Abstract: A method in which on a basis of sensor information of a MOX sensor captured at different operating temperatures in different freshness state determination cycles a freshness state of a food is determined. A further aspect relates to a method in which additional information relating to a food is determined. A storage container, a computer program product, and a household cooling appliance implement the above noted methods.

Abstract: A series of a plurality of articles includes a panel strip and a plurality of elastic fastening loops. The panel strip includes a plurality of ruptureably-connected panel portions of the plurality of articles. Each of the plurality of elastic fastening loops is secured to a respective panel portion at a bond zone.

Abstract: A linear series of connected unitary sheet-like articles, each of which comprises a panel flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the panel and includes an elastic fastening loop. Adjacent articles of the series are ruptureably connected in a manner permitting the series to be handled as a unit while at the same time permitting ruptureable separation of individual articles from the series. In one embodiment, the linear series is wound into roll form.

Abstract: A hangtag includes a foldable flap and a rubber ring girdling around at least one pore of the foldable flap, the rubber ring having a connecting element shaped into column, a hanging portion and a mounting portion being individually deployed on the opposite ends of the connecting element, the hanging portion and the connecting element passing through the pore and the mounting portion which leads the mounting portion to tie a knot; in such a way that the user may easily turn around the hangtag and spread out the foldable flap for reading.

Abstract: A method for representing nutritional information of a food product to shoppers at a grocery store may use a nutrition sign for enhancing the printed matter for display in the proximity of food items at the grocery store that associates the printed information with the food product by use of figures that represent the members of the family prominently displayed. The nutritionally sign itself can physically indicate the food product, such as by being made of a certain shape and design. It also relates the benefits and efficacy of consuming the food product and its components to the consumers age, physical condition and/or gender, in words, symbols or characterizations of people and color coding of the media. It also relates the beneficial components of the food product without the need for reading the small print on product labels.

Abstract: A linear series of connected unitary sheet-like articles, each of which comprises a panel flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the panel and includes an elastic fastening loop. Adjacent articles of the series are ruptureably connected in a manner permitting the series to be handled as a unit while at the same time permitting ruptureable separation of individual articles from the series. In one embodiment, the linear series is wound into roll form.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system to transport medical instruments. The system includes an instrument bag configured to receive a medical instrument. The instrument bag forms an opening. A subjacent label is at least partially disposed along a peripheral surface of the opening of the instrument bag. The subjacent label includes a first portion engaged to an exterior surface of the instrument bag, and a second portion configured to be removably engaged to the instrument bag. A superjacent label is at least partially disposed along a peripheral surface of the opening of the instrument bag. The superjacent label includes an attached portion removably adhered to the subjacent label, and a free portion configured to be removably engaged to at least one of subjacent label and the instrument bag.

Abstract: A unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: A rolling information display apparatus and a method of displaying product information on a roller grill. A circular and symmetrical thimble device is configured to accept replaceable product information displays through the center of the device. The thimble acts as a collar for the product display information sign which is removable to allow for changing product information. The apparatus rolls along with the movement of the roller grill on which products are kept warmed in a typical retail display. The apparatus and the method of display disclosed allow for immediate labeling of products on a retail roller grill along with quick change capability to allow information to be changed in the thimble without the need to open up any apparatus or device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for adornment and decoration of a baked good, including reshaping, to produce an appearance other than that of the original baked good. The sleeve may be constructed of a mineral-based substrate including a graphic on an outer surface.

Abstract: The visual alert for placement on free-range animals includes active and/or passive lighting to alert motor vehicle drivers of such animals crossing the roadway when traveling through open rangeland. The visual alert is a sleeve having fins extending radially therefrom, the fins having reflective and/or active lighting elements thereon. Power for active lighting is provided by electrical batteries that are recharged during daylight. The permanently installed sleeve may be formed as a circumferentially closed distensible unit that passes over the hoof of the animal, or as an open sheet that is rolled about the leg of the animal and permanently secured by plastic ties or other suitable elements. The sleeve is lined with a non-abrasive material to preclude injury to the animal during long term wear.

Abstract: A unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: A device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances is presented. Also described is the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: A sign for the display of perishable goods in a display case. The sign includes a front face and rear face, the front face being visible to a consumer when in use providing information to the consumer regarding the perishable goods. The rear face has at least one rotating dial, individual or folded panel for selection of at least one date on which the perishable goods would be removed from the display case.

Abstract: A separable tag for bags or other containers, each tag comprising a laminar tag-like member having a series of layers, generally an upper and lower layer, the upper layer contains print materials such as for functioning as a coupon, and its is adhesively applied but peelable from a bottom layer of the tag that is securely affixed to the packaged food product. The tags may be formed continuously, but pulled free at a line of perforation, when applied manually or by machine to the bags.

Abstract: In one aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill includes an elongated envelope. A cap is removably positioned over at least one opening of the envelope. An information bearing medium is removably positioned inside the envelope. In one embodiment, a sealing member is disposed to create a substantially watertight seal over at least one opening of the envelope. In another aspect, a rolling information display apparatus for use with a roller grill is a cylindrical rolling member having one or more rolling surfaces rolling in contact with heated rolling surfaces of the grill. The cylindrical rolling member also has one or more recessed surfaces bearing information about food items offered for sale on the grill. The recessed surfaces are provided in regions of the rolling member that are of diameter less than regions of the rolling member in which the rolling surfaces are provided.

Abstract: A label structure is disclosed for product packaging that includes a base panel having a front face and a rear face with an adhesive on the rear face. A first panel overlies a portion of the front face of the base panel, and has an inner page surface with an adhesive thereon. A laminating layer has a front face and a rear face with an adhesive on the rear face. The front face is adhered to the adhesive on the inner page surface of the first panel. A release layer is applied to a first region of the base panel that is overlaid by the first panel, with a second region of the base panel overlaid by the first panel being free of the release layer so that the portion of the laminating layer overlying the first region is releasable from adhesion to the base panel while a portion of the laminating layer overlying the second region is substantially permanently adhered to the base panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an advertising medium (01) embodied as a cocktail umbrella having at least one surface (02) that is imprinted, or can be imprinted with an advertising imprint (11), which is intended as decoration of a beverage or of a food and has a locking position, wherein the advertising medium (01) requires a minimum of space and has an open position (10) in which an advertising imprint (11) applied to the imprintable or imprinted surface (02) is completely visible and the advertising medium (01) has the advertising effect thereof. The invention further relates to an advertising medium system, comprising at least such imprintable or imprinted advertising medium, and to a display for receiving the at least one advertising medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adhesive labels for use in food safety labeling systems and methods of using the adhesive labels to enhance food safety and food rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: A code management system is provided for reducing an amount of data on a product identification number assigned to a product in traceability system and enabling to reduce an information management burden required for a history reference. In a weighing label attaching process, a main server distributes unused individual product code complying with a request from a weighing machine. The weighing machine creates and stores a weighing related information that relates a case code previously read to a weighing result (weight), a calculating result (price), a label code (a product identification information) determined as any of individual product codes, and a content of a label information. The main server requires the weighing related information to provide, complying with a request submitting the label code from a purchaser of the product. The weighing machine searches and transmits the weighing related information to the main server complying with the request from the main server.

Abstract: A refill monitoring system that is either imprinted or impressed directly on the item or container such as packaging, cups, bottles, cans, bags, or the refill monitoring system can be embodied in the form of a sticker or label affixed or adhered to the exterior surface of the container and the refill monitoring system including indicia printed thereon indicating the company and/or logo, the address of the business and other germane information, and legal verbiage explaining the particular business establishment's refill policy, and indicia generally in the form of circles that can be punched, marked, mutilated for denoting each discrete instance of product refill so that the employees/owners of the establishment can easily and visually track the number of refills per customer thereby preventing abuse and waste and monitoring and controlling expenses.

Abstract: A food label includes a food product portion providing indicia of a nutritional composition of a food product, with aspects of the indicia being coded to match aspects of a program recommendation portion of the food label.

Abstract: A precisely measured removable cover for reusable beverage containers with releasable closures. The cover has a flexible sheet with a graphical display imprinted on one side and a cover fastener for removably fastening the cover to a container. The sheet is advantageously adapted to substantially cover the side walls of the container. The cover fastener has one or more releasable closures, and at least one of the releasable closures includes a fluked tab interlock locking tab and slot structure, wherein the fluked tab is on one end of the cover and the slot is proximate the opposite end of the cover and parallel to the fluked tab. A cam/slot paired closure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and associated analytical method to use for the sensitive detection and accurate, rapid determination of acrylamide in food substances. The present invention also relates to the use of a kit device and associated analytical method in which a user can quickly and easily ascertain the amount of acrylamide in food substances with ease and in any location, including a non-laboratory environment. Such detection device and method may be comprised of a sample collection area on which a sample of food, after being mixed in a solution, is placed for example on the substrate of a biochip that includes an enzyme that along with a co-enzyme or form of energy or catalyst, facilitates the conversion of either acrylamide to acrylonitrile or the conversion of acrylamide to ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention is an multi-strip promotional piece that can be used as an insert for a food product package and that includes a number of printed strips releasably secured to one another by an adhesive. The strips each include an inner polymeric film layer printed on one or both sides and having an outer polymeric film layer secured over one of the sides of the inner polymeric film layer. The first polymeric film layer is releasably securable to a first polymeric film layer of the adjacent strip such that the inks printed on the first film layers of the strips are kept in a sealed configuration within the insert while the strips are secured to one another within the package.

Abstract: A vehicle identification and locator card for vehicle parking and servicing establishments includes an upper portion made of paper board and a lower portion made of synthetic paper. The outline of an ignition key tag is die cut in the lower synthetic paper portion, which retains its strength when wet. The lower portion has a backing of either a dry release laminate patch or a polyester reinforcing tape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.

Abstract: Improved methods of disseminating advertising messages to consumers are provided for. In particular, the subject invention provides for methods for disseminating manufacturer coupons to a target consumer group. The method comprises packaging a product in a pouch container having associated therewith a manufacturer coupon pertaining to products or services other than the packaged product. The packaged product is a single-serve food product. The manufacturer coupon is redeemable by a consumer of the product and a member of a target consumer group. The manufacturer coupon also includes machine readable code associated therewith to facilitate automated processing of the coupon. The packaged product is then packaged in a shipping carton. The shipping carton has a machine readable indicator assigned to the manufacturer coupon. The indicator is read and, in response thereto, the carton with the packaged product is shipped to consumer food service outlets associated with the target consumer group.

Abstract: A separable tag for bags or other containers, each tag comprising a laminar tag-like member having a series of layers, generally an upper and lower layer, the upper layer containing print material such as for functioning as a coupon, and it is adhesively applied but peelable from a bottom layer of the tag that is securely affixed to the packaged food product. The tags may be formed continuously, but pull free at a line of perforation, when applied manually or by machine to the bags.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device made of an elastic plastic material for the optical and/or haptic marking of hen's eggs to characterize their properties, which device is at least partly adapted to the outer shape of the egg in a positive locking (form-locking) and/or non-positive locking (force-locking) way.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a characteristic of a bulk flowable material. An identification marker is inserted into a bulk flowable material. The identification marker carries information identifying a specified property or properties of the material. A marker dispenser can be located at one or more handling sites of the bulk flowable material. The identification markers can be pre-prepared or property-related information can be added to the marker prior to or subsequent to dispensing. The identification markers can be paper-like labels, for example, or more complex devices. The system can be used to track the lifespan of a material or to indicate a property of the material to others, such as whether the material is a genetically modified organism (GMO). A pre-printed marker source containing a single continuous bar code is also disclosed.

Abstract: Package labeling for a nutritionally-enhanced composite food product for providing a predictable nutrient amount, including at least one serving element, a serving element composed of a first carrier meat and a second nutritionally enhanced foodstuff distinct from the first carrier meat; the first carrier meat having at least one predetermined dimension providing a portion size for providing predictable nutrient levels of the composite food product; the nutritional claims made to the nutritionally enhanced foodstuff, including at least one nutritional enhancer, for inclusion on packaging and/or labeling.

Abstract: A label for use on the bottom of a first food container which is adapted to engage a second food container positioned below the first food container to prevent movement of the first food container relative to the second food container. The bottom surface of the label has a nonskid material such as varnish applied thereto.

Abstract: A product marking system particularly for marking delicatessen or cheeses at a manned service counter for the purpose of displaying the identity or price of the product. The marking system includes a sign (4) that has a foot (41). A connecting element (2) is adapted to stably embrace the product (1) and to carry an attachment means (3) for releasable magnetic connection with the foot (41).

Abstract: The method of simultaneously banding and tagging merchandise involves forming a plurality of stretchable merchandise marking articles, each being formed to have an endless stretchable elastomeric band and a non-elastomeric flexible water-resistant plastic sheet material combined in a manner such that the sheet material encircles the band and presents an outwardly extending tag having an optically scannable code. The encircling of the sheet material about the band forms a channel within which the band is lodged but freely stretchable. A plurality of such marking articles are placed in condition for ready access for banding and tagging merchandise and an individual marking article of the plurality is removed by gripping the non-elastomeric tag of it.

Abstract: A planar tag having an attachment portion and a body portion is disclosed. The attachment portion has at least one barb and the body portion being printable or carrying indicia. A tool for anchoring the tag to an object and an apparatus for holding the object whilst the tag is secured to the object are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination bag tag and zipper lock is formed from a stamped out piece of metal, and has a pair of pointed legs which may be formed from a frangible central portion and bent outwardly, away from a first surface of the stamped out blank so as to form a pair of pointed securing elements. The securing elements are preferably bent outwardly at about 90.degree. from the first surface, and have their pointed ends inserted through opposite sides of a zipper closure at either or both ends on a body bag until a bottom surface of the bag tag/zipper lock contacts the closed zipper closure. The securing elements are then bent over the closed zipper closure so as to securely hold the zipper closure together.

Abstract: A flavor tag (10) including a label portion (12), a C-shaped clamp arm (13), a pair of inwardly projecting prongs (14) defining a gap (15), and a narrow slot (17) and inner opening (18). A string or cross strand on a food product is held within opening (18) and is positioned therein via slot (17). Prongs (14) ensure that the clamp portion of flavor tag (10) remains secured once clamped around the hock of a poultry bird.

Abstract: The marking tag for banded merchandise has a resilient flat sheet with printed matter on at least one surface and an outer perimeter defining the outer limits of the body. Entirely within the outer perimeter is a pair of openings in spaced relationship and a slit connecting the pair of openings and forming a resilient bluntly pointed tongue in the body. The tongue has opposing straight side portions in an angular relationship greater than 40 degrees and less than 80 degrees and the opposing sides converge toward each other and are conjoined at the bluntly pointed tip. The bluntly pointed tongue is easily temporarily deflected from the plane of the body by finger pressure to readily insert the tip underneath a band about banded merchandise and slide the tongue fully under the band to seat the band in the pair of openings. The tag is thus placed in a substantially flush condition against the banded merchandise.

Abstract: The marking tag for quick and easy slidable fastening on a stalk of merchandise consists essentially of a flat sheet of highly flexible and easily crushed and distorted plastic material having a thickness between 7 and 14 mils and having an information portion for printed matter and a stalk-receiving portion for affixation to a stalk of merchandise. The stalk-receiving portion has a single circular hole between 5 and 10 mm in diameter and surrounded by at least 10 radial slits equidistantly spaced about the hole and having a radial length about equal to the diameter of the hole. The long and narrow and blunt radial fingers so formed are so highly flexible as to readily curve out of the flat plane of the sheet material as the hole is slid onto merchandise, and all edges of the marking tag are incapable of causing a paper cut to a person affixing it and incapable of causing cutting or gouging action to the merchandise, regardless of how the marking tag is slid or rotated on or off the stalk.

Abstract: The new stretchable marking article permits simultaneous banding and tagging of merchandise and has an elastomeric band for banding about merchandise and a tag comprised of an information portion for displaying printed matter and an attachment portion for bonding to the information portion after encircling a section of the elastomeric band to form a channel for stretching movement of the band. The tag is formed of plastic sheet material and the channel for stretching movement of the band has a length less than the width of the information portion. A composite article of manufacture comprises a plurality of the stretchable marking articles on a carrier, with all information portions of the stretchable marking article in an alignment for easy hand removal of discrete marking articles from the alignment.

Abstract: The twist tie article permits simultaneous banding and tagging of merchandise and has a twist tie for banding about merchandise and a tag comprised of an information portion for displaying printed matter and an attachment portion for attaching the tag to itself after encircling the tag about a section of the twist tie. The tag is formed of water resistant sheet material folded along the boundary between the information and attachment portions with the portions extending from the fold in an approximately parallel orientation. The attachment portion is bonded to the information portion, with the twist tie situated between the information and attachment portions and between the fold and the bond. The tag is thereby securely and reliably attached about the twist tie without need for relying upon the formation of a bond between the tag and the twist tie.

Abstract: An identification marker (17) is described for use in permanently identifying an individual histology sample (21), the marker including columnar indicia (18) mounted on a base (19) having a location flange (20). A specially adapted cassette having a slot (16) to receive the identification marker is described together with apparatus and method for moulding the indicia in a protein such as agar agar. The use of the identification marker is described firstly mounted in the cassette (11) during treatment of the sample (21) and later mounted beneath the cassette (11) in the slot (16) for wax embedding of the sample and identification marker. The marker (17) is sectioned simultaneously with the tissue sample (21) by means of a microtome (31), each section taken being identified by a section through the identification marker embedded alongside the sample.

Abstract: A label includes a label body which is a conventional one that can be mass-produced in advance and a photograph which is bonded to the label body or inserted into a cut portion provided in the label body. At least the obverse surface of the combination of the label body and the photograph is covered with a substantially transparent film.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a pastry cone includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion of the cone provides a sloping gripping surface having vertically extending ribs to permit the cone to be gripped by a user. The upper portion of the cone includes a straight cylindrical section bounded by an upper circumferentially extending rib and a lower circumferentially extending rib. A rectangular-shaped removable band extends around the cone between the upper and lower ribs. The band includes a visual display containing an advertisement or other information.

Abstract: A composite film for bar code labels comprising first and second heat-resisting non-water-absorbing synthetic resin films. On the first film of the composite film bar code can be reproduced by means of a high speed dry process electrostatic copier.