably ice nucleating active (INA) microorganisms), latex, and stabilizer which is translucent prior to exposure of a predetermined temperature and is transformed upon being subjected to the predetermined temperature to render a substantially consistent opaque material thus precluding visibility therethrough and thereby providing a sure visual sign that the indicator has been subjected to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Thermal indictors of this invention are constructed for use with a heat exchanger generally comprising hot and cold side passages for accommodating a desired heat transfer therebetween. The thermal indicator is disposed at least partially within the heat exchanger and is formed from a material designed to undergo a permanent physical change when exposed to a temperature that is above a heat exchanger design operating temperature.

Abstract: In an apparatus including a unit which is recoverable and reusable after use, an environmental history indicator member having a property variable according to an environmental history of use of the apparatus and arranged not to participate in any functions of the apparatus during use of the apparatus is disposed inside the unit or adjacent to the unit. By checking the state of the environmental history indicator member when the unit is recovered from the apparatus after the end of service of the apparatus, a management system for reuse is arranged to easily and efficiently decide the unit to be reusable or no longer usable.

Abstract: Crystalline colloidal arrays (CCA) which have been encapsulated in a polymer matrix to produce more robust polymerized crystalline colloidal arrays (PCCA) are provided. The PCCA's of the present invention can be in the form of a hydrogel which can be compatible for use with a biological system. The polymer matrix of the PCCA is formed of polymerized poly(ethylene glycol) based monomer units which can provide a desired functionality to the PCCA. The PCCA can be formed to exhibit a photonic bandgap at a certain wavelength. The photonic bandgap can be capable of shifting upon some form of environmental stimulation rendering the PCCA suitable for many optical applications, including active photonic switching and sensory applications.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a plurality of printed and activated time dependent labels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a web having a plurality of inked substrates thereon. Each substrate has a migrating ink pattern printed on a surface of the substrate. A transfer printer is provided that has a first ribbon means for applying a timing layer through which the migrating ink bleeds after a predetermined period of time. A second ribbon means is provided for printing variable data. The web of inked substrates is continuously fed through the printer, each inked substrate passing sequentially under the first ribbon means and then the second ribbon means. The first ribbon means is activated to apply the timing layer to a portion of the printed surface of each inked substrate thereunder to produce a coated substrate.

Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.

Abstract: An airborne hazard detector including a housing having a slot in a side thereof for receiving a sheet of M8 chemical detection paper and a principal opening in the top thereof for the passage of airbourne chemical warfare agents to the sheet and for observing color changes in the sheet. The housing also has a number of secondary openings adjacent the principal opening. A number of manually rotatable dials is positioned within the housing with each being visible through one of the secondary openings. The dials bear indicia indicative of the time and date that the sheet of M8 chemical detection paper was last inspected.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator card comprising an intermediate carrier member containing one or more holes, a clear, water vapor permeable first outer layer secured to the first side of the carrier member, a deliquescent material contained within the holes in the carrier member, a dark colored, absorbent sheet material secured to the back side of the carrier member to cover the holes in the carrier member and a second outer layer which covers the colored absorbent sheet material and a portion or all of the back side of the intermediate carrier member.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing a tripped fuse is disclosed. The apparatus employs a chemical light installed at an upper portion of the fuse housing. A system for activating the chemical light is installed at the lower end of the housing. The activation system activates the light when an excessive current melts a soft iron element.

Abstract: The invention relates to various materials and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for melting a luminescent oxygen sensitive compound into extruded polymer films. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for thermal melting of oxygen-sensitive indicators into common packaging polymers used for commercial packaging of products, such as foods. The oxygen-sensitive indicators can be used for real-time monitoring of oxygen in commercial packaging operations.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the expiration of goods includes a substrate and an unreacted composition affixed thereto which is intrinsically reactive to one or both of its thermal environment and the length of time following activation. The reactivity results in a color formation of the composition with the color formation being a single color upon reaction to one of said thermal environment or length of time and multiple colors upon reaction to both. The device may be a label affixed to a container containing the goods to be monitored or may be printed directly on a container.

Abstract: A motor vehicle wiper includes a wiper blade mounted on the free end of a wiper arm and pressing a wiping stem against the glass to be wiped. The wiper is provided with a wear indicator using a substance based at least on an azo compound.

Abstract: A wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant disposed in a carrier matrix. The colorant provides a visible signal when activated by urine. The colorant resists leaching from the carrier matrix by being chemically bound to a component of the carrier matrix. The colorant may be bound by ionic or covalent bonds, or by intermolecular forces. The colorant may be a pH indicator. The wetness indicating composition may be incorporated into a wearable article, such as a disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A soil indicator device is adapted to be disposed in the soil and has a substrate with an indicator coating thereon that is removable from the substrate when the indicator device is exposed to anaerobic soil conditions so that the indicator device changes color at least to some extent from that of the original coating.

Abstract: A single-use cartridge C contains a dose of a concentrated decontaminant for providing a decontaminant solution upon mixing with water. The cartridge is inserted into the well (16) of a decontamination system (A). Fresh water and then the decontaminant solution are recirculated through the well during a decontamination cycle. The cartridge includes a porous region (42), through which the decontaminant solution flows. Impregnated in the porous region is a chemical indicator (44), such as crystal violet, which gradually changes color on exposure to the decontaminant. The indicator provides a semi-quantitative indication of the integrated level of the decontaminant in the solution over time for determining whether an acceptable level of the decontaminant was present for decontamination. A preferred embodiment of the cartridge C includes nested inner and outer water-penetrable cups (50,150,70,170) for holding first and second reagents. The two cups are sealed together adjacent upper open ends (56,92,156,192).

Abstract: A pressure measurement method using a pressure measuring film in which a toner layer with a definite thickness is held between an adhesive layer formed on a first support and an inactive adhesive layer formed on a second support. Prior to applying the pressure to be measured to the measuring film, the inactive adhesive layer is activated to have an adhesive property. After pressure to be measured is applied to the film, the first support is removed and the applied pressure is determined based on the amount of toner attached to the second support. Using a toner having extremely small size, an extremely low pressure applied to an extremely small contact area can be measured. Also the pressure measuring film is not affected by use conditions (temperature, humidity). The inactive adhesive layer may be formed of a thermoplastic resin adhesive which can be activated by heating to become adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a residual life indicator. The residual life indicator comprises a solid, surface active, waterproof support medium having a concentric pattern imprinted thereon. The concentric pattern comprises a center pattern and at least one outer pattern. An indicator dye spot is disposed within the center pattern of the concentric patter. When the indicator dye is exposed to contaminants, the indicator dye spot visually moves toward the outer pattern.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator card comprising an intermediate carrier member containing one or more holes, a clear, water vapor permeable first outer layer secured to the first side of the carrier member, a deliquescent material contained within the holes in the carrier member, a dark colored, absorbent sheet material secured to the back side of the carrier member to cover the holes in the carrier member and a second outer layer which covers the colored absorbent sheet material and a portion or all of the back side of the intermediate carrier member.

Abstract: A device and method of making a device for indicating a change in condition is disclosed. A first embodiment of the device includes a housing and a 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, which uses a flexible housing to allow manual deformation of the housing to fracture a capsule enclosed therein.

Abstract: A toxic material sensor coating that may be used to indicate when a pet or has come into contact with a pesticide or other hazardous chemical is described. The sensor coating will change color upon exposure to subject chemicals. The sensor material may be positioned on a pet's collar or tag by means of an adhesive backing. The sensor material may be removable so that when one sensor device is spent, the device can be removed and a new sensor/indicator can be positioned in its place.

Abstract: The invention is a device for monitoring humidity, comprising a first layer, which is a visual indicator, a second layer covering and obscuring the first layer, with the second layer comprising a deliquescent material. The deliquescent material picks up moisture and dissolves itself in the moisture, becoming transparent and exposing the first layer. Also included is a viewing means, such as a sight glass, disposed on the opposite side of the second layer from the first layer. The components of the device are mounted or placed in an enclosure that allows entrance of moisture. The activation humidity level may be selected by choosing the appropriate deliquescent material. The device may be in the form of a component of a moisture-containing system and used to detect the moisture should it leave its containment. It may also be in the form of a stand-alone device, such as a capsule, used to monitor exposure to humidity.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma sterilization indicator enabling an accurate detection of the end-point of plasma sterilization. This invention relates to a plasma sterilization indicator comprising a support and, as formed thereon, a color-change layer comprised of a variable color ink composition containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one kind of amino groups, primary and/or secondary.

Abstract: Moisture indicators comprising, as active principle, copper chloride or another salt capable of releasing Cu++ and Cl− ions, and synergistic salts containing chloride ions, which may be hygroscopic on a suitable support. Depending on the application, the support may be amorphous silica or silica gel; a solid paper support for making a moisture-indicating label; or a bentonite or calcium sulphate for making pellets by mechanical pressing.

Abstract: The invention is a device for monitoring humidity, comprising a first layer, which is a visual indicator, a second layer covering and obscuring the first layer, with the second layer comprising a deliquescent material. The deliquescent material picks up moisture and dissolves itself in the moisture, becoming transparent and exposing the first layer. Also included is a viewing means, such as a sight glass, disposed on the opposite side of the second layer from the first layer. The components of the device are mounted or placed in an enclosure that allows entrance of moisture. The activation humidity level may be selected by choosing the appropriate deliquescent material. The device may be in the form of a component of a moisture-containing system and used to detect the moisture should it leave its containment. It may also be in the form of a stand-alone device, such as a capsule, used to monitor exposure to humidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring outdoor temperature and humidity includes a box type body which has a flat LCD screen located on one side, and a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor located on the surface thereof. The body includes a control circuit. The temperature sensor and humidity sensor, a temperature and humidity measuring circuit and LCD screen are integrated in one set. The body may be mounted on the exterior of a glass window by means of a fastening section located on the body without assistance of skilled professionals. Thus installation time and costs and wiring expenses may be saved. Outdoor temperature and humidity may be directly known indoors.

Abstract: A wetness indicating composition comprising a colorant disposed in a carrier matrix. The colorant provides a visible signal when activated by urine. The colorant resists leaching from the carrier matrix by being chemically bound to a component of the carrier matrix. The colorant may be bound by ionic or covalent bonds, or by intermolecular forces. The colorant may be a pH indicator. The wetness indicating composition may be incorporated into a wearable article, such as a disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: Wetness indicating compositions having improved colorant retention and durability and to wearable articles comprising this wetness indicating composition are provided.

Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a residual life indicator. The residual life indicator comprises a solid, surface active, waterproof support medium having a concentric pattern imprinted thereon. The concentric pattern comprises a center pattern and at least one outer pattern. An indicator dye spot is disposed within the center pattern of the concentric patter. When the indicator dye is exposed to contaminants, the indicator dye spot visually moves toward the outer pattern.

Abstract: A drinking straw incorporates a sugar indicator section. When the straw is inserted into the drink, the indicator section changes color upon detection of sugar in the drink. This enables rapid and accurate detection of sugar in the drink. The sugar indicator straw may instead be formed as a drinking straw insert. The insert incorporates a “sleeve” through which a straw may be inserted. Then, when the straw is inserted into the drink, the insert changes color upon detection of sugar. The insert may then be disposed of. Further, the indicator may be incorporated in a drinking cup, preferably of the disposable kind. A section of the cup's wall is made porous, and the indicator is provided over the porous part. When liquid passes through the porous part, the indicator changes color if the liquid contains sugar.

Abstract: A soil indicator device is adapted to be disposed in the soil and has a substrate with an indicator coating thereon that is removable from the substrate when the indicator device is exposed to anaerobic soil conditions so that the indicator device changes color at least to some extent from that of the original coating.

Abstract: Unique transparent polypropylene articles that can be tailored to become opaque when exposed to a sufficiently high temperature and which returns to substantially the same transparency level upon cooling. Such formulations include non-polypropylene polymeric constituents that exhibit refractive index measurements similar to the base clarified polypropylene at lower temperatures, as well as melting temperatures well below that for the base clarified polypropylene. Upon exposure to temperatures in close proximity to the melting temperature of the non-polypropylene polymeric constituents, the refractive index for such constituents will then become modified to the extent that the overall article appears at least partially opaque. In particular, the non-polypropylene polymeric constituents should exhibit melting temperatures well below that for the base clarified polypropylene, from about 60 to about 100° C. (well below the typical polypropylene melting temperatures of roughly about 160-190° C.

Abstract: A drinking straw incorporates a sugar indicator section. When the straw is inserted into the drink, the indicator section changes color upon detection of sugar in the drink. This enables rapid and accurate detection of sugar in the drink. The sugar indicator straw may instead be formed as a drinking straw insert. The insert incorporates a “sleeve” through which a straw may be inserted. Then, when the straw is inserted into the drink, the insert changes color upon detection of sugar. The insert may then be disposed of. Further, the indicator may be incorporated in a drinking cup, preferably of the disposable kind. A section of the cup's wall is made porous, and the indicator is provided over the porous part. When liquid passes through the porous part, the indicator changes color if the liquid contains sugar.

Abstract: The moisture indicator has a support that is equipped with a substance which contains a moisture-indicating medium that reversibly changes color as a function of moisture. According to the present invention, the moisture-indicating medium is a pH indicator dye that is combined with a zinc salt.

Abstract: An aerosol container includes an aerosol canister for containing a flowable product at a pressure greater than ambient pressure, a dispensing valve for dispensing the flowable product from the aerosol canister, and a thermochromatic indicator provided on the aerosol canister. The thermochromatic indicator preferably is comprised of one or more thermochromatic materials and can provide a visual indication of at least one of (i) a fill level of the flowable product in the aerosol container and (ii) whether the temperature of the aerosol container in the vicinity of the thermochromatic indicator exceeds a predetermined temperature. Also disclosed are methods of detecting a fill level of a flowable product in an aerosol container using a thermchromatic indicator and manufacturing an aerosol container having a thermochromatic indicator. A thermochromatic pattern can also be applied to an aerosol container for a decorative effect.