Abstract: A thermographic sensing device for measuring temperatures at one or more regions of the human body, particularly the breast, utilizes a thermographic composition deposited into linear arrays of recesses formed in the lobes of a conformable medium which is disposable against the skin. The thermographic composition includes a binary solvent system and at least one colorant, wherein the compositions in each array are formulated to melt at precise temperatures, within a diagnostically temperature relevant range, to change from a first visible color to a second visible color.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a temperature detection label capable of preventing falsification using a simple structure. To solve this problem, the present invention provides a temperature detection label that is characterized by comprising a supporting member and a temperature detection part provided on the supporting member and in that: the temperature detection part has a temperature detection material that, in a heating process, starts color development at temperature T1 and starts losing color as a result of melting at temperature T2 and, in a cooling process, solidifies while remaining colorless by being cooled to temperature T1 or lower; the temperature detection material includes a leuco dye, decolorizer, and developer; and the temperature detection label also comprises a member having an appearance that changes between T1 and T2, inclusive, or a high-melting-point material having a melting point or glass transition temperature higher than T2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring the temperature of a cryogenically preserved biological sample. The device (10) comprises a sample container (1) having a receptacle space (2) for accommodating a biological sample (6). The device further comprises at least one chamber (11), the interior (12) of which is not fluidically connected to the receptacle space, and which is at least partially filled with an indicator substance (7) having a boiling point or sublimation temperature in a range from ?10° C. to ?140° C. The chamber (11) further has at least one opening via which the indicator substance (7) can escape from the interior (12) of the chamber (11) upon exceeding its boiling point or sublimation point. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring the temperature of a cryogenically preserved biological sample.

Abstract: A time temperature indicator for measuring elapsed time after reaching a threshold temperature includes a reservoir containing an indicator fluid that may be solid below the threshold temperature and that liquefies above the threshold temperature. Activation enables a flow of liquid from the reservoir to reach a migration medium so that when the temperature of the indicator exceeds the threshold temperature after activation liquid migrates through the migration medium producing a colour change therein. A narrow passage is foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof so as to form a barrier to liquid migration when the passage is folded while permitting liquid migration through the passage when the passage is unfolded. A micro-fluid valve may be likewise constructed for regulating a flow of liquid between an inlet and an outlet coupled by a narrow passage foldable along and parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: This marking system is provided with: a marking device which has a marking unit which gives a mark for managing the quality of a product, a housing part which houses one or more temperature indicating materials, and a providing unit which provides, to the marking unit, a temperature indicating material selected by the housing part; and a control device which has a storage unit that stores temperature-indicating material information on a developing temperature or/and a decoloring temperature of each of the temperature-indicating materials included in the housing part; and a processing unit that acquires, from a server or an input unit, an appropriate temperature of the product, selects, on the basis of the acquired appropriate temperature of the product and the temperature-indicating material information, a temperature-indicating material, and notifies the providing unit of details of providing the selected temperature-indicating material.

Abstract: There are provided: a thermal history change type indicator by which the degree of reconstitution with hot water of instant cup noodles can be easily visually recognized in conjunction with the temperature in a container; and a set of a thermal history change type indicator and instant cup noodles comprising the thermal history change type indicator and instant cup noodles.

Abstract: An apparatus including a wearable holder and a test material unit and a method for assessing skin reactivity to a test material are disclosed. The wearable holder is configured to hold the test material against the wearer's skin over a period of time to allow for an assessment of skin reactivity to the test material. The apparatus is provided to meet the needs of different patient populations.

Abstract: Visually and electronically readable temperature indicators have an electric circuit having a microchip and a bridge within the circuit and a porous substrate in direct contact with the bridge. The porous substrate has a first end protruding beyond a perimeter of the bridge with a temperature sensitive composition of a pre-selected melt temperature as a dry coating thereon. The bridge is formed of a conductive material and a binder. At a temperature at or above the pre-selected melt temperature, the temperature sensitive composition melts, migrates along the porous substrate to a position in contact with the bridge, thereby rendering the bridge electrically non-conductive or less conductive than an originally conductive state of the bridge, and provides a visible indication that the pre-selected melt temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A handheld applicator designed to transfer a liquid drop of ophthalmic medicament into a human eye. The basic structure comprises a finger grip section and a drop retainer section, preferably connected to the grip section with an extension. The device is made from an elastomeric material that will allow for the safe transfer of a liquid drop into the eye. A drop dispensed from a container is placed onto the drop retainer section of the device where the surface tension provides drop adhesion. The user may administer the drop, without having to tilt the head, while maintaining an eyeglass assisted view into a mirror. Application of the drop occurs from the peripheral line of vision. When contact is made to the eye, surface tension is relieved and the drop safely transfers into the eye. The same applicator may have a drop retainer section with a different structure on each side.

Abstract: A sensitive and practicable temperature control material which precisely or determinably detects whether the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by electrical change from a conductive state to an insulated or lower-conductive state has excellent time stability, chemical stability, durability, and weather resistance. The temperature control material includes a heat-melt substance which melts by heat at a melting point according to temperature being detected, and a conductive paste which includes conductive powder. The temperature control material is in a conductive state by the conductive paste. The heat-melt substance is kept away from the conductive paste through a porous material and the temperature control material changes to be in an insulated or lower-conductive states. The heat-melt substance penetrates the porous material to irreversibly permeate and/or disperse into the conductive paste on a heat-melt state thereof.

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

Abstract: An upper section is formed of a base film. A developing media member is formed of a micro-porous film to be positioned correspondingly to the upper section such that the developing media member is joined with the upper section. A time control section is formed by engraving a movement path of developing media on the developing media member by means of a printer, cutter or the like. At least one or more cutaway sections and a plurality of transparent members are positioned on the time control section, wherein the cutaway sections are positioned at both side surfaces of the time control section corresponding to the movement path so as to temporarily store the developing media, and the transparent members have linear-shaped first display windows so as to display the arrival of the developing media, which indicates the end of the movement of the developing media.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator (2), comprises an activator arrangement (25) comprising a fluid reservoir (20) and a conduit (22) configured to provide a predetermined flow rate of fluid (21) along the conduit (22). The elapsed time indicator (2) further comprises a visual display arrangement (18) configured to change appearance on exposure to the fluid (21). The conduit (22) connects the fluid reservoir (20) to the visual display arrangement (18). The activator arrangement (25) is configured to release fluid (21) from the fluid reservoir (20) in response to an activation event to permit the fluid (21) to flow.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dosimeter for measuring exposure to heat over time in combination with peak temperature indicators and reversible temperature indicators. The preferred temperature indicator tag is credit card sized and comprises four time-temperature dosimeters. Each dosimeter has a wick in contact with a separate reservoir containing a mix of a colored dye, a wax and an amorphous polymer to indicate a distinct temperature range when the mix melts. The wicks are preferably made of porous paper with a pore size around 8 microns to allow for proper capillary action along its length. An adhesive, except where each wick contacts its respective reservoir and at a vent, preferably seals each wick. The tag preferably has a plurality of peak temperature indicators where each indicator has a blend of a dye, a wax and a polymer for a temperature indication range. The tag also preferably has a plurality of reversible temperature sensors.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive indicator that prevents a solid-state colored hot-meltable substance from being absorbed into an absorber and surely absorbs a colored melt includes an ampule bottle enclosing a colored heat-sensitive material that melts into a colored melt at a predetermined temperature, a composite membrane rolled cylindraceous body joining an absorbable membrane for the colored melt onto one surface side of an impermeable membrane for the colored melt so that the impermeable membrane is located inside thereof, and a tube inserting and sealing the ampule bottle into a space surrounded by the impermeable membrane through which the absorbable membrane color is visible from the outside. After part of the ampule bottle is broken below the melting point of the colored heat-sensitive material to discharge a portion of the heat-sensitive material into the space and the heat-sensitive material is melted, a colored portion of the absorbable membrane is formed.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-sensitive indicator that is able to prevent a solid-state colored hot-meltable substance from being absorbed into an absorber, and that surely absorbs a colored melt.

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

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

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

Abstract: A temperature sensing indicator provided with a capsule having a temperature sensing material contained that can be used without being affected by the temperature of fingers and allows the capsule to be easily broken. The temperature sensing indicator irreversibly indicates that a sensed temperature is not lower than a predetermined temperature or not higher than the predetermined temperature when a capsule containing a temperature sensing material is broken. The temperature sensing indicator has a body base made of a plastic material having a recess section formed therein; the capsule contained in the recess and containing the temperature sensing material, an absorbing member mounted on the upper part of the recess, and in which a through hole that exposes a portion of the upper surface of the absorbing member is formed. Pressing the display label crushes the recess in the body base to break the capsule.

Abstract: According to a precise critical temperature indicator and a control method thereof of the present invention, the precise critical temperature indicator comprises as one body: a blocking boundary layer which is positioned between a spreading material member including an operation button and spreading medium members including a spreadable area for a spreading material; and a temperature sensor which is controlled and operated as the spreading material passes through the blocking boundary layer and contacts the spreading medium member according to a user's pressing of the operation button. As a result, operation of the temperature sensor is easily controlled using the operation button.

Abstract: A temperature-activatable time-temperature indicator that can be used to monitor the historical exposure of a host product to ambient temperatures includes an optically readable, thermally sensitive indicator element. The indicator element can be inactive below a base temperature and is intrinsically thermally responsive at or above an activation temperature which is equal to or greater than the base temperature. The indicator can record cumulative ambient temperature exposure above the activation temperature irreversibly with respect to time. The indicator element can include a synthetic polymeric material, and optionally, a dye. A side-chain crystallizable polymer such as poly(hexadecylmethacrylate), that is solid below the base temperature and is a viscous liquid above the activation temperature can be employed. Intense indicator element colors can be obtained using an appropriate dye or dyes. Various structural configurations of indicator are described and illustrated.

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

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

Abstract: An excess temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of past exposure of perishable, maturing and other host products to an elevated temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. The indicator can have an upper layer provided with a viewing window and a wick attached to the upper layer. A reservoir of heat-fusible indicator material can be disposed in contact with the wick, to fuse and move along the wick changing the visual appearance of a first portion of the wick viewable through the window, in response to an excess temperature event. Also, the indicator can have a region of fused upper layer material attaching the wick to the upper layer. Optionally, a window seal can extend around the viewing window to prevent migration of the indicator material. The indicator can be employed to monitor vaccines, foods and other products providing an enduring visual signal of exposure to potentially damaging temperature conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to time-temperature integrating indicators, also known as TTI indicators, which are easily printable on substrates, such as packaging materials, and to a method for the manufacture of packaging materials comprising printed TTI indicators. The printed TTI indicator is selectively activated at the time of packaging of a perishable product or alternatively at the time of opening of the package of a perishable product.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a housing (1) which is configured in the shape of a flat strip comprising an enclosure (6) on one side which projects outwards and contains a material (7) that changes its state or viscosity at a predetermined temperature. Said enclosure (6) opens onto the space inside the housing through a hole (8) which can be plugged with a tongue (9), this space inside the housing containing a strip (11) consisting of a porous material that is visible form the outside through holes made on the top surface (5) of the housing.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator card comprising an intermediate carrier member containing one or more holes, a clear, water vapor permeable first outer layer secured to the first side of the carrier member, a deliquescent material contained within the holes in the carrier member, a dark colored, absorbent sheet material secured to the back side of the carrier member to cover the holes in the carrier member and a second outer layer which covers the colored absorbent sheet material and a portion or all of the back side of the intermediate carrier member.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for precise and economical indication of overheated component of railway wheel set assembly.

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: 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: There is provided a plasma sterilization indicator enabling an accurate detection of the end-point of plasma sterilization. This invention relates to a plasma sterilization indicator comprising a support and, as formed thereon, a color-change layer comprised of a variable color ink composition containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one kind of amino groups, primary and/or secondary.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.

Abstract: The device for detecting, assessing and signaling thawing of deep frozen foodstuff includes a stratified disc (1), which can be applied to the product to be checked, and formed by a first support (3), a second support (7) and impermeable transparent films (8,9). A pattern (4), made on the first support (3) and extending up to a central display zone (6), is obtained by application of water expansion facilitating substances. Coloring water-soluble substances, which assume a well seen color when in contact with liquid water, are also applied to the display zone (6). The second support (7) has printed thereon information about the disc (1) use, and allows to see the display zone (6). The transparent and impermeable films, respectively upper (8) and lower (9), are fastened to the upper surface (3b) and to the lower surface (3a) of this first support (3).

Abstract: A defrosting indicator for frozen foods is made from a piece of transparent tape and a layer or multiple layers of absorbent material. The indicator also includes a segment of a frozen ink cartridge of the kind used in ball point pens. The absorbent material is placed on top of the adhesive side of the tape with the frozen segment placed on top of the absorbent material. The tape and absorbent material are then folded over with the frozen ink segments in between the absorbent material. The edges of the tape are sealed together and the indicator placed on a container of frozen food.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.

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: Time and temperature integrating devices for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure are disclosed comprising (a) a substrate having thereon a thermally sensitive image-forming area comprising a combination of (i) an organic silver salt oxidizing agent and (ii) a reducing agent for the organic silver salt oxidizing agent, and (b) indicating indicia in association with the image forming area for indicating when the device has been exposed to a predetermined cumulative thermal exposure. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, a process of applying such a device to a perishable product, and a perishable product having such a device applied directly thereto or to packaging thereof, are also disclosed. Time-temperature indicators in accordance with the invention undergo readily detectable changes can be easily optimized to match various rates of time-temperature dependent cumulative changes desired to be monitored for various products.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a plurality of layers adapted to be adhered at its underside to a product container. The label includes a printable surface layer, a longitudinal wicking strip that is adhered underneath the surface layer substantially at the opposite extremities only of the wicking strip and a lower substrate layer forming an envelope with said surface layer. A heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, is applied on the surface of the wicking strip contiguous to at least one of the ends of the wicking member. When the heat-fusible substance is exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature, the heat-fusible substance flows along the length of the wicking member.

Abstract: An indicator including an indicator product that is adapted to change visual appearance, an indicator scale in near adjacency to the indicator product including substantially all of the visual appearances that the indicator product can display and a binary scale in near adjacency with the indicator product and the indicator scale. A package adapted to contain a product is also disclosed including a container for holding the product with an indicator secured to the container. Associated methods of (i) determining whether a product in a package is acceptable; (ii) packaging a product; and (iii) making an indicator label are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a valved extended time-temperature indicator. This indicator comprises a base substrate and two transparent polymeric layers on top of the base substrate in adhesive contact with each other. The indicator further comprises a valve member which is restrictive of the flow of dye therethrough, which valve is interposed between the two polymer layers such that there is no adhesive contact between the two polymer layers in the area of the valve. A deposit of colored dye is either on the lower polymeric layer, in which case the valve may be in physical contact with the dye, or on the base substrate. In either case the dye is visible through the polymeric layers, with the dye being positioned directly below the valve member, however, so that the valve member at least partially obstructs visibility of the dye deposit.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a plurality of layers adapted to be adhered at its underside to a product container. The label includes a printable surface layer, a longitudinal wicking strip that is adhered underneath the surface layer substantially at the opposite extremities only of the wicking strip and a lower substrate layer forming an envelope with said surface layer. A heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, is applied on the surface of the wicking strip contiguous to at least one of the ends of the wicking member. When the heat-fusible substance is exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature, the heat fusible substance flows along the length of the wicking member.

Abstract: A selectively activated time-temperature integrating device for providing a visually observable indication of cumulative thermal exposure, in which a viscoelastic material migrates into a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix at a rate which varies with temperature to progressively change the light transmissivity of the porous matrix and thereby provide the visually observable indication. The viscoelastic material can comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The visually observable indication can comprise latent indicia which initially are not visible and become visible, obscurable indicia which initially are visible and become obscured, or a combination of both. Various actuating means for selectively switching the indicator from an unactivated state to an activated state are described.

Abstract: A time-temperature monitor is provided that is adapted for indicating the amount of accumulated time during which the ambient temperature adjacent to the monitor is above a predetermined temperature. The time-temperature monitor comprises a viscous, non-Newtonian fluid biased within a flow path defining element, with the rate of flow therethrough being regulated by a constricting orifice disposed in a nozzle that is positioned in fluid communication with the flow path defining element.

Abstract: A marking element for indicating whether a pre-defined temperature condition has been maintained. The marking element comprises a first material capable of flowing above a predetermined temperature separated from a second absorbent material by a barrier layer. The first and second materials are such that when the barrier layer is punctured and the predetermined temperature is exceeded the first material flows along the second material to produce a detectable change.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device for recording the duration of time over which a temperature has been established above a predetermined temperature, which device includes a dye-compatible polymer composition having a softening point above the predetermined temperature and a polymer-compatible dye composition in contact with the polymer composition and present in a quantity with respect to the polymer composition sufficient for diffusion through the polymer composition whenever the polymer composition is above the predetermined temperature, which quantity is selected so that the extent of diffusion corresponds to the duration of exposure above the predetermined temperature relative to the total time required for substantially complete diffusion. Articles for which a heat history above a predetermined temperature is to be record, in combination with the disclosed time-temperature indicator devices are also described.

Abstract: An improved steam sterilization process monitor is disclosed comprising a backing strip, a wicking means in intimate contact with an organic compound mounted on the backing strip and a water vapor rate controlling cover strip. In the preferred embodiment the backing strip comprises aluminum foil having a polypropylene interlayer adhesively bonded thereto. The sole means for bonding the cover strip to the backing strip is by heat sealing. The cover layer is heat sealed to the backing strip over the entire land area of the backing strip surrounding the wicking means, but is not heat sealed to the wicking means. The organic compound has a normal melting point in the absence of water vapor of about 5.degree. to about 50.degree. F. above a predetermined control temperature.

Abstract: A freeze indicator comprising a frangible ampule containing a liquid which expands upon freezing, a dye soluble in the liquid and a nucleating agent, the nucleating agent and the liquid having substantially similar space groupings, the ampule being enclosed within a blister of transparent film, the blister being adhered to a backing, the inner surface of the blister being coating with an absorbent layer comprising a binder wettable by the liquid and a filler, whereby upon rupture of the ampule the liquid containing dye is absorbed by the absorbent layer thereby causing a color change in the absorbent layer visible through the transparent film.

Abstract: A steam sterilization indicator for indicating both exposure to steam and sterilization is provided. The steam sterilization indicator includes a backing member. A tablet formed of a compound having a first melting point and second melting point which is lower that the first melting point, the second melting point being the melting point of the compound exposed to steam is also provided. A wick is affixed to the backing member adjacent to the tablet. A steam permeable material covers the tablet and the wick. Upon melting, the tablet material is absorbed by the wick. A handle is affixed to the backing member. One end of the handle includes a steam exposure indicator formed of a color changing ink which changes color in the presence of steam.