Process Or Composition For Sterility Or Package Integrity Test Patents (Class 436/1)
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Publication number: 20030133837Abstract: A re-usable sterilizer test device is disclosed which is comprised of at least two parts which are releasably connected together. An indicator device which changes colour in the presence of steam after a certain time period is deposited within the two parts. One or both of the bodies is manufactured from a material having a predetermined degree of porosity as regards steam and is generally cylindrical or spherical so that the outer surface of said one or both bodies forms a significant and substantial portion of the external surface of the assembled device. Steam penetrates the porous body and passes into a cavity inside the body from where the steam can move internally of the device through suitable passageways and into a chamber where the indicator is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Richard Bancroft
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Patent number: 6593142Abstract: A polymeric food spoilage sensor comprises a polymer containing a polyazamacrocyclic transition metal complex. The complex selectively binds biogenic amines, such as cadaverine, putrescine and histamine, which are released by food spoilage microorganisms. The polymer undergoes a detectable color change upon exposure to biogenic amine, thus indicating that food spoilage has probably occurred. In one embodiment, the polymer is molecularly imprinted with the biogenic amine to impart selective binding affinity. The polymer is easily incorporated in common food containers and can be employed in fiber optic detection devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Craig A. Kelly, George M. Murray, O. Manuel Uy
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Publication number: 20030118478Abstract: A sterilization indicator that presents a visually distinct and uniform color transition after having been passed through sterilizing conditions. This sterilization indicator has a base layer with an indicator compound applied to at least an indicating region thereon. It also has a raised lamina attached to the base layer so as to substantially surround the indicating region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2003Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Rodney K. Hehenberger
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Publication number: 20030113922Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. A plurality of incoming mail mailboxes each include a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor. Source information corresponding to hazard flagged mail pieces is utilized to block mail from that source at other mailboxes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Karin A. Russo, Ronald P. Sansone
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Publication number: 20030113228Abstract: A dual bar code for detecting contamination. When no contamination is present, a first bar code identifies the product. When contamination is present a second bar code identifies the presence of contaminants.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Robert M. Goldsmith, Catherine H. Goldsmith, James G. Woodaman
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Publication number: 20030087441Abstract: A sterilization process challenge device has a sterilization indicator contained within a container; and a variable diffusion restriction into said container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Anthony Lemus, Debra Timm
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Patent number: 6551555Abstract: An apparatus for determining exposure to an oxidative sterilant is described. The apparatus includes a chemical indicator for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant and a biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of the exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator has a metallic surface with a non-pH sensitive permanent indicator on the surface for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator may be on a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator and chemical indicator may be inside a test pack, where the test pack restricts sterilant flow to the indicators.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Patricia A. Antonoplos, Henry K. Hui, Alireza Ebrahim, Leslie A. Feldman, Nitu Kohli
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Patent number: 6534006Abstract: A sterilization indicator that presents a visually distinct and uniform color transition after having been passed through sterilizing conditions. This sterilization indicator has a base layer with an indicator compound applied to at least an indicating region thereon. It also has a raised lamina attached to the base layer so as to substantially surround the indicating region.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Rodney K. Hehenberger
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Publication number: 20030008400Abstract: There is disclosed a process for melting a luminescent oxygen sensitive compound into extruded polymer films. Specifically, there is disclosed a process for thermal melting of oxygen-sensitive indicators into common packaging polymers used for commercial packaging of products, such as foods. The oxygen-sensitive indicators can be used for real-time monitoring of oxygen in commercial packaging operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: David L. Putnam, Todd Hubbard
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Patent number: 6491881Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor includes a chemical substance which reacts with the oxidative gas or vapor to produce a heat change. A temperature probe is coupled to the chemical substance and adapted to respond to the heat change. The temperature probe can be coupled to the chemical substance by a carrier, and can include a reference temperature probe. Additionally, a method of using the apparatus is described, as well as a sterilization system which utilizes the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Ben Fryer, Debra Timm, Szu-Min Lin, Henry Hui, Sam Nutt
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Patent number: 6488890Abstract: A sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Steven S. Kirckof
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Patent number: 6485979Abstract: A electronic system for tracking and monitoring articles to be subjected to a sterilization cycle is disclosed. The method uses a sterilization indicator and electronically links sterilization information with the articles subjected to the sterilization process. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland C. Kippenhan, Steven S. Kirckof, Phillip A. Bolea, Richard M. Rumble
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Patent number: 6485978Abstract: A sterilization indicator having sterilizing agent sensitive indicia is described. The indicator allows a sterilization cycle to be monitored without the need for a user to subjectively distinguish between color, quality or intensity of display patterns.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven S. Kirckof, Phillip A. Bolea
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Patent number: 6479016Abstract: A dual bar code for detecting food contamination. When no contamination is present a first bar code identifies the food product. When contamination is present a second bar code identifies the presence of contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: California South Pacific InvestorsInventors: Robert M. Goldsmith, Catherine H. Goldsmith, James G. Woodaman
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Patent number: 6479293Abstract: In the present invention, a temperature indicating material is prepared by incorporating, in a rewritable base system which comprises an electron donating compound, an electron accepting compound and a reversal material and undergoes color changes with temperature and time, a thermochromism controller which changes a rate of crystal to amorphous or phase-separation to non-phase-separation rate. Upon color changes with an environmental temperature, the thermochromism controller undergoes crystallization or phase separation to have a function as a place for reaction and contributes to the color changes of the temperature indicating material. The incorporation of the thermochromism controller therefore makes it possible to impart the resulting temperature indicating material with improved sensitivity to temperature at around an environmental temperature and a high S/N ratio.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Toshiyuki Tamura, Yuichiro Hatanaka
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Publication number: 20020142469Abstract: This invention discloses a method for detecting a leak from a sealed optical device. The method includes steps of: A) injecting a target gas with no performance interference to the sealed optical device for leak detection followed by sealing the sealed optical device. B) placing the sealed device in a leak testing chamber and measuring a background level of the target gas in the leak testing chamber. C) heating the sealed device to a gas-expelling temperature for expelling the target gas from the leak in the sealed optical device. And, D) detecting the target gas in a one-part-per million (PPM) range in the leak-detecting chamber for an comparing with the background level of the target gas for determining the leak in the sealed optical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: Oplink Communications, Inc.Inventors: Jason Li, Steven Guoxin Zhu
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Patent number: 6451272Abstract: A monitor of the concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor comprises a chemical coupled to a temperature probe, such as by a carrier. Addtionally, the monitor is used in a method of monitoring the concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor and in a sterilization system operated by a user. By utilizing an output signal from the temperature probe to measure the heat produced in an exothermic reaction between the monitored oxidative gas or vapor and the chemical of the monitor, the concentration of the monitored oxidative gas or vapor can be determined. The present invention represents an improvement over the monitors described in the prior art since it is more simplified, and can provide information on the local concentration of an oxidative gas or vapor at various positions within a chamber, and can be operated in size-restricted volumes. Additionally, a method of using the monitor is described, as well as a sterilization system which utilizes the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Ben Fryer, Debra Timm, Szu-Min Lin
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Publication number: 20020121629Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical indicator that is used to determine whether instruments and other products to be sterilized have experienced a sterilization treatment process or to confirm whether sterilization has been efficiently performed, by the color tone change of the indicator when sterilizing medical instruments and other products and the like by a hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilizing method.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Masao Mikumo, Kenji Kazama, Yoshio Jo
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Patent number: 6440744Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ramon T. Ignacio, Allan P. Piechowski
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Publication number: 20020076357Abstract: A cassette is received within a sleeve having an open end. Specially folded flaps at the open end are applied to center the cassette in the sleeve and to reduce a width of the open end of the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Michael Hahs, Su-Syin Wu, Edward V. Quoss
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Patent number: 6406914Abstract: The present composition for use in radiation exposure dose-history indicators comprises a radioactive ray-absorber and/or a radioactive ray-excited fluorescence-emitting agent, a color-developing and electron-donating organic compound and an active species-generating organic compound, which can initiate the color development of the electron-donating organic compound through the application of radioactive rays. The indicator sheet for indicating the radiation exposure dose-history comprises a matrix sheet; and a color-developing layer, which contains a color-developing and electron-donating organic compound, an active species-generating organic compound, which can initiate the color development of the electron-donating organic compound through the application of radioactive rays, and a radioactive ray-absorber and/or a radioactive ray-excited fluorescence-emitting agent and which is applied to at least part of the surface of the matrix sheet.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Nichiyu Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Kaburaki, Daisuke Harumoto, Hiromichi Mizusawa, Yukiyo Niwa, Hitoshi Shirase
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Publication number: 20020072079Abstract: The present invention relates to a food contamination detector associated with a double bar code, given the trademark GILBAR™ by the owner of the present invention, that includes coded indicia used to identify the presence of conditions indicative of microbial contamination in food, including toxic contaminants, bacterial metabolites, and other microbial secretions. Of the two bar code symbols associated with the food contamination detector, the first identifies the food product in terms of the type of food, the quantity, the price and the like, while the second bar code symbol is designed to identify the presence of contaminants. When contamination is not detected, the first bar code symbol is scanner readable, whereas the second bar code symbol is not. Once contamination is detected, bars in both bar code symbols can appear or disappear causing the first bar code symbol to become scanner unreadable and the second bar code symbol to become scanner readable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Sira Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James G. Woodaman
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Patent number: 6403036Abstract: A test glass slide for an automated biological reaction apparatus is disclosed. The test slide monitors to operational temperature of the apparatus for maintenance/quality control purposes by means of at least two temperature-sensitive indicators, which change visual states once a predetermined temperature threshold is reached. The thresholds correspond generally to the specified temperature range for the protocol performed by the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paula M. Rodgers, Kimberly K. C. Christensen
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Patent number: 6399387Abstract: The present invention relates to new color compositions which are especially suitable to be used in oxygen indicators. The compositions comprise iron(II), an agent containing pyrogallol entities and an organic acid.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Pharmacia ABInventors: Åke Stenholm, Lars Karlsson, Anders Löfgren, Bo Nyström, Otto Skolling
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Patent number: 6395551Abstract: A device for indicating residence time in a liquid disinfection solution, the device comprising a visually observable detector of exposure of the device to the solution, the device being selected such that upon exposure of the device to the solution the detector visibly changes after a predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Cary A. Kipke, George Van Dyke Tiers
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Publication number: 20020051733Abstract: An apparatus for determining exposure to an oxidative sterilant is described. The apparatus includes a chemical indicator for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant and a biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of the exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator has a metallic surface with a non-pH sensitive permanent indicator on the surface for indicating exposure to the oxidative sterilant. The chemical indicator may be on a self-contained biological indicator. The biological indicator and chemical indicator may be inside a test pack, where the test pack restricts sterilant flow to the indicators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2000Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Patricia A. Antonoplos, Henry K. Hui, Alireza Ebrahim, Leslie A. Feldman, Nitu Kohli
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Patent number: 6378906Abstract: A system, container, and a label for monitoring the use of a container. The label is ideally inserted into the wall of the container. The label preferably includes an indicating ink that incrementally changes color or changes shade when certain external energy sources are applied. The labeled container can be used in a system of monitoring, characterizing, and recording information and traits regarding containers wherein the incremental changes in the indicating ink are measured. The information, such as counting cycles of container use, is preferably machine-readable, as well as human-readable.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Morgan Adhesives CompanyInventor: Thomas J. Pennaz
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Publication number: 20020039792Abstract: A sterilization indicator that presents a visually distinct and uniform color transition after having been passed through sterilizing conditions. This sterilization indicator has a base layer with an indicator compound applied to at least an indicating region thereon. It also has a raised lamina attached to the base layer so as to substantially surround the indicating region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Rodney K. Hehenberger
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Publication number: 20020034823Abstract: A sterilant challenge device, for use in testing the efficiency of the air removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a tube that is closed at one end and open at the other for the entry of sterilant, a plurality of thermally-conductive masses the tube, and at least one temperature sensor. When the challenge device is located in a sterilizer, the penetration of sterilant along the bore of the tube during a sterilization cycle, is inhibited by the accumulation of air and/or non-condensable gas within the bore resulting from the condensation of moisture on the walls of the bore. By measuring the temperature inside the device adjacent the closed end of the tube, the efficiency of the sterilization cycle can be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Anton Kuepper, Brian Kirk
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Publication number: 20020022246Abstract: A sterilization system uses a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process. To enhance accuracy of the monitoring function, the monitoring device is located in such a fashion that an antimicrobial agent used in the process can only reach the monitor through an area containing the article to be sterilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2000Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Su-Syin Wu
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Patent number: 6346417Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ramon T. Ignacio, Allan P. Piechowski
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Patent number: 6325974Abstract: Package (1) for decayable foodstuffs (2), consisting of a package material (3) and forming a mainly closed package space (4) and a mainly closed indicator space (5) for an indicator (6).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen TutkimuskeskusInventors: Raija Ahvenainen, Timo Pullinen, Eero Hurme, Maria Smolander, Matti Siika-Aho
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Patent number: 6323032Abstract: A sterilant challenge device, for use in testing the efficiency of the removal stage of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a tube that is closed at one end and open at the other for the entry of sterilant, a plurality of thermally-conductive masses the tube, and at least one temperature sensor. When the challenge device is located in a sterilizer, the penetration of sterilant along the bore of the tube during a sterilization cycle, is inhibited by the accumulation of air and/or non-condensable gas within the bore resulting from the condensation of moisture on the walls of the bore. By measuring the temperature inside the device adjacent the closed end of the tube, the efficiency of the sterilization cycle can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Anton Kuepper, Brian Kirk
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Patent number: 6307674Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting an image of a patient to intersect a display screen which is nonperpendicular to an adjacent portion of an optical path and adjacent a sterile operative field. A video projector system and accompanying optics impart at least one of a tilted focal plane or depth of focus to the projected image. The optical path of the projected image is located adjacent the surgical field. An initially sterile display screen is located in the optical path adjacent the sterile field so that a normal to the screen is noncoincident with the optical path and the projected image on the screen is of constant focus across the screen. The initially sterile display screen may be degradable upon cleaning and resterilization so that a new screen must be used with each procedure, thus insuring the optical quality and sterility of the screen. The display screen may be supported adjacent the surgical field by an articulated rod assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: LaserSurge, Inc.Inventors: Jude S Sauer, John F Hammond
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Publication number: 20010021531Abstract: The disclosure describes food contamination detectors adapted to be used with vacuum packages and package systems including such detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Applicant: Sira TechnologiesInventor: Robert M. Goldsmith
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Patent number: 6287518Abstract: A sterilization monitor includes a substrate and an monitor composition. The monitor composition contains a colorant and a halogen source and undergoes a distinct color change when exposed to a peracid. The sterilization monitor can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving a peracid. A sterilization monitoring device, including a sterilization monitor enclosed in a housing having a vapor permeable barrier, can also be used to monitor a sterilization process.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ramon T. Ignacio, Allan P. Piechowski
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Patent number: 6270724Abstract: The present invention relates to a food contamination detector associated with a double bar code, given the trademark GILBAR™ by the owner of the present invention, that includes coded indicia used to identify the presence of conditions indicative of microbial contamination in food, including toxic contaminants, bacterial metabolites, and other microbial secretions. Of the two bar code symbols associated with the food contamination detector, the first identifies the food product in terms of the type of food, the quantity, the price and the like, while the second bar code symbol is designed to identify the presence of contaminants. When contamination is not detected, the first bar code symbol is scanner readable, whereas the second bar code symbol is not. Once contamination is detected, bars in both bar code symbols can appear or disappear causing the first bar code symbol to become scanner unreadable and the second bar code symbol to become scanner readable.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: California South Pacific InvestorsInventor: James G. Woodaman
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Patent number: 6261843Abstract: A method and metal test pattern for monitoring metal corrosion susceptibility for integrated circuit wafers. Test patterns having an array of metal circles to simulate contact regions, an array of metal strips to simulate electrode regions, and a blanket metal layer to simulate bulk metal regions are formed. A first number of defects per unit area for the test patterns is measured, using a defect scan system. The test pattern wafers are then subjected to environmental stress conditions for a first time and a second number of defects per unit area for the test patterns is measured, again using a defect scan system. The difference between the second number and the first number is compared with a critical number. If excessive corrosion occurs the process for producing wafers is corrected before continuing to process product wafers.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Chao-Hsin Chang, Hsien-Wen Chang, Chih-Chien Hung, Kuang-Hui Chang
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Publication number: 20010006818Abstract: A novel label may be used in a novel sterilization tracking system. The label preferably has first and second portions and a first and second liners. Perforations may preferably attach the first portion to the second portion. The label is particularly suitable for use in monitoring and/or tracking hydrogen peroxide sterilization procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Anita Amhof, Urs Jauslin, Ramon T. Ignacio, Florian Weinig, Christian Stoop
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Patent number: 6232128Abstract: The invention relates to a bicarbonate-containing medical solution package. The package comprises a gas-permeable plastic container holding a bicarbonate-containing medical solution and a gas-impermeable plastic packaging member containing the gas-permeable plastic container. A carbon-dioxide atmosphere is established in the space between the container and packaging member. In addition, a pH indicating device is contained within the space between the container and packaging member. The pH indicating device is a gas-permeable plastic packet containing a bicarbonate-containing fluid (similar to the medical solution) and a pH indicator. The pH indicator undergoes a change in color in response to a change in pH of the fluid. Use of this package allows the easy monitoring of a change in pH and consequent aging of the medical solution due to prolonged storage or damage to the outer packaging member.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc.Inventors: Seiichiro Iguchi, Shino Shinomiya, Rika Hamamoto, Akiyo Abe, Masatoshi Inai, Keiichi Kawakami
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Patent number: 6218189Abstract: A method and apparatus detect exposure to an oxidation-type sterilant using a non-PH-sensitive bleachable dye as a chemical indicator. A change in color indicates exposure to oxidation-type sterilant.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.Inventors: Patricia A. Antonoplos, Henry K. Hui, Alireza Ebrahim, Leslie A. Feldman, Nitu Kohli
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Patent number: 6214623Abstract: A time-temperature indicator device comprises a polymeric layer having a first and second surface and a dye composition adhered to said first surface comprising a dye which diffuses into the polymeric layer as a result of a cumulative time-temperature exposure wherein the dye is invisible when viewed in visible radiation and is detectable as a result of absorption of non-visible radiation. The device may be attached to a product for monitoring cumulative time-temperature exposure.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Michael J. Simons, John A. Weldy
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Patent number: 6193931Abstract: A sterilization system using a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process in an enclosed sterilization container while still maintaining the sealed state of the sterilization container. The process monitoring device comprises at least one biological indicator and/or at least one chemical indicator. Upon completion of the sterilization cycle, the process monitoring device can be advantageously removed from the system to determine chemical and/or biological efficacy of the sterilization process. The removal of the biological and/or chemical indicators does not disturb the sterilized state of the articles inside the sterilization container.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Paul Taylor Jacobs
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Patent number: 6190610Abstract: A food contamination detector. The food contamination detector comprises a first bar code symbol coded to identify a food product by a bar code reader, a second bar code symbol coded to identify contaminated food by a bar code reader, and an indicator printed onto a substrate which changes color when food is contaminated and causes the first bar code symbol to be unreadable by a bar code reader and causes the second bar code symbol to become readable by a bar code reader.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: California South Pacific InvestorsInventors: Robert M. Goldsmith, Catherine H. Goldsmith, James G. Woodaman
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Patent number: 6149863Abstract: A steam-sensitive ink comprises, as active ingredient, a tetrazolium salt. The ink may be coated on, or impregnated into, a substrate to form a steam sterilization indicator.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Albert Browne LimitedInventor: Phillip Richard James
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Patent number: 6093572Abstract: The present invention relates to new color compositions which are especially suitable to be used in oxygen indicators. The compositions comprise iron(II), an agent containing pyrogallol entities and an organic acid.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn ABInventors: .ANG.ke Stenholm, Lars Karlsson, Anders Lofgren, Bo Nystrom, Otto Skolling
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Patent number: 6091071Abstract: An opto-electronic sensor for recognizing transparent articles, such as, for example, glass bodies, plastic bodies, or foils. The sensor includes at least one transmitter for transmitting light signals into a monitored region, at least one receiver for receiving the transmitted light signals, and at least one evaluation unit for the evaluation of the received signals. The transmitter is designed for the transmission of the light signals in the UV range. At least one reference transmitter is provided for the transmission of light signals into the monitored region. The light signals transmitted by the reference transmitter lie in a different frequency range from the light signals transmitted by the transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Sick AGInventors: Thomas Franz, Gerhard Alt, Guenter Hirt, Daniel Kietz
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Patent number: 6063631Abstract: A sterilization indicator includes a substrate and indicator composition. The indicator composition contains a colorant, such as acid fuchsin, that undergoes a distinct color change if exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor. The sterilization indicator can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving hydrogen peroxide vapor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Ramon T. Ignacio
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Patent number: 6043096Abstract: A test device and method is described for directly determining the liquid phase water content of organic solvents and indirectly the liquid phase water content of solids. The device and method utilize a reagent composition consisting basically the dried residue of a mixture of a colorimetric indicator material, preferably a cobaltous or cuprous salt, and a polymeric water barrier material, such mixture incorporated into a matrix which is contacted with or immersed into the liquid test sample, removed therefrom and the color change of the test composition correlated with a standard color chart to give a quantitative result of the amount of water in the test sample. When the method is applied to solids, the water must first be extracted from the solid using a substantially anhydrous extracting fluid such as reagent alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Environmental Test Systems, Inc.Inventors: Yuriy Vladimirovich Evtodienko, Boris Ivanovich Medvedev
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Patent number: 6022720Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a protein that regulates programmed cell death and, in particular, to the pro-apoptotic protein, Bax, which forms channels in lipid membranes. The invention further relates to methods of identifying agonists and antagonists of Bax channel formation and/or activity and thereby agents that can be used therapeutically to promote or inhibit cell death.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Glaxo Wellcome Inc.Inventors: Jean-Claude Martinou, Remy Sadoul, Bruno Antonsson, Franco Conti, Gonzalo Mazzei