Abstract: Thermochromic Temperature-Monitoring Clothing, is the first apparel invention to provide early detection and prevention of cold exposure to skin surface via thermochromism. The invention is comprised of various outerwear for adults, children, babies and/or infants which visibly displays dermal temperature by employing thermochromic color changing characteristics via thermochromic dye incorporated into the fabric of the apparel, and/or fabric affixed to the apparel at the extremities, and/or thermochromic device affixed to the apparel. Prior art related to thermochromic color change in apparel has been exclusively related to aesthetic considerations, and not for any perceived health benefits or for monitoring and communicating skin temperatures. Therefore, Thermochromic Temperature-Monitoring Clothing serves a useful purpose and satisfies a long neglected need in the area of apparel and health maintenance.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive, color-changing inks, paints and resin concentrate additives are mixed into a child-resistant cap or lid to produce color changes indicative of its bottle having been recently opened and the medication within having been previously taken.

Abstract: A body fluid constituents measurement device, which performs measurement under a setting where light intensity of the light-emitting element is suitably stabilized, is provided.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to method of signaling temperature and/or benefit agent release using bar compositions comprising thermochromatic pigment or dye. In a preferred embodiment, the pigment is introduced in the form of a separate domain (e.g., separate chips) which separate chip or chips is combined with a surfactant-containing chips to form the final bar.

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: A discharge lamp having a visual-change timer is described. The visual-change timer is comprised of a ceramic material that provides an indication of the cumulative operating time of the lamp. The visual-change timer is expected be a help to consumers in avoiding unnecessary, premature, and costly lamp replacement and a help to lamp manufacturers in verifying the validity of warranty claims for replacement lamps.

Abstract: A method for connecting terminals is provided. The method includes steps of a) providing a board having a first terminal thereon; b) performing a check of a heat treatment by using a thermal sensitive paper in order to determine a optimal condition of the heat treatment for the board; c) heating the first terminal under the optimal condition of the heat treatment; and d) connecting a second terminal to the heated first terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display apparatus including: a display panel which displays an image based on a video signal; a backlight unit which includes a plurality of light emitting diodes to emit a light to respective regions of the display panel; a sensor which senses a color temperature of the image which is displayed to the display panel; and a controller which transmits information about the color temperature sensed by the sensor to an external host apparatus and adjusts amount of current to be supplied to each light emitting diode on the basis of a result value corresponding to a target color temperature received from the external host apparatus. With this configuration, the color temperature is precisely adjusted regardless of deviation in products.

Abstract: A sleeve with a temperature indicator in or on the side wall thereof, which is visible from outside the sleeve, to convey the temperature of the contents in the container with which it is used. A method for making such a sleeve is also provided.

Abstract: A method of sensing high surface temperatures in aircraft applications is provided. The method includes the steps of applying a temperature indicator material on a surface an object in which monitoring exposure to high temperatures is sought. The temperature indicator material is reactive to a pre-determined temperature threshold. The temperature indicator material is next covered with a heat resistant film to protect the material during exposure to operating temperatures and deleterious environmental conditions. An identified visible change in the temperature indicator material provides confirmation of exposure of the surface of the object to temperatures in excess of the pre-determined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for a multi-temperature indicator stick. The multi-temperature indicator stick includes an elongated stick configured to indicate two or more predetermined temperatures. The elongated stick includes a first temperature indication material configured to indicate a first predetermined temperature upon being subjected to the first predetermined temperature. The elongated stick also includes a second temperature indication material configured to indicate a second predetermined temperature upon being subjected to the second predetermined temperature. The first temperature indication material and the second temperature indication material share a common interface extending longitudinally along the elongated stick.

Abstract: A lid for article of cookware is covered over a considerable portion of its surface with a thermochromic ink or paint to form a first thermochromic indicator. This first thermochromic indicator undergoes a readily visible change in appearance to notify the cook that the underlying cookware vessel and/or the contents thereof have reached the desired temperature. A second thermochromic indicator on the lid is used to indicate that liquid in the pot is also boiling, or that a certain time has elapsed since the change in appearance of the first thermochromic indicator. The first thermochromic indicator preferably surrounds the second thermochromic indicator and is separated therefrom by a thermal insulator to create or extend the time lag between each indicator reaching their respective thermochromic transition temperatures.

Abstract: The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether a decrease in the temperature readings exceeds or is equal to a predetermined threshold in order to activate the backlight. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold.

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

Abstract: An identification system for an assembly such as a baby bottle, including a cylindrical container and at least one selectively removable component. The identification system identifies that the cylindrical container and the removable component are associated with each other and with a particular user. The removable component may be a bottle ring or a cap member. A first elastomeric band is engageable with an outer surface of the bottle. A second elastomeric band is engageable with an outer surface of the ring or cap member. The first and second elastomeric bands include associated identification features which may include a color, a name, a symbol and combinations thereof. At least the first elastomeric band may include a temperature sensitive indicator, such as a thermochromatic dye. The identification system may include a third elastomeric band for use on the other of the ring or cap member to associate the container, the ring, and the cap member with each other and with a particular user.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive film comprises a transparent film and a layer of dark-colored coating, attached on the inner surface of the transparent film, that will change to be of lighter color when heated, whereby the predetermined decorative pattern on the outer surface of the material where the temperature-sensitive film is applied to will be underscored. The dark-colored temperature-sensitive film is attached onto the surface of the material for hiding the decorative pattern thereon. The film will then turned light or transparent when it is heated, therefore disclosing the surface pattern thereunder.

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

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

Abstract: An improved temperature measuring device for the in-line temperature measurement of fluids which does not require intimate contact of the fluid with the temperature sensing element. In addition, the invention contains no internal cavities or crevices making it very advantageous for food and chemical usage. In the preferred embodiment, a liquid crystal temperature sensing element is affixed to a thermally conductive fluid carrying member. Each end of this fluid carrying member having fittings which enables the thermometer assembly to be quickly removed for cleaning and sanitizing.

Abstract: A simple recording device using a stable electric resistance heater in thermal contact with an irreversible color changing time temperature material relatively insensitive to room temperatures to show and record the cumulative time an electrical appliance, battery, tool, instrument has been used. The device may use a plurality of thick film carbon printed resistive heater with a thermal gradient in contact with the time temperature material or a simple adhesive calibrated time temperature film on a surface mounted stable resistor. The indicator is in parallel or series with the power switch. The time temperature material is in thermal contact with a constant temperature heater when used in fluctuating ambient temperature conditions.

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

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

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method that allows the heat flux distribution on an object surface to be measured even when the heat flux is an unsteady or short-duration phenomenon, and that does not depend on the material of the object; and to provide a system for measuring the heat flux distribution on an object surface with the aid of this method. In the method for measuring the heat flux on an object surface in accordance with the present invention, the emission intensity of a temperature-sensitive paint that varies with the temperature of the object surface is chronologically captured and sensed as video information at a high frame rate, an image of the temperature distribution on the object surface is obtained based on characteristics between the emission intensity and temperature calibration, and the heat flux in each domain is calculated by the Cook and Feldermann method.

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 method and apparatuses for measuring the temperature of a radiating body utilizing the alexandrite effect. The method includes the steps of generating a mathematical relationship between a hue value and temperature for an alexandrite effect filter, receiving radiation from the radiating body, measuring a spectral power distribution of the radiation, calculating the hue value based on the spectral power distribution, and determining the temperature using the mathematical relationship. To implement the method, the apparatuses include an optical probe, a spectral or calorimetric measurement device, and a computer. The apparatuses can measure the temperature of any radiating body with or without spectral lines in the spectral power distribution, and are particularly advantageous to measure high to ultrahigh temperature for radiating bodies with spectral lines, such as plasma, electric arc, and high temperature flames.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing temperature using optical fiber is provided. In one embodiment, a method for sensing temperature using optical fiber includes launching a polarized optical signal having sufficient intensity to produce Brillouin scattering of the signal into a polarization maintaining optical fiber, receiving a first signal reflected from the launched signal, receiving a second signal reflected from the launched signal; and resolving a metric indicative of temperature from the first and second received signals. The method is particularly useful for sensing temperature in hazardous locations such as down hole gas and oil field applications or other applications where minimization of strain effects to signal transmission is desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses for measuring the temperature of a radiating body utilizing the alexandrite effect. The method includes the steps of generating a mathematical relationship between a hue value and temperature for an alexandrite effect filter, receiving radiation from the radiating body, measuring a spectral power distribution of the radiation, calculating the hue value based on the spectral power distribution, and determining the temperature using the mathematical relationship. To implement the method, the apparatuses include an optical probe, a spectral or calorimetric measurement device, and a computer. The apparatuses can measure the temperature of any radiating body with or without spectral lines in the spectral power distribution, and are particularly advantageous to measure high to ultrahigh temperature for radiating bodies with spectral lines, such as plasma, electric arc, and high temperature flames.

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

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple glass ceramic substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to a component subject to thermal stressors, each of the glass ceramic substrates react with a different rate of nucleation and crystal growth and thus yield a specific measure of opacity. By comparing these values representing the opacity for each glass ceramic substrate, or thermal history fingerprint, to baseline data, information about the expected remaining useful lifetime of the component may be obtained.

Abstract: A combination clock radio, weather station and message organizer includes a base unit having a visual display, a controller located in the base unit including a central processor for controlling operation of the combination, and a temperature sensor for obtaining outdoor temperature readings, the temperature sensor being in communication with the controller. The controller is adapted to present a hue on the visual display that is a function of the outdoor temperature reading. The combination may also include a pressure sensor in communication with the controller for monitoring a rate of change in atmospheric pressure and providing a weather forecast animation that is a function of the changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a disposable beverage stirrer for coffee, tea, soups and the like 12 comprising a flat elongate wooden or composite stick 14 having thermoplastic material imbedded therein for detecting the temperature of a beverage 12 so that the user 16 can be made aware whether or not the beverage or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing the burning or scalding of an individual's mouth. The thermoreactive material is not readily visible when at room temperature because it is inactive. However, it reacts to and is activated by the temperature of the beverage 12 when inserted therein. Two messages 22, 24 are imbedded thereon, one to notify that the beverage 12 is safe to drink and another informing the user 16 that a high risk of scalding exists. Multiple embodiments of the present invention 10 are disclosed.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing temperature using optical fiber is provided. In one embodiment, a method for sensing temperature using optical fiber includes launching a polarized optical signal having sufficient intensity to produce Brillouin scattering of the signal into a polarization maintaining optical fiber, receiving a first signal reflected from the launched signal, receiving a second signal reflected from the launched signal; and resolving a metric indicative of temperature from the first and second received signals. The method is particularly useful for sensing temperature in hazardous locations such as down hole gas and oil field applications or other applications where minimization of strain effects to signal transmission is desired.

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

Abstract: 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: Various present invention devices enable adherence to requirements for medical items. A medical item of the present invention includes a monitoring or data recording device to monitor and/or record medical solution conditions. The device may further include indicators to indicate compliance of the medical solution with prescribed requirements (e.g., manufacturer, medical standard or regulation, etc.). The medical item may alternatively include a barcode or transponder to uniquely identify the medical item to a thermal treatment system measuring and storing conditions in a central database. The present invention further includes various thermal treatment systems that monitor medical items for prescribed requirements and display the monitored parameters to medical personnel. In addition, the present invention may place time stamp information on medical items to enable determination by medical personnel of compliance with prescribed requirements.

Abstract: An intravenous solution bag includes a temperature sensing device in the form of a temperature sensing strip. The strip includes a temperature scale and corresponding temperature sensitive substances that change color or illuminate the scale indicators to visually indicate solution temperature. The strip may be formed integral with the bag, may be attached to the bag exterior surface, may be laminated to the bag exterior surface or may be encased with the bag within a solution bag liner. Further, the temperature sensing strip may be affixed to bottles containing intravenous or other solutions, where the strip is attached to the bottle exterior surface or to a label affixed to the bottle to measure and indicate temperature of fluid contained therein as described above. Moreover, the temperature sensing strip may be employed by a receptacle or delivery tube of an infusion apparatus to measure and indicate solution temperature prior to or during infusion.

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

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for attachment to a powered surgical instrument operating a workpiece such as a bur. The device is a thermochromic element which may be embodied as a paint or a thermal insulating device. The device embodiment is in the form of a thermoplastic, elastomeric material which changes color at a predetermined temperature and is formed in a shape adapted to enable the device to be affixed to the distal end of the instrument, adjacent the collet connecting the workpiece to the instrument. The device is attached in a contiguous manner so frictional heat generated by moving parts of the instrument may be conducted through contiguous surfaces of the instrument and the device. The thermochromic element provides a visual indication of the temperature of a portion of the instrument when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level.

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 present invention is directed to a thermochromic temperature sensitive composition used to detect the prevailing temperature, and particularly, to detect when the temperature is within a particular range. When the temperature is within that range, the composition undergoes a color change that is visible to the observer.

Abstract: A method and device for photothermal imaging tiny metal particles which are immersed in a given medium like a living cell deposited onto a transparent glass slide. The given medium and immersed tiny metal particles are illuminated through separate phase reference laser beam and sensitive probe laser beam, with the sensitive probe laser beam including a heating laser beam undergoing through impingement on the given medium slight phase changes induced by photothermal effect due to a local heating, in the absence of any substantial phase changes to the phase reference laser beam. Illuminating is performed by focusing the separate phase reference and sensitive probe laser beam through the transparent glass slide at a given depth within the given medium and a transmitted phase reference laser beam and a transmitted sensitive probe laser beam undergoing the slight phase changes are generated.

Abstract: An intravenous solution bag includes a temperature sensing device in the form of a temperature sensing strip. The strip includes a temperature scale and corresponding temperature sensitive substances that change color or illuminate the scale indicators to visually indicate solution temperature. The strip may be formed integral with the bag, may be attached to the bag exterior surface, may be laminated to the bag exterior surface or may be encased with the bag within a solution bag liner. Further, the temperature sensing strip may be affixed to bottles containing intravenous or other solutions, where the strip is attached to the bottle exterior surface or to a label affixed to the bottle to measure and indicate temperature of fluid contained therein as described above. Moreover, the temperature sensing strip may be employed by a receptacle or delivery tube of an infusion apparatus to measure and indicate solution temperature prior to or during infusion.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording material has a support and a thermosensitive coloring layer formed thereon containing a leuco dye and a color developer capable of inducing color formation in the leuco dye upon application of heat thereto, with the color developer including at least one compound (A) having in a molecule thereof at least two aromatic ring moieties with specific structures, selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ring moiety having at least one carboxyl group and electron-attracting functional group, an aromatic ring moiety having at least one carboxyl group and electron-donating functional group, and an aromatic ring moiety having at least one carboxyl group, free of the electron-attracting and electron-donating functional groups. An aromatic carboxylic acid compound serving as the above-mentioned compound (A) and the producing method thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to temperature indicating compositions which display temperature dependent color changes. The invention encompasses temperature indicating compositions, materials, devices and methods of their use. The temperature indicating compositions of the invention are clays that can be used to detect temperature and temperature changes at sub-ambient and particularly sub-zero ° C. temperatures. Temperature of a selected environment can be monitored by placing a temperature-sensitive composition comprising the clay material of this invention in contact with that environment and monitoring the color of the composition.

Abstract: A thermochromic polymer-based temperature indicator composition which comprises a polythiophene and a carrier medium. The composition is characterized in that the polythiophene is present in the medium in an amount of about 0.05 to about 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The structure of the compound is designed such that when the composition is placed in a heat-exchange relationship with an article, the composition will exhibit a color change when a design temperature or a temperature beyond the design temperature is reached in the article.