By Heat Patents (Class 116/207)
  • Patent number: 7029738
    Abstract: A card label having a system for discouraging its non-authorized removal and reuse, which initiate an incontrollable combustion process that completely damage the card label and its information and included circuitry when it is attempted to remove the card label from a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignees: Dinformatica del Noroeste S.A. de C.V., Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados S.C.
    Inventors: Alfredo Aguilar Elguezabal, Luis de la Torre Sáenz, Alejandro López Ortiz, Manuel Román Aguirre, Oscar Ayala Valenzuela
  • Patent number: 7028634
    Abstract: An enhanced built-in visual warning mechanism to caution a user when the surfaces of a worklight are hot. A worklight is shown that has a housing that includes an interior portion for holding a light source such as one or more quartz halogen bulbs. The light source operates at a temperature sufficient to raise at least portions of the exterior surfaces of the housing to a temperature that is hot to human touch during normal operation of the worklight. A thermochromic substance is disposed in thermal communication with at least a portion of one of the exterior housing surfaces in a readily visible position. The thermochromic substance is formulated to undergo a conspicuous color change, in the normal operation of the worklight, in response to heat from the external surface where it is located. The dynamic color change provides a timely visible indication to the user that the exterior surface is presently hot to the touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Wade Lee
  • Patent number: 7017768
    Abstract: A floatable barrier suitably adapted for use with a beverage container having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending vertically therefrom. The floatable barrier comprising top and bottom planar surfaces for displaying advertising material thereon and for floatingly engaging a substantial portion of a comestible liquid contained in the beverage container, respectively; an outer wall integrally connecting the top and bottom planar surfaces along the periphery thereof principally serving as means to space apart and maintain a parallel relationship of the surfaces to form an inner chamber possessing thermal retaining and buoyancy characteristics; and a plurality of apertures collectively located along the periphery of and extending from the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface, through the inner chamber, to assist in promoting the condition of laminar flow over the floatable barrier as the beverage container is being filled with the comestible liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Randy Jerome Iskierka
  • Patent number: 7011037
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Isadore Cooperman
  • Patent number: 6988291
    Abstract: A cleaning implement for damp cleaning of surfaces using mopping water includes a first plastic element which indicates the temperature of the mopping water by a reversible change in its color upon contact with the mopping water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Ralf Jürgens, Helmut Hofmeister
  • Patent number: 6957623
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventors: Robert E. Guisinger, Floyd Ramp, Randall Lane
  • Patent number: 6929136
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap, which includes: a cap body of a plastic composition; and at least one thermochromic material in contact with or admixed with the plastic composition, the thermochromic material selected such that the cap has a visually altered appearance when the cap temperature changes within a temperature range of ?25 to 85° C.; wherein the cap is adapted to be removably secured to a beverage container, the container having an opening through which a beverage in the container can be dispensed from the container, and to cover the opening of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Rita Lorena Salazar-Leal
  • Patent number: 6843199
    Abstract: An odor-emitting port is provided in a housing member composed mainly of an inorganic material. An odorous material is contained in the housing member, and the odor-emitting port is sealed with a low-melting metal to constitute a heat-sensitive odor-emitting component. In this heat-sensitive odor-emitting component, as soon as the temperature of a heat generation site has reached a predetermined value, the low-melting metal is instantaneously melted down to open the odor-emitting port through which the odorous material contained in the housing member is immediately spread around the odor-emitting component. Therefore, the odor-emitting component is highly sensitive to temperature. Further, since the housing member is formed of an inorganic material, the long-term stability can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomiya Abe, Hiroshi Kasugai, Hiroshi Kamoshida, Shigeru Kashiwazaki
  • Patent number: 6809627
    Abstract: A fuse indicator is disclosed for indicating the status of a fuse. The fuse indicator includes an electrically conductive material that extends between conductive ends of a fuse and undergoes a visible change in appearance upon being subjected to electrical current above a threshold. The fuse indicator also includes a layer of indicator material that becomes exposed beneath the electrically conductive material when the fuse indicator is subjected to electrical current above the threshold. The fuse indicator also includes adhesive for maintaining contact between the electrically conductive material and the layer of indicator material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: FLEXcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland J. Castonguay, Jr., Michael F. Paul, James L. Potter, Daniel P. Segall, John R. Pennace
  • Publication number: 20040146084
    Abstract: A lambda sensor for motor vehicles which permanently displays an at least temporary thermal overload by means of an indicator which, for fast reliable and unambiguous diagnosis without major additional measurement effort or expense, includes an indication material having at least one limit temperature adapted to the maximum allowable operating temperature of the component, and when this limit temperature is exceeded in at least one material component, a microstructural change ensues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andreas Hachtel, Thomas Schulte, Thomas Wahl, Andy Tiefenbach, Johann Riegel, Bernd Schumann, Petra Kuschel, Thorsten Ochs, Annika Kristoffersson, Stefan Nufer
  • Publication number: 20040104141
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package for goods having a bar-code (2) and a temperature indicator (3) having a contrast medium between a front wall and a base wall. According to the invention, the temperature indicator (3) is placed beside the bar-code (2) in close connection to an outer code bar (4) thereof without covering the bar-code in order to, on one hand, in a first temperature state unimpededly enable scanning of the bar-code, but, on the other hand, after changing of the colour in the contrast medium make scanning impossible, more precisely by making an outer neutral field (5) opaque. The invention also relates to a temperature indicator as such as well as a method for marking packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Norrby, Mats Nygardh
  • Patent number: 6719210
    Abstract: A sprayer including a sprayer container adapted to be filled with a fluid. The sprayer container has at least a portion thereof including thermochromic color-changing properties. The sprayer container includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. A spraying gun is connected to the sprayer container, with the spraying gun including a trigger for selectively spraying pressurized fluid in the sprayer container onto a predetermined object. The sprayer container indicates the amount of fluid in the sprayer container by a color change line located at a transition line between the fluid and gas within the sprayer container when fluid is located within the sprayer container, thereby causing a top area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the gas to be a first color and a bottom area of the sprayer container having the interior surface adjacent the fluid to be a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Root-Lowell Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Michael T. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6708644
    Abstract: A system and method for fitting footwear and footwear inserts provides a removable insert which measures the foot by thermal imaging. The insert is provided with a thermally sensitive layer, for example a thermochromic material having a color transition interval within the range between room temperature and body temperature, that thus reacts to the heat transferred from portions of the foot in contact with the insert and temporarily changes color. The insert retains an image of the footprint for a short interval after contact with the foot, and can be removed from the footwear to examine the position and size of the foot relative to the footwear insole (and thus relative to the footwear) when the footwear is actually worn. For inserts which are purchased separately for cushioning, odor-reduction etc., the footprint image can be used as a guide to cut the footwear insert to follow the shape of an individual's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick McNamara
  • Patent number: 6706218
    Abstract: A thermochromic polymer-based temperature indicator composition which comprises a polythiophene and a carrier medium. The composition is characterized in that the polythiophene is present in the medium in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The structure of the compound is designed such that when the composition is placed in a heat-exchange relationship with an article, the composition will exhibit a color change when a design temperature or a temperature beyond the design temperature is reached in the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
    Inventors: Brett L. Lucht, William B. Euler, Otto J. Gregory
  • Publication number: 20040045495
    Abstract: Disclosed are a chemical carrier body capable of volatilizing a chemical stably for an extended period of time, a receptacle for retaining the chemical carrier body, an indicator adapted for displaying a degree of consumption of a chemical contained in the chemical carrier body, and a chemical heating, volatilizing apparatus adapted for heating the chemical carrier body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: FUMAKILLA LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamasaki, Kazunori Yamamoto, Tomoko Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 6694913
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Isadore Cooperman
  • Patent number: 6694912
    Abstract: A safety label for use with chafing fuel cans capable of providing the user with information about the current physical characteristics of the can, including as they relate to temperature, employing the use of thermochromic materials dispersed within a media such as ink or paint. The thermochromic materials are capable of undergoing a sharp, reversible visible metachromism between the temperatures of −40° C. and 80° C. The method of manufacturing safety labels according to the invention include the steps of applying informational indicia on the safety label, and then covering such indicia with the media containing the thermochromic materials dispersed therein. When the chafing fuel can is ignited, the media with the thermochromic materials visually undergoes a metachromism, rendering the media invisible, thereby revealing the informational indicia applied with the non-thermochromic ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Blyth, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wesley
  • Patent number: 6682665
    Abstract: An irreversible temperature indicating paint comprise 15 to 18 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.0 to 6.0 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 8.5 to 10.5 wt % silica, 7.0 to 8.5 wt % alumina, 0.5 to 0.7 wt % toluidine red, 35 to 43 wt % acrylic resin and 19 to 23 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. A particular irreversible temperature indicating paint comprising 16.4 wt % cobalt ammonium phosphate, 5.5 wt % sodium alumino sulpho silicate, 9.4 wt % silica, 7.8 wt % alumina, 0.6 wt % toluidine red, 39.1 wt % acrylic resin and 21.1 wt % silicone resin excluding solvent. The irreversible temperature indicating paint has at least six color changes in the temperature range 550° C. to 1250° C. 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: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Hugh M L Watson
  • Patent number: 6679070
    Abstract: A method of freezing a food product comprises the step of forming an indentation on the frozen food product. Such indentation is capable of being irreversibly altered after the frozen food product is thawed so that it is an indication that the frozen food product has been thawed during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Winterlab
    Inventor: Barnet Liberman
  • Patent number: 6634516
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a metallic closure, which includes: a metallic shell; and a thermochromic ink layer on a surface of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Martinez Carballido
  • Publication number: 20030188676
    Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis N. Petrakis
  • Patent number: 6604854
    Abstract: A thin film thermometer has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal under different temperature ranges, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. Among other uses, this thermometer may be implemented as an adhesive bandage or refrigerator magnet, and may include special features such as a hologram, heat blocking backing, and ink-preserving adhesive tie coat. Also, enhanced visual effects are achieved through the coordinated multiple activation of temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventors: Randy Martin Limburg, Paul Anthony Ridgway
  • Publication number: 20030089297
    Abstract: A system and method for fitting footwear and footwear inserts provides a removable insert which measures the foot by thermal imaging. The insert is provided with a thermally sensitive layer, for example a thermochromic material having a color transition interval within the range between room temperature and body temperature, that thus reacts to the heat transferred from portions of the foot in contact with the insert and temporarily changes color. The insert retains an image of the footprint for a short interval after contact with the foot, and can be removed from the footwear to examine the position and size of the foot relative to the footwear insole (and thus relative to the footwear) when the footwear is actually worn. For inserts which are purchased separately for cushioning, odor-reduction etc., the footprint image can be used as a guide to cut the footwear insert to follow the shape of an individual's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick McNamara
  • Patent number: 6561122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Jenci Kurja, Stephane Berghmans
  • Publication number: 20030024465
    Abstract: A critical temperature warning apparatus and method to monitor the thermal history of a product such as a memory card. The apparatus comprises a critical temperature indicator, which is externally attached to a product to be monitored. The indicator indicates if the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may comprise a patterned array of wax, the wax having a melting point equal to the critical temperature. If the pattern of wax has been destroyed leaving a molten wax residue, then this indicates that the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may also include thermographic inks for indicating that a critical temperature has been experienced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Frederick A. Perner, Thomas Anthony, Manoj Bhattacharyya
  • Patent number: 6514462
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device comprises a polymeric layer having a first and second surface and a dye composition adhered to said first surface comprising a dye which diffuses into the polymeric layer as a result of a cumulative time-temperature exposure wherein the polymeric layer is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber polymer or copolymer. The device may be attached to a product for monitoring cumulative time-temperature exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Michael John Simons
  • Publication number: 20030000450
    Abstract: A safety label for use with chafing fuel cans capable of providing the user with information about the current physical characteristics of the can, including as they relate to temperature, employing the use of thermochromic materials dispersed within a media such as ink or paint. The thermochromic materials are capable of undergoing a sharp, reversible visible metachromism between the temperatures of −40° C. and 80° C. The method of manufacturing safety labels according to the invention include the steps of applying informational indicia on the safety label, and then covering such indicia with the media containing the thermochromic materials dispersed therein. When the chafing fuel can is ignited, the media with the thermochromic materials visually undergoes a metachromism, rendering the media invisible, thereby revealing the informational indicia applied with the non-thermochromic ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: John Wesley
  • Publication number: 20030000451
    Abstract: A thermal indicator for indicating a specified temperature range of a liquid container within a beverage container. The thermal indicator is constructed of a thermochromic material and affixed to an inner wall of the beverage container. The thermal indicator senses the temperature of the liquid. The thermal indicator changes color upon sensing a selected temperature. The thermal indicator protrudes above the rim of the beverage container to provide an indication to a beverage drinker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Iris Y. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6480091
    Abstract: A temperature sensitive indicator 24 in the form of a label or decal is affixed to the outside of a thermal switch 20. The temperature sensitive label provides a permanent record of the temperature limits exposed to the thermal switch. The temperature sensitive material changes colors when the thermal switch is exposed to its predetermined temperature limit. The changed color provides a quick and clear indication of an event that caused switch activation. The color indication on the outside surface of the switch also provides a visual indication that is easy to acquire and inspect without the need to have physical access to the switch itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron G. Scott, George D. Davis
  • Patent number: 6454730
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying an ultrasound treatment to a portion of a human body. The method includes the steps of determining a temperature rise which the body portion will experience when a dosage limit of the ultrasound treatment has been reached. The method further includes the steps of disposing on the body portion an indicator adapted to provide a visual change at the determined temperature and applying ultrasound to the body portion until the indicator provides the visual change at the determined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Misonix Incorporated
    Inventors: Dennis Hechel, William Edleman, Gene Segalis
  • Patent number: 6456189
    Abstract: An electric fuse is comprised of a tubular fuse casing formed of an electrically insulating material. A first conductive component is attached to a first end of the casing and a second conductive component is attached to a second end of the casing. A first conductive path is formed through the tube between the first and second conductive components. The conductive path includes a fusible element having a first resistance. A second conductive path is formed along the exterior of the tubular fuse casing. The second conductive path is in parallel to the first conductive path and has a second resistance greater than the first resistance. The second conductive path includes an indicator component. The indicator component is comprised of first layer comprised of a colored material, and a second layer comprised of an electrically conductive material deposited onto the first layer. The second layer has a region of increased resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Ferraz Shawmut Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Robert Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6435128
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jean Qiu, Joan M. Noyola, David J. Yarusso, Kevin R. Green
  • Patent number: 6430964
    Abstract: A method of identifying glazing that has undergone a heat treatment, consisting of fixing a substance to its surface and/or on an edge, the optical characteristic of the substance being modified at a temperature reached during the heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Henry Dauba, Andre Beyrle, Michel Chaunac
  • Patent number: 6420184
    Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for use in a reversible thermometer is disclosed which comprises a thermally responsive material capable of being supercooled at least for several minutes, and subject to a change in state from a solid to a liquid substantially at a predetermined temperature; means for visually observing the change in state; and a matrix forming material comprising an amorphous organic compound, the matrix forming material being insoluble in the thermally responsive material; whereby the thermally responsive material is dispersed within the matrix forcing material, the composition of matter being reversibly responsive to changes in temperature, and remaining in the liquid state for a time sufficient to permit a user of the composition to observe the change in state. The preferred matrix forming material is polyisobutylene, and the preferred thermally responsive material is a solid solution of ortho-chloronitrobenzene and ortho-bromonitrobenzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Craig R. Hof
  • Publication number: 20020074074
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: MEDICAL INDICATORS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
  • Patent number: 6388194
    Abstract: An electrical cable includes a central elongated electrical conductor, an electrical insulator concentrically surrounding the electrical conductor, and a heat sensitive reacting material responsive to temperature adjacent the insulator whereby the visually reacting material is activated upon the occurrence of a heat producing malfunction in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Hazardguard, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Ryeczek
  • Patent number: 6382125
    Abstract: Temperature control is carried out with a temperature control material comprising a temperature indicator whose developed color density differs according to temperature, which is irreversible at environmental temperature, which changes its color according to crystal or non-crystal, or phase separation or non-phase separation, and whose glass transition temperature is set to a temperature higher than control temperature, by irradiating the temperature indicator with light having a wavelength absorbed by a color developed by the temperature indicator and detecting the intensity of the reflected light or transmitted light. Accordingly, even when the temperature becomes higher than control temperature temporarily, temperature control can be carried out smoothly thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Tamura
  • Patent number: 6373370
    Abstract: An opened fuse indicator includes a substantially transparent lens, a transparent base, and a dark colored backing layer. A sputtered metal layer is formed on the transparent base to provide a light-colored electrically conductive surface including a narrowed portion that forms a fuse link that is visible against the dark background of backing layer when viewed through the transparent lens. The conductive sputtered metal layer is electrically connected to a pair of fuse terminals to form a secondary fuse circuit in parallel with a main fuse circuit. Current directed through the secondary fuse circuit after the main circuit opens melts the sputtered metal layer so that it is no longer visible against the dark colored backing layer and the fuse is thereby indicated as opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies
    Inventors: Matthew Rain Darr, Dan Rowton
  • Publication number: 20020007776
    Abstract: A nursing bottle having a waterproof film adhered to the periphery, the waterproof film having a color-change temperature sensitive material that changes color subject to the variation of temperature of the liquid filled in the nursing bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Rong-Long Wang
  • Publication number: 20020002940
    Abstract: A thermometer includes an elongated strip-like member and an elongated enclosed tube affixed thereto. Either the strip or the tube has temperature-indicating indicia therealong. The tube contains a composition having expansion and contraction properties within a desired temperature range sufficient to enable a measurement of a temperature therewith, using the indicia having been calibrated with a known standard. Alternatively, the thermometer may include a temperature-measuring device that does not require a tube, such as a solid-state element. In a first embodiment the thermometer is floatable in a liquid, such as bath water. In a second embodiment the thermometer is affixable to a vessel, such as a baby bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Randall A. Loy
  • Patent number: 6331076
    Abstract: A solder paste product includes solder paste in a container with a time-temperature indicator positioned to measure the solder paste's cumulative exposure to heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Manufacturers' Services Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian M. Coll
  • Publication number: 20010027741
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jean Qiu, Joan M. Noyola, David J. Yarusso, Kevin R. Green
  • Patent number: 6284078
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95° C. to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
  • Patent number: 6257759
    Abstract: A self-updating temperature thermometer is disclosed that is capable of generating a real-time signal of core body temperature. The thermometer comprises a double-sided flexible substrate, having a first side and a second side. The first side has a plurality of cavities, and a liquid crystal composition in these cavities to define a plurality of sensor dots. A cover layer is disposed on the first side, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed on the second side of the substrate. The sensor surface area to substrate thickness is maximized using the structural features of this invention, thereby providing a thermometer exhibiting unexpectedly good results in that it is capable of generating a continuous temperature measurement that is automatically updated with changes in body temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Medical Indicators, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Witonsky, John W. Scarantino
  • Patent number: 6244208
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jean Qiu, Joan M. Noyola, David J. Yarusso
  • Patent number: 6241386
    Abstract: A decal has multiple temperature sensors that individually appear within certain concealing features of the decal in accordance with different prescribed temperatures, otherwise blending into the concealing features and thereby disappearing into the design. The decal may depict an image of an animal, fish, flower, abstract form, or another design, such as a photograph, cartoon, sketch, or other representation. The image includes multiple separate concealing features, such as spots, fins, flower petals, abstract shapes, or other components of the decal's image. These features may have one color in common, or different concealing features may have different colors. The feature color(s) contrasts with one or more background colors in the design, which serve to visually separate the concealing features. The temperature sensors are scattered throughout the design in a visually pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Randy Martin Limburg, Paul Anthony Ridgway
  • Patent number: 6214623
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device comprises a polymeric layer having a first and second surface and a dye composition adhered to said first surface comprising a dye which diffuses into the polymeric layer as a result of a cumulative time-temperature exposure wherein the dye is invisible when viewed in visible radiation and is detectable as a result of absorption of non-visible radiation. The device may be attached to a product for monitoring cumulative time-temperature exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Simons, John A. Weldy
  • Patent number: 6158381
    Abstract: A time-temperature indicator indicates the useful shelf life of an associated product which may be affected by the passage of time and an applied temperature. A creeping material has a first end connected to a first fixed location and a second end connected to a load applying device such as a spring. In response to application of the load applying device, the passage of time, and the application of various temperatures, the creeping material will increase in length in a known manner. An indicator associated with the creeping material indicates whether the passage of time and application of various temperatures have caused the associated product to exceed its useful shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ideas to Market, L.P.
    Inventor: Alan V. Bray
  • Patent number: 6149863
    Abstract: A steam-sensitive ink comprises, as active ingredient, a tetrazolium salt. The ink may be coated on, or impregnated into, a substrate to form a steam sterilization indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Albert Browne Limited
    Inventor: Phillip Richard James
  • Patent number: 6120179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for recording a heat exchange event within a drilled hole wall caused during a drilling process. In particular, the invention includes a thermal sensitive film placed in contact with a substrate which is to be drilled, which is capable of recording a thermal signature of the heat transferred during the drilling process. The result is a ring shaped signature whose thickness provides a direct correlation to drilling temperature. With these results, the integrity of the substrate surrounding the drilled hole can be inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Houser, Francis S. Poch