DE3313148A1 - Device and method for displaying the overshooting and undershooting of a prescribed limiting temperature - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for displaying the overshooting and undershooting of a prescribed limiting temperature. The object of the invention is to provide a device, which can be produced inexpensively and operates in an extremely simple way, for indicating the overshooting and undershooting of a prescribed limiting temperature which can be read off without difficulty by the user. The invention achieves this object due to the fact that the device consists of a fusible material, whose melting point is equal or close to the limiting temperature, and an absorbing material as indicator, and that the fusible material is mounted at or near the absorbing material in a compact form and in the solid state at a position which does not cover the view onto the absorbing material. In the case of the indication of undershooting of a prescribed limiting temperature, a material in the gaseous state is brought as indicator into the vicinity of an absorbing material in such a way that after transition into the liquid state said first material is absorbed by the latter material and this becomes detectable.

Description

PATENT ADVOCATE ~ "

DiPL.-PHYS. DR. WALTHER JUNIUS 3 Hanover

WOLFSTRASSE 24 TELEPHONE (05 11) 83 45 30

April 7, 1983 No files: 771

Device and method for displaying the "exceeding" or "falling below" a given limit temperature

The invention relates to a device and a method Display of exceeding or falling below a gate threshold Limit temperature.

Chilled and frozen food as well as pharmaceuticals must be consumed within certain time limits. Therefore, there are often use-by periods on the packaging noted. However, these use-by periods have only valid if the cold chain between the producer and the final dealer has remained unbroken. Any interruption in this cold chain leads to premature spoilage of the goods, which is generally felt by the consumer is not recognizable. If the ".fare" is to be cooled deeply, it is necessary not to thaw at all, but only to exceed certain specified limit temperatures, to cause premature spoilage of the goods. Such reduced cooling of the goods can inadvertently occur occur during transport if as a result of longer stopping times

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of the transport vehicle, a brief failure of the cooling system, in the event of an accident or "vfare heated above the limit temperature.

So far, it is up to the various warehouses and transport companies to monitor compliance with the prescribed \ storage temperatures and disruption of cooling, determine in their camp area and the extent of damage of the goods by the interruption of

Assess cooling yourself. A lower part is verifiable
interruption of the cooling * these various storekeepers do not. In this case, however, the spoilage of goods due to the interruption of the cold chain does not even have to be a burden on a warehouse keeper, but can have occurred during transport or during reloading processes from warehouses to transport vehicles and vice versa. This is highly undesirable for public health. Because a certain percentage of food, drug and vaccine poisoning is due to. Broken '! Faxes can be traced back to an interruption in the cold chain.

An attempt (DE-OS 3000080) has become known, one Device for displaying the exceeding of a predetermined limit temperature of the 'goods during their production or first storage to accompany the tfare-up to the consumer can and on which the consumer can determine whether an interruption in the cold chain has occurred or not. These Device works with crystals. The irreversibility of the conversion is not guaranteed and the recognizability of the ■ Conversion tied to specialist knowledge. This device has not come out of the experimental stage because of its manufacture is expensive and with the ability to identify whether or not the cold chain has been interrupted Difficulties associated with it.

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JJs is the task of the present I.irfindunc ,. a cheap, Extremely simple functioning device for displaying when a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded to create that can be read by the consumer without any difficulty.

The invention consists in that the device for indicating that a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded of a fusible substance, the melting point of which is equal to or close to the predetermined temperature, and a absorbent material exists as an indicator and that the meltable material on or next to the absorbent material on a

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ycovering point in compact form

and is attached in a solid state.

The meltable material can be a frozen liquid or a mixture of several liquids and / or solids be. It is advantageous if one component of the fusible substance is a color pigment or a color change in the absorbent material causing the substance.

The absorbent material is expediently made of paper-3dltflos> 2.- and / or lextile fibers and preferably has the shape of a sheet, a film, a thread or a Wick and can also be a capillary, preferably made of glass or plastic.

Such a device gives an easily recognizable indication that a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded. The fusible material is selected so that it is just at the limit temperature or just below the limit temperature melts, i.e. from the solid state of aggregation to the liquid state of aggregation. The one when melting the resulting liquid is absorbed by the absorbent material and causes an easily recognizable for the end user, clearly visible color change in the absorbent fabric.

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This makes it easy for the end consumer, including the layperson, to see whether the cold chain has been interrupted or not.

This device is extremely easy to manufacture, with the basic components for manufacturing are very cheap and so is the labor involved in manufacturing is low. A simple piece of absorbent paper is enough to make this device a piece of the fusible material to make the device. The absorbent material can even be attached to the Serve goods.

Another advantage is that fusible substances can be produced in the simplest of ways Limit temperatures melt. One becomes expedient Use colored, frozen / barrels as a meltable material if the limit temperature is 0 ° C. "At the different limit temperatures one becomes 7 / water and / or other different substances, such as mono-, di- or higher-valent alcohols, triglycerides, glycerine and others Use substances of organic chemistry and / or their mixtures, but also these frozen liquids or organic ones Chemistry itself or mixtures of these liquids under-i each other. But also the addition of solids, such as z.3. Koclj salt or other salts, is possible and leads to possibilities of the most varied limit temperatures, i.e. melting-j temperatures to be set precisely. With an exact dosage the most varied of melting temperatures can be set for the constituents of these mixtures or solutions. The preparation Such mixtures or solutions do not present the slightest difficulty, and neither does freezing these mixtures and solutions.

But also the attachment of the fusible material to or In addition to the absorbent material, there are no problems: the solid, meltable material can be thinned Create layers, the surface of which is coated with an adhesive

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layer is coated and which are then easily cut into strips, circular or rectangular pieces can. But there are also many other ways to have the meltable material on or next to the To attach absorbent material: The fusible material can be placed in containers or bags made of plastic film that are provided with at least one opening towards the absorbent paper, the fusible substance can be in a and placed in the same container as the absorbent material, "the possibilities are many.

Another important advantage is that it is easily recognizable for every end user, whether or not the absorbent material has soaked up fusible material. Because this is how the absorbent material is colored changed, mostly provided with spots or a prepared writing has become visible, which with uninterrupted Cold chain would not have become visible. Because of this and because of the simple and cheap production, it is possible to manufacture this device as a penny article. That gives the opportunity to buy them without any noticeable increase in price which should be added to every frozen roast chicken as well as any medicinal product that is to be kept refrigerated. A Another advantage is that this device can easily be designed so that it is difficult to remove from the goods is removable.

The device can for example consist of a container provided with at least one outflow opening for the Record the fusible material and a piece of paper attached to or next to it. This piece For example, paper can have the 3+ label on the goods or be on the packaging of the goods. The container is then simply placed on or next to the label on the goods or theirs

Glued on packaging.

But there is also the possibility of designing the device so that it is not attached to the goods or theirs Packaging adheres, but is simply added to the packaging of the goods. In such a case it is it is useful if the device has at least two chambers connected to one another by an opening, of which in one the fusible substance, in the other the indicator, preferably in the form of a filter paper, a thread or a wick, housed; is. These two chambers can also be inside one Tube, for example by a pin crossing the tube or a body inserted into the tube, whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. This two-chamber system has the advantage that parts of the material do not fall off during transport due to friction fusible fabric hang while rubbing the fusible fabric on the absorbent fabric.

In many cases it will be useful to indicate to the end consumer by means of a label that there has been an interruption in the cold chain. In this case it is advantageous if the absorbent material printing or coating with. an originally colorless, after "contact with the molten substance; but has colored fabric.

But there is also another possibility to have a j font appear on the absorbent fabric, for example allow. This possibility consists in that the device consists of at least two layers of flat structures j consists, one of which is made of absorbent material

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stands while the other with the fusible material is filled, with a layer preferably provided with openings or holes between these "two layers is arranged. These openings or holes are then corresponding to the writing that appear on the absorbent layer should, trained.

It has been found to be particularly advantageous that the meltable material is in a carrier, preferably stored in the form of a sponge, filter paper or the like is.

To determine the length of the interruption time in a cold chain, it can be useful if the absorbent Material is provided with a calibration in the form of a scale.

Further display options result from the Possibility of exceeding the specified storage temperature by using suitable, non-pathogenic germs inoculated indicator culture media is made visible, which changes color when the germs are reactivated by higher temperatures reveal.

Completely analogous to this display of exceeding a predetermined one Upper limit temperature, it is also possible to limit the temperature falling below (exceeding a specified Limit temperature downwards). For this purpose, substances are used whose boiling point is the same as or close to the desired one specified lower limit of the storage temperature and which is below this limit temperature from vaporous to liquid state of aggregation and then be absorbed drop-shaped by colored, absorbent material and let this become recognizable there. That is e.g. when checking the temperature constancy in incubators in particular of bacterial culture media of importance.

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For this purpose, a device can be used, for example consists of a glass tube closed on all sides, in which a strip of absorbent material and Contains vapor of the named substance.

The particular advantage of this display device in all of its; Embodiments are that the display is irreversible: Fraud maneuvers are as good as impossible. Because the device is indeed very simple to manufacture and cheap, but can only be done with great effort by laypeople in a production of small numbers will. No grocery retailer can after work for example two dozen of these devices for chickens whose refrigeration has been interrupted in its operation, imitate after work. He would have the option of getting the meltable substance in his refrigerator manufacture, but he would have considerable difficulty in these manufactured pieces of the fusible material in to attach its store to the absorbent paper at normal temperature. He couldn't do ordinary things either Use absorbent paper because the chicken producer uses absorbent paper with a print, for example has provided information about its production facility and the use-by period. **

The essence of the invention is explained below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the drawing explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a section through a device as it is a \

Ifaren packaging is added, j

2 shows a section through another embodiment]

such a device, -i

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3 shows a further embodiment of this type,

Pig. 4 a view of a disk-shaped device,

Fig. 5 is a section through the Pig device. 4,

6 shows a bottle with a label which is designed for the device,

7 shows a section through the label,

8 shows a view of a device in which, after the limit temperature has been exceeded, a text becomes visible,

9 shows a section through this embodiment,

10 a section through a simplified producible Embodiment of this type of device,

11 is a view of a device for displaying the Exceeding a specified limit temperature downwards.

In Fig. 1, a device for displaying the exceeding of a predetermined limit temperature is shown, which is added to the packaging of the ¥ are. This device consists of a container 1 in the form of a tube which is closed on both sides by a cover 2 and which has a separating web 3 in the middle area. From one side is the one in solid in the tube. State of the fusible material 4 inserted, from the other side a piece of filter paper. This device is added to the viare below the limit temperature. W ^r now ird the cold chain at any point interrupted so that the temperature rises above the limit temperature, melts the meltable substance 4 and the FiIterpapier ^J sucks resulting from the melting liquid. Since the fusible substance 4

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is colored, while the filter paper 5 is white, a viewer immediately recognizes from the filter paper 5 whether a melting process is taking place has occurred inside the tube, ie the limit temperature has been exceeded or not. Is the tube made of opaque material, the viewer must the piece of filter paper 5 the Remove the tube. If the tube 1 is made of transparent material, v / ie glass or transparent plastic, the viewer can immediately see from the outside whether the cold chain has been interrupted.

So that the display occurs in every position of the tube, it is advisable to place the fusible substance in the middle of the To arrange tube, as shown in Fig. 2. Here is 4 each on both sides of the fusible material a sheet of filter paper 5 is placed in the tube. Each sheet of filter paper is protected from the fusible material a body 6 separated. This body 6 consists of a short tube section, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube is 1.

A device of this type that is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture is shown in FIG. The plastic film 7 surrounding the fusible body 4, on the other hand, is wrapped in a piece of filter paper 5, which is glued together on its long sides in the manner of a cigarette paper and which protrudes far beyond the plastic film 7 on both sides. This creates a cigarette similar-looking object which at its center inside the fusible material to "v / eist!. If there is a" melts the fabric 4 and ft "* / ⁵ ^ molten liquid) ness along exceeding the limit temperature / the protruding find the slide 7 on the

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Filter paper 5 until finally the diameter of the fusible body 4 increases as a result of the melting process has reduced that this - slips out of the film 7 - when the device is in an inclined position or in a vertical position and slides along the filter paper 5, where clear traces of color of the coloring fusible body 4 be left behind.

In the embodiment of Fig. 4, a circular piece of filter paper 5 is used, which on both sides with a disk-shaped fusible body 4 is provided (-p ^. · £.) < .Oi es he body 4 has an adhesive layer on the side facing the piece of filter paper 5. Appropriately the fusible body 4 is formed by a sponge that is placed above during the manufacture of the device the limit temperature with the coloring, at the limit temperature SciHt, «, L ^ -e-wcie-n liquid, is provided. Instead of a sponge, soaked filter paper or the like can also be used. The whole thing can be housed in an envelope 8 made of plastic film. These two layers of plastic film that form the envelope are connected at the edge. IJJs is in the Plastic film provided a hole 3 through which a thread can be pulled, with which this device on the 'iare can be attached.

But it is also possible to provide an adhesive layer 10 on one side of the envelope with which the To attach the device to the './are or its casing is.

This device is particularly cheap if it is designed as a label. This is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. On a bottle 11 is the label 12 with the

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13 imprint attached. This label consists of absorbent paper, at the top and at the bottom Label 12 is £ a strip of fusible material 14 applied, 7 / if the limit temperature is exceeded, so this strip 14 of fusible material melts. The one that forms as a result of the melting process Liquid is drawn off the absorbent paper of the label 12 is absorbed and it is clearly discolored of the label in irregular shapes, in which colored stripes 15 are also formed on the label, that here the fusible substance has melted and therefore the Limit temperature was exceeded. ' On this Jeise will The label is so unsightly that nobody can see this bottle any more buys.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. Here the device is designed as a sticker. When the limit temperature is exceeded, a clearly legible filter is produced on the white filter paper 5 Paper 16.vIf the limit temperature is not exceeded, however, the filter paper 5 remains white.

Another option for this type of device device is shown in Fig. 9 in section: Below the filter paper 5 is a film 17 made of Ketall or plastic, in which the characters are stamped in the form of openings on the filter paper should appear after the limit temperature is exceeded. Below this film f ^ - is the fusible one Fabric IS expediently soaked up in a sponge or a filter paper layer. The whole thing can be done with a Sheath 19 may be provided, which carries an adhesive layer Io on the side facing away from the filter paper 5.

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, ■ iiii .Another example of the game is possible. Io shown. Here is the pilter paper layer 5 with a print which is invisible at temperatures below the limit emp er ature, but becomes visible as soon as the layer begins to melt with the fusible substance 4 and becomes Comes into contact with the printing. As soon as the ochinelz process exits from the fusible otoff 4 liquid reaches the oppression, occurs in this the Color change to. This device is also attached to the .fare with the help of an adhesive layer Io.

In FIG. 11, a device is shown which is used to display when the temperature falls below a predetermined limit serves, lüs is a closed one on all sides Glass or plastic tube 2o, which is filled with the vapor of a substance, which when it falls below the border between emp era / bur and vapor in the liquid state passes. Located in the tube 2o a 3 piece of filter paper 5, which is attached to the Places discolored where it can absorb drops that form when the steam falls below the limit the limit temperature changes from vapor to liquid aggregate state.

It is useful here that the part of the container 20 which is not lined on the inside with absorbent material 5 from the outside with a thermal insulation is provided, the purpose of which is that the transition from the vapor to the liquid state of aggregation on the part of the Concentrated inner surface of the container 20, whereby the precipitation is particularly easy to see.

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Claims (1)

Expectations : ( ! ./ "Device for displaying if a specified limit temperature is exceeded,
characterized, that the device is made of a fusible substance (4) whose melting point is equal to or close to the limit temperature and there is an absorbent material (5) or a capillary as an indicator, and that the fusible material (4) on or next to the absorbent material in compact form and in solid form State of aggregation at one the view of the absorbent Fabric (5) is attached to the non-covering point. 2. Device according to. Claim 1,
characterized, that the fusible substance (4) is a frozen liquid or a mixture or a solution of several Liquids and / or solids. 3. Device according to claim 1,
characterized, that, a component of the fusible substance (4) is a color pigment or a color change in the absorbent .Substance (5) or the printing of which is causing the substance. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1,.
characterized, that the absorbent material (5) is made of paper and / or textile fibers. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1,
characterized, that the sucking ο toff the liOria of a leaf, one i ^? olie, pad or wick. 6. Apparatus according to claim. 1, characterized in that the device consists of one with at least one Outflow opening provided container for the reception u of the fusible substance and one on or next to it attached piece of absorbent material ". 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has at least two, through an opening Has interconnected chambers, of which in one of the fusible material (4), in the other of the Indicator, preferably in the form of a pilter paper, is housed. 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent material (5) has a printing or coating with an originally colorless, colored substance after contact with the molten substance 9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device consists of at least two layers of jTflauten consists of which one consists of absorbent material (5), while the other is filled with the fusible material (4). 10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that that between the two layers there is an intermediate layer (17) is arranged. 11. The device according to claim 10,
characterized, that the intermediate layer (17) is provided with openings or holes. 12. The device according to claim 1,
characterized, that the meltable material in a carrier (18), is preferably stored in the form of a sponge, filter paper or the like. 15. Apparatus according to claim 1,
characterized, that the absorbent material (5) with a calibration is provided. 14. The device according to claim 1,
characterized, that at least the container for receiving the fusible substance on its outside with a Lifting material coating is provided. 15. Device for displaying the line of sight of a given limit temperature,
characterized, that the device consists of a closed Behäli (20), which is provided with a vapor filling of a substance that changes at the limit temperature from the vapor to the liquid state, and that the inner surface of the Behälx ^% s c <j wholly or partially with absorbent Material · ^{5 is} lined. -: - '[Γ :: _; "."" 3313U8 - 4 - 16. Procedure for indicating that a specified limit has been exceeded storage temperature of a stored item, characterized, that you add a frozen liquid to the stored goods and this when the specified storage temperature is exceeded can flow onto an absorbent material and thereby cause an irreversible change in the absorbent material leaves. 17. Procedure for indicating that a specified value has not been exceeded Storage temperature of a stored item downwards, characterized in that that a substance is placed in vapor form in a closed vessel, the boiling point of which is equal to or close to the specified lower limit of the storage temperature is that if the temperature falls below the limit, the substance from vapor to liquid state of aggregation and then the droplets that form from an absorbent material that changes color when liquid is absorbed can take up inside the container (2o). 18.Vorrichtung according to claim 1,
characterized, that the absorbent material contains a colored component, which is determined by the molten material in its position or color is changed irreversibly and / or the liquid limit is irreversibly recognizable after any drying-off lets stay. 19 · Procedure for displaying when a specified storage temperature of a stored item has been exceeded,
characterized, that exceeding the specified storage temperature by with suitable, preferably non-pathogenic germs inoculated indicator culture media is made visible, which when inactivated Allow germs to recognize color changes through higher temperatures BATH ORIGINAL ■: V ::. ; XV 3313H8 - 5 - 20. Device for displaying when a specified limit temperature has been exceeded, characterized, that indicator nutrient media inoculated with suitable, preferably non-pathogenic germs are to be found in a container " find which when the germs are inactivated by higher Temperatures show color changes. 21. The device according to claim 15,
characterized, that the inside is not lined with eye-proof material (5) Part of the container (20) is provided with thermal insulation from the outside. This focuses the transition from the vaporous to the liquid state of aggregation to the one lined with absorbent material (5) Part of the inner surface of the container (20), whereby the precipitation is particularly easy to see.