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.

Abstract: A roofing membrane heat seal indicator provides a positive, visually perceptible indication that a joint or seam has been raised to a sufficiently high temperature to achieve a proper seal. The heat seal indicator is applied adjacent and parallel to an edge of a roofing membrane which will be arranged on a roof to form the upper (exposed) surface of an overlapping membrane seam. As the adjacent surfaces of the overlapped membranes are heated, heat passes through the membrane to the heat seal indicator. The heat seal indicator may be a temperature sensitive ink pigmented with material that changes color upon being subjected to a temperature indicating that the membrane surface has been subjected to a sufficiently high temperature to achieve an appropriate seal. Alternatively, the indicator may be an adhered layer of a ground or flaked polymer, such as polyethylene, which is initially opaque but melts to become translucent, thereby indicating obtainment of a proper sealing temperature.

Abstract: A flexible environmental protective cover for a compressed gas transport tank, having a cylindrical body, an upwardly extending valve, and a valve protection structure having a handle opening, the cover comprising a generally cylindrical drape portion; an upwardly extending enveloping portion, adapted to surround the upper valve protection structure of the tank and having an opening corresponding the handle opening, contiguous with the cylindrical drape portion; and an upper portion, inside the upwardly extending enveloping portion, having an aperture corresponding to a location of the upwardly extending valve, and allowing the valve to extend therethrough. The cover may include a business card holder flap, as well as an optional sensor system for determining liquid level in the tank and hazardous environmental gas levels.

Abstract: A warning device of overload or overheat for the electric cords, cables, sockets comprisng with a, or some warning strips having evident colors at proper location on a PVC power cord, and having heat-sensing layers applied on the warning strips, whereby, when the power cord is overloaded with a large current, the copper wire thereof is gradually heated, and temperature on the PVC power cord is raised accordingly, then the dark heat-sensing layers become transparent gradually, and the colors of the sensing strips appear, so that an effect of detecting whether the electric cord is in overload, or overheat can be achieved.

Abstract: An indicator including an indicator product that is adapted to change visual appearance, an indicator scale in near adjacency to the indicator product including substantially all of the visual appearances that the indicator product can display and a binary scale in near adjacency with the indicator product and the indicator scale. A package adapted to contain a product is also disclosed including a container for holding the product with an indicator secured to the container. Associated methods of (i) determining whether a product in a package is acceptable; (ii) packaging a product; and (iii) making an indicator label are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical cable assembly in simplest form including at least one conductor, at least one insulator, and at least one attention getting material and/or a visual reacting material such as a thermochromic material or liquid crystal formulation, which will, visually and/or physically react to certain critical temperature ranges. It may give off a response to variations in temperature an/or magnetic and/or electrical fields which are indicative of a hazard and/or fault, or to the direct and/or indirect results of electrical energy behavior, to provide an indication of an electrical overload condition, and/or a malfunction, and/or the incremental stages of hazard experienced by, and being experienced by, and to be experienced by, the electrical cable assembly itself, which undergoes on its own, at least one noticeable manifestation, to get the user's attention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a premanufactured covering which mainly consists of a thermoplastic material and which covering is intended for roads, parking areas, etc. The covering has reflective material, friction material or the like on the intended upward surface. The covering according to the invention is characterized in that the material includes a visible temperature indicator when being applied.

Abstract: A floating cooking indicator, comprising first and second layers with a thermochromic material disposed therebetween, the first layer being transparent to permit viewing of the thermochromic material and the second layer including a plastic material with lower density particles dispersed therein.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating device for use with a barrier having a first side and an opposite second side, the device including a temperature sensitive means located at the first side of the barrier, a thermal conductor for transferring heat from the second side of the barrier to the temperature sensitive means, and a temperature indicator disposed on the first side of the barrier, the temperature indicator for indicating on the first side of the barrier a change in temperature occurring on the second side of the barrier.

Abstract: A thaw indicator unit for sensing and permanently recording a thawing event experienced by a temperature sensitive food or other item, the unit having a container of transparent, non-toxic material, and having a hermetically sealed chamber containing a frozen color change medium having at least two segments of differently colored frozen aqueous compositions, the segments being juxtaposed along an interface of molecular thickness, and at least one of the segments being substantially homogeneously colored differently from at least one juxtaposed other colored segment, wherein the colorants are food grade materials, and whereby the unit when placed on, in or in close proximity to the item will record any first thawing event by way of thawing of the juxtaposed segments and intermixing thereof at least at the interface thereof to produce at least a visible section of an intermix of said compositions and having a markedly different and readily visible color from that of the juxtaposed segments.

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.degree. to about 120.degree. 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.

Abstract: Absorption depletion indicators for anesthetic gas administration systems which, in a closed or semi-closed system of anesthetic gas administration comprising a canister held absorbent for carbon dioxide, the improvement is characterized in that an indicator is provided for the canister for determining when the carbon dioxide absorbent is exhausted, the indicator is in the form of a wax temperature indicator calibrated permanently to change colour at a temperature of the absorbent indicative of exhaustion of the absorbent due to carbon dioxide absorption.

Abstract: A rope including a heat sensitive component which is subject to a visible change in appearance, such as a color change, when exposed to a selected elevated temperature resulting from a strain-related heat release from the rope. The heat sensitive coating may be contained in a coating over a fiber of the rope or a rope strand, or may be incorporated in sheath located over the load-bearing core of the rope.

Abstract: The time indicator device of this invention is provided with a display layer with at least one defined display region therein. A migration layer is provided which overlies and is attached to the display layer. The migration layer has at least one migration region therein and in use each migration region is in contact with at least one display region. An activation layer is provided which has at least one defined activation region therein. The activation region includes a migrating agent capable of migrating laterally through the migration region. When the activation layer overlies the migration layer, each activation region overlies at least one migration region. The migration region connects each activation region with at least one display region which is laterally distal from the activation region. In use and in order to activate the device the activation layer and migration layer are adhesively attached to each other.

Abstract: There is presented an indicator capsule for determining temperature and t exposure required for food processing comprising a cylindrical tube having a closed end and an open end, a cap for connection to and removal from the open end to close and open the tube, and a solution in the tube which is reactive to accumulated temperature and time exposure to fluoresce proportionally to the accumulated temperature and time exposure. There is further presented an indicator system for determining temperature and time exposure required for food processing including the above capsule, a pipetting device for removing the solution from the capsule, and a spectrofluorometer for indicating the fluorescence of the solution. There is still further presented an indicator capsule wherein the solution comprises bacterial spores; a system including the capsule, a pipetting device, and an agar plate for providing a count of the surviving spores to, in turn, provide an indication of the aggregate thermal effect on the solution.

Abstract: A process for controlling the microwave heating of a product to a temperature which is higher than or equal to a determined temperature for a period which is longer than or equal to a determined period, a marking support and a receptacle for product intended for such a control. Measurement is made of the resistivity of a thermally crosslinkable ink filled with conductive particles, with which the product or the receptacle containing the product has been previously marked and the resistivity of which is arranged to decrease in a predetermined manner in relation to the temperature and the period of microwave heating. The invention is applicable especially to the control of the sterilization of a pharmaceutical or agri-foodstuff product.

Abstract: An article of clothing that changes color when exposed to varying moisture levels within the article. The article has a body with an outer surface, and a moisture sensitive coating disposed upon the outer surface of the body that changes color when in contact with varying moisture levels in the body.

Abstract: A thermochromic sensor for locating the area of contact between two surfaces moving in relation to each other, has applications in boundary line officiating and other situations where the location of the area of contact is important. For tennis and similar sports, thermochromic sensors are placed along boundary lines. The thermochromic sensors can be formed with thermochromic liquid crystals, which change color in the area of contact, thereby accurately indicating where a ball contacted the court. The color change can be used to characterize the speed of the impact. A temperature controller can be built into the sensor or placed near the sensor to maintain the temperature of the sensor near the sensor trigger point--the point at which a color change will occur on contact.

Abstract: An improved steam sterilization process monitor is disclosed comprising a backing strip, a wicking means in intimate contact with an organic compound mounted on the backing strip and a water vapor rate controlling cover strip. In the preferred embodiment the backing strip comprises aluminum foil having a polypropylene interlayer adhesively bonded thereto. The sole means for bonding the cover strip to the backing strip is by heat sealing. The cover layer is heat sealed to the backing strip over the entire land area of the backing strip surrounding the wicking means, but is not heat sealed to the wicking means. The organic compound has a normal melting point in the absence of water vapor of about 5.degree. to about 50.degree. F. above a predetermined control temperature.

Abstract: A food service tray assembly including a tray, a hot food dish, and an insulated dome. Hot food is served onto the dish, the dome is preheated, the food carrying dish is set on the tray, the preheated dome set over the dish, and the tray system delivered to the intended consumer. A thermochromic member disposed in a heat conductive sleeve is mounted in the lift knob of the dome. Thus, without lifting the dome, the server and/or the consumer can readily determine from the color of the member whether the covered food is still at a safe heating temperature.

Abstract: A process for the production of an indicator for monitoring the temperature of a cooled or deep-frozen product, such as packaged foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and the like, is provided, which indicator shows that a predetermined critical temperature of the cooled or deep-frozen product has been exceeded. An easily applicable and economically made indicator is produced by casting a substance which is fluid or semifluid above the critical temperature into a specific geometrical shape and then cooling the substance below the critical temperature until it assumes a solid form. The critical temperature may in this connection lie above or below 0 degrees Centigrade.

Abstract: A heat reshapeable rigid conduit and method for forming an elbow or offset having any desired bend radius therefrom. The rigid conduit is formed of a flexible metal tubing with a layer of heat softenable plastic preferably covering the exterior surface thereof. The conduit may be heated using conventional electric heaters on the job site, then shaped into the desired bend radius to form an elbow or offset. The plastic layer provides rigidity to the elbow or offset upon cooling. The flexible metal tubing has interlocking overlapping joined edges that permit flexing of the tubing when the plastic layer is heat softened. The flexible metal tubing resists the sawing action of a pulling line during the installation of an electrical conductor in the conduit. The plastic outer layer permits quick and inexpensive coupling between adjacent conduit sections.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an irreversible tamper evident system for a closure such as a button closure is provided. The irreversible tamper evidence system is provided by an appearance change system carried by the flexible button portion of the closure. The appearance change system comprises a liquid crystal material and a liquid crystal poison. When the button is depressed such as upon initial closure of the container, the liquid crystal material is separated from the liquid crystal poison and optical properties of the liquid crystal material are viewable. When the container is opened the flexing the button forces the liquid crystal poison into contact with the liquid crystal material and the optical properties of the liquid crystal material are irreversibly altered.

Abstract: A new and improved integrating indicator system operable to signal the attainment of one or more preselected time-temperature integrals which monitor the temperature and time history of a product utilizes a dual system of specific reaction pairs which simultaneously generate acid and alkali from two neutral substrates. One of the substrates is present in excess of the other. The preferred dynamic indicator system generates a constant pH buffer in the alkali range that is maintained until one of the substrates is depleted. At that time, a rapid pH change in the indicator solution to the acid range occurs, resulting in a very sharp visual color change in a pH-sensitive dye. In preferred embodiments, the specific reaction pairs are enzyme/substrate pairs, preferably urease/urea and yeast/triacetin.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating both exposure to steam and sterilization is provided. The steam sterilization indicator includes a backing member. A tablet formed of a compound having a first melting point and second melting point which is lower that the first melting point, the second melting point being the melting point of the compound exposed to steam is also provided. A wick is affixed to the backing member adjacent to the tablet. A steam permeable material covers the tablet and the wick. Upon melting, the tablet material is absorbed by the wick. A handle is affixed to the backing member. One end of the handle includes a steam exposure indicator formed of a color changing ink which changes color in the presence of steam.

Abstract: A method is provided for visualizing aerodynamic flow effects on a test surface. First, discrete quantities of a sublimating chemical such as naphthalene are distinctively colored via appropriate dyes or paints. Next, a uniform layer of the sublimating chemical having a particular color is applied to the test surface. This layer is covered with a second uniform layer of a different colored sublimating chemical, and so on until a composite of multi-colored layers is formed having a discrete thickness. Friction caused by an airflow results in the distinctly colored layers being removed in proportion to such aerodynamic flow characteristics as velocity and temperature, resulting in a multi-colored portrait which approximates the airflow on the underlying test surface.

Abstract: An accurate monitoring of the conditions of a perishable product is achieved by integrating two indicator types - a primary indicator which develops a color change as a result of cumulative time-temperature exposure and a threshold second indicator - into a single device. The combination of the two indicators in the same indicator device provides a human readible signal that gradually and irreversibly develops color as a function of time and temperature and more closely monitors the actual condition of a deteriorative product than does a single indicator. Important features of this integrated monitoring device are reliability and printability. The primary indicator in the system is assisted in color development by the secondary indictor that is set to trigger at a predetermined temperature. When this temperature is reached or exceeded both indicator mechanisms function in an additive mode to cause a break in the typical Arrhenius curve, which a primary indicator alone produces.

Abstract: A color changing device for monitoring the time-temperature storage history, i.e. shelf life, of perishable products. The device is constructed of an activator tape, containing an activator composition matrix, an indicating tape, containing an indicating composition matrix and an optional barrier matrix between the activator tape and the indicating tape. At least one matrix is a pressure sensitive adhesive. The activating composition, e.g. an organic acid such as citric acid, diffuses through the barrier and/or indicating matrix to continuously contact the indicating composition, e.g. an acid-base dye indicator such as 2,2',4,4',4",-pentamethoxy triphenylmethanol, to produce a visually observable color change at the temperature being monitored. The color intensifies with time and temperature, as more activator composition diffuses into the indicating matrix.

Abstract: A moving boundary device for monitoring the time-temperature storage history, i.e. shelf life, of perishable products. The device is constructed of an activator tape, containing an activator composition in an activator matrix, an indicating tape, containing an indicating composition in an indicator matrix in which the matrices are adhered together to form a wedge-shaped composite matrix, preferably by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive. The device operates by allowing the activating composiiton, e.g. an organic acid such as citric acid, to diffuse through the increasingly thicker composite matrix to continuously contact the indicating composition, e.g. an acid-base dye indicator such as 2,2',4,4',4",-pentamethoxy triphenylmethanol, to produce a visually observable color change at the temperature being monitored. The color change appears as a moving boundary at the color/non-color interface which moves transversely along the length of the device toward the thicker end of the composite matrix.

Abstract: A temperature indicating paint which is generally time independent comprises an organic resin, high temperature glass frit resin and one or more of the following elements; silver, gold, platinum, palladium, copper, nickel, chromium, titanium and silicon, dispersed in 10% to 70%, by weight, of a solvent. The paint is applied to a specimen by brushing or spraying and the specimen is then stoved for 5 minutes at between 750.degree. C. and 850.degree. C.

Abstract: A photoactivated time-temperature indicator is based on a leuco base system. A thermally insensitive, white ("inactive") leuco base (or a mixture of such leuco bases) is mixed, preferably 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 thermally sensitive, color-forming ("active") product. 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 stored at subambient temperature.

Abstract: A disposable package is adapted to simulate the steam permeability and other qualities of the linen pack previously used to test the functioning of a steam sterilizer using a biological test device. The biological test device comprises spores on an appropriate carrier, either in a self-contained biological device or as a spore strip. The biological test device is placed within applicant's specially constructed package and the package is placed within the sterilizer, which is then cycled through a conventional sterilization cycle. During the sterilization cycle, applicant's package simulates the standard sterilizer linen pack previously used for such tests. After the sterilization cycle, sterility of the spore preparation is evaluated by incubating the spores in a culture medium to determine whether the spore population has been adequately destroyed.

Abstract: Whether a compound will thermoparticulate, that is, decompose to produce particles detectable by an ion chamber monitor or a condensation nuclei monitor and, if so, at what temperature, is predicted by determining the decomposition products of the compound, eliminating the compound if none of its decomposition products are greater than 25 .ANG., and using the temperature at which the decomposition products greater than 25 .ANG. have a vapor pressure of 10 millimeters as an estimate of the temperature at which the compound will decompose to produce products detectable by the monitor. Also disclosed are compounds which have been found to thermoparticulate at low temperatures.

Abstract: A porous web having a permanent humidity detecting sensor is disclosed in which a metal salt is permanently bonded in the porous web matrix. The metal salt undergoes a color change from its hydrated to its dehydrated state to detect a change in humidity of a surrounding environment. Nonwoven fibrous webs having a permanent humidity detecting sensor are especially adapted for containing materials such as fabric softeners that may be released upon the conditions of a conventional clothes dryer for treatment of the clothes and visual detection of the release of softener by color change of the humidity sensor.

Abstract: A display method is provided which comprises imparting a thermal energy to a display medium prepared by polymerizing a monomolecular film of a diacetylene derivative compound or a built-up film thereof and brought to a first state, so as to change said display medium to a second state within a temperature wherein the reversibility of change between the first state and the second state can be maintained.

Abstract: A new process is described which is useful for producing novel articles of manufacture useful for monitoring the time-temperature history of perishable items. The process initially involves forming a solution comprised of a diacetylenic monomer and a solvent. The solution is frozen, and the frozen solution having crystalline diacetylenic monomer therein is irradiated to partially polymerize the diacetylenic monomer. Partial polymerization of the crystalline diacetylenic monomer admixed with frozen solvent results in the production of a novel article of manufacture having color. The novel article of manufacture is comprised of frozen solvent, diacetylenic monomer, and colored polydiacetylene. Due to the intensity of the color of the polydiacetylene, the entire article of manufacture appears to be colored.The colored article of manufacture may be attached to various perishables to monitor the shelf life of the perishables.

Abstract: Device for indicating a critical temperature, such as, for example, the freezing point of a liquid. The device comprises a sheet which is a layer having a multiplicity of micropores therein and a mixture comprising at least two liquids, said mixture incapable of wetting said sheet at a given temperature, but capable of wetting said sheet when the temperature of said mixture reaches a critical value, such as the freezing point of one of the liquids in the mixture. The micropores, or voids, in the microporous layer cause scattering of transmitted light, causing the microporous layer to appear opaque. When the voids are filled with a liquid having substantially the same index of refraction as the material of the microporous layer, the filled voids do not scatter transmitted light, thus rendering the microporous layer transmissive to visible light.

Abstract: A time-temperature integrator based on color changes produced by the chemical reaction between reducing sugars and amino groups (i.e. amino-acids, peptides, proteins) permits the verification of the thermal history during cooking at 85.degree.-100.degree. C. of a hermetically sealed package for inspection and which can not be removed or substituted without breaking the package.

Abstract: A temperature change indicator is described which is composed of an enzyme and a substrate for that enzyme suspended in a solid organic solvent or mixture of solvents as a support medium. The organic solvent or solvents are chosen so as to melt at a specific temperature or in a specific temperature range. When the temperature of the indicator is elevated above the chosen, or critical temperature, the solid organic solvent support will melt, and the enzymatic reaction will occur, producing a visually detectable product which is stable to further temperature variation.

Abstract: A suntanning gauge is provided having a plurality of UV-light absorbing lenses of varying thicknesses affixed to a convenient-to-carry base. Under each lens is a fluorescent material which emits visible light when UV-light impinges upon it. The fluorescent material preferably is placed over a black background under each lens. Associated with each lens are indicia corresponding to the degree of strength of sunscreening compositions, the thinnest lens, for example, having the number 4 near it corresponding to a sun protective factor of 4, and the thickest lens having the number 30 near it corresponding to a sun protective factor of 30, and any desired combinations in between. On any given day, depending on the intensity of the sun, UV-light will penetrate none, one or more of the lenses, and, if a lens is penetrated, the flourescent material under it will glow. The highest indicia near a glowing lens will indicate what degree sun protective factor lotion to apply to avoid skin damage.

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 process monitoring heat history indicator in the form of a mixture of a first particulate component with a first characteristic color and a second particulate component with a second characteristic color. The first component includes a solvent system which melts at one or more defined temperatures so that when the mixture is heated to a selected temperature, it melts and wets the surface of the second component.

Abstract: A composition having regulated occurrence of opacity and clarity at selected temperatures; method of making and using such a composition to create a temperature-indicating device by filling the composition in a suitable container of transparent material and having a background in the form of a color, a letter or a number i.e., in order to be able to visually interpret the difference between opacity and clarity. A reversible indicating device is made which can show if the upper or lower limits of a pre-set temperature interval has been exceeded or fallen below.

Abstract: A temperature indicating composition is provided for use on recoverable articles so that heating to produce recovery or to activate a heat-activatable sealant can be monitored. The composition comprises a thermochromic colorant in a binder and an activator that causes the thermochromic colorant to change color at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the colorant would change temperature in the absence of the activator. The thermochromic colorant can be folic acid and the activator can be an acid that has a pK of less than 4.2.

Abstract: A new process is described which is useful for producing novel articles of manufacture useful for monitoring the time-temperature history of perishable items. The process initially involves forming a solution comprised of a diacetylenic monomer and a solvent. The solution is frozen, and the frozen solution having crystalline diacetylenic monomer therein is irradiated to partially polymerize the diacetylenic monomer. Partial polymerization of the crystalline diacetylenic monomer admixed with frozen solvent results in the production of a novel article of manufacture having color. The novel article of manufacture is comprised of frozen solvent, diacetylenic monomer, and colored polydiacetylene. Due to the intensity of the color of the polydiacetylene, the entire article of manufacture appears to be colored.The colored article of manufacture may be attached to various perishables to monitor the shelf life of the perishables.

Abstract: A thermochromic composition comprising (1) an electron-donating chromogenic material, (2) a 1,2,3-triazole compound, (3) a weakly basic, sparingly soluble azomethine or carboxylic acid primary amine salt, and (4) an alcohol, amide or ester serving as a solvent.

Abstract: An indicator comprising azo dye(s), epoxy compound(s) and a separating membrane can be utilized for detection of the completion of thermal sterilization treatment in the medical field and also for thermal inspection in such various fields as testing, instrumentation and the like. The indicator can be used also for detection of the completion of alkylene oxide gas sterilization treatment by ethylene oxide gas or the like.

Abstract: Water-soluble polyacetylenic alkali metal salts from monomers and polymers of carboxymethyl urethanes of di-, tetra-, and hexayne diols, or from the corresponding diacids; useful in thermal and irradiation exposure indicators and/or in detection and/or removal of nonalkali metal ions dissolved in aqueous media.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating both exposure to steam and sterilization is provided. The steam sterilization indicator includes a backing member. A tablet formed of a compound having a first melting point and second melting point which is lower that the first melting point, the second melting point being the melting point of the compound exposed to steam is also provided. A wick is affixed to the backing member adjacent to the tablet. A steam permeable material covers the tablet and the wick. Upon melting, the tablet material is absorbed by the wick. A handle is affixed to the backing member. One end of the handle includes a steam exposure indicator formed of a color changing ink which changes color in the presence of steam.