US4114443A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Freeze thaw indicator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-06-21
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Granted: 1978-09-19
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Expires: 1996-06-21
Abstract
Abstract An indicating device for evidencing thawing temperatures in a food storage compartment of a freezer having a container having an upper transparent portion and a lower opaque portion provided with inward projections. Colored water can be frozen in place within the opaque portion of the container and the container then set on it side in the freezer compartment. The projections hold the ice in place in the opaque portion of the container so that the extent of thawing is evidenced by the presence of water in the transparent portion of the container in the event of a rise in temperature in the freezer compartment.
Inventors
- 👤 Trevor Percival Clark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K11/00; G01K11/06; F; F25; F25D; F25D29/00; F25D29/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A freeze thaw indicator for evidencing thawing conditions in a food storage compartment of a freezer comprising: (a) a container having an upper transparent portion and a lower opaque portion adapted to be partially filled with a coloured liquid within only the opaque portion having substantially the same thawing temperature as water, (b) a plurality of projections extending inwardly from side walls of the opaque portion of the container for inhibiting movement of frozen liquid into the transparent portion of the container but permitting movement of melted liquid into the transparent portion when the container is placed in a horizontal position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
A freeze thaw indicator for evidencing thawing conditions in a food storage compartment of a freezer comprising: (a) a container having an upper transparent portion and a lower opaque portion adapted to be partially filled with a coloured liquid within only the opaque portion having substantially the same thawing temperature as water, (b) a plurality of projections extending inwardly from side walls of the opaque portion of the container for inhibiting movement of frozen liquid into the transparent portion of the container but permitting movement of melted liquid into the transparent portion when the container is placed in a horizontal position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An indicator as claimed in claim 1 including incicator marks on the transparent portion of the casing for indicating volume of the liquid in liquid stage in the container when the container is disposed horizontally.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An indicator as claimed in claim 1 in which the liquid is a dye in solution with water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An indicator as claimed in claim 1 which liquid is an aqueous solution phenol red adjusted to suitable colour by a dilute alkaline.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3077177A
Cited
US3701282A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-18 | 1982-03-20 | 1982-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-18 | 1986-03-20 | 1986-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-18 | 1990-03-20 | 1990-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |