Abstract: An odor-emitting port is provided in a housing member composed mainly of an inorganic material. An odorous material is contained in the housing member, and the odor-emitting port is sealed with a low-melting metal to constitute a heat-sensitive odor-emitting component. In this heat-sensitive odor-emitting component, as soon as the temperature of a heat generation site has reached a predetermined value, the low-melting metal is instantaneously melted down to open the odor-emitting port through which the odorous material contained in the housing member is immediately spread around the odor-emitting component. Therefore, the odor-emitting component is highly sensitive to temperature. Further, since the housing member is formed of an inorganic material, the long-term stability can be improved.

Abstract: An input device comprising an input mechanism for a computer system. The input mechanism is operative responsive to movements of a user of the device to send inputs to a computer system. An exterior surface of the input mechanism is operative to come in contact with the user of the device. At least one portion of the exterior surface is comprised of color changing material that is operative to turn at least one different color responsive to an increase in temperature, pressure, or changes in light exposure to the color changing material caused by contact with the user of the device.

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 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: The invention relates to a light indicator, comprising an indicator element (2) illuminable by a light source (1). The indicator element is manufactured from a substantially transparent material provided with an informative indicator pattern. The indicator element (2) is designed as a waveguide panel, wherein light beams propagate with total reflection and get outcoupled therefrom with a diffractive outcoupling system (2u), such as a grating structure or the like, which is configured as an indcator pattern, for producing an indicator pattern (2a) activable in the indicator element (2) by the action of light, such that divergent recesses and/or grooves of various sizes and/or shape constitute divergent local gratings of various sizes and/or shapes, such as multi-shaped and/or binary pixels and/or units, the filling factor, shape, profile and/or size thereof being optimized in such a way that the difraction efficiency is a function of place.

Abstract: A method of verifying the usability of a photosensitive film product just prior to use by applying at least one environmental sensitive label to the photosensitive film product. The environmental sensitive label has at least one cumulative time-temperature indicator and at least one thermal event indicator each providing independent indications of product performance in a predetermined environment.

Abstract: A critical temperature indicator is provided using inexpensive molded vessels and filled with water sealed with a deformable membrane that will, upon reaching freezing, expand and cause the membrane coated with a transferable pigment to contact a spacer cap and give an irreversible indication.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a coiled temperature sensitive bi-metallic spring. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material slowly rotates, causing a pointer and triggering disk to rotate. When the rotation achieves a predetermined position, a pre-wound coil spring is permitted to engage a drive gear which operates a hammer device so as to provide an audible signal. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of times in which a surgical fitting has been autoclaved, the device including a body which includes first and second sets of teeth and a bimetallic indexing ring having teeth thereon, the arrangement being such that on thermal expansion and contraction of the indexing ring, its teeth engage those of the body so as to rotate the ring in a step wise manner relative to the body so as to thereby indicate the number of heat cycles to which the indicating device has been subjected, the indexing ring being the only movable part of the device.

Abstract: Unique transparent plastic (preferably though not necessarily polypropylene) articles that can be tailored to become opaque when exposed to a sufficiently high temperature and which returns to substantially the same transparency level upon cooling are provided. Such formulations include polymeric constituents that exhibit melting temperatures well below that for the majority clarified polypropylene, and thus which appear to become amorphous upon exposure to temperatures above such a lower melting temperature, thereby affecting the crystalline formation of the clarified polypropylene to the extent that opacity dominates the appearance thereof. Such lower melting temperature polymeric constituents include species such as low melt flow (up to 10) metallocene polyethylene and/or low density polyethylene, both of which exhibit melting temperatures of from about 60 to about 100° C., well below the typical polypropylene melting temperatures of roughly about 150° C.

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: A safety label for use with chafing fuel cans capable of providing the user with information about the current physical characteristics of the can, including as they relate to temperature, employing the use of thermochromic materials dispersed within a media such as ink or paint. The thermochromic materials are capable of undergoing a sharp, reversible visible metachromism between the temperatures of −40° C. and 80° C. The method of manufacturing safety labels according to the invention include the steps of applying informational indicia on the safety label, and then covering such indicia with the media containing the thermochromic materials dispersed therein. When the chafing fuel can is ignited, the media with the thermochromic materials visually undergoes a metachromism, rendering the media invisible, thereby revealing the informational indicia applied with the non-thermochromic ink.

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

Abstract: A method of operation of a steam stripped fractionation column by using a computer to process the relevant operating parameters of the column to determine the undesirable approach to a possible flooding condition.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a metallic closure, which includes: a metallic shell; and a thermochromic ink layer on a surface of the shell.

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 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.

Abstract: A sterilant challenge device (1), for use in testing the efficiency of the air removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, includes a tube (2) of thermally-insulating material, the bore of which is closed at one end (3) and open at the other for the entry of sterilant. A plurality of thermally-conductive masses (4) is located around the tube (2) and thermally-separated from one another by air gaps (14), and a temperature sensor is located in an opening (16) in one of the masses adjacent the closed end of the tube. An outer casing (5) defines an air space around the thermally-conductive masses and thermally insulates the masses from the heat in the sterilizer.

Abstract: A sensor of a parameter such as temperature includes an indicator encapsulated within a rigid enclosure, wherein the sensor has a characteristic that varies with the parameter that is detectable upon illumination with electromagnetic radiation through a window of the enclosure that is transparent to the radiation. In a specific example, the indicator changes an optical characteristic such as its color as a function of its temperature, and may be of an irreversible type in order to indicate the peak temperature reached. The sensor may include a pattern of such indicators that have different peak temperatures to which they respond, so that the sensor gives a unique visual pattern at each temperature within its measurement range. This pattern may be viewed directly or processed by computer to compare the pattern with those which indicate known temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-temperature integrating indicator having an amorphous material in operable contact with a porous matrix, wherein the amorphous material only migrates into the porous matrix at or above a predetermined temperature. Use of the invention simplifies monitoring of the cumulative temperature exposure of the product because no additional actuation step is required. The indicator is especially useful in monitoring the cumulative time-temperature exposure of a perishable product for a short period of time at an abusive temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cap, which includes:

Abstract: A thermochromic device for use relative to a product container for providing a thermochromic indication of a temperature of a volume of product that is retained within an open inner volume of the container comprising a first image display and a second image display. The second image display and, possibly, the first image display could incorporate a layer of thermochromic material with an active temperature range. The active temperature range for the second image display could be above or below room temperature. The first image display can be thermochromic or non-thermochromic, and a thermochromic third image display could be provided. Where first, second, and third image displays are included, the second and third image displays could have active temperature ranges that are both above, both below, or to each side of room temperature. The image displays could be coupled to a side wall or to an upper surface of a product container.

Abstract: A sensor provides a persistent indication that it has been exposed to temperatures exceeding a critical temperature for a predetermined time period. An element of the sensor made from shape memory alloy changes shape when exposed, even temporarily, to temperatures above the Austenitic temperature of the shape memory alloy. The shape change of the SMA element causes the sensor to change between two readily distinguishable states. The sensor includes a removable element that prevents the shape change, allowing the sensor to be manufactured and stored at temperatures above the Austenitic temperature without causing the indication of an over-temperature event.

Abstract: A critical temperature warning apparatus and method to monitor the thermal history of a product such as a memory card. The apparatus comprises a critical temperature indicator, which is externally attached to a product to be monitored. The indicator indicates if the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may comprise a patterned array of wax, the wax having a melting point equal to the critical temperature. If the pattern of wax has been destroyed leaving a molten wax residue, then this indicates that the product has experienced a critical temperature. The critical temperature indicator may also include thermographic inks for indicating that a critical temperature has been experienced.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining a change in a condition in an item, and in particular overheating of a big end bearing (120). The apparatus (10) comprising a thermally reactive means (14) mountable on the big end bearing (120) and arranged to react to a temperature change so as, to move to a detectable position such that at the respective part of the stroke it can be sensed by a fixed proximity sensor (20) located spaced from the bearing (120), to activate an alarm.

Abstract: Unique transparent polypropylene articles that can be tailored to become opaque when exposed to a sufficiently high temperature and which returns to substantially the same transparency level upon cooling. Such formulations include non-polypropylene polymeric constituents that exhibit refractive index measurements similar to the base clarified polypropylene at lower temperatures, as well as melting temperatures well below that for the base clarified polypropylene. Upon exposure to temperatures in close proximity to the melting temperature of the non-polypropylene polymeric constituents, the refractive index for such constituents will then become modified to the extent that the overall article appears at least partially opaque. In particular, the non-polypropylene polymeric constituents should exhibit melting temperatures well below that for the base clarified polypropylene, from about 60 to about 100° C. (well below the typical polypropylene melting temperatures of roughly about 160-190° C.

Abstract: A liquid crystal temperature indicator, and aerosol dispensers equipped with a properly placed indicator, to facilitate using aerosols within preferred temperature ranges or at optimum temperatures. The temperature indicator uses different colors to graphically illustrate temperatures and/or temperature ranges, as well as temperatures above and below optimal temperatures or preferred temperature ranges. Temperature indicators are reusable; they may be self-adhesive and may optionally be transferred from one dispenser to another.

Abstract: An overheating axle warning device comprising a heat sensor device with a neoprene seal which is substituted for a standard rubber filler wheel hub plug. The device can have various colors to identify certain temperature ranges of activation.

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 time-temperature indicator device comprises a polymeric layer having a first and second surface and a dye composition adhered to said first surface comprising a dye which diffuses into the polymeric layer as a result of a cumulative time-temperature exposure wherein the polymeric layer is formed from a natural or synthetic rubber polymer or copolymer. The device may be attached to a product for monitoring cumulative time-temperature exposure.

Abstract: An x-ray system 20 includes an x-ray tube insert (24) that has an evacuated envelope (34), an anode assembly (38) and a cathode assembly (40). The anode assembly (38) and the cathode assembly (40) are located in operative relationship to one another within the evacuated envelope (34). A temperature indicating member (100) is located in thermally conductive contact with at least one assembly (38, 40, 66) located in the x-ray tube insert (24). The temperature indicating member (100) has a temperature sensitive characteristic which changes in response to adequate thermal exposure to at least one temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A thermal indicator for indicating a specified temperature range of a liquid container within a beverage container. The thermal indicator is constructed of a thermochromic material and affixed to an inner wall of the beverage container. The thermal indicator senses the temperature of the liquid. The thermal indicator changes color upon sensing a selected temperature. The thermal indicator protrudes above the rim of the beverage container to provide an indication to a beverage drinker.

Abstract: A safety label for use with chafing fuel cans capable of providing the user with information about the current physical characteristics of the can, including as they relate to temperature, employing the use of thermochromic materials dispersed within a media such as ink or paint. The thermochromic materials are capable of undergoing a sharp, reversible visible metachromism between the temperatures of −40° C. and 80° C. The method of manufacturing safety labels according to the invention include the steps of applying informational indicia on the safety label, and then covering such indicia with the media containing the thermochromic materials dispersed therein. When the chafing fuel can is ignited, the media with the thermochromic materials visually undergoes a metachromism, rendering the media invisible, thereby revealing the informational indicia applied with the non-thermochromic ink.

Abstract: A temperature showable filler cap for engine radiator is composed of a filler cap, a thermometer, and a fixing ferrule, wherein a storing space is formed in a central portion of the filler cap for accommodating the thermometer, which is fixedly positioned with the fixing ferrule. A readout index is placed on the top end of the thermometer whose bottom end is extended downwardly to form a thermal sensing portion deep into the radiator to sense inside temperature and quantify to show on the readout index on the filler cap to keep a user informed of the temperature in the radiator to avoid scalding.

Abstract: The present invention is a novelty musical kettle that plays a song when liquid inside the kettle is heated. The kettle body contains a circular flute instrument with a release flap at a first end and a closed second end. When the water is heated, the flap opens allowing pressure to enter the instrument. Also, when the liquid is heated, a release strip releases a rachet which in turn releases a manually pre-wound rotating drum with a drive mechanism. As the drum unwinds, a plurality of multilevel cams along the drum's outer circumference lift a plurality of corresponding actuation valves. The actuation valves unseal and reseal a plurality of apertures along the circular instrument. When the aperture is open, the pressure inside escapes and a musical note is played. The unwinding drum continually unseals and reseals the apertures in a preprogramed manner, thus playing a song.

Abstract: An overheating axle warning device comprising a heat sensor device with a neoprene seal which is substituted for a standard rubber filler wheel hub plug. The device can have various colors to identify certain temperature ranges of activation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A coffee cup contains a temperature indicating device which informs the user as to whether the liquid within is too hot to comfortably drink, too cold, or otherwise. The temperature-indicating device is thermochromic, changing color as a function of temperature. In one embodiment, three segments are printed onto the cup lid using thermochromic ink. One of these segments changes color to indicate the liquid is cool, another when the liquid is warm, and a third when hot. In another embodiment, the cup itself is printed with the thermochromic ink, and changes color to indicate the temperature of the liquid. In yet another embodiment the material of which the cup and lid are made is itself thermochromic.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a temperature sensitive spring in bi-metallic communication. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material and spring slowly rise causing the disk to rotate back to its original position. When the original position is reached, the actuation pin on the temperature pointer activates a series of levers which release a manually pre-wound coil spring. The unwinding of the coil spring activates a large gear which then activates a small gear causing a clapper with a plurality of wings to spin in circles and repeatedly ring a bell. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: A method of identifying glazing that has undergone a heat treatment, consisting of fixing a substance to its surface and/or on an edge, the optical characteristic of the substance being modified at a temperature reached during the heat treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a visual monitoring device for use in conjunction with a dishwasher wherein a buoyant and weighted member is maintained in a cup-shaped receptacle and movable by water accumulated in the receptacle during the washing portion of the operating cycle, thereby changing the position of the buoyant member to indicate whether additional items can be accepted for washing.

Abstract: A thermal exposure monitor has a thermally-conductive housing adapted to be placed in close proximity to a product to be monitored and at least one thermally-responsive shape memory alloy member in the housing that has a first shape at temperatures below a critical temperature and a second shape at temperatures above the critical temperature and a transformation temperature range encompassing a prescribed detrimental temperature related to the product being monitored. An indicator associated with the thermally-responsive member is moved from an initial position as the thermally-responsive member changes from the first shape to the second shape so as to be visually observed through a window on the housing to visually indicate whether the product being monitored has been exposed to temperatures above the prescribed detrimental temperature for a period of time that would be detrimental to the product.

Abstract: Temperature Indicating Beverage Cup comprising: a ceramic beverage holding cup, an integral, applied thermochromatic display fixedly printed on the outside wall of said ceramic cup, said thermochromatic display having a plurality of printed segments, each said segment correlating to a temperature range, and said segments revealing a written or numeric display as the temperature causes said thermochromatic to transition from opaque to transparent.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitive label construction (10) adapted to be adhesively secured to a conventional beverage container (100) wherein the label construction (10) includes a label member (20) having a front face (21) provided with two distinct types of visual indicators (30) and (40) wherein the first visual indicator (30) is an enlarged contoured area (31) having the silhouette of a beverage container and provided with one or more thermo-sensitive coatings (50) and the second type of visual indicator (40) includes printed legends in the form of a cautionary admonishment (41) and a salutation (42) which correspond in color to the respective thermo-sensitive coatings (50).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for a self orienting floating apparatus which utilizes an external magnetic field to maintain a constant orientation, and specifically relates to a plain form hydrometer, a floating thermometer, and a thermohydrometer that continuously display a graduated scale in an operator pre-determined direction.

Abstract: A shielding method for achieving highly uniform temperatures in liquids during microwave heating by substantially enhancing vertical mixing currents in said liquids, making determinations of final temperature reached in said liquids either by touch or the use of a temperature indicator efficacious, comprising: a electrically conductive shield having very low impedance at microwave frequencies; having, a generally cylindrical shape, and dimensions chosen to accommodate a variety of microwaveable containers. said shield: to be concentric with a microwaveable container, containing a liquid to be heated by microwave radiation; and, to be located so as the top edge of said shield is at or above a vertical level corresponding to the level of the liquid in said container; and, to be of sufficient height as to cover at least 10% of the height of the liquid in said container.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate mounted on a bottom portion of a housing, a temperature status indicator mounted on the housing, and a control circuit mounted in the housing and coupled electrically to the soleplate. A driver unit drives the temperature status indicator to emit a light output. A controller controls heating operation of the soleplate and operation of the driver unit to control light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator. A power storage unit is charged by a rectifying unit when electric power is supplied to the latter by an AC power source, and enables continued operation of the controller and the driver unit for a period of time to permit continued light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator after supply of the electric power from the AC power source to the rectifying unit is interrupted.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone and process for removing foreign substances from a liquid to be cleaned. The hydrocyclone includes at least one inlet for the liquid to be cleaned, at least one accepted stock outlet for the cleaned liquid, and at least one reject opening for foreign substances removed from the liquid to be cleaned. The at least one reject opening includes at least one stoppage-hazard zone, and a color layer is coupled to an exterior wall of the hydrocyclone. The color layer changes appearance in accordance with different temperatures. The process includes introducing the liquid to be cleaned into a hydrocyclone through at least one inlet, discharging cleaned liquid from the hydrocyclone through at least one accepted stock outlet, and discharging the foreign substances from the hydrocyclone through at least one reject opening.

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate mounted on a bottom portion of a housing, an electroluminescent temperature status indicator mounted on an outer wall surface of the housing, and a control circuit mounted in the housing and coupled electrically to the soleplate and the temperature status indicator. The control circuit controls heating operation of the soleplate, and further controls light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator.