US3999946A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Time-temperature history indicators
Assignee: Lifelines Technology Inc
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Filing: 1976-02-23
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Granted: 1976-12-28
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Expires: 1996-02-23
Abstract
Abstract Compositions containing at least two conjugated acetylene groups (-C 3BOND C-C 3BOND C-) are suitable as integral time-temperature history indicators. These compositions exhibit sequences of irreversible color changes at combinations of times and temperatures specific to each composition. Thus, when supported on the surface of a product or on a substrate affixed to a product, they are useful for indicating whether a perishable (e.g., foodstuff, pharmaceutical, chemical, etc.) has been exposed to an undesirable time-temperature history that results in substantial degradation of the perishable or whether a product has been exposed to a desirable time-temperature history during processing (e.g., the sterilization of a foodstuff or biomedical material).
Inventors
- 👤 Gordhanbhai N. Patel
- 👤 Anthony F. Preziosi
- 👤 Ray H. Baughman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N31/00; G01N31/22; G01N31/229; G01N33/00; G01N33/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S252/00; Y10S252/962
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
29 words
A process which comprises applying to a perishable product an integral time-temperature history indicator comprising at least one acetylenic compound having at least two conjugated acetylene groups per molecule.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process which comprises applying to a perishable product an integral time-temperature history indicator comprising at least one acetylenic compound having at least two conjugated acetylene groups per molecule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 in which the acetylenic compound is deposited on a substrate affixed to the product.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 in which the acetylenic compound is deposited on the product.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 in which the acetylenic compound is applied from a solution of the acetylenic compound in a solvent and the solvent is evaporated from the solution.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 in which the thermal reactivity of the acetylenic compound is increased by low temperature exposure to actinic radiation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 1 in which the acetylenic compound is selected from the group consisting of diynes, triynes, tetraynes and hexaynes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 1 in which the acetylenic compound contains at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, sulfonate, urethane, acid and alcohol derivatives.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 in which a UV filter is incorporated in the indicator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 which further comprises deactivating an integral time-temperature thermal history indicator comprising at least one acetylenic compound having at least two conjugated acetylene groups per molecule.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 9 which comprises inducing a phase change from an active phase to a substantially inactive phase.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 10 in which the phase change is induced by applying a mechanical stress.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 10 in which the acetylenic compound is rapidly heated to a temperature above its melting point.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 9 in which unreacted acetylenic compound is extracted by a solvent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 9 in which unreacted acetylenic compound is removed by sublimation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 9 in which unreacted acetylenic compound is deactivated by donor-acceptor complex formation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 9 in which unreacted acetylenic compound is deactivated by a chemical reaction which eliminates the conjugated acetylene groups.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A perishable product having applied thereto an integral time-temperature history indicator comprising at least one acetylenic compound having at least two conjugated acetylene groups per molecule.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
A perishable product having applied thereto an integral time-temperature history indicator comprising at least one acetylenic compound having at least two conjugated acetylene groups per molecule.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The product of claim 17 in which the acetylenic compound is selected from the group consisting of diynes, triynes, tetraynes and hexaynes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
The product of claim 17 in which the acetylenic compound contains at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, sulfonate, urethane, acid and alcohol derivatives.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-12-28 | 1980-06-28 | 1980-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-12-28 | 1984-06-28 | 1984-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-12-28 | 1988-06-28 | 1988-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |