Abstract: A radio-interrogable data storage medium having a carrier in which electric components are embedded, and a component for optically signaling a previously assumed operating state. Also, a method for operating the radio-interrogable data storage medium, including the steps of the data storage medium assuming various operating states, and optically signaling at least one previously assumed operating state.

Abstract: An apparatus that indicates whether an object has been exposed to a predetermined critical temperature T. The apparatus housing has a reservoir portion and a capillary tube portion in fluid connection with the reservoir portion. A first fluid is contained within the reservoir portion. A second fluid is contained within the capillary portion. A barrier is located intermediate the first fluid and second fluid. The barrier prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing until the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature, and then allows at least a portion of the second fluid to mix with the first fluid when the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature. An observable characteristic of one of the fluids irreversibly changes when the apparatus is exposed to the critical temperature. The housing completely encapsulates the fluids and barrier within the housing and prevents evaporation of the fluids and barrier from the housing.

Abstract: A roofing membrane temperature indicator is provided for preventing the installation of a roofing membrane or roofing membranes at a temperature below a minimum recommended installation temperature for the roofing membrane(s) and/or a minimum recommended installation temperature for the roofing membrane(s) for a particular installation procedure. The membrane temperature indicator is visibly associated with the roofing membrane(s) and includes a thermochromic indicator having a first color at temperatures below a designated temperature and a second color visibly different from the first color at and above the designated temperature. The designated temperature at which the color of the membrane indicator changes is at or above a minimum recommended installation temperature for the roofing membrane(s) and/or a minimum recommended installation temperature for the roofing membrane(s) for a particular installation procedure.

Abstract: In one aspect, a label (1) preferably intended for packages for goods, is provided which has, on one hand, a coloring substance of capacity of producing a print by effect of heat, the color of which print contrasts with the base color of the label, and on the other hand, an agent having the purpose of, at least partially, destroying the contrast between the colors, if the label is exposed to a temperature above a predetermined maximum value, the label having a surface field for a print in the form of a bar-code (3). The label is manufactured from a porous, capillary-suctioning material, in addition to which the agent is included in a loading of a substance (7) that is solid at temperatures up to the maximum value, but becomes liquid above the maximum value, the substance loading being located beside the surface field of the bar-code (3). A package for goods provided with a label, as well as a method and equipment for the application of labels to packages for goods, are also provided.

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: An inexpensive reusable device for measuring the temperature distribution in a substrate, such as meat, poultry, or fish, is disclosed. The device is easy to read, fast and convenient and low in cost without the use of batteries. The device, which utilizes thermochromic materials mounted on one or more metal carriers, can be inserted into or placed in contact with the substrate for determining the temperature gradient across the substrate.

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: It's a device whose purpose is to monitor the storage and indicate that a frozen product has been subjected to a thermal variation, with temperature rise, causing the fusion and liquefaction of a fluid (H) contained in the indicator. The indicator comprises a hollow, cylindrical tube (2) with an open end (3), featuring a releasable cap (17) and a closed end (4), with a slidable piston (5) inside the tube (2). A compartment (C1), inside the tube (2), placed between the piston (5) and the end (4), is fulfilled with a compressed means like a fluid (0)/spring (M), and a compartment (C2) placed between the piston (5) and the end (3), is fulfilled with the fluid (H), frozen, in the solid state. Upon the thawing of the product, the fluid (H) also thaws, escaping the compartment (C2) and allowing the movement of the piston (5), pushed by the fluid (0). The movement of the piston (5) is irreversible and constitutes the indicator's visual indication revealing that the product has been thaw.

Abstract: A communication cable apparatus, such as an actual cable, a connector for a cable end, a jacks for receiving a cable connector, or a holder or tie for bundling cables, includes at least one component formed of a material which can change color. The color change is visible to a human observer and is indicative of a temperature of the component. One or more colors changes may occur to indicate one or more ranges of temperature.

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 thermal history indicator comprising a temperature sensitive material, a sensing device, a heat insulating material functioning to buffer the temperature sensitive material against temperature change, and an activation means. The triggering of the activation means allows a molten phase of the temperature sensitive material to interact with the sensing device, or cease interacting with the sensing device, thereby altering its chemical, biochemical or microbiological.

Abstract: An inexpensive reusable device for measuring the temperature distribution in a substrate, such as meat, poultry, or fish, is disclosed. The device is easy to read, fast and convenient and low in cost without the use of batteries. The device, which utilizes thermochromic materials mounted on one or more metal carriers, can be inserted into or placed in contact with the substrate for determining the temperature gradient across the substrate.

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 substrate with protected temperature sensing coating layer comprises a substrate; a temperature sensing coating layer having at least one color and being formed with patterns; and a plastic protection layer upon the temperature sensing coating layer. The plastic protection layer is applied to the temperature sensing coating layer by coating at liquid form, or pouring or molding. Material of plastic protection layer is selected from one of PU (polyurethane), POLY, silicon and TPU. The temperature sensing coating layer is printed upon the substrate.

Abstract: A full-history time-temperature indicator system which is capable of exhibiting a time-temperature dependent and visually detectable chemical reaction, useful for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of food products. The system comprises an immobilized reactant, such as Fe3+, and a mobile reactant, such as Fe(CN)64-, initially contained in separate compartments, and separated by a sealing. The system is activated by removing a sealing between the compartments whereby the mobile reactant in a time-temperature dependent manner is brought into contact with the immobilized reactant resulting in a visually detectable reaction signal.

Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding or otherwise opening the shell. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for a rubber article comprises a thermochromic material, wherein the thermochromic material is a component of a rubber article selected from the group consisting of tires, belts and hoses. A rubber article containing a temperature indicator is also disclosed, wherein the temperature indicator comprises a thermochromic material compounded with an elastomeric compound to form an elastomeric temperature indicator. A method of determining the operating temperature of a rubber article comprises incorporating at least one thermochromic material into a rubber article, the at least one thermochromic material having the property of changing color at a predetermined temperature, and examining the thermochromic material for a change in color, wherein the rubber article is selected from the group consisting of tires, belts and hoses.

Abstract: Threshold calorimeter/shelf life monitors having a thermally moderating housing containing a liquid solution and one or more low melting point solids all having properties correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of a perishable product being monitored and indicate, by a change in color, electrical capacitance and/or impedance, transmitted RF signals, or combination thereof, the cumulative thermal history of the product while in transit or storage and whether its time-temperature profile has been violated to a detrimental extent or if a significant amount of shelf life has been consumed.

Abstract: A low battery indicating device is disclosed for indicating that a battery has low power. The device includes an indicator having a body movable between a retracted, unactuated position and an extended, actuated position. The indicator is visible when in the actuated position. The device also includes means for biasing the indicator towards the actuated position, and latch means cooperating with a portion of the body of the indicator, when the latch means is in a stop position, to hold the indicator in its unactuated position. The latch means is movable between the stop position and a go position which frees the indicator to move, under operation of the biasing means, to the actuated position. A memory alloy wire is mechanically associated with the latch means so as to leave the latch means in the stop position when the memory alloy wire is in a relaxed state and to move the latch means to the go position when the memory alloy wire is in a contracted state caused by heating of the memory alloy wire.

Abstract: A thermometer comprising a base sheet adapted to be secured to a window or other surface, the sheet includes distinct thermally actuated latent images thereon and each of which is adapted to reversibly depict a different article of clothing once a pre-determined temperature or temperature range is measured whereby a viewer is informed of the appropriate clothing items for the measured temperature conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus generally including a housing, a power source, a temperature sensor, a display and a circuit. The housing may have a bore adaptable to receive a flow of water. The power source may be operational for generating electricity and coupled to the housing. The temperature sensor may be coupled to the housing and in thermal contact with the water flowing through the bore. The visual display may be coupled to the housing and configured to display a temperature of the water. The circuit may be powered by the electricity and configured to control the display in response to reading the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining temperature and temperature distribution over the surface of an object includes (a) applying a temperature sensitive film composed of material displaying change in color as a function of temperature on a surface of an object; and (b) comparing the color changes on the film with predetermined color and temperature data developed for the film. A related temperature indication device includes a temperature indication device for measuring the temperature and temperature distribution over a surface of an object comprising: a thin film composed of a plurality of fibers embedded in an inert binder wherein the plurality of metal or metal alloy fibers have a property whereby the fibers exhibit color change as a function of temperature, when the thin film is engaged with the surface of the object.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a first reservoir (13), a migration medium (11) and activating means for bringing liquid from the first reservoir (13) in contact with the migration medium (11) so that after activation the liquid migrates through the migration medium (11) producing a colour change therein. The activating means comprises a second reservoir (16) connected between the first reservoir (13) and the migration medium (11) whereby after activation the liquid travels relatively rapidly from the first reservoir (13) to the second reservoir (16) and then migrates relatively slowly along the length of the migration medium (11) over time.

Abstract: A self-standing aquarium thermometer includes an impermeable self-standing housing disposed within an aquarium containing a predetermined volume of water, the self-standing housing has a lower cavity for receiving a weighting element, which has a predetermined weight for overcoming a floating force of the self-standing housing ensuring the self-standing housing downwardly sunk into a bottom of the aquarium, a thermometer unit received within the self-standing housing in an air-tight manner, the temperature display unit includes a temperature sensor having a sensor probe exposed into the aquarium for monitoring a temperature of the, a display screen for indicating the temperature, so that when such thermometer is disposed with the aquarium, the temperature of the water would be easily viewed through a glass wall of the aquarium.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature controlled heating of primarily solid food in a microwave oven, which includes a block of polymeric material which is thermally insulated with respect to the food and which is provided so as to be exposed to a same microwave radiation as the food. A heat sensitive, readable marking which corresponds to a temperature of the food is provided on a surface of the block of polymeric material. A reader is connected to a heating system of the oven, and reads the marking and transmits control signals to a control circuit for controlling the heating system of the oven, when the reader reads a change of the marking.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has an environmental sensitive label with at least one cumulative time-temperature indicator and at least one thermal event indicator thereon. The cumulative time-temperature indicator and the thermal event indicator each provides an independent verification of product performance in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: Thermally reactive elements of an intumescent material that expands when heated above a trigger temperature are arranged in an enclosed space, e.g a freight compartment of an aircraft. An optical sensor in the enclosed space has a field of view encompassing the elements. An evolving fire heats one of the elements above the trigger temperature so the intumescent material expands. This expansion of the element is sensed by the optical sensor, for an early detection of the fire at temperatures substantially below 300° C. With the elements arranged in a predefined pattern, the location of the fire can be determined based on the element(s) that has/have expanded. The intumescent material may be an adhesive tape adhered onto the ceiling of the freight compartment. Light sources or optical targets arranged along lines of sight behind the elements enhance the unambiguous recognition of the thermally expanded condition of a respective element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature indicating method and device. The device embodies a sealed tube containing a liquid and a float. The tube has markings on the exterior indicating temperature zones or, in the alternative, temperature gradients. The method disclosed includes inverting the tube such that the indicator drops to the bottom of the tube and freezing the device at the appropriate temperature level. In use, the device is placed right side up in a container along with other items for which the highest temperature level arrived at is desired to be known. Upon warming, the liquid in the tube melts and the float drops through the liquid to the freezing level of the liquid. By removing the device from the container and comparing the float level in the tube to the markings on the exterior of the tube, the highest temperature or temperature zone that the contents of the container were subjected can be determined.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple polymeric substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to an item subject to thermal stressors, each of the polymeric substrates react with a different rate of crystallization and thus yield a specific measure of infrared (IR) absorption spectra, for example. By comparing these measurements for each polymeric substrate, a thermal history fingerprint may be obtained. This thermal history fingerprint may then be compared to baseline data to yield information about the item, such as the expected remaining useful lifetime of the item.

Abstract: The bimetal thermometer according to the invention comprises a bimetal helix arranged inside a protective tube, one end thereof being attached to the protective tube and the other end thereof being connected to a pointer shaft to which a pointer arranged inside a casing is attached. The pointer shaft is rotatably journaled in a bearing assembly in which a cavity is formed through which the pointer shaft extends. The cavity is filled with semisolid lubricating grease for damping vibration movements of the pointer shaft. The pointer shaft has either a smooth surface or is provided with at least one radial projection arranged inside the cavity. Vibration movements of the pointer shaft are damped by the interaction of the pointer shaft and, if provided, the projections with the viscous lubricating grease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barrier coating that shows decreased moisture sensitivity compared to conventional coatings, and provides high barrier properties, as well as a rapid method for producing the coating. These improvements are generated through use of a boric acid chelating agent in the composition and curing the composition with UV/NIR radiation.

Abstract: The apparel indicating thermometer has a housing, a circular dial board disposed within the housing, a pointer situated on the face of the dial board, and a thermometer movement attached to a back surface of the housing. The thermometer movement has an arbor which rotates in response to a temperature change. The arbor extends through the housing and the dial board to engage the pointer on the face of the dial board. The dial board face includes a graduated scale indicating degrees of temperature and color-coded segments representing different temperature ranges. Each color-coded segment includes depictions of appropriate pieces of clothing for each temperature range. When the arbor rotates, the position of the pointer is adjusted to indicate the temperature and the appropriate corresponding clothing. Consequently, children and individuals with cognitive disabilities may easily refer to the thermometer to make dressing decisions.

Abstract: A temperature history indicator means for affixing to goods. A temperature related phase change in a material within the indicator leads to an indication that a high temperature event has occurred. A preferred format has a water-soluble, lipid-insoluble dye immobilised within a lipid selected to have a melting point at a particular temperature and has all components made from edible materials. Upon melting, the dye dissolves in water present in a secondary phase or the goods themselves giving a visual indication. Another format has a primary reagent within a solid lipid and a secondary reagent held with a secondary phase such that melting of the lipid allows the primary reagent to react with the secondary reagent, providing an indication of a high temperature event. Time-dependent formats are also considered.

Abstract: A card label having a system for discouraging its non-authorized removal and reuse, which initiate an incontrollable combustion process that completely damage the card label and its information and included circuitry when it is attempted to remove the card label from a surface.

Abstract: An enhanced built-in visual warning mechanism to caution a user when the surfaces of a worklight are hot. A worklight is shown that has a housing that includes an interior portion for holding a light source such as one or more quartz halogen bulbs. The light source operates at a temperature sufficient to raise at least portions of the exterior surfaces of the housing to a temperature that is hot to human touch during normal operation of the worklight. A thermochromic substance is disposed in thermal communication with at least a portion of one of the exterior housing surfaces in a readily visible position. The thermochromic substance is formulated to undergo a conspicuous color change, in the normal operation of the worklight, in response to heat from the external surface where it is located. The dynamic color change provides a timely visible indication to the user that the exterior surface is presently hot to the touch.

Abstract: A floatable barrier suitably adapted for use with a beverage container having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending vertically therefrom. The floatable barrier comprising top and bottom planar surfaces for displaying advertising material thereon and for floatingly engaging a substantial portion of a comestible liquid contained in the beverage container, respectively; an outer wall integrally connecting the top and bottom planar surfaces along the periphery thereof principally serving as means to space apart and maintain a parallel relationship of the surfaces to form an inner chamber possessing thermal retaining and buoyancy characteristics; and a plurality of apertures collectively located along the periphery of and extending from the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface, through the inner chamber, to assist in promoting the condition of laminar flow over the floatable barrier as the beverage container is being filled with the comestible liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to maximum/minimum thermometer of the type comprising an expansion liquid, a transfer liquid and indexes for recording the maximum and minimum temperatures. Described in particular are new transfer liquids designed to replace conventionally used mercury and new indexes suitable for use in the disclosed thermometers.

Abstract: A device and method of making a device for indicating a change in condition is disclosed. A first embodiment is a device for indicating a transition from a frozen condition to a thawed condition is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a capsule. A first reactant and a liquid are included within the capsule. The liquid is chosen such that it expands upon freezing. The capsule is sized such that when the liquid freezes and expands, the capsule fractures. A second reactant is provided within the housing. The location of the second reactant and the method of attaching (if any) the second reactant to the housing may take various forms. When the liquid within the capsule freezes, it expands and fractures the capsule. Upon thawing, the reactant within the capsule escapes and mixes with the reactant located outside the capsule. A second embodiment is a time-temperature indicator. A flexible housing is used, allowing the user to manually deform the housing to fracture a capsule enclosed therein.

Abstract: A freezer failure indicator assembly is provided comprising an indicator unit in the form of a closed container party filled with an opaque liquid (1) and a support bracket (8) therefor. The container has an opaque zone (2) and a transparent zone (3) arranged to enable the liquid to be pre-frozen within the opaque zone followed by re-orientating the container relative to the bracket to render the transparent zone of the wall visible, devoid of any liquid and lower than the pre-frozen liquid. Thawing of the pre-frozen liquid causes it to move to become visible through the transparent zone. Colour imparting means (13) are carried by the bracket so as to be visible through the said transparent zone in the operative position thereof to thereby impart a first colour to the transparent zone in the absence of any liquid being present in it. The opaque liquid serves to obscure such first colour when the liquid is present in the transparent zone.

Abstract: A beverage container has a wall with a thickness that progresses from relatively thinner to relatively thicker in a selected direction that travels around the container. A permanent graphics pattern is applied to the outer surface of the wall to progress in the same direction across the container. A layer of thermochromic ink is applied to the outer surface of the container wall to initially mask the graphics pattern (or at least portions thereof) progressing across the container wall. The thermochromic ink layer is of a composition that reacts to heat or cold and changes from opaque to transparent when the temperature transferred to it through the wall of the container changes to a relatively higher or relatively lower transition temperature.

Abstract: A critical temperature indicator according to the present invention produces a visual, irreversible indication that the indicator has been subjected to a selected critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator includes a transparent housing, and a temperature sensitive transformable material operably contained within the transparent housing which includes mixture of water, nucleating agent (preferably ice nucleating active (INA) microorganisms), latex, and stabilizer which is translucent prior to exposure of a predetermined temperature and is transformed upon being subjected to the predetermined temperature to render a substantially consistent opaque material thus precluding visibility therethrough and thereby providing a sure visual sign that the indicator has been subjected to the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: In an apparatus including a unit which is recoverable and reusable after use, an environmental history indicator member having a property variable according to an environmental history of use of the apparatus and arranged not to participate in any functions of the apparatus during use of the apparatus is disposed inside the unit or adjacent to the unit. By checking the state of the environmental history indicator member when the unit is recovered from the apparatus after the end of service of the apparatus, a management system for reuse is arranged to easily and efficiently decide the unit to be reusable or no longer usable.

Abstract: A cooking thermometer having an audible alarm includes a skewer having a segment of a shape memory alloy wire disposed therein. The upper end of the shape memory allow wire is secured to a connecting rod which is operatively associated with a cam assembly. When the skewer and hence the shape memory alloy wire is heated, the shape memory alloy commences a phase transformation from martensite to austenite and contracts. The cam assembly serves to translate the up and down motion of the connecting rod into rotational motion which is transmitted through a spur gear assembly to a pivoting pointer positionable over a temperature indicia plate. A helical spring assembly is positioned on the top of the connecting rod which exerts stress on the connecting rod and shape memory alloy wire during the phase transformation to extend the temperature transformation range and improve and optimize the linearity of the transition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cap, which includes: a cap body of a plastic composition; and at least one thermochromic material in contact with or admixed with the plastic composition, the thermochromic material selected such that the cap has a visually altered appearance when the cap temperature changes within a temperature range of ?25 to 85° C.; wherein the cap is adapted to be removably secured to a beverage container, the container having an opening through which a beverage in the container can be dispensed from the container, and to cover the opening of the beverage container.

Abstract: Time or time-temperature indicating articles are described comprising a housing enclosing: (a) a first fluid reservoir at least partially filled with a first fluid; (b) a substrate comprising a plurality of channels; (c) a second fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one channel of the substrate; and (d) a barrier located between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. The article can be manipulated at a desired point in time by opening the barrier to allow at least a portion of the fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir and to contact at least one channel of the substrate. The article is designed to provide an indication of the progress of the fluid as it moves through the channels of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a cooking thermometer having an audible alarm and triggering mechanism therefore. The cooking thermometer includes a skewer having a segment of nitinol wire disposed therein. The nitinol wire is secured to a connecting wire which extends upwardly into the housing and is vertically displaceable within the skewer. The connecting wire extends out of the skewer into a wire guide having a curvilinear passage therein which is adapted to allow sliding displacement of the connecting wire therethrough. The upper end of the connecting wire is fixedly attached to a gear assembly whereby sliding displacement of the connecting wire causes the rotation of the gear assembly, which engages a spur gear train which is connected to a pivoting pointer positionable over the temperature indicia plate.

Abstract: An improved utensil for feeding a small child includes a coating of a relatively soft plastic material provided over a rigid base portion that has a relatively high capacity for heat conduction and storage. The relatively soft plastic material is formulated to change color when exposed to a substance, such as food, that is above a predetermined temperature. During use, the presence of the base portion acts as a heat storage reservoir in order to lengthen and delocalize the color change response of the soft plastic material, thereby making the color change response more continuous and more noticeable to the caregiver. Also disclosed is a kit of different utensils that start out as different colors, but that change to a uniform warning color when overheated. The concept of the uniform warning color makes it easier for children and caregivers alike to identify the warning when it occurs.

Abstract: The problem of the invention is to find a polymer mixture which forms an inter-polymer complex by being responsive to temperature even under neutral to alkaline conditions. According to the invention, a temperature responsive inter-polymer complex capable of showing thermal responsiveness in an aqueous solution, which contains a poly-N-acetylacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide or polymethacylamide, is applied to separating agents, immobilized enzymes, denatured protein modifiers, separation method or concentration of microorganisms, purification or concentration of nucleic acids, drug-releasing microcapsules and the like.

Abstract: A food safety thermometer is provided that is easily calibratable. The thermometer includes a digital display for displaying the temperature of food items under measurement. A calibration unit is coupled to the digital display. The calibration unit generates a calibration alert when the measured temperature is maintained within a calibration range for a predetermined period of time (the calibration period). If the user elects to calibrate the thermometer during the calibration period, the may activate the calibration unit and the calibration unit drives the measured temperature to the calibration temperature.

Abstract: A cumulative thermal exposure monitor (10) having a housing (11) with a fluid sealed interior cavity (16) and a thermally-responsive member (20) therein formed of a shape memory material which moves an indicator (21), wherein the thermal properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are calibrated relative to one another to function in mutual cooperation such that the thermally-responsive member gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape upon absorption of heat energy over time to closely match a thermal deterioration profile of a perishable product, and to indicate the cumulative amount of heat energy absorbed and whether, at any time, the temperature has been above a preferred storage temperature range for a period of time sufficient to cause any degree of deterioration based on a known time and temperature thermal deterioration profile of the perishable product.