Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample. The invention also relates to a device for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample. The device (10) for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample comprises a sample container (1) having a receiving space (2) for receiving a biological sample (6). The device also comprises at least one chamber (11) having an interior that is not fluidically connected to the receiving space (2) and is only partially filled with an indicator substance (7) with a melting temperature in a region of ?20° C. to ?140° C. The chamber (11) has a barrier (13) that causes the indicator substance (7) to move into a second sub-region (12b) of the chamber (11) when the indicator substance (7) in a first sub-region (12a) of the chamber is in the fluid aggregate state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample. The invention also relates to a device for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample. The device (10) for monitoring the temperature of a cryopreserved biological sample comprises a sample container (1) having a receiving space (2) for receiving a biological sample (6). The device also comprises at least one chamber (11) having an interior that is not fluidically connected to the receiving space (2) and is only partially filled with an indicator substance (7) with a melting temperature in a region of ?20° C. to ?140° C. The chamber (11) has a barrier (13) that causes the indicator substance (7) to move into a second sub-region (12b) of the chamber (11) when the indicator substance (7) in a first sub-region (12a) of the chamber is in the fluid aggregate state.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for a cold reference junction of a thermocouple is provided that may be incorporated permanently or removeably in a releasable connector having a first connector part arranged to engage releasably with a second connector part in which the thermocouple conductors terminate, so forming a cold reference junction for the thermocouple. When the two parts of the connector are engaged, the temperature sensor of the present invention is able to sense the temperature in the vicinity of a cold reference junction in the connector. The temperature sensor may be provided by embedding one or more thermistors into a flexible disk or plate-like seal able to fit around the conductors of the first connector part such that the thermistors make electrical contact with selected conductors of the first connector part and thermal contact with the cold reference junction.

Abstract: A transmission in combination with a temperature measurement device and a device exterior to the transmission. The transmission includes a rotatable housing which drives a wheel of a vehicle, a wireless transceiver in communication with a thermistor embedded within molding, a battery embedded within the molding, and the molding resides within the housing. The temperature measurement device resides in a wall of the rotatable housing and the rotatable housing includes an interior volume. The interior volume of the rotatable housing is partially filled with oil for lubrication of transmission components residing within the interior volume of the housing. The temperature measurement device is rotated through the oil and out of the oil within the rotating housing when the rotating housing is in motion.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for displaying the previous history of products, e.g. in relation to the development of temperature. The device according to the invention comprises a surface layer, an indicator layer, an activator layer and an optional delaying layer. Heating releases moisture which migrates in some embodiments first into the delaying layer and then into the activator layer. Here, an activator is mobilized and migrates together with the humidity into the indicator layer. A colour change occurs as a result of the interaction of the indicator with the activator in the presence of moisture, which change indicates that the critical temperature has been exceeded. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the device according to the invention and to applications of said device, e.g. in monitoring the temperature of sensitive products.

Abstract: A fuel bundle temperature sensing device may include an indicating rod made of a first material; an outer housing having an upper opening, the outer housing being made of a second material and surrounding at least a portion of the indicating rod; and a rod holder attached to an inner surface of the outer housing, the rod holder being made of a third material and being configured to support the indicating rod such that a top surface of the rod extends out of the upper opening of the outer housing, the third material having a lower melting point than the first and second materials.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically storing grocery operations information regarding at least in part one or more grocery implementation aspects pertaining to grocery related merchandizing of one or more commercial grocery products; and electronically associating at least a portion of grocery operations information concerning at least in part one or more grocery implementation aspects pertaining to grocery related merchandizing of one or more commercial grocery products with identification information obtainable through one or more tags said one or more tags logged as being at least temporarily within at least a vicinity of one or more food based substances. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A variable traffic safety sign is useful in informing road users of the possibility of a surface of a road or bridge section being wet or frozen without using an additional external power source by exactly expressing freezing and wet roadbed conditions of the road or bridge section using a thermochromic paint and a humidity indicator paint, and also allowing road drivers to exactly recognize the roadbed conditions of the road or bridge section by displaying the freezing and wet roadbed conditions of the road or bridge section conditions in response to changes in temperature and humidity, respectively. Also, the variable traffic safety sign is readily applicable to structures such as a bridge crash barrier, a traffic safety sign board, a bridge guardrail, a road shoulder, and an inner part, entrance and exit of a tunnel.

Abstract: A downhole temperature logging method includes deploying a temperature logging device into a borehole, the temperature logging device having a mechanical drive and at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) unit. The method also includes deforming the SMA unit in response to a temperature or temperature range, wherein the deforming causes marks to a medium. The method also includes retrieving the medium and analyzing the marks.

Abstract: A sealing member for a machine may include an elastomeric body configured to fit at least partially into a recess defined in at least one of two sealing surfaces of two mating parts of the machine. The elastomeric body may include a visible indicator portion extending out from between the two mating parts. The elastomeric body may further include an elastomeric compound, and at least one of a thermochromic dye and a piezochromic dye mixed into the elastomeric compound, wherein the thermochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a temperature above a threshold temperature, and the piezochromic dye is adapted to change color upon exposure of the elastomeric body to a pressure above a threshold pressure.

Abstract: A device for indicating that an ambient temperature has fallen to or below a predetermined lower threshold temperature. The device includes: a porous membrane having first and second spatially separate zones; a first freezable liquid infused in the porous membrane, the first freezable liquid having a freezing point corresponding to the predetermined lower threshold temperature; a second liquid for contacting the first zone of the porous membrane, the second liquid being immiscible with the first liquid; and an indicator window for indicating migration of the second liquid from the first zone to the second zone. The membrane infused with the first liquid is impervious to the second liquid above the threshold temperature and is permeable to the second liquid at or below the threshold temperature. The device is useful in applications where products degrade below a certain lower threshold temperature.

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

Abstract: In some aspects of the present application, a method is disclosed that can include determining a change in state of an ink printed on a label; and determining a change in temperature to which the label has been exposed to based on the change in state of the ink.

Abstract: A thermal indicator device is disclosed for providing an indication that an article of food is heated to a certain level of preparedness. The thermal indicator device comprises a stake and a marker secured to the stake. The stake comprises an end adapted for insertion into the food. The marker is adapted for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The marker is retained in the retracted position via a string, and actuated to the extended position via an internal spring. Accordingly, at a temperature below the melting temperature, the string maintains the marker in the retracted position, and when the internal temperature of the food rises to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature, the string melts to permit release of the marker into the extended position. Once the string melts, the internal spring actuates the marker into the extended position for visual indication.

Abstract: Signaling methods and apparatuses are described for preventing flood irrigation water from overflowing in a trench, field, or other area. Signaling devices may include indicators such as a reflector, a flag, a light, or a sound device provided on an end of an elongate member having its opposite end engaged with the ground. A stake is driven into the ground near the elongate member in the trench or other area where water will flow. A breakaway link such as a strip of paper is engaged to either the indicator or the elongate member and also to the stake, causing the elongate member to be bent downward, with the breakaway link located in the trench where water will flow. When exposed to the flow of water, the breakaway link weakens and eventually tears such that the elongate member springs upward carrying the indicator with it, signaling an operator that water has reached that location in the trench.

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: 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 thermomechanical 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—R2 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, and wherein the number of carbon atoms in Rn2 of each material n differs by four or less.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive films that undergo an irreversible change in appearance when the films are heated to a threshold temperature are provided. Also provided are methods for indicating that an object in thermal contact with a temperature-sensitive film has reached a threshold temperature.

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

Abstract: A visual thermal history indicator comprising a pattern produced from at least two waxes wherein one wax has a melting point that differs from the other wax, or where the waxes have the same melting point but different melt flow behaviour, and wherein the pattern is adapted so that when the lower melting point wax melts or the wax with greater melt flow behaviour flows, the visual appearance of the pattern changes, and wherein when the second and subsequent higher melting waxes melt, or when the lower melt flow behaviour waxes flow, the visual appearance of the pattern changes as each wax melts or flows.

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: Taught is a residual lifetime indicator for perishable consumer products, comprising a material which displays a property variable with varying temperature in accordance with a given function, actuating means which act on the material so as to make it exhibit the aforesaid property, and indicator means linked to the material/actuating means combination, the indicator means indicating the residual lifetime relative to the expiry date of the product; the material is a fluid (102; 114) of viscosity variable as a function of the temperature, which flows in a pipe (2, 212; 4, 134) having a given cross-section, the actuating means comprising a device (311, 601, 411, 701; 313, 203, 113, 204) capable of applying an essentially constant pressure on said fluid (102, 114), the flow of said fluid being linked to said indicator means (701, 413).

Abstract: A temperature sensitive piece 9 has a waxed layer 7 formed on a colored face 4 of a colored paper 6 having an arbitrary plane shape. The waxed layer 7 is formed of a mixture of a proper amount of viscous material and powdered petroleum wax melting at selectively preset temperature. The temperature sensitive piece 9 is affixed to a sheet-shaped base 1 with the waxed layer 7 being located close to the front face of the temperature sensor label. The entire face of the base 1 facing the front face of the temperature sensor label is covered with a transparent film 5.

Abstract: A wearable article including a fever indicator disposed on at least a portion of the article for indicating the body temperature of a wearer. The fever indicator may be used in conjunction with a disposable absorbent article and provides a signal indicating qualitative or quantitative information about the body temperature of the wearer based on the temperature of the wearer's urine.

Abstract: The temperature indicating surface, typically a label, includes an irreversibly fusible coating which changes from a first appearance to a second appearance in response to exposure to a threshold temperature or rated temperature. An in situ standard is provided by initially fusing selected areas of the temperature indicating surface so that a pattern is visible prior to exposure to the threshold temperature. Upon exposure to the threshold temperature, however, the entire temperature indicating surface is fused thereby presenting a uniform appearance and unambiguous evidence of prior exposure to the threshold temperature.

Abstract: A lambda sensor for motor vehicles which permanently displays an at least temporary thermal overload by means of an indicator which, for fast reliable and unambiguous diagnosis without major additional measurement effort or expense, includes an indication material having at least one limit temperature adapted to the maximum allowable operating temperature of the component, and when this limit temperature is exceeded in at least one material component, a microstructural change ensues.

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: An apparatus to combine temperature indicator sticks used in the welding, metal fabrication, and heat treatment industries and capable of identifying at least two given temperatures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first temperature indicator stick aligned along a first axis and comprised of a compound which melts at a first temperature, and a second temperature indicator stick aligned along a second axis and formed of another compound which melts at a second temperature. The apparatus also includes a connector physically connecting and aligning the first and second indicator sticks.

Abstract: An apparatus to combine temperature indicator sticks used in the welding, metal fabrication, and heat treatment industries and capable of identifying a given temperature of an object is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first temperature indicator stick comprised of a compound which melts at a first temperature, and a second temperature indicator stick formed of another compound which melts at a second temperature. The Apparatus further includes a connector physically connecting the first and second indicator sticks in a single assembly. A method to provide a dual temperature indicator stick is also disclosed.

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 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 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: An instrument and a method for measuring a duration at or above a predetermined temperature, such as a solder reflow temperature, are disclosed. The instrument includes a capillary tube and an indicator material that is solid at temperatures below the predetermined temperature and a liquid that will move into and through the capillary tube at and above the predetermined temperature. In the method according to the invention, an instrument according to the invention is heated, then cooled. The amount of indicator material in the capillary tube indicates how much time the instrument spent at temperatures at or above the predetermined temperature. The instrument and method are useful, for instance, for indicating the length of time an integrated circuit package is at or above a solder reflow temperature during manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Thermally reversible light scattering materials are provided in accordance with the invention including a low melting, polymeric material dispersed in a polymer matrix; a first polymer which upon heating from a temperature below its melting point to a temperature above its melting point changes from a light scattering solid to a liquid, the first polymer being dispersed in a matrix provided by a second polymer to form a light scattering polymer material when cold and a less or non-light scattering material when hot; and thermally reversible light scattering materials which go from light scattering at lower temperatures to less or non-light scattering at higher temperatures.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for indicating when a specified temperature has been exceeded in a fluid flow through a conduit. Such conduit having an aperture and the temperature indicator being mountable in such aperture and engagable therewith such that the temperature indicator projects through such aperture and into such fluid flow in such conduit. The temperature indicator includes a housing which substantially encloses an internal chamber and has a bore extending from the internal chamber to an external surface of the housing. An indicator member is disposed, at least in part, within the internal chamber and extends into the bore. A biasing element is disposed within the internal chamber and exerts a biasing force between the housing and the indicator member and urges the indicator member toward the bore. A bonding agent forms a bond between the indicator member and the housing to thereby restrain the indicator member from movement toward the bore under action of the biasing element.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for indicating the reaching of a temperature within a predetermined temperature range by heated food. The device includes a transparent sealed container including a first compartment containing a first substance and a second compartment containing a second substance. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by a meltable sealant having a melting point within the determined temperature range. The device is partially or fully immersed in the heated food and on reaching a temperature within the predetermined temperature range, the meltable sealant melts enabling the first substance to contact the second substance. The contact between the first substance and the second substance results in a detectable change such as a color change of at least one the first substance and the second substance. The color change is visibly detectable through the transparent sealed container.

Abstract: An instrument and method for accurately measuring and displaying the length of time that the instrument spends at temperatures between a predetermined first temperature and a predetermined second temperature. The instrument includes a capillary tube, a plug and an indicator material that is liquid at temperatures below the predetermined second temperature and quickly solidifies at temperature equal to or above the predetermined second temperature. The plug melts at a temperature equal to the predetermined first temperature to allow the indicator material to move by capillary action into and through the capillary tube. When the indicator material reaches the predetermined second temperature, it solidifies.

Abstract: A novel temperature probe provides a visual indicator to an operator of when an assembly, such as a vehicle axle, filled with a semi-fluid synthetic grease for lubricating the bearings therein has reached an unsafe temperature during operation. In one embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a specially drilled bore through one of the components. In another embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a bore drilled into a fastener member which is normally used in the assembly. The temperature probe includes an indicator pin which is mounted in a housing. When the components reach an unsafe temperature during operation, the indicator pin pops outwardly from the housing to alert a user that an unsafe temperature has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-sensitive warning device and a related method for visually detecting an increase in the temperature of the outer surface of an electrical insulator, which may indicate the unsafe flow of leakage electrical current through the electrical insulator, prior to a fire, an explosion or some other unsafe event. When the temperature of the outer surface of the electrical insulator increases to a preselected temperature, a visual indication of this rise in temperature will be provided by the ejection of a spool from a heat-sensitive warning device which has been attached to the outside of the electrical insulator.

Abstract: A temperature indicator (10) including an elongated piece of tubing (12), a top cap (14), a bottom tip (16), a first media (22) with a first melting point, and a second solid media (24) with a second melting point. Mixing of the first and second media (22, 24) produces a color change within the tubing, which is noticeable at the top end of the indicator, which in use is sticking out of the food product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for obtaining, in the manufacture of a high-strength composite, an indication the reinforcement layer of the composite has been wetted throughout by the matrix material of the composite. The reinforcement layer is of the type which mainly consists of fibers or fiber bundles which do not become translucent or transparent when wetted by the matrix material, such as carbon or aramide fibers or fiber bundles. The matrix material of thermosetting plastic is applied in a liquid state in the manufacture according to, for instance, the technique of hand lay-up. The reinforcement layer includes indicating fibers which become translucent or transparent when wetted by the matrix material. A good indication is obtained if the indicating fibers have such properties that they become translucent only when the adjoining reinforcing material has been completely wetted throughout.

Abstract: A thawing indication marker for frozen food is disclosed for determining whether or not a frozen food has been thawed. It comprises a tube of an elastic transparent resin, the tube being bent at its center to form two separate containers. One container contains a colored gel-like liquid prepared from an edible starch and food color and the other container contains a gel-like liquid also prepared from an edible starch and food color which is different from the first food color. The marker is used by straightening the bent portion and applying it to frozen food. If the food undergoes thawing, as a result of being subjected to a temperature above the freezing point of water, the gels become less viscous and can intermingle. By virtue of the color difference, one can observe whether or not any intermingling of the two different colored gels has occurred and therefore, whether or not the food stuff has been subjected to non-thawing conditions.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for permanently indicating when a product is exposed to ambient temperatures exceeding a maximum permitted temperature of the product for a time period long enough to permanently damage the product. In an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensing device is typically located on the protective cover of a battery away from terminals and the battery casing. The temperature sensing device is made of a material to permanently expand and/or shrink upon reaching critical temperatures (e.g. too hot). The expansion is visually detectable by means of a visual indicator and/or reference point.

Abstract: Self-contained device and method for determining the variations in temperature regulated temperature enclosures. The device consists of a container comprising a tank connected to a receptacle, the inner spaces of which communicate with one another through one or two ducts of reduced or constricted cross sections. Said container is formed at least partially, of a material allowing heat transfer with the exterior and contains an intially solidified material, the melting temperature thereof being constant and the total volume being less than or equal to the overall volume of the tank and duct element.