Abstract: An indicator composition for determining a thermal or chronological history during shipping or storage of a product. The composition includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed throughout a matrix. The nanoparticles turn color while dispersed in the matrix as a function at least one of time and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.

Abstract: A method for determining the relative body temperature of a warm-bodied animal is described. The method, in part, involves an article of manufacture that provides a manifestation, or visually observable indication on an exterior surface, of a relative state of the warm-bodied animal's body temperature, either being too cold or too hot, as a measure against relative levels of hypothermia or hyperthermia, or poor circulation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a temperature indicator stick includes a housing having an interior configured to receive the temperature indicator stick configured to indicate a predetermined temperature through a physical change or a chemical when exposed to the predetermined temperature. A roller drive is supported by the housing to engage the temperature indicator stick. Accordingly, rotation of the drive roller causes a retraction or advancement of the temperature indicator stick to and from the interior of the housing. Additionally, the housing and temperature indicator stick may include a key system to keep the temperature indicator stick in a substantially fixed rotational position with respect to the housing as the temperature indicator stick advanced from and retracted into the housing.

Abstract: Indicator devices, systems, and methods are provided. Indicator devices include a housing having a bore and an indicating component placed therein. The indicator devices are activated in response to an increase in temperature or pressure. Indicator systems include an indicator device coupled to a housing, such as a conduit or enclosure. Methods include utilizing an indicator device to determine if an area within a conduit or enclosure has been sealed.

Abstract: Embodiments of separating apparatuses are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In one embodiment, a thermal sensor assembly includes a shape memory substrate anchored within an isolation housing and braced between first and second anchors. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from the strained configuration to the fractured configuration at a specified temperature range, and the first substrate end fractures from the second substrate end at the specified temperature. In another embodiment, a fracture indicator is coupled with the shape memory substrate, and the fracture indicator is configured to indicate the fractured configuration corresponding to meeting or exceeding of the specified temperature. In one example, the specified temperature range includes a range of temperatures or a single temperature.

Abstract: A precise critical temperature indicator is applied to small products requiring refrigeration or freezing to control the operation of a temperature sensor built into an integrated structure of a single body. A method for manufacturing said precise critical temperature indicator, wherein a plurality of development medium members and a plurality of development material members are opposed to each other, and blocking members are interposed therebetween to support the development medium members and the development material members separately from each other, the development medium members are provided with paths for moving development materials, or paths for movement of development materials can be shortened to adjust speed, and an indication unit is arranged to indicate the state of the development materials at an end or central portion of the development medium when the development materials are exposed to a critical temperature for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A freeze indicator can include an indicator dispersion having an aqueous liquid medium and organic material indicator particles dispersed in the aqueous liquid medium. The indicator dispersion can have an initial appearance before freezing and an irreversibly different appearance after freezing and can exhibit a freeze-onset temperature of about ?1.9° C. or higher. Some factors helpful to providing a relatively high freeze onset temperature are employment of a proteinaceous ice-nucleating agent, control of pH, use of a protein stabilizer and control of the ratio of protein stabilizer to ice-nucleating agent.

Abstract: A low temperature history indication plate 31 made of a low thermal expansion material used within an apparatus is provided on the outer surface of the apparatus. A surface of the low temperature history indication plate 31 is mirror polished. Simply by observing the low temperature history indication plate 31, it can be determined whether or not martensitic transformation has occurred.

Abstract: To provide a temperature sensitive indicator that is capable of easily control the temperature of the temperature sensitive indicator itself and is not affected by the temperature of a finger when the temperature sensitive indicator is operated. In the temperature sensitive indicator that has: a base body; a capsule placed on the base body and filled with a heat-sensitive material; an absorbent member placed on an upper part of the capsule; a cover covering at least the capsule and the absorbent member; and capsule breaking means formed therein with a space through which the base body and the cover are inserted, the base body and the cover are pulled out through the space of the capsule breaking means, whereby the capsule is broken by the capsule breaking means.

Abstract: An apparatus indicates a temperature of an object. The apparatus includes a porous substrate, a mirror image of a first image pattern printed with a first phase-change ink having a first phase change temperature on a first side of the porous substrate, and an adhesive layer applied to the first side of the porous substrate to enable the porous substrate to be affixed to an object.

Abstract: Devices are described that include a component comprised of a material having a structure of R1—C(O)—NX—R2, wherein each of R1 and R2 is independently a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms or an aryl, X is H or C(O)—Y, Y together with R1 forms a ring. The material is characterized by a single, sharp melting point, thus making it suitable for use, for example, in thermo-mechanical actuating devices or in temperature-indicating devices. Also described are compositions comprising two or more materials each having a structure of Rn1—C(O)—NH—Rn2 wherein, n is an identifying integer corresponding to a material in the composition; wherein for each material n in the composition, Rn1 and Rn2 are a saturated alkyl having between 7-22 carbon atoms, wherein for each material n Rn1 and Rn2 differ by one carbon atom, arid wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less.

Abstract: A thermal dosage indicator for an electric lamp provides real time indication of time and temperature exposure of the lamp. In one version, a coating on a designated portion of the lamp changes color upon exposure to different combinations of time and temperature. In another version, a semiconductor is mounted on the surface at a designated location on the lamp and the electrical properties of the semi conductor monitored to give an indication of thermal dosage exposure. In another version, a carbon cell of predetermined dimension is mounted on the lamp surface and is monitored at specified intervals to determine dimensional changes from thermal sublimation to give an indication of thermal dosage.

Abstract: An apparatus to suppress a localized fire may include a pressurized tank of fire suppressant and a valve coupled to the tank. In case of a fire, a pneumatic fire sensor may open the valve to release the fire suppressant.

Abstract: Freeze indicators providing a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and their manufacture are disclosed. The freeze indicators employ colloidal dispersions as active elements and include flexible freeze indicators, freeze indicators protected against drying out and freeze indicators employing core shell composites, for example gold coated pigments as active indicator elements. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.

Abstract: Residual lifetime indicator device for perishable consumer products, comprising a material having a property which can change as temperature changes according to a given function, actuating means (102, 104, 204; 10) which act on said material to make it show the aforesaid property, and indicating means (105; 308) coupled to the material/actuating means combination, said indicating means indicating the residual lifetime in relation to the expiry date of the product, said material being a fluid with a viscosity which can change depending on temperature, which fluid flows into a pipe having a given section, characterized in that the actuating means comprise an element to apply a pressure differential to said fluid (102, 104, 204; 10), the flow of said fluid being connected to said indicating means (105; 308), activating means (604; 14) to activate said element being provided to apply a pressure differential to said fluid (102, 104, 204; 10).

Abstract: An inexpensive, disposable apparatus that visually indicates whether an object has been exposed to either one or both of two predetermined critical temperatures such as a critical high T1 or a critical low T2 temperature. The apparatus includes a housing having a reservoir portion, and a capillary tube portion with a first, proximal end in fluid connection with the reservoir portion and an open, second, distal end. A first fluid is contained within the reservoir portion and a portion of the proximal capillary tube portion. A second fluid is contained within the capillary portion intermediate the first fluid and the distal end. A barrier is located intermediate the first fluid and the second fluid. The barrier prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing until the apparatus is exposed to T1 and then allows at least a portion of the second fluid to mix with the first fluid when the apparatus is exposed to T1 and irreversibly changes an observable characteristic of the second fluid.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating element for a refrigeration device, including a support or backing, a thermochromic layer applied to the backing for indicating the temperature is suitable for items stored in the location of the element. A transparent potting compound encompasses and protects the thermochromic layer on the backing.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting temperature threshold events in an aftertreatment device. The system may include an aftertreatment device configured to treat an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine and a temperature responder disposed within a region of interest of the aftertreatment device. The temperature responder is configured to melt at a threshold temperature. The system may further include two access points electrically coupled to the temperature responder and an observation module configured to measure an electrical resistance value across the two access points. The observation module detects the melting of the temperature responder based on the electrical resistance value measured across the access points. In alternate embodiments the observation module is included within an engine control module (ECM) or a service tool.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating container having thermal insulation and a temperature indicator in the side wall or the bottom of the container visible from outside the container. A method for making such a container is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the unique shape recovery properties of shape memory materials, especially shape memory polymers, to provide an inexpensive and easily identified method of determining when a product has been exposed to environmental conditions that would make it likely that the product has expired or is unfit for use. By allowing the shape memory material to alter its shape from a deformed shape to a memory shape in response to exposure to environmental conditions while attached to a visual indication device a viewer can easily determine if a product has expired.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device is mounted to a structure of a building and senses temperature within a building space of the building. The temperature sensing device includes a housing. The housing includes a front surface that faces the building space when the temperature sensing device is mounted to the structure. The housing further includes a protrusion that protrudes from the front surface into the building space. The temperature sensing device further includes a mounting device within the housing and a temperature sensor mounted to the mounting device, the mounting device holding the temperature sensor within the protrusion.

Abstract: A system and method for indication of temperature exposures beyond a set of predetermined limits employs the salts of weak acid-strong base or of a strong acid-weak base compound as reactants. A device includes a housing and capsule. A first reactant and a liquid are included within the capsule. The liquid is chosen such that it expands upon freezing. The capsule is sized such that when the liquid freezes and expands, the capsule fractures. A second reactant is provided within the housing. The location of the second reactant and the method of attaching (if any) the second reactant to the housing may take various forms. When the liquid within the capsule freezes, it expands and fractures the capsule. Upon thawing, the reactant within the capsule escapes and mixes with the reactant located outside the capsule. A second embodiment is a time-temperature indicator. A flexible housing is used, allowing the user to manually deform the housing to fracture a capsule enclosed therein.

Abstract: A label assembly includes a plurality of flexible panels sealed together along their peripheral edges. The plurality of panels includes a bottom layer and a top layer. The top layer is substantially transparent. A thermally reactive material is positioned between the top and bottom panels. The thermally reactive material changes to a color when the thermally reactive material attains a selected temperature. A pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on a bottom side of bottom layer.

Abstract: Freeze indicators can include an indicator dispersion, a liquid medium, indicator particles dispersed in the liquid medium and a particulate inorganic nucleating agent to inhibit supercooling of the liquid medium. The inorganic nucleating agent can have an ionic surface coating which can help provide a sharp end point. Optionally, freeze indicators can include indicator particles comprising an organic material and a softener to soften the indicator particles and provide the freeze indication with an enhanced visual appearance. Another option is to provide a temperature-sensitive stabilizer to inhibit coagulation of the indicator dispersion at temperatures above the liquid medium frozen state melting point while permitting coagulation of the indicator dispersion at the liquid medium frozen state melting point.

Abstract: Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events.

Abstract: A product shelf life monitoring system comprises a label substrate bearing upon a limited portion of its area an active indicator composition responsive to varying temperature over time to effect a visible change in color density or the like. The susceptibility of the indicator composition to similarly respond to incidence of vagrant ultraviolet light is ameliorated by application of an area of ultraviolet light absorbent composition in register above the indicator composition and extending at most only slightly beyond the periphery of the area of indicator composition. In this manner, the remaining area of the label is preserved for ultraviolet light responsive implementations, and only a minimal, economical amount of ultraviolet light absorbent composition is expended.

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.

Abstract: To provide a temperature sensitive indicator that is capable of easily control the temperature of the temperature sensitive indicator itself and is not affected by the temperature of a finger when the temperature sensitive indicator is operated. In the temperature sensitive indicator that has: a base body; a capsule placed on the base body and filled with a heat-sensitive material; an absorbent member placed on an upper part of the capsule; a cover covering at least the capsule and the absorbent member; and capsule breaking means formed therein with a space through which the base body and the cover are inserted, the base body and the cover are pulled out through the space of the capsule breaking means, whereby the capsule is broken by the capsule breaking means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator system comprising (a) an indicator system comprising a) a photo- or thermochromic indicator compound and b) a luminescent colorant which increases the color difference of the color change of the reagent by at least 0.5 units.

Abstract: To provide a temperature-sensitive indicator which, when using the temperature-sensitive indicator having a capsule packed with a heat-sensitive material, enables easy rupture of the capsule, without being affected by the temperature of a finger of a user. The indicator includes: a base; a concave portion formed in the base; a capsule accommodated in the concave portion and packed with a heat-sensitive material; an absorbing member placed on the capsule; pressing means which is arranged above the absorbing member, and which is formed of a transparent heat insulating material; and a cover which covers at least the capsule and the absorbing member. By pressing on the capsule using the pressing means 6, the capsule is ruptured.

Abstract: Freeze indicators providing a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and their manufacture are disclosed. The freeze indicators employ colloidal dispersions as active elements and include flexible freeze indicators, freeze indicators protected against drying out and freeze indicators employing core shell composites, for example gold coated pigments as active indicator elements. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.

Abstract: A hot water kettle has an on/off switch, which is adapted to automatically switch from a closed position to an opened position when water which is present inside the kettle has been boiling for a while. The on/off switch is operable through a button element (6), a position of which is determined by the position of the switch. Inside a space (61) of the button element (6), a vibratory member (20) comprising a flexible bar (21) is arranged. When the on/off switch is in the closed position, a free end (25) of the bar (21) is retained by an actuator (10). As soon as the on/off switch switches to the opened position, this end (25) of the bar (21) is eventually released, as a result of which the bar (21) starts to vibrate and the button element (6) starts to resonate. In this way, an acoustic signal is generated.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive label may be affixed to a temperature sensitive item. The temperature sensitive label conveys when the item has reached a tripping temperature. The tripping temperature may be a temperature at which the item is compromised. To convey this, the label changes properties and functions with a message to convey that the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. For example, the label may reveal, block, or alter a message that conveys whether the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. The message may be part of the label or separate from the label.

Abstract: It is described hereby a temperature indicator device (1), to be used on containers holding beverage, preferably metallic cans, composed of a thermo sensitive and/or biodegradable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an over temperature alarm indication apparatus. In order to solve the problem of high cost in the prior art, the apparatus in the present invention comprises a first sealed and transparent container with fixed cubage and a second sealed and transparent container with variable cubage. Said first container and second container are connected through a thin tube, and a certain amount of liquid is filled in said thin tube; alarm indication material for generating color changing effects upon receiving liquid from said thin tube is provided in said first and second container; wherein the change of the environment temperature will cause the air in said first and second container to expand and shrink, and thus move said liquid in said tube.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes two or more strips, wherein each of the two or more strips comprises a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature. A method comprises contacting two or more strips with an item, wherein each strip comprises a shape memory polymer adapted to undergo a change in a modulus of elasticity at a thermal transition temperature; equilibrating the two or more strips with the item; and determining a temperature range of the item by observing whether any of the two or more strips underwent a decrease in stiffness and/or increase in flexibility caused by the change in the modulus of elasticity of the shape memory polymer.

Abstract: A freeze indicator employs, as active indicator element, dispersion of solid particles in a liquid medium which can be water or aqueous and which coagulates to provide an irreversible appearance change when subject to freezing. The liquid dispersion can be contained in an indicator volume around which extends a vapor block layer. The vapor block layer can prevent loss of liquid vapor from the dispersion and consequent drying out and dysfunctionality of the freeze indicator. For containing an aqueous medium, bilayer and trilayer laminate materials can be used which have a low water vapor transmission rate. The active indicator element can be a dilute colloidal dispersion of a metal such as gold or silver or other inorganic pigment material in water or an aqueous medium. Some embodiments avoid use of dispersants and the like and employ an active indicator element consisting of inorganic pigment particles, water and optionally an ice nucleating agent.

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, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.

Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power tool including a temperature indicator. The power tool includes a housing, a driving source, a transmission system within the housing, a working head connected to the transmission system through a connecting means, and a temperature indicator mounted on the parts of the power tool that may increase in temperature during operation, thereby warning the operator not to touch the specific part, and/or turn off the power tool to potentially prolong the life of the effected part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the provision of activated temperature-sensitive and/or time-sensitive indicators for product marking. A first variant is characterized by the activation of an indicator and the subsequent application of a protective filter to the indicator, with the indicator being conveyed along an activation device and along a protective filter application unit subsequent to it in the conveying direction. A second variant is characterized by the activation of an indicator already provided with a protective filter. The invention furthermore relates to apparatus for the carrying out of the named methods as well as to a product marking which was manufactured in accordance with the methods in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive device having a thermochromic indicating member is described. The device is prepared from a thermally conductive material and has at one end an indicating member that is formed from a thermochromic material.

Abstract: Freeze indicators providing a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and their manufacture are disclosed. The freeze indicators employ colloidal dispersions as active elements and include flexible freeze indicators, freeze indicators protected against drying out and freeze indicators employing core shell composites, for example gold coated pigments as active indicator elements. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.

Abstract: A label arrangement is outfitted upon a beverage container. The label arrangement comprises a plurality of dynamic zones, each of which is provided with a select thermochromic ink or paint. Each select thermochromic ink or paint is chosen and arranged within the dynamic zones such that a temperature change through a range will effect a series of successive and sequential color or visual changes in the ink or paint media. In other words, as the beverage container changes temperature, the label arrangement will progress through a series of successive and/or sequential color changes as set apart by zones within the label arrangement to effect a visually dynamic temperature indicator.

Abstract: Wheel and other bearing restraint jam nuts and early warning visual warning indicators for use with bearing hubs including driven and non-driven wheel bearing hubs wherein each jam nut is adapted to be received on either a threaded drive axle tube spindle or an axle spindle by use of a convention tool and such that the jam nut is of a size to obstruct wheel bearing hub separation in the event of a bearing failure and wherein a portion of the jam nut is engageable to force an indicator outwardly of the wheel bearing hub whenever the wheel bearing hub is not properly rotating about it's axis of rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of a potential problem with the bearings or other components within the wheel or other bearing hub.

Abstract: An indication member having an original structural color, is provided with an indication layer to cause a structural color change irreversibly by receiving a stimulus from the outside so as to exhibit another structural color different from the original structural color. The another structural color obtained by the structural color change is not reversed to the original structural color.

Abstract: A lid (30) for a disposable beverage container (32). The lid (30) includes at least a region having thermochromic properties which is/are adapted to change color upon reaching a predetermined non-ambient temperature in response to heat transfer from or to contents (40) of the container (32). Also disclosed is a lid (60) including at least one recess (62) having an internal side wall or walls (64) that substantially correspond in size and shape to the external side wall(s) (66) of a container (68). The lid internal side walls (64) are adapted to securely frictionally engage, over substantially their entire surface area, the external side wall(s) (66) of another like container (68).

Abstract: A process transmitter includes a temperature responsive indicator to indicate an operating condition of the process transmitter. The operating condition may represent a level of a sensed process variable or an operating temperature of the process transmitter.

Abstract: A combination temperature exposure indicator suitable for attachment to, or association with, a host product has a substrate, a freeze indicator supported by the substrate and a cumulative ambient time-temperature indicator also supported by the substrate. The freeze indicator can provide a visual indication of exposure of the freeze indicator to a freezing or near-freezing temperature and the cumulative time-temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of exposure of the cumulative time-temperature indicator to a predetermined cumulative time-temperature value. Also disclosed are: a combination freeze indicator and threshold temperature indicator; a combination threshold indicator and cumulative temperature indicator; and three-way combination indicators that can provide indications of cumulative past temperature exposure, exposure to freezing temperatures and exposure to a temperature above a threshold.