Abstract: An apparatus for thaw detection of a frozen item is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a housing container comprising a first transparent section and a second opaque section, at least one low density floating object and at least one high density object both encased within the housing container, wherein the housing container is filled with a filling mixture and melting of the filling mixture results in the at least one low density floating object and at least one high density object to be visible in the first transparent section of the housing container, thereby enabling thaw detection of the frozen item. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing an apparatus for thaw detection of a frozen item.

Abstract: A temperature monitor is provided for use on a conveyor belt. The temperature monitor includes a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and the second wall are generally parallel to one another. The temperature monitor also includes a first anchor and a second anchor. The first wall is attached to the first anchor at a first end and the first wall is attached to the second anchor at a second end. The second wall is attached to the first anchor at a first end and the second wall is attached to the second anchor at a second end. The temperature monitor further includes a temperature deformation mechanism defined between the first wall and the second wall. The temperature deformation mechanism is altered in an instance in which a predetermined temperature is reached. A method of manufacturing a temperature monitor and a temperature monitor system are also provided.

Abstract: A curling iron includes a first member and a clamp segment connected to the first member configured for relative movement between a spaced apart position for receiving hair between the clamp segment and the first member and a closed position to impart a curling effect. A heating assembly is connected to the first member and/or clamp segment. The curling iron has at least one ion emitter for generating ions upon activation of the curling iron.

Abstract: A reservoir for supplying a cooling fluid to a medical ablation probe includes a wall defining a chamber therein, an outlet fluid port and an inlet fluid port each in fluid communication with the chamber, cooling fluid disposed within the chamber, and a thermochromic material thermally coupled to the cooling fluid. The thermochromic material is configured to exhibit a first color when the cooling fluid is below a threshold temperature, and a second color when the cooling fluid is above the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A low-cost hot water use warning device, having the shape of an aerator housing, including a metallic housing inner core (2) with threads configured for attachment to a faucet and a ridged indented channel for accommodating a thermochromic belt (6) or band that may constitute several layers including an outer thermochromic layer (10) capable of changing its color at a certain temperature, a second high thermal conductivity layer (11) made of copper for evening out temperature gradients and a third low heat conducting polymeric layer (12) for imposing a controlled delay. At each vertical side of the thermochromic belt are flanking wedge-shaped isolation grooves (7). The device operates as an awareness indicator for informing a faucet user of excessive temperature and duration of hot water use.

Abstract: A state monitoring device for use in a train set constituted by coupling cars each including a carbody and a pair of bogies arranged at both respective longitudinal direction end portions of the carbody and supporting the carbody includes: sensors provided at the respective bogies and configured to detect state information of devices provided at the bogies; wireless transmitters provided at the respective bogies and configured to wirelessly transmit sensor signals containing the detected state information; and at least one wireless receiver configured to receive the sensor signals wirelessly transmitted from the wireless transmitters.

Abstract: Provided is a bearing monitoring device of a railcar, the railcar being constituted by coupling a plurality of cars including carbodies and bogies, the bearing monitoring device including: bearing temperature sensors provided at the respective bogies and configured to directly or indirectly detect temperatures of bearings of the bogies; at least one state sensor provided at at least one of the carbodies of the plurality of cars and configured to be used for calculating loads or rotating speeds of the bearings; and a storage unit provided at at least one of the carbodies of the plurality of cars and configured to store data pieces of signals detected by the bearing temperature sensors and the state sensor.

Abstract: A clip counting mechanism for use with a surgical clip applier includes a display gear rotatably supported within a handle housing of the surgical clip applier and including an outer surface having a plurality of numbers disposed thereon, a biasing element in mechanical communication with the display gear and rotatably biasing the display gear, a counter switch reciprocally disposed within the handle housing and defining a cam slot therethrough, and an escapement gear rotatably supported within the handle housing and defining a proximal end portion in mechanical communication with the display gear and a distal end portion in mechanical communication with the cam slot. Translation of the counter switch causes the cam slot to cam the escapement gear and selectively disengage and then re-engage the display gear to enable the display gear to rotate a predetermined angle of rotation.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention is directed to a spill-proof cup. The cup includes an innovative mechanisms to allow for a completely spill-proof and ergonomic cup. The cup functions in the same manner as a regular cup. In some embodiments the spill-proof feature of the cup is facilitated by a weight that will fall down when the cup is tilted. In other embodiments, chambers are filled with liquid to control flow and only allow the user a volume of one sip of liquid at a time. As a result of these specialized embodiments, the cup does not consume electricity, is safe to use, and costs little both to make and to purchase.

Abstract: Thermal cooling gel and cold packs enclosing such thermal cooling gel have an aqueous gel of 1% to 10% wt/wt of cellulose, 0.5 g/L to 2 g/L of an ice nucleating protein, and a biocide. The enthalpy of the thermal cooling gel is in a range of 250 J/g to 330 J/g.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator for a sterile container includes a shape-memory element in the form of a compression spring, which, when a predetermined temperature is reached or exceeded, subjects an indicating unit to a defined axial compressive force. The indicating unit is biased by a restoring spring in the counter-direction of the shape-memory element by way of a restoring force which is smaller than the defined axial compressive force. A latching mechanism can be actuated by a closing or locking mechanism of the sterile container. Following or during the closing or locking of the sterile container, the latching mechanism retains the indicating unit in a sterile position, once the unit has been moved into the sterile position by the shape-memory element. Upon opening or unlocking of the sterile container below the sterilization temperature, it frees the indicating unit, whereupon the restoring spring moves the indicating unit back into an unsterile position.

Abstract: A system and method for emergency exit LED lighting. The emergency exit lighting fixture comprises a structure for housing at least one LED light, an LED driver electronically coupled to the LED light(s), a continuous power source, a backup power source, and a test switch. The fixture, in various configurations, may be mounted to a wall, a ceiling, or a doorway. The fixture may be tested remotely.

Abstract: A sliding engine component may include a sliding surface, and the sliding surface may include a plastic polymer-based layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The plastic polymer-based layer may have a composition including a plastic polymer-based material having distributed throughout the polymer-based material a thermochromic material configured to change color irreversibly when thermally activated by heating beyond a threshold thermal treatment condition. The polymer-based material may be cured.

Abstract: A wheel bearing assembly includes a wheel hub which is mounted on an axle element by at least one wheel bearing, and a temperature-measuring device, visible from outside the wheel bearing assembly, configured to measure and display the exceeding of a limit temperature in the wheel bearing, wherein the temperature-measuring device comprises at least two separate temperature-measuring elements, each of which is connected to the wheel bearing in a heat-conducting manner along a heat-conducting path and undergoes a visually identifiable change at a predetermined trigger temperature. The at least two temperature-measuring elements are disposed in such a way that, when the wheel bearing heats up, the elements heat up at different rates, and/or the temperature-measuring elements have different trigger temperatures.

Abstract: A freeze indicator including an indicator dispersion is described herein. Such an indicator dispersion can include: a liquid medium and particles of a colored indicator agent dispersed in the liquid medium. The colored indicator agent particles having an inherent color; wherein the indicator dispersion exhibits the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles after freezing and is configured to have a less colored appearance before freezing and wherein light scattering masks the inherent color of the colored indicator agent particles before freezing. Some indicator dispersions can be free of color-changing chemical co-reactants. These freeze indicators can be small, have a low cost, and have a simple configuration.

Abstract: A time temperature monitoring system and method for use with a microchip or similar structure. A disclosed system includes: a substrate having an active region; a dopant source located proximate the active region; an activation system for activating a diffusion of the dopant source into the active region; and a set of spatially distributed electrodes embedded in the active region of the substrate, wherein the electrodes are configured to detect the diffusion in the active region at varying distances from the dopant source to provide time temperature information.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided including a housing; at least one handle pivotably connected to the housing; a channel assembly extending distally from the housing; a plurality of clips loaded in the clip carrier; a drive channel translatably supported in the housing and the channel assembly, the drive channel being translated upon actuation of the at least one handle; and a counter mechanism supported in the housing, the counter mechanism including indicia visible through the housing, wherein the indicia corresponds to a quantity of clips loaded in the clip applier, wherein the indicia decrements upon each firing of the clip applier resulting in a reduction in the quantity of clips remaining of the plurality of clips.

Abstract: The sampling point valve, with a valve body that is movable in a valve housing between a closed position and an open position of the sampling point valve, wherein the valve body has a sample fluid channel, characterized in that the valve body is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably metal, that a signal unit with an essentially pot-shaped housing part made of a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably metal, is in contact with the valve body, and that the signal unit includes a signal button that can be advanced out of a housing by a shape memory spring device when this device is warmed.

Abstract: A tamper resistant device comprises a matrix material and a microcapsule in the matrix material. The microcapsule has a first compartment, a second compartment, and an isolating structure separating the first and second compartments. The isolating structure is rupturable in response to a stimulus, such as temperature increases or compressive forces. The first compartment contains a first component, and the second compartment contains a second component. The first and second components react exothermically (produce heat) when in contact with each other. Thus, in some examples, a temperature change in the device resulting from the rupture of the isolating structure in the microcapsule due to physical tampering efforts can be used to trigger a security response.

Abstract: A measurement system including: a radial external hole on a cover of a railway axle-box on the side of an edge of the cover facing towards a rolling bearing of the axle-box; a smaller axial hole made on the edge of the cover facing towards a ring of the bearing and opening in the radial hole; a cup-shaped body accommodated in the radial hole; a fork shaped spring integrally carried by a bottom wall of the cup-shaped body, projecting in front of the axial hole; a temperature probe slidingly accommodated within the axial hole and including a tubular element incorporating an electrical temperature sensor and an electric cable protruding from a first end of the tubular element accommodated within the cup-shaped body; and an abutting element removably coupled to the first end to cooperate with the spring, which pushes a second end of the probe out of the axial hole.

Abstract: A temperature indicating method, a temperature indicating label used by this method, and a method for manufacturing the temperature indicating label, includes: a, determining the target temperature, adopting the thermal induced shape memory polymer material to manufacture the temperature indicating label; b, heating the temperature indicating label to make it achieve or exceed the initial temperature of glass transition or melting transition but be lower than the terminal temperature of glass transition or melting transition, then finishing the predeformation treatment; and c, placing the predeformed temperature indicating label into the environment which needs temperature indication for a while, observing whether spontaneous shape recovery happens to the label and judging whether the environment temperature has once reached or exceeded the target temperature.

Abstract: Malfunction or failure of mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical equipment, for example, equipment used in manufacturing operations, is often preceded by an increase in the operating temperature of at least some portion of the equipment. A temperature-sensitive, active material-containing actuator is pre-selected to operate at a pre-determined temperature indicative of impending equipment failure and placed in thermal contact with the equipment. If the equipment achieves the pre-selected temperature the actuator signals this by closing an externally-powered circuit to enable or provide a suitable alarm signal. Additionally, the actuator may close a second circuit connected to a machine controller to alert the machine controller to take some pre-programmed action. Selected actuators are based on shape memory alloys (SMA) adapted to operate over a temperature range sufficient to encompass the expected range of pre-determined temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example method includes determining threat levels for hazards in a plurality of different zones within a building, classifying the threat levels into at least one of a first threat level and a second threat level, designating a first zone of the plurality of different zones having the first threat level with a first detectable indicator, and designating a second zone having the second threat level with a second detectable indicator.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a housing with a cylinder chamber. An internal combustion engine is arranged in the housing and the internal combustion engine has a cylinder arranged in the cylinder chamber. A device is provided that detects temperature information in the cylinder chamber when the internal combustion engine is in an inoperative state. An indicator device that indicates the temperature information is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a time-temperature indicator system useful for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals and other products. The system provides improved time-temperature sensitivity and a response which better reflects that of the reactions leading to quality loss of the monitored product. Further, the invention also relates to a combination comprising said time-temperature indicator system and a product storage container. A method for producing said time-temperature indicator system is also part of the present invention.

Abstract: Brewing assemblies and kits are generally disclosed herein. In particular, a brewing assembly comprising an upper member having a generally conical lower portion and a base member having a funnel shaped portion wherein the lower portion of the upper member is arranged to nest with the funnel shaped portion of the base member is disclosed. The present disclosure also describes brewing kits comprising a fermenter, a lid arranged to close a top opening of the fermenter, a tap connectable to a tap opening of the fermenter, and a base member having a substantially continuous and generally conical portion arranged to mate with a generally conical lower portion of the fermenter. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a temperature indicator (10) in the form of a substrate (12) with multiple coating layers (14-22). Each coating layer (14-22) is visually or chemically distinct from the substrate (12). The material makeup of each coating layer (14-22) is different such that each coating is tailored to undergo failure at a different temperature. The presence or absence of coating layers (14-22) can provide a lasting visual indication of a temperature experienced by the indicator (10) in use. The temperature indicator (10) may be beneficial where the use of conventional temperature sensors is problematic, such as within reactor vessels or other sealed enclosures.

Abstract: A UV lamp service life indicator device includes an indicator member including a material that degrades at a rate sufficient to track a useful life of a UV lamp, where the indicator member indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life. The indictor device can also include a reference component that indicates whether the UV lamp has come to an end of its service life.

Abstract: A storage unit for tracking events associated with an item is disclosed that includes a storage unit, a tracking device, and a processing and/or storage device. The tracking device monitors the presence of an item associated with the storage unit and the temperature of the item at discrete intervals of time. The processing and/or storage device is electrically connected to the tracking device and stores information generated from the tracking device. An automated access system may also be provided that grants access to the storage unit only to authorized users. An external network may also be provided which allows a user to monitor the storage unit including, access to the storage unit, and a temperature of the storage unit.

Abstract: A device, comprising a float, basin, and basin cover, is removably attached to interior rungs of a dishwasher via clip-hooks, and stabilized with a tongue arm, design features of the clip-hooks, and the cooperating portions of the basin or cover. The float rises to a completed water cycle ‘clean’ position as basin fills with water. The basin may block view of the float when in a ‘dirty’ position. The float provides visual indication of a completed water cycle, and therefore ‘clean’ dishes, after rising as a result of water introduced into the basin via holes in the cover. Water that was introduced into the device automatically leaves the chamber via one, or more, discharge holes/openings in the basin, while the float remains in the ‘clean’ position because of one or more retainers; e.g., magnetic force from one or more magnets. Retainers can generated and communicate position status to a smartphone.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature and time indicator for confirming sterilization, and more particularly, a temperature and time indicator for confirming sterilization including a development material member, a development medium member, a blocking member, and first and second forming sheets, such that whether medicines or milk products pass through a high temperature sterilization process performed under a regulated temperature and pressure condition is indicated through a sterilization confirming mark to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beverage capsule (100) comprises a capsule body (101) with an outlet (104), a plug (111) configured to mate with said outlet (104), and an opening device (110) being at least partially fabricated from a shape-memory alloy and biased to retain said plug (111) within said outlet (104) in a first, closed position, and which is configured to deflect from said first, closed position when heated above the transition temperature of said shape-memory alloy, thereby withdrawing said plug (111) from said outlet (104) into a second, open position and permitting fluid communication through said outlet (104).

Abstract: Provided is an effective life indicator and a stopper including the same, and more particularly, to an effective life indicator and a stopper including the same that are capable of allowing a consumer to easily check a drinkable or usable period after opening a beverage or medicine accommodated in a container by maintaining a state in which a development material receiving section is ruptured by a pressure applied to the container when the stopper is coupled to the container and starting an operation as a development material is leaked to the outside to come in contact with a development medium member when the stopper is initially separated from the container.

Abstract: A temperature management member under a reduced-pressure atmosphere, wherein the difference in the discoloration temperature of a temperature-sensitive discoloration layer between under an atmospheric pressure atmosphere and under a reduced-pressure atmosphere can be minimized. A temperature management member under a reduced-pressure atmosphere includes a temperature-sensitive discoloration layer which contains granular or powdery hot-melt matter that melts at a melting temperature corresponding to a heating temperature to be detected under a reduced-pressure atmosphere and which is discolored in response to the hot melting thereof, and a difference in the melting temperature of the hot-melt matter within the temperature-sensitive discoloration layer between under an atmospheric pressure atmosphere and under the reduced-pressure atmosphere is 5° C. at most.

Abstract: A signaling device for signaling heating in a mechanical system susceptible to undergo contact heating during operation. The signaling device includes a body containing a thermally triggered charge generating combustion gas, ignition of the charge able to be triggered under the effect of a predetermined heat contribution, from a heating area of the body toward the charge, or under the action of an ignition command, a reservoir containing a fluid, and delivery means delivering pressurized fluid outside the reservoir through the action, directly or through an intermediate member moving in the reservoir, of the combustion gases. The signaling device also comprises at least one visual signaling element for visually signaling combustion of the charge, the visual signaling element being visible at an outer peripheral area of the signaling device after combustion of the charge. The invention also relates to a mechanical system equipped with at least one such signaling device.

Abstract: An indicator or display that may be in the form of a label that can instantaneously provide confirmation that a product is in a good preservation state by making a simple visual check, and particularly to detect if the product temporarily went outside a determined temperature range and to memorize this event. Strict monitoring of a temperature range is essential to be able to guarantee quality of many products. The indicator or display may be applicable to any product or device for which the temperature has to be monitored between two thresholds.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: A time-temperature indication device includes a first reservoir having a fluid disposed therein, and a capillary tube. The capillary tube is disposed proximate to the first reservoir to receive fluid from the first reservoir responsive to changes in viscosity of the fluid based on changes in temperature. The capillary tube restricts flow of the fluid out of the first reservoir into the capillary tube to enable fluid flow only in a single direction.

Abstract: An electronic device, suitable for registering the temperature of a foodstuff in a oven provided with a door with a handle is disclosed. The device includes a casing with a user interface and a temperature probe suitable for being inserted into the food. The casing includes hook for connecting the device to the oven door, preferably to its handle.

Abstract: A failure indicator for informing an observer that a freezer has failed and food in the freezer is not fit to eat comprising: a closed transparent tubular housing, a resilient removable wire bracket for mounting the failure indicator for rotation about a pair of crossed vertical and horizontal axes 180 degrees between a vertical set-up position and a vertical operating position; a suction cup for attaching the indicator to an inside surface of the freezer; a pair of cup shaped end caps for sealing opposite end portions of the tubular housing; a cup shaped spacer in the interior of the tubular housing for dividing the tubular housing into a fluid storage space and a failure signaling space, having a group of small apertures for allowing fluid from the fluid storage space to enter the failure signaling space; an opaque label surrounding the tubular housing; and a colored fluid in the housing for signaling whether the freezer has failed and food in the freezer is not fit to eat.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature and time indicator for confirming sterilization, and more particularly, a temperature and time indicator for confirming sterilization including a development material member, a development medium member, a blocking member, and first and second forming sheets, such that whether medicines or milk products pass through a high temperature sterilization process performed under a regulated temperature and pressure condition is indicated through a sterilization confirming mark to the outside.

Abstract: Provided is a freeze indicator, and more particularly, to a freeze indicator capable of easily confirming whether products are exposed to a freezing temperature or less using a development medium member containing a development material having hydrophobic property and moisture, and using diffusion characteristics of the development material into a development medium only when the moisture is frozen at a freezing temperature or less of the moisture.

Abstract: The thaw indicator is a device to determine if a frozen space has gone thru an undesired temperature change and if so remains in an alert position until manually reset even if the temperature corrects itself. It's made up of three major components a base, a piston indicator and a transparent tube. When frozen the thaw indicator looks like a thermometer when unfrozen it looks like a thermometer that has jumped out of its case indicating a change of temperature and state with great certainty. It has been designed to stay out of the way but in plain sight.

Abstract: An indicator device includes a surface provided with at least one channel or at least one through-hole with at least two openings, wherein flowable material in an immobile state is provided adjacent to the channel or adjacent to a first opening of the through-hole, such that after application of a stimulus the material is directed along the channel by the action of capillary forces or into the at least one through-hole by the action of capillary forces and emerges at a second opening, thereby providing an indication of the application of the stimulus.

Abstract: Provided is a temperature sensitive indicator, which can be held in a desired state and is not affected by temperature of a finger at the time of an operation of the temperature sensitive indicator. The temperature sensitive indicator includes: a member base (13) including an upper base member (11) and a lower base member (12); and a label component (21) sandwiched and held between the upper base member and the lower base member of the member base under a state in which a pulled-out portion on one end side of the label component is protruded outward.

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.

Abstract: An in-mold transfer film includes a release layer, a scent-emitting hard layer, a color-changing print layer and an adhesive layer formed sequentially in one direction on one side of a base layer, wherein the scent-emitting hard layer includes aromatic microcapsules, and the color-changing print layer changes its color according to the temperature. An method for manufacturing an in-mold transfer film includes the following steps: forming a release layer on one side of a base layer; forming a scent-emitting hard layer on an upper surface of the release layer; forming a print primer layer on an upper surface of the scent-emitting hard layer; forming a color-changing print layer formed on an upper surface of the print primer layer; forming an adhesive primer layer on an upper surface of the color-changing print layer; and forming an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the adhesive primer layer.

Abstract: A method for hydrating yeast comprises several steps. A package comprising a thermochromic ink and an indicator is provided. A liquid is provided. The temperature of the liquid is measured by placing the package in contact with the liquid. The liquid is heated or cooled until the thermochromic ink indicates the liquid is within the predetermined temperature range. The liquid and yeast are combined. The package comprises a pouch, a thermochromic ink, and an indicator. The pouch is formed from one or more films sealed together to create an internal space. The thermochromic ink and indicator are arranged relative to each other to indicate when the liquid is within a predetermined temperature range. The thermochromic ink changes color when the liquid is within the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A secure cover for a hot appliance made with heat resistant material having an insulation layer between heat resistant layers that can be stitched with heat resistant thread. The cover prevents users from burning themselves and can be in a shape that covers the hot part of the appliance. The cover has an encasement enclosing a band. The encasement runs along the cover's perimeter and secures the cover on the appliance. The cover may include flares that are used to attach the secure cover to the hot appliance without having the user's fingers approach too close to the hot metal of the appliance. The cover transmits heat, allowing the individual to be aware of the fact that the appliance is hot. The cover may include temperature sensitive fabric, a light indicator or other visual display with a written indication that the appliance is hot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying a time-sensitive and/or temperature-sensitive indicator for marking perishable products. According to said method, the time at which the indicator is activated is detected and stored, the time difference between the stored activation time and a verification time is determined, and verification is made as to whether the change of the indicator occurring during the determined time difference exceeds or falls short of a desired value that depends on the determined time difference. The invention further relates to an indicator for carrying out such a method.