Time-temperature indicator device and method of manufacture
US6042264A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01K3/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a plurality of layers adapted to be adhered at its underside to a product container. The label includes a printable surface layer, a longitudinal wicking strip that is adhered underneath the surface layer substantially at the opposite extremities only of the wicking strip and a lower substrate layer forming an envelope with said surface layer. A heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, is applied on the surface of the wicking strip contiguous to at least one of the ends of the wicking member. When the heat-fusible substance is exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature, the heat-fusible substance flows along the length of the wicking member. The label has a printable surface layer and is sealed at its peripheral edge to the peripheral edge of the substrate layer. These layers encapsulate the wicking member and the heat-fusible sub…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.