By Heat Patents (Class 116/207)
  • Publication number: 20120222610
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, an electromagnetic wave radiation detection method, and a device having the electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, which make it possible to determine whether or not the member has been heated by the electromagnetic wave radiation, such as a microwave oven. Specifically disclosed is an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member which is provided with a detection material (1) containing liquid and discoloring a substance to be adhered to which the detection material is adhered, and a bag (2) which includes the detection material (1) and from which the liquid flows out due to the radiation of the electromagnetic waves. As a result, the substance to be adhered is discolored by the electromagnetic wave radiation, thus making it possible to determine whether or not the electromagnetic waves have been radiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takayuki Kagami
  • Publication number: 20120206242
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) structure changing color according to the temperature, a method for fabricating thereof; a stacked film for preventing forgery, a method for fabricating thereof; an RFID tag, an RFID system and a method for controlling thereof; an RFID cap, a method for manufacturing thereof, a method for manufacturing container with contents; an RFID can, a method for manufacturing thereof; a packaging material, a method for manufacturing thereof, and a method for packaging product using the same; and a certificate for chipless RFID and a method for authenticating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Bin Cho
  • Patent number: 8177423
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal history sensor having a plurality of substrates positioned adjacent to an item. The substrates include different compositions, such that the substrates respond to thermal exposures with different changes in electrical conductivity or magnetic permeability. By measuring the electrical or magnetic properties of the substrates following thermal exposure, information about the thermal history may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Geoff E. Fair, Triplicane A. Parthasarathy, Ronald J. Kerans
  • Publication number: 20120100395
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for monitoring integral value of time, temperature comprising at least one layer of polymer comprising a latent pigment capable of undergoing at least one colour change, and an organic acid; or comprising one layer of polymer comprising a latent pigment capable of undergoing at least one colour change, and one layer of polymer comprising an organic acid, wherein said latent pigment is converted to its pigmentary form which causes said colour change. The device can be used for monitoring sterilization of medical and kitchen supplies, canned foods and doneness of microwave foods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Leonhard Feiler, Hans Reichert, Véronique Hall-Goulle, Thomas Raimann
  • Publication number: 20120079981
    Abstract: A temperature-activatable time-temperature indicator that can be used to monitor the historical exposure of a host product to ambient temperatures includes an optically readable, thermally sensitive indicator element. The indicator element can be inactive below a base temperature and is intrinsically thermally responsive at or above an activation temperature which is equal to or greater than the base temperature. The indicator can record cumulative ambient temperature exposure above the activation temperature irreversibly with respect to time. The indicator element can include a synthetic polymeric material, and optionally, a dye. A side-chain crystallizable polymer such as poly(hexadecylmethacrylate), that is solid below the base temperature and is a viscous liquid above the activation temperature can be employed. Intense indicator element colors can be obtained using an appropriate dye or dyes. Various structural configurations of indicator are described and illustrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Brian S. HUFFMAN, Dawn E. SMITH, Carl M. LENTZ
  • Publication number: 20120055394
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: VISION WORKS IP CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alfred S. Braunberger
  • Publication number: 20120055393
    Abstract: An electronic part with a warning or a hiding effect substantially comprises an electronic part body, a predetermined position on a surface of which is coated with a temperature sensitive layer having a certain color. Heating the temperature sensitive layer when the heating temperature of the electronic part body soared to a predetermined temperature allows the temperature sensitive layer to be invisible. Thereby, the temperature sensitive layer presents to be wiped so as to achieve the warning and hiding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Robert WANG
  • Patent number: 8092315
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate layer having a first and second sides, and at least one thermochromic compound layer to generate a set of temporary marks. The set of temporary marks is configured to include a first temporary mark at a first impact location associated with a first impact to a surface of a first object by a second object, and subsequent temporary marks at subsequent impact locations associated with subsequent impacts to the surface of the first object. The thermochromic compound layer can be in direct contact with the second object during the first impact, and is configured to enable the first temporary mark to fade throughout a fading period accommodative of the subsequent impacts, and to remain distinguishable throughout the fading period from the subsequent temporary marks. Other examples, embodiments and related methods are described and claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Greg J. Swartz, Peter J. Kenville, Laurence E. Tighe
  • Patent number: 8083969
    Abstract: Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermo-mechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—Rn2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, arid wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Bay Materials, LLC
    Inventor: Ray F. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8012375
    Abstract: A temperature indicating paint comprises 4 wt % to 40 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 1 wt % to 38 wt % nickel antimony titanate and the binder comprises 25 wt % to 50 wt % silicone resin 10 wt % to 30 wt % acrylic resin each excluding solvent. This composition undergoes color changes occur, these are; Blue 520-560° C.; Light Blue 950-990° C.; Light Yellow 1000-1040° C.; Glazed Black 1160-1200° C. The color changes are particularly distinct and enable accurate analysis particularly, but not exclusively, in gas turbine engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Michael Hughes
  • Patent number: 8010311
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Warnke, James T. Pickett, Thomas Heinke
  • Publication number: 20110179989
    Abstract: A flexible, digital enhanced reading device (P) comprises at least one label containing encoded information, a spatially structured element placed over the label itself, defined by a material indicating predetermined temperature level and exposure time range, and comprising a material with morphological and/or structural and/or chemical and/or physical state changing properties detectable following a predetermined heat absorption; the mentioned spatially structural element is adapted to at least partially cover determined zones of said label with dimensions between 0.01% and 100% of the surface of the label itself, and comprises molecular materials and/or polymer materials and/or liquid crystals and/or mixtures of said materials in any proportion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Fabio BISCARINI, Massimiliano Cavallini, Francesco Cino Matacotta, Pierpaolo Greco, Serena Lanza, Pietro Mattiazzi, Davide Natalini
  • Publication number: 20110168079
    Abstract: A temperature sensing indicator that allows a capsule therein to be broken readily and that can be used without being affected by the temperature of a user's finger, when using a temperature sensing indicator provided with a capsule encasing a temperature sensing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suda, Tetsuya Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20110155043
    Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicator and methods of manufacturing and use thereof. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator comprises at least one metal layer or metal containing layer, and in direct contact to the metal layer or to the metal containing layer at least one pad member affixed onto a pad carrier layer, wherein the pad member comprises a pad made of an absorbent material and a dopant medium, whereby the dopant medium comprises a liquid medium or a viscous medium or a viscoelastic medium which is doped with a dopant that destroys the metal/metal containing layers such as an acid, a base or a salt or a photolatent acid or a photolatent base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Dietrich Haarer, Tal Gueta-Neyroud, Husein Salman
  • Patent number: 7932805
    Abstract: A fuse includes a fuse state indicator on the exterior surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator includes an electrically conductive element electrically connected to and extending between the terminal elements. A temperature sensitive element proximate and in thermal contact with the electrically conductive element includes material capable of changing color when heated to a predetermined transition temperature to form a mark on the temperature sensitive element. The fuse state indicator forms a first mark on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a first overcurrent condition, and forms a second mark, distinct from the first mark, on the temperature sensitive element when heat from the electrically conductive element transfers to the temperature sensitive element in response to a second overcurrent condition distinct from the first overcurrent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7875207
    Abstract: Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermomechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—R2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, and wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Bay Materials, LLC
    Inventor: Ray F. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100288182
    Abstract: A method of revealing exposure of a substrate to an environmental stimulus includes exposing the substrate to the environmental stimulus, where the substrate includes at least one indicia, where each of the at least one indicia includes a plurality of chromatically selective scattering particles having a particle size distribution as measured by (weight average diameter)/(number average diameter) of less than or equal to about 1.1, and a colorant; and the at least one indicia exhibits a change in color in response to the environmental stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy D. Klots, David D. Schatz, Marc Schroeder, Jürgen Kaczun
  • Patent number: 7815370
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting temperature threshold events in an aftertreatment device. The system may include an aftertreatment device configured to treat an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine and a temperature responder disposed within a region of interest of the aftertreatment device. The temperature responder is configured to melt at a threshold temperature. The system may further include two access points electrically coupled to the temperature responder and an observation module configured to measure an electrical resistance value across the two access points. The observation module detects the melting of the temperature responder based on the electrical resistance value measured across the access points. In alternate embodiments the observation module is included within an engine control module (ECM) or a service tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Conrad J. Simon, III, Randall J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 7812704
    Abstract: A fuse comprising a fuse body having ferrules at opposing ends, a fuse state indicator located on the surface of the fuse body wherein the fuse state indicator may be temperature sensitive or voltage sensitive and a wire extending from one ferrule to the other ferrule wherein the wire is positioned along the surface of the fuse body. The fuse state indicator senses heat generated by the wire or voltage flowing through the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Matthew R. Darr, Jaime A. Torrez, Anthony C. Ban, Robert S. Douglass, John M. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7808861
    Abstract: An expiration date system contains a time release mechanism for marking a predetermined interval of time in the range from six months to one year. The mechanism contains a vessel, in which there are brought together in any order a) water, b) a neutralizer, c) a source of oxygen, and d) a hydroquinone compound, such that the pH of the contents of the vessel is greater than 7.0 and the interval being marked begins when the last of items a), b), c) and d) is brought into the presence of the other items and the interval is a function of the pH and of the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Abraham Wien
  • Patent number: 7770534
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Isadore Cooperman
  • Patent number: 7757623
    Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20100135353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a time temperature indicator comprising a) at least one photo-chromic colorant introduced into and/or atop a matrix substrate and charged by exposure to UV light; b) at least a transparent colorless or a transparent colored light absorbing protecting layer adhered to the underlying layer a) which contains the photo-chromic colorant; characterized in that the light absorbing protecting layer comprises 1-50 wt % of an UV light absorber or an UV light absorber mixture and 0.1-10 wt % of an optical brightener wherein the weight ratio of the UV light absorber and optical brightener is 0.1-10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: CIBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andre Fuchs, Anne Veronica Carrigan
  • Patent number: 7712431
    Abstract: Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Richard M. Roche
  • Publication number: 20100107962
    Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: André Ricard, Francis Dieras, Michel Sixou, Sandrine Villeger, Cristina Canal, Pilar Erra
  • Patent number: 7693679
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Warnke, James T. Pickett, Thomas Heinke
  • Publication number: 20100043694
    Abstract: A variety of indicators, e.g., time, temperature, time-temperature, freeze, thaw and sterilization are reported and used for monitoring quality of perishables. However, these indicators are tamperable, e.g., an indicator can be opened, removed, repositioned, exchanged or replaced. Disclosed are tamper evident time, temperature, time-temperature, freeze, thaw, sterilization and like indicating devices. If an indicator is tampered, it will be either destroyed or will provide a visual indication or a message, such as “VOID” or “TAMPERED”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gordhanbhai N. Patel
  • Publication number: 20100043695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator system comprising (a) an indicator system comprising a) a photo- or thermochromic indicator compound and b) a luminescent colorant which increases the color difference of the color change of the reagent by at least 0.5 units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: CIBA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hans Reichert, Tracey Nisbet
  • Publication number: 20100024714
    Abstract: Freeze indicators providing a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and their manufacture are disclosed. The freeze indicators employ colloidal dispersions as active elements and include flexible freeze indicators, freeze indicators protected against drying out and freeze indicators employing core shell composites, for example gold coated pigments as active indicator elements. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Dene H. TAYLOR, Thaddeus Prusik, Dawn E. Smith, Ray H. Baughman
  • Publication number: 20100012017
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: LUVGEAR INC.
    Inventor: Neil Miller
  • Publication number: 20100012018
    Abstract: Co-topo-polymeric indicator compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. Indicator compositions of the invention include a polymer and undergo a color change, which may be reversible or irreversible, in response to an applied stimulus, e.g., temperature. Aspects of methods of producing the compositions include setting a fluid co-topo-polymeric precursor composition into a solid product and then subjecting the solid product (either immediately or after a delay period) to polymerizing conditions to produce the desired indicator composition. Also provided are indicator devices that include the indicator compositions of the invention. The compositions of the invention find use in a variety of different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Hans O. Ribi
  • Publication number: 20090320742
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive label may be affixed to a temperature sensitive item. The temperature sensitive label conveys when the item has reached a tripping temperature. The tripping temperature may be a temperature at which the item is compromised. To convey this, the label changes properties and functions with a message to convey that the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. For example, the label may reveal, block, or alter a message that conveys whether the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. The message may be part of the label or separate from the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Gerardo Leute, Paul Kevin Acquaviva
  • Publication number: 20090320741
    Abstract: It is described hereby a temperature indicator device (1), to be used on containers holding beverage, preferably metallic cans, composed of a thermo sensitive and/or biodegradable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Jacques Pontes
  • Patent number: 7592893
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Littelfuse, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kennedy, Tom Novak, Mark Klinger, William Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20090158992
    Abstract: Indicator devices and systems are provided. Indicator devices include a sleeve, a dome-like transparent member, a connector body, and an indicator. In alternate embodiments, indicator devices include a sleeve and an indicator retained in the sleeve by a retaining ring and a latch held in place by a spring. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to an enclosure containing critical equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Manahan
  • Publication number: 20090131718
    Abstract: Crystallized diacetylenic compounds having certain crystallographic and other characteristics; diacetylenic compounds and mixtures crystallized from diacetylenic solutions; methods of preparing and identifying solvent systems for dissolving diacetylenic compounds; diacetylenic solutions; methods of recrystallizing diacetylenic compounds; crystals of 2,4-hexadiyn-1,6-bis(alkylurea) compounds; and ambient condition indicators and time-temperature condition indicators comprising crystallized diacetylenic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Ray H. Baughman, Lee J. Hall, Mikhail Kozlov, Dawn E. Smith, Thaddeus Prusik
  • Patent number: 7517146
    Abstract: An excess temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of past exposure of perishable, maturing and other host products to an elevated temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. The indicator can have an upper layer provided with a viewing window and a wick attached to the upper layer. A reservoir of heat-fusible indicator material can be disposed in contact with the wick, to fuse and move along the wick changing the visual appearance of a first portion of the wick viewable through the window, in response to an excess temperature event. Also, the indicator can have a region of fused upper layer material attaching the wick to the upper layer. Optionally, a window seal can extend around the viewing window to prevent migration of the indicator material. The indicator can be employed to monitor vaccines, foods and other products providing an enduring visual signal of exposure to potentially damaging temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Dawn E. Smith, Thaddeus Prusik, Omar Abbassi
  • Patent number: 7514262
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: CMC Daymark Corporation
    Inventor: Hans O. Ribi
  • Patent number: 7501079
    Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 0.7 wt % to 0.9 wt % toluidine red, 7 wt % to 32 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 7 wt % to 32 wt % cobalt chromite spinel, alumina, purple gold and frit, 37 wt % to 41 wt % acrylic resin, 20 wt % to 23 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The solvent comprises a mixture of 80% 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 20% dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprises 0.78 wt % toluidine red, 19.55 wt % cobalt aluminium spinel and glass, 19.55 wt % cobalt chromite spinel, alumina, purple gold and frit, 39.1 wt % acrylic resin, 21.1 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint is used to determine the temperatures to which various parts of turbine blades, turbine vanes or other components are subjected in operation of a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Hugh M. L. Watson
  • Publication number: 20090050047
    Abstract: A display device (1) for chilled goods (2), in particular for food subjected to a cooling chain, comprising a reaction fluid (4) within a liquid-tight receptacle (3) and an absorbent display element (5), wherein the receptacle (3) is destructible by a change in volume of the reaction fluid (4) if the temperature falls below an adjustable value and the appearance of the display element (5) is irreversibly alterable by the liquefied reaction fluid (4), wherein between the receptacle (3) and the display element (5) a delay means (6) is formed or arranged by means of which the period between liquefaction of the reaction fluid (4) on account of a temperature rise and the change in appearance of the display element (5) on account of a contact with the liquefied reaction fluid (4) are reversibly adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Philipp Wotzer
  • Publication number: 20090044744
    Abstract: An impact-resistant thermal sensitive material comprising at least one indicator dispersed throughout a heat-sensitive matrix material is provided. An article comprising the impact-resistant thermal sensitive material undergoes a permanent color change when exposed to a pre-determined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicants: LUNA INNOVATIONS INCORPORATED, SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Bryan E. Koene, James D. Oxley, Jonas C. Gunter
  • Patent number: 7490575
    Abstract: A combination temperature exposure indicator suitable for attachment to, or association with, a host product has a substrate, a freeze indicator supported by the substrate and a cumulative ambient time-temperature indicator also supported by the substrate. The freeze indicator can provide a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and the cumulative time-temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of exposure of the cumulative time-temperature indicator to a predetermined cumulative time-temperature value. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Dene H. Taylor, Thaddeus Prusik, Dawn Smith
  • Patent number: 7430982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to time-temperature integrating indicators, also known as TTI indicators, which are easily printable on substrates, such as packaging materials, and to a method for the manufacture of packaging materials comprising printed TTI indicators. The printed TTI indicator is selectively activated at the time of packaging of a perishable product or alternatively at the time of opening of the package of a perishable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Avantone Oy
    Inventors: Pekka Koivukunnas, Eero Hurme
  • Publication number: 20080232426
    Abstract: Time-temperature integrators (TTIs) are useful for providing a means to monitor safety of fresh foods, particularly foods packaged in reduced-oxygen environments. TTIs of the present invention utilize Arrhenius-type curves to offer safety margins that satisfy regulator and shelf-life requirements. One method of using TTIs of the present invention involves using duel TTIs, one as a reference and one as a safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A Welt
  • Publication number: 20080184927
    Abstract: A cap for a container that holds pharmaceutical material, the cap comprising a means of detecting heat and humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Phong Anh Pham, Nina Su Yong Song
  • Patent number: 7364210
    Abstract: A tamper-proof seal is disclosed for use in connection with sterilization containers. The seal includes a body portion including a sterilization indicating material and a tongue extending from the body portion. The tongue may be in the form of a laminate consisting of a pair of substantially inert outer layers sandwiching a high shrink inner layer. The tongue is designed to engage the latch mechanism of a sterilization container when the container is in the closed position and the latch mechanism is in a latched position. Upon exposure of the container to sterilization conditions, the tongue shrinks, causing the outer layers to fold upon themselves to form at least one pleat. The container latch mechanism cannot be opened without fracturing the tongue of the seal, thereby providing visible evidence of the latch mechanism being opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Medin Corporation
    Inventors: Jay D. Schainholz, Eugene Ogman, Amos Shamir
  • Patent number: 7360946
    Abstract: A thermal history indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material, a sensing device, a heat insulating material functioning to buffer the temperature sensitive material against temperature change, and an activation means. The triggering of the activation means allows a molten phase of the temperature sensitive material to interact with the sensing device, or cease interacting with the sensing device, thereby altering its chemical, biochemical or microbiological.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Temp-Tell Limited
    Inventors: Richard Tester, Farage Al-Ghazzewi
  • Publication number: 20080043804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring item sourcing and handling information. The present disclosure provides a device for tracking and tracing a product or item's source and handling history. The present disclosure may, for instance, be applied to any product that is packaged, distributed, shipped, or requiring or using cold chain distribution where a greater quality of freshness of a product is desired or where preventing distribution or removing from distribution of a product exposed to a preselected condition such as an undesirable environmental temperature is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Robert M. Goldsmith, Brad Reddersen
  • Patent number: 7189355
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Mikumo, Kenji Kazama, Yoshio Jo
  • Patent number: 7036452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Temp-Tell Limited
    Inventor: Richard Tester