Abstract: A family of acetylenic complexes especially useful as environmental indicators is provided. The complexes include at least one complexing acid and one acetylenic compound of the formula:[R--(C.tbd.C).sub.a --(CH.sub.2).sub.b --(C.tbd.C).sub.c ].sub.2.dHXwherein, a is 1 or 2; b is about 0-5; c is 0 or 1; d is above 0 to about 2, with the proviso that when a is 1, b and c are 0, and when a is 2, b is about 0-5 and c is 0 or 1; and R is --(CH.sub.2)n--NHC(O)NHR'; wherein n is an integer of about 1 to 10; and R' is selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aklyl, phenyl, alkoxyl, alkoxylcarbonylalkyl, and X is a complexing acid.

Abstract: Acetylenic complexes are disclosed that are useful as environmental indicating materials whereby exposure thereof to environmental stimuli induces a color change. These complexes contain at least one effective complexing metal and at least one acetylenic compound of the general formula:[R--(C"C).sub.a --(CH.sub.2).sub.b --(C"C).sub.c ].sub.2.dHXWherein a is 1 or 2, b is about 0-5; c is 0 or 1; with the proviso that when a is 1, b and c are 0, when a is 2, b is about 0-5 and c is 0 or 1; and R is --(CH.sub.2).sub.n -NHC(O)NHR'; wherein n is an integer of about 1 to 10; and R' is selected from the group consisting of: (a) hydrogen; (b) cycloalkyl; (c) alkenyl; (d) cycloalkenyl; (e) alkyl; (f) phenyl; (g) alkoxy; (h) alkoxy alkyl; and (i) alkoxycarbonylalkyl.

Abstract: A security device for preventing or indicating the tampering with a joint in a supply pipe, e.g. to a gas meter, comprises two or more members which fit together around the joint. The members have mutually interdigitating parts through which a blind bore is provided and which houses a glass phial containing a dye. Displacement of the members from the assembled configuration breaks the phial, thereby releasing the dye which stains the members so that the tampering is readily detectable.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of a gas includes a closed housing having an interior wall with a color indicator disk on one side wall and an opposite wall having an opening with an inflow pipe for the inflow of the gas to be detected. The interior of the housing forms a flat measuring chamber having the side wall with the detector disk of a size comparable to the length and diameter of the inflow pipe so as to form a diffusion area across which a mass transport of the gas to be detected takes place, that is, largely independent of air currents. The color indicated disk advantageously has a circular periphery and the inflow pipe is of cylindrical section and it is smaller than one-fifth the diameter of the measuring chamber having the disk. Advantageously, the length of the pipe section is less than the thickness of the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A method is described for treating consumable products, such as foods, drugs or dietary supplements, for example drugs enclosed in capsules, to detect contamination. A colorimetric indicator, which can react with a contaminating substance such as cyanide, is incorporated into the consumable product or the packaging for the product. When the indicator comes in contact with the contaminating substance, a readily detectable color signal is produced.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a diaphragm pump having a housing, a first chamber within said housing, a second chamber within said housing and a pair of diaphragm elements mounted in said housing between said first chamber and said second chamber, is provided with a failure sensing system for the diaphragm. The failure sensing system including a failure sensing device which is between the two parts of the diaphragm and an indicator circuit which includes the conductive liquid which is being pumped and an alarm. The two parts of the diaphragm element are clamped together proximate their peripheral edge such that a circumferential fluid tight compression seal region is provided. The sensing device includes an electrically conductive lead which extends from the exterior of the housing, through the circumferential fluid tight seal region into the region peripherally inward of the seal region.

Abstract: A photoactivated time-temperature indicator is based on diacetylenic salts. A thermally unreactive ("inactive") diacetylenic salt (or a mixture of such salts) is mixed, in a polymeric matrix, with a material that generates acid upon exposure to light. Photoexcitation, preferably by UV or near UV light, causes the formation of a thermal reactive ("active") free diacetylenic acid. Following this activation step, a progressive color development occurs at a rate that increases with temperature. The indicator is useful for monitoring the freshness of perishable products, particularly those that require refrigeration.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting article of manufacture and method are provided wherein the cleaning and disinfecting article of manufacture comprises a cleaning and disinfecting ingredient which includes a cleaning and disinfecting agent, a solid color indicator composition which includes a color indicator agent and a matrix agent supporting the color indicator agent, wherein the matrix agent is a matrix salt; and a stabilizing salt. The cleaning and disinfecting ingredient has a bleaching tendency relative to the color indicator agent such that when the solid color indicator composition is in an aqueous solution of the cleaning and disinfecting ingredient, the presence of the cleaning and disinfecting ingredient in the solution minimizes the display of color in the solution for as long as significant amounts of the cleaning and disinfecting ingredient are present.

Abstract: A diffusion-controlled security tag comprising a carrier containing a solution of a compound which changes color upon diffusion or evaporation of the solvent. Preferably the carrier is enveloped in a barrier film which controls the rate of diffusion/evaporation of the solvent from the carrier such that a change in the color of the carrier indicates undesirable storage or product tampering.

Abstract: A method of monitoring if a stored product has exceeded a predetermined temperature using an assembly, which comprises coated onto a carrier a gelatin layer containing an acidic reactant, color former and an encapsulated non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: An indicating tube for detecting gas type and characteristics comprises a hollow transparent tube having a passage therethrough for the passage of a gas to be detected and with a first material in the passage giving a visual indication of the gas characteristic and a second material in the passage which gives a visual indication of the temperature characteristic of the gas.

Abstract: A material wear indicator for a disc brake lining or clutch pad or any other erodible part comprises a vapor substance. Erosion of the part to a predetermined level exposes the substance to an ambient environment or other chemical means. The substance begins to exude an invisible vapor with a specific scent or oder. Alternatively or in combination with a scent emission, visible vapor can be color coded for a fretted part identification or erosion level thereof. The presence of the vapor immediately alerts service personnel of the danger and necessity to replace the worn-out part. The vapor emitting wear indicator does not require any electrical, hydraulic, sound or mechanical connection to any gauge or system and therefore represents one of the cheapest, reliable and most effective ways to indicate the selected level of material abrasion.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator in which an indicator, such as a flowable colorant, is releasably contained within an enclosure at least a portion of which is a volatilizable, preferably sublimable, substance.

Abstract: A disposable test package for testing the proper functioning of a steam sterilizer is formed with a test sheet adapted to change color in response to the presence of steam under preselected sterilization conditions. The sheet is surrounded by disposable nonwoven porous material, above and below, forming a core region around the test sheet having desired height and porosity parameters and a shell region around the core having different height and porosity parameters which are adapted to permit the test pack to simulate a Bowie and Dick challenge pack for the testing of steam sterilizers.

Abstract: System and means for irreversibly recording the incidence of a predetermined temperature comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal system and an activator material capable of interacting with the liquid crystal system to induce a unique irreversible change in the optical properties thereof sustantially at the predetermined temperature. The system preferably includes means for separating the liquid crystal system and activator at temperatures below the activation temperature of the activator.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a band or layer of absorbent material which is wrapped around the outside of a liquid container to entrap and hold waste liquid dripping down the sides of the container. The absorbent material is impregnated with a neutralizing agent selected to chemically neutralize the liquid of the container and a chemical indicator which changes color as excess liquid from the container accumulates in the absorbent material.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an indicator for providing a time/temperature integrated indication of the temperature history of a deep-frozen product through the diffusion of water along a cellulose wick. The cellulose wick is provided on itself with a water soluble, hydrate forming substance, such as sodium chloride and citric acid. The wick is covered in a plastic covering with an opening in the covering exposing the wick to water at the product, and the advance of the water front along the wick is indicated by a time/temperature indicator adjacent the wick and/or by an acid/base indicator on the wick and spaced from the indicator.

Abstract: This invention provides novel thermochromic compositions which exhibit distinct color changes at temperatures in the range of about 165.degree. C. to about 240.degree. C. The compositions comprise basic copper carbonate and a sulfur compound. Paint formulations containing these novel thermochromic compositions or complexes of copper and sulfur-containing organic acids are also provided. The compositions are useful with heat-recoverable memory metal couplings to prevent overheating of the couplings during installation.

Abstract: A tampering indicator for medicine bottles which changes color upon pressure applied to the bottle during opening.

Abstract: A timer and storage conditions indicator for indicating the passage of a predetermined length of time under predetermined ambient physical environmental conditions, in which a carrier mixture is contained in a relatively confined area above a base layer. An absorptive layer is disposed on the base layer and accepts the carrier mixture at a predetermined rate. A barrier means is disposed between the carrier mixture and the absorptive layer, and the removal of the barrier activates the timer. Transfer means such as a capillary tube or a second absorptive layer may be disposed between the carrier mixture and the first mentioned absorptive layer.

Abstract: An indicator system and device for visually monitoring ethylene oxide sterilization by color changes of the indicating composition of the system upon sufficient and properly conditioned exposure of the composition to ethylene oxide provides a controlled method for indicating the effective sterilization of articles by ethylene oxide. The indicating composition of this invention undergoes color changes that are progressive with the conditions and periods of sterilization, such that a final and complete color change indicates the completion of an effective ethylene oxide sterilization. The indicating composition comprises a leuco precursor of an aryl methane dye selected from the groups herein defined; and an acidic constituent. Acidic organic compounds such as diphenolic acid (4,4-bis [4-hydroxyphenyl] pentanoic acid) are effective acid constituents because they enhance hue, develop color and stabilize the final color change.

Abstract: An ageing indicator compares a closed sachet of one or more closed tubes of a material which is slightly permeable to a fluid contained in the sachet or tube. The rate of permeation of the fluid through the sachet-like assembly tube wall depends upon temperature and time of exposure to that temperature so the quantity of fluid loss is indicative of temperature and time; the ageing capable of then being detected either by measuring a column of the liquid in a tube or by observing the appearance or disappearance of printed indicia in the sachet.

Abstract: A plant watering indicator device comprises an elongate member which is insertable into soil and which has a layer of hygroscopic material, calcium hydroxide, disposed thereon. At the end of the member not inserted into the soil there is a transparent plastic film, which is a different color from the member attached to the member and which covers the calcium hydroxide layer thereat. There is a gap in the calcium hydroxide layer disposed beneath the plastic film. In use the indicator is inserted into the soil and, if sufficient water is present, the water is attracted up between the film and the member and the calcium hydroxide changes from opaque to translucent whereby the color of the member is contrasted against the color of film above the gap, giving a visual indication of the water content of the plant.

Abstract: A well packer, in particular for a bore hole pump, comprises a packer sleeve having a tapered external surface surrounded by a collet ring which has a tapered internal surface. The collet ring is of resilient material and can be stressed to a smaller diameter configuration in which two adjacent collet-holding fingers of a removable holding mechanism engage in two now closely spaced holes of the collet ring to hold the collet ring in engagement with the smaller diameter lower part of the tapered external surface of the packer sleeve. The collet-holding mechanism can be operated to rotate a cam link of the mechanism to withdraw a safety link and to retract the fingers radially inwardly to release the collet allowing it to spring radially outwardly against a well casing in which the packer sleeve and the collet ring have been positioned by lowering down the well casing.

Abstract: An improved canister for a filter-type respirator having an end-of-service life warning device which is located in a position such that all air flowing through the canister flows through the warning device after the air has flowed through at least about 50 volume percent of the filtering material contained in the respirator.

Abstract: Novel and stable compositions of matter are disclosed which change color sharply upon a transition from a liquid state to a solid state or from a solid state to a liquid state, which change of state is at substantially a predetermined temperature corresponding to a temperature to be measured.The constituents of the novel compositions of matter comprise:1. a solvent (I) consisting of a single substance or a mixture of substances and adapted to change from a solid state at substantially a predetermined temperature to a liquid state and2. an indicator system (II) consisting of one or more substances different from (I), characterized in that(a) (II) is soluble in (I) when the latter is in the liquid phase, and(b) (II) changes color visible to the naked eye when (I) passes from the solid to the liquid phase or from the liquid to the solid phase.Thermometers containing said stable compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Acetylenic compounds such as 2,6-hexadiyn-1,6-diol-bis(p-phenylazophenylsulfonate) having a conjugated acetylenic portion capable of polymerization on exposure to actinic radiation and thermal annealing and a chromophoric portion. The color of the chromophoric portion provides a background for distinguishing color variations in the initial polymerization of conjugated acetylenic moieties.

Abstract: An indicator which is used for indicating the completion of a sterilization process in which an article to be sterilized is exposed to formaldehyde vapor either dry or mixed with steam. The indicator comprises a mixture of preferably two amino acids and a pH indicator impregnated in a paper carrier. The amino acids and pH indicator are such that the change point of the pH indicator lies within the range of the change of pH value of the amino acid mix which occurs on exposure of the amino acids to formaldehyde vapor.

Abstract: Indicator material for monitoring personal exposure to hazardous substances in ambient air comprising a pigment material, a binder and a sensitizer coated upon a transparent support member as a porous coating which permits gaseous diffusion throughout the coating is disclosed. Detection or monitoring is effected when the indicator material undergoes a visually observable reaction with hazardous material in the atmosphere at room temperature.

Abstract: An indicating device for determining the dry, normal or oily characteristics of human hair and scalp. More particularly, an indicating device comprising an oil absorbent indicating material, treated with an oil-soluble dye, surrounded by an oil permeable membrane. The invention additionally relates to a method for determining the dry, normal or oily characteristics of the hair and scalp.

Abstract: Indicators for the steam-formaldehyde sterilization process are provided which undergo a color change when placed in a steam-formaldehyde environment.

Abstract: An improved recording device is described, useful for measuring the integrated time-temperature or integrated radiation-dosage history of an article, comprising a substrate onto which 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol-bis-(p-chlorobenzenesulfonate) is deposited. The inactive form is capable of being converted by melt recrystallization to an active form, which undergoes 1,4-addition polymerization resulting in an irreversible, progressive color change. The color change produced at any given point in time represents an integrated time-temperature history of thermal annealing or integrated radiation-dosage history of exposure to actinic radiation to which an article has been exposed.Also described is a process for converting an inactive form of 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-diol-bis(p-chlorobenzenesulfonate) to its active form by thermal recrystallization.

Abstract: Plaques for rapid retrospective recognition of an overdose of noxious gases are of great importance for industrial protection in the chemical industry. These plaques carry an indicator which undergoes a color change on exposure to the gas. Visual assessment of the indicator is considerably facilitated by subdivision of the indicator surface into a plurality of measuring fields with graded sensitivity by means of different covering membranes. Rapid allocation to a given range of dose is possible by separate or combined visual observation of the individual fields of the indicator.

Abstract: A personal dosimeter for measuring the average concentration of a gaseous contaminant over a given period of time is provided. The dosimeter comprises a sealed pouch having a reaction chamber, which contains a gas-collecting medium, and at least one compartment. Each compartment can be separately sealed and can contain a different reagent, the seals being individually breakable such that the reagents can be separately released into the reaction chamber. Into the pouch is sealed a gas diffusion device that permits the contaminant to diffuse into the reaction chamber where it is collected in proportion to its ambient concentration.

Abstract: A toxic-monitoring material for the detecting and monitoring of toxic fluids placed in contact with or exposed to the monitoring material, which material comprises a solid, microporous, transparent, polymeric, matrix material having interconnecting micropores filled with a liquid composition, the liquid composition comprising a solvent for the toxic component to be detected and a reactant which reacts with the toxic component, whereby a toxic component dissolves in the solvent within the micropores and reacts with the reactant, to produce a change in color or appearance throughout the depth of the material, so that the detecting and monitoring of the toxic fluid may be determined.

Abstract: A novel depletion indicator (time watch) for removable substances containing acid or basic groups is disclosed, together with a novel method of use therefor. The removable substance of a predetermined concentration comes into contact with a suitable pH color indicator that can change color at a predetermined pH range within a much larger measurable pH range, which color change occurs as the concentration of the removable substance diminishes by passing through a permeable film containing both the removable substance and the pH color indicator.The color change occurs at a predetermined time, e.g., the same time that the active ingredient has diminished to the point it is determined to be inactive.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed which is useful as a sterilization indicator that can distinguish clearly between the types of sterilization employed, e.g., that indicates whether sterilization was accomplished by steam or dry heat. The novel composition comprises (1) thiobarbituric acid and (2) at least one suitable reacting moiety being capable of reacting with said acid under temperature and humidity conditions of steam and dry heat sterilization to form a colored product. Suitable reacting moieties disclosed are (a) parabanic acid and (b) dimethyl oxalate and urea.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising at least two co-crystallized acetylenic compounds, of different chemical structures, each containing at least one --C.tbd.C--C.tbd.C-- group and substituents selected from the group consisting of sulfonate, urethane and alcohol radicals, at least one of the compounds capable of undergoing a contrasting color change upon exposure to actinic radiation or thermal annealing, wherein the composition exhibits a substantially different thermogram than the sum of thermograms of the individual components as obtained by differential scanning calorimetry.A device is also described useful for measuring the time-temperature or radiation-dosage history of an article comprising a substrate having deposited thereon the described composition.A process is also described for producing the composition of this invention.

Abstract: A sterilization system preferably utilizing two baths in which articles to be sterilized are immersed into a first bath where the articles are conditioned and then into a second bath containing a sterilizing solution where they are sterilized. The ingredients for the sterilization system are stored in hermetically sealed pouches which are opened just prior to use to release and activate the system. The sterilization system utilizes a chlorine solution which is highly efficacious while being non-corrosive and having a reduced toxicity and prolonged shelf life, and may be utilized by relatively untrained personnel.

Abstract: Novel and stable compositions of matter are disclosed which change color sharply upon a transition from a liquid state to a solid state or from a solid state to a liquid state, which change of state is at substantially a predetermined temperature corresponding to a temperature to be measured.The constituents of the novel compositions of matter comprise:1. a solvent (I) consisting of a single substance or a mixture of substances and adapted to change from a solid state at substantially a predetermined temperature to a liquid state and2. an indicator system (II) consisting of one or more substances different from (I), characterized in that(a) (II) is soluble in (I) when the latter is in the liquid phase, and(b) (II) changes color visible to the naked eye when (I) passes from the solid to the liquid phase or from the liquid to the solid phase.Thermometers containing said stable compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved absorbent product, such as a disposable diaper type garment having a wetness indicator disposed between a translucent cover member and an absorbent member. The improvement relates to providing a flexible pH-change/color-change wetness indicator coating on a surface portion of the product which is visible through the cover member, and which retains sharp edge definition of the coated surface portion when wetted; for instance, by urine. The coating is preferably applied in the form of a stripe to a portion of the inwardly facing surface of a backsheet of a disposable diaper. Such a coating comprises a solid-solid mixture (e.g., solution) of a pH-change/color-change type material dispersed in a matrix of adhesive material which coating is sufficiently flexible to not substantially impair the flexibility of the product, and which coating is sufficiently adhesive and flexible to remain on the coated surface portion through a normal period of use of the product.

Abstract: A time indicator which is substantially unaffected by variations in temperature. The indicator utilizes a silicone oil which is slowly absorbed onto and moves up a porous strip at a rate which is a function of time. One side of the strip is printed with an oil soluble ink, while the other side is unprinted. The printed side of the strip is laminated with polyethylene film to an unprinted strip. As the silicone oil moves up the strip, the oil contacts the ink causing a dye in the ink to migrate from the printed side to the unprinted side, thus providing a measurable color front moving up the strip. The oil is contained in a frangible ampul and a sponge with a small hole at the bottom is situated between the ampul and the strip. The indicator is substantially unaffected by normal variations in temperature and humidity.

Abstract: An improved recording device is described, useful for measuring the integrated time-temperature or integrated radiation-dosage history of an article, comprising a substrate onto which an acetylenic compound, containing at least two conjugated C.tbd.C groups, in an inactive form, is deposited. The inactive form is capable of being converted by melt or solvent recrystallization to an active form, which undergoes 1,4-addition polymerization resulting in an irreversible, progressive color change. The color change produced at any given point in time represents an integrated time-temperature history of thermal annealing or integrated radiation-dosage history of exposure to actinic radiation to which an article has been exposed.Also described is a process for producing an inactive form of the acetylenic compound. A film and a fiber, made from the inactive form of an acetylenic compound are also described.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a mixture of (1) finely divided silica containing adsorbed potassium dichromate and (2) a polymeric adhesive material. The composition is particularly useful as an indicator for detecting the leakage of sulfur dioxide from cells and batteries.

Abstract: An inexpensive badge for detection of dangerous gases wherein a plurality of paper discs impregnated with a color sensitive gas indicator chemical are mounted in alignment with apertures in a plastic substrate by a pressure sensitive tape backing. The front face of the substrate is covered with a further strip of pressure sensitive tape, which is removed to initiate indication of gas dosage by the detector.

Abstract: A moisture indicator is provided suitable for use in determining the wet-dry cycle of the soil surrounding cultivated plants. The soil moisture indicator comprises an upper and lower chamber with an interconnecting passageway across which is positioned an absorbent supporting material impregnated with a moisture sensitive indicator composition. The lower chamber has a bottom opening which upon insertion into the soil results in the relative humidity in the lower chamber being related to the wetness of the soil. The upper chamber is partially transparent and may optionally be vented to the outer atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved vapor-phase moving-boundary indicator is described, which is useful for monitoring the time-temperature histories of perishables. The device functions by allowing a vapor to permeate through a porous substrate contacted with a solution of a polydiacetylene indicating compound wherein the solution undergoes a color change upon contact with the vapor. As the vapor permeates through and along the substrate, a visible moving boundary is created between two colors which advances as a function of time and temperature. This provides a visual record of the integrated time-temperature exposure of the article.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator (t-T indicator) is described which is useful for monitoring the shelf lives of various perishable articles. The device is constructed of a vapor-permeable barrier positioned between a vapor and an indicator, both housed in a vapor-impermeable container. The device is activated just prior to the monitoring period by providing vapor to the container, as for example, by rupturing a solvent-filled frangible reservoir. The indicator, upon contact with the vapor produces a visual color response, and the vapor is constrained to permeate through the vapor-permeable barrier before contacting the indicator, thus creating a characteristic induction period before a color response occurs. The time required for the color response to occur in the device is a function of the temperature and time. The induction period can be varied by the thickness and type of material of construction used for the vapor-permeable barrier, the nature of the vapor and the nature of the indicator employed.

Abstract: A vapor-phase moving-boundary indicator, is described, which is useful for monitoring the time-temperature histories of perishable articles. The device functions by allowing a vapor to permeate through a porous substrate coated with an indicating solid which undergoes a color change upon contact with the vapor. As the vapor permeates through the substrate, a visible moving boundary is created between two colors and it advances as a function of time and temperature. This provides a visual record of the time-temperature exposure of the article.

Abstract: An improved time-temperature indicator (t-T indicator) is described which is useful for monitoring the shelf lives of various perishable articles. The device is constructed of a vapor-permeable barrier positioned between a vapor and a liquid indicator, both housed in a vapor-impermeable container. The device is activated just prior to the monitoring period by providing vapor to the container, as for example, by rupturing a solvent-filled frangible reservoir. The liquid indicator, containing a polydiacetylene, upon contact with the vapor or condensed vapor produces a visual color response, and the vapor must permeate through the vapor-permeable barrier before contacting the liquid indicator, thus creating a characteristic induction period before a color response occurs. Color response occurs substantially simultaneously over the entire observable surface of the liquid indicator upon contact of the liquid indicator with the vapor.