WO2014164283A1

WO2014164283A1 - On-cell battery tester structure, indicator arrangement and method for producing same

Info

Publication number: WO2014164283A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/021711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Janousek; Vance MATTISON
Original assignee: Ccl Label, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-09
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2014-10-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to on-cell battery tester structures, to improved and/or to more informative charge indicator arrangements, and to methods for making and/or producing same. In one embodiment, the on-cell battery testers of the present invention are thermochromic in nature and comprise an insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, or a combination of both. In still another embodiment, the on-cell battery tester of the present invention comprises a printed insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, silica or a combination of any two or more thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an charge indicator arrangement that conveys to an individual among other things, an improved, or more accurate, indicator of charge level, and to a method of making same.

Description

ON-CELL BATTERY TESTER STRUCTURE,

INDICATOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S.

Provisional Application 61/775,488 entitled "On-Cell Battery Tester Structure, Indicator Arrangement and Method for Producing Same," filed on March 9, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to on-cell battery tester structures, to improved and/or to more informative charge indicator arrangements, and to methods for making and/or producing same. In one embodiment, the on-cell battery testers of the present invention are thermochromic in nature and comprise an insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, or a combination of both. In still another embodiment, the on-cell battery tester of the present invention comprises a printed insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, silica or a combination of any two or more thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an charge indicator arrangement that conveys to an individual among other things, an improved, or more accurate, indicator of charge level, and to a method of making same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Batteries are often stored prior to being used. Such storage encompasses storage by retailers prior to being sold, the storage time by the customer after purchase but prior to use, or any combination thereof. As is known to those of skill in the art, if the storage period is significant batteries may self-discharge. Therefore, it is desirable to have and utilize a battery tester to determine if a battery has sufficient charge to operate a desired device.

[0004] Additionally, it is also desirable in some occasions to determine the remaining life of one or more batteries which are already in use. Many "good" batteries are discarded simply because the user cannot recall how long they have been in use in a particular device (e.g., a digital camera, digital tape recorder, flashlight, etc.) Another typical situation occurs when a user go to use a device and finds the batteries therein are non-functional and that there are no suitable replacements on hand for such batteries. Separate or stand-alone battery testers are known which indicate remaining battery power. However, such testers are easily misplaced and cumbersome to use.

[0005] Battery testers have been described that are included in a label secured to a battery.

One type of on-label battery tester is known as a "thermochromic battery tester." Thermochromic battery testers typically include a conductive element that is selectively connected between opposite terminals of the battery. The conductive element includes a switch pad at one or both ends that is pressed by the user to connect the conductive element across the terminals of the battery. Alternatively, such thermochromic battery testers can be "built" into the side of the battery and provide the ability to test the state of a battery's charge without having to find a testing device.

[0006] Regardless of battery tester location, thermochromic battery testers function via a conductive element that is connected between the battery terminals which serves to generate heat as a function of its resistivity and the current flowing from the battery. The level of current produced by the battery is one indicator of the remaining battery capacity. Thermochromic testers further include a thermochromic layer, which changes its color or visual appearance as a function of the heat generated by the conductive element. By changing the visual appearance of the thermochromic layer, a thermochromic on-label battery tester may provide an indication of the discharge level of the battery. For example, a thermochromic material that changes between opaque and transparent states may be utilized to expose indicia underlying the thermochromic layer indicating that the battery is still "good" when a sufficient level of current is output from the battery.

[0007] The thermochromic materials used in such on-label testers change visual states through a range of predetermined temperatures. Fresh batteries have a higher open circuit voltage and a lower internal resistance and therefore are capable of generating more heat and a greater temperature rise than batteries that have been discharged. If the circuit resistance is appropriately matched to the thermochromic ink transition temperature, the thermal conductivity of the insulation, and the cell electrical characteristics, thermochromic testers are capable of giving valid information about the state of charge of the battery provided that the battery is tested at the temperature used for calibration of the tester circuit. However, if the tester is used in a colder environment, more heat must be generated by the conductive element to change the visual state of the thermochromic material. Likewise, if the tester is used in an environment with relatively high ambient temperatures, the conductive element will have to generate little, if any, heat to cause the thermochromic material to change visual states. For this reason, manufacturers of such thermochromic testers have printed instructions on the battery label to only test the battery at a specified ambient temperature, such as room temperature.

[0008] Furthermore, in the production process for forming such on-cell battery tester labels (as used herein the label is the testing construct prior to being affixed to an external surface of a desired battery) an excess amount of waste is generated when the insulating layer is formed as the process to form said insulating layer is a punch-based process utilizing a natural Kraft paper. As such, the production process for an on-cell battery tester creates an excess amount of waste in the process of forming at least the insulating layer of the battery tester.

[0009] Besides the above issues with various battery tester labels another issue is that various battery tester labels currently utilized in conjunction with various batteries have indicators that are generally shaped in a straight line. Given these straight line indicators it is easy to discern when a battery contains a 100 percent or zero percent charge level. However, it is much more difficult to determine a charge level that is not either a full charge or an empty charge. This is because such straight line charge level indicators make it necessary for the user to guess, or estimate, a charge level that is either not 100 percent or not empty. This in turn can lead to a user pushing harder on the activation point, or points, of the battery tester label to achieve a reading of a full charge level, thereby resulting in the user receiving a false indication of the actual charge state of the battery in question.

[0010] Given the above, there is a need in the art for both an improved battery tester structure as well as an improved battery tester production process, where both the battery tester structure and the process for making same reduce the amount of waste associated with producing on-cell battery testers. Additionally, there is a need in the art for an improved indicator layout, or charge level indicator, in a battery tester label, where such an improved indicator layout, or charge level indicator, permits a user to more accurately determine the charge level in a tested battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to on-cell battery tester structures, to improved and/or to more informative charge indicator arrangements, and to methods for making and/or producing same. In one embodiment, the on-cell battery testers of the present invention are thermochromic in nature and comprise an insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, or a combination of both. In still another embodiment, the on-cell battery tester of the present invention comprises a printed insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, silica or a combination of any two or more thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an charge indicator arrangement that conveys to an individual among other things, an improved, or more accurate, indicator of charge level, and to a method of making same.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising: a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface; an insulator layer, the insulating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the insulating layer faces the top surface of the release layer; a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer; a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer; a conductive layer, the conductive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the conductive layer faces the top surface of the dielectric release layer; an indicating layer, the indicating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the indicating layer faces the top surface of the conductive layer; a thermochromic layer, the thermochromic layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the thermochromic layer faces the top surface of the indicating layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer faces the top surface of the thermochromic layer; and a window layer, the window layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the window layer faces the top surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the insulating layer is a printed layer containing at least one type of glass microspheres, polymer microspheres, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising: a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface; an insulator layer, the insulating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the insulating layer faces the top surface of the release layer; a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer; a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer; a conductive layer, the conductive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the conductive layer faces the top surface of the dielectric release layer; an indicating layer, the indicating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the indicating layer faces the top surface of the conductive layer; a thermochromic layer, the thermochromic layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the thermochromic layer faces the top surface of the indicating layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer faces the top surface of the thermochromic layer; and a window layer, the window layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the window layer faces the top surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the insulating layer is a printed layer containing at least one type of polymer microspheres.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a patterned insulator for use in a battery tester label, the patterned insulator comprising: a backbone structure; at least one set of patterned protrusions attached to the backbone structure; and a set of corresponding air gaps formed between two consecutive patterned protrusions. [0015] In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a patterned insulator for use in a battery tester label, the patterned insulator comprising: a backbone structure; at least one set of patterned angled protrusions attached to the backbone structure; a set of corresponding angled air gaps formed between two sets of consecutive patterned angled protrusions; and a positive contact structure formed at one end of the backbone structure, wherein the positive contact structure has an air gap formed therein designed to receive a positive contact point for a battery tester circuit.

[0016] In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising: a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface; an insulator layer, the insulating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the insulating layer faces the top surface of the release layer; a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer; a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer; a conductive layer, the conductive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the conductive layer faces the top surface of the dielectric release layer; an indicating layer, the indicating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the indicating layer faces the top surface of the conductive layer; a thermochromic layer, the thermochromic layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the thermochromic layer faces the top surface of the indicating layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer faces the top surface of the thermochromic layer; and a window layer, the window layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the window layer faces the top surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the insulating layer contains a patterned insulator comprising: a backbone structure; at least one set of patterned protrusions attached to the backbone structure; and a set of corresponding air gaps formed between two consecutive patterned protrusions.

[0017] In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising: a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface; an insulator layer, the insulating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the insulating layer faces the top surface of the release layer; a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer; a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer; a conductive layer, the conductive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the conductive layer faces the top surface of the dielectric release layer; an indicating layer, the indicating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the indicating layer faces the top surface of the conductive layer; a thermochromic layer, the thermochromic layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the thermochromic layer faces the top surface of the indicating layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer faces the top surface of the thermochromic layer; and a window layer, the window layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the window layer faces the top surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the insulating layer contains a patterned insulator comprising: a backbone structure; at least one set of patterned angled protrusions attached to the backbone structure; a set of corresponding angled air gaps formed between two sets of consecutive patterned angled protrusions; and a positive contact structure formed at one end of the backbone structure, wherein the positive contact structure has an air gap formed therein designed to receive a positive contact point for a battery tester circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-section illustration of an on-cell battery tester structure according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of an on-cell battery tester structure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is an illustration of a patterned insulator that can be utilized to form a charge level indicator, or indicator layout, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 is an illustration of a charge level indicator, or indicator layout, that can be achieved utilizing the patterned insulator of Figure 3;

[0022] Figure 5 is an illustration of another embodiment of a charge level indicator, or indicator layout, that can be achieved utilizing a patterned insulator according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-section illustration of an on-cell battery tester that contains the insulating layer of structure according to still another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 is an illustration of another patterned insulator that can be utilized to form a charge level indicator, or indicator layout, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 is an illustration of a charge level indicator, or indicator layout, that can be achieved utilizing the patterned insulator of Figure 7; and

[0026] Figure 9 is a cross-section illustration of an on-cell battery tester that contains the insulating layer of structure according to still yet another embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention relates to on-cell battery tester structures, to improved and/or to more informative charge indicator arrangements, and to methods for making and/or producing same. In one embodiment, the on-cell battery testers of the present invention are thermochromic in nature and comprise an insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, or a combination of both. In still another embodiment, the on-cell battery tester of the present invention comprises a printed insulator layer that contains, among other items, glass microspheres, polypropylene beads or microspheres, silica or a combination of any two or more thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to an charge indicator arrangement that conveys to an individual among other things, an improved, or more accurate, indicator of charge level, and to a method of making same.

[0028] Turning to the Figures, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 1, an on-cell battery tester 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed from a label construct having multiple layers. As illustrated in Figure 1, battery tester 100 comprises, from the top down, a release layer 102, an insulator layer 104, a switch layer 106, a dielectric release layer 108, a conductive layer 110, an indicating layer 112, a thermochromic layer 114, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 116, and a window layer 118. As would be apparent to those of skill in the art, layer 102 of battery tester 100 is released from layer 104 and the battery tester affixed in an appropriate position on the battery cell (not pictured) to be tested. Regarding the positioning of battery tester 100, tester 100 is position so that a suitable amount of current is provided from the battery to be tested so as to cause battery tester 100 to function properly and permit a user to "see" an indication of the charge level of the battery to which tester 100 is affixed.

[0029] As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, battery tester 100 can be formed by any suitable process including, but not limited to, one or more printing processes (either single or multilayer printing processes) where in each such process one or more individual sub-components comprising one or more of the layers of the overall battery tester structure 100 are formed in an individual printing processes and then are joined with one or more additional sub-components of battery tester 100 where such sub-components themselves comprise one or more additional layers of battery test 100. As a non-limiting example of this manufacturing process, the top four layers (layers 102, 104, 106 and 108) of battery tester 100 could be formed via one printing process while the bottom five layers (layers 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118) of battery tester 100 could be formed in a separate and second, similar or different, printing process. Then, the top for layer sub-component could be joined to the bottom five layer sub-component via an suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a conductive adhesive, heat sealing, etc. It should be noted that the number of sub-components parts and/or the number of layers in each sub-component part is not limited to just the above example and any combination of sub-components having any number of layers can be finally assembled to yield the battery tester structure 100.

[0030] In another embodiment, battery tester 100 is formed by any other suitable technique that can be used to form label structures. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, casting, bonding, heat bonding, UV-based bonding, etc. Again, the use of such techniques could be accomplished in any desired number of sub-components having any desired number of layers therein and then such sub-components could be assembled to form the final battery tester structure 100.

[0031] It should be noted that the thickness of each layer in battery tester 100 can be formed to any desired thickness and as such the layers of battery tester 100 are not limited to any one dimensional thickness. Given this, any thickness values stated below with reference to any layer in battery tester 100 are exemplary in nature and are to be construed as non-limiting.

[0032] Given the above, a detailed discussion of the make-up of each individual layer will now be addressed. Regarding release layer 102 this layer is formed from any suitable release liner material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, siliconized paper, siliconized Kraft paper, siliconized PET, etc. In one embodiment, release layer 102 is formed from siliconized PET. In still another embodiment, release layer 102 is formed from a 31 micron thick siliconized PET.

[0033] Turning to insulating layer 104, layer 104 is formed from a combination of ultraviolet acrylic ink and microspheres. In one embodiment, suitable microspheres include, but are not limited to, glass microspheres, silicate microspheres, borosilicate glass microspheres, polymer microspheres, or combinations of two or more thereof. In one embodiment, the microspheres of the present invention are spherical in shape and have average diameters of about 15 μιη to about 65 μιη, or from about 20 μιη to about 60 μιη, or from about 25 μιη to about 55 μιη, or even an average diameter of about 30 μιη. Here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non-disclosed and/or non-stated ranges. In one instance, suitable microspheres for use in conjunction with the present invention are microspheres where no more than 10 percent by volume of the microspheres have a diameter of more than about 15 μιη, where no more than 50 percent by volume of the microspheres have a diameter of more than about 30 μιη, where 90 percent by volume of the microspheres have a diameter of no more than about 55 μιη, and where any remaining microspheres have an effective top limit diameter of no more than about 65 μιη.

[0034] Regarding the ultraviolet acrylic ink portion of layer 104, in one embodiment a suitable ultraviolet acrylic ink includes, but is not limited to, ultraviolet acrylic inks containing at least one acrylated oligomer selected from an acrylated epoxy oligomer, an acrylated polyester oligomer, acrylated silicone oligomer, acrylated acrylic oligomer, acrylated urethane oligomer, an acrylated melamine oligomer, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, in another embodiment any suitable acrylic ink can be utilized in layer 104 of battery tester 100 so long as an ultraviolet pigment and/or colorant can be added thereto.

[0035] In one embodiment, the microspheres that are added to the ink portion of layer 104 are added in an amount of about 10 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based on 100 weight units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet-modified acrylic ink. In still another embodiment, the amount of microspheres in layer 104 ranges from about 15 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, or even from about 27.5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based again on 100 units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet- modified acrylic ink. Here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non-disclosed and/or non-stated ranges. In still yet another embodiment, the amount of microspheres in layer 104 ranges from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, or even from about 30 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based again on 100 units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet-modified acrylic ink. Again, here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non- disclosed and/or non-stated ranges. In one instance, the higher loading versions provide an additional advantage as it is possible to utilize less ink when an increased amount of microspheres are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] In still another embodiment, the amount of microspheres utilized are not critical so long as the ultraviolet acrylic ink-microsphere combination has the proper insulative properties. It should be noted that the microspheres of layer 104 provide the necessary insulative properties to layer 104. Additionally, the microspheres act as a hardness additive to achieve the desired hardness for layer 104, as well as acting as a stiffness additive and a density reducer to achieve the desired property set from layer 104. Another non-limiting advantage realized by the embodiments of the present invention is that the inclusion of a greater amount of microspheres reduces the amount of acrylic ink needed.

[0037] Turning to switch layer 106 and dielectric release layer 108, these layers are formed from an ink composition selected from a suitable ultraviolet acrylic ink dielectric material so as to form the desired dielectric material for layer 108. In one embodiment, the dielectric material of layer 108 is selected from a suitable dielectric ink. In another embodiment, the dielectric ink of the present invention is one that is able to be printed by any suitable printing technique including, but not limited to, gravure printing, Flexo, ink jet printing, offset printing, etc. Suitable dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, Electrodag PD011 or DuPont 5018. Other suitable dielectric materials can be obtained from Henkel, Acheson, DuPont as well as a wide range of electronic companies.

[0038] Turning to conductive layer 110, layer 110 is formed from a suitable conductive metal, or metal alloy, and provides the conductive circuit necessary to transfer current from the battery to be tested to the on-cell battery tester 100. In one embodiment, layer 110 is formed from any suitable conductive metal, or metal alloy, selected from silver, silver-containing alloys, copper, copper-containing alloys, gold, gold-containing alloys, platinum, platinum-containing alloys, nickel, nickel-containing alloys, brass, or any suitable alloy formed from any combination of silver, gold, nickel copper and/or platinum. Conductive layer 110 is formed so as to permit battery tester 100 to be electrically connected via suitable electrical leads (not pictured) to the battery to be tested and to conduct a sufficient amount of electrical charge to battery tester 100 so as to permit it to function by indicating the level of charge in the battery due to the heat generated by the state of the electrical charge provided to tester 100 which is then converted to heat thereby permitting thermochromic layer 114 to change from opaque to clear in an ordered manner thereby allowing a user to see a color indication of the battery charge level due to the presence of indicating layer 112.

[0039] Regarding indicating layer 112, indicating layer 112, is formed from a suitable ultraviolet high visibility ink. Any suitably colored ultraviolet ink can be utilized including, but not limited to, yellow, pink, green, etc. In one embodiment, layer 112 is formed from a yellow ultraviolet ink. Suitable yellow ultraviolet inks for use in conjunction with on-cell battery testers are known in the art and any such ink can be utilized in conjunction with battery tester 100 of the present invention. As such, a detailed discussion herein will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0040] Turning to thermochromic layer 114, thermochromic layer 114 is formed from any suitable thermochromic ink. Such thermochromic inks are known in the art. In one embodiment layer 114 is formed from a thermochromic ink that transitions from opaque (e.g., black in color) to clear at a defined temperature. In one embodiment, a thermochromic ink is utilized for layer 114 that changes from opaque to clear at a temperature of about 44°C. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to solely a thermochromic ink that changes at 44°C. Rather, any suitable thermochromic ink that changes in a desirable manner at a desirable temperature can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.

[0041] Regarding pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 116, layer 116 is formed from any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive that is capable of joining the construct of layers 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114 to the underside of window layer 118. In one embodiment, suitable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions for use in conjunction with the present invention include, but are not limited to, emulsion acrylic PSAs (e.g., AE-3506 available from Avery Dennison of Pasadena, CA), solvent-based acrylic PSAs (e.g., high performance solvent-based acrylic PSAs), or combination of two or more thereof.

[0042] Regarding window layer 118, window layer 118 is formed from any suitable polymer material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), one or more polyolefins, or one or more co-polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic co-polyolefins, or any suitable combinations of two or more thereof in a multilayer structure. [0043] Turning to the Figures, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from Figure 2, an on-cell battery tester 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention is formed from a label construct having multiple layers. As illustrated in Figure 2, battery tester 200 comprises, from the top down, a release layer 202, an insulator layer 204, a switch layer 206, a dielectric release layer 208, a conductive layer 210, an indicating layer 212, a thermochromic layer 214, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 216, and a window layer 218. As would be apparent to those of skill in the art, layer 202 of battery tester 200 is released from layer 204 and the battery tester affixed in an appropriate position on the battery cell (not pictured) to be tested. Regarding the positioning of battery tester 200, tester 200 is position so that a suitable amount of current is provided from the battery to be tested so as to cause battery tester 200 to function properly and permit a user to "see" an indication of the charge level of the battery to which tester 200 is affixed.

[0044] As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, battery tester 200 can be formed by any suitable process including, but not limited to, one or more multilayer printing processes where in each such process one or more individual sub-components comprising one or more of the layers of the overall battery tester structure 200 are formed in individual extrusion processes and then are joined with one or more additional sub-components of battery tester 200 where such sub-components themselves comprise one or more additional layers of battery test 200. As a non-limiting example of this manufacturing process, the top four layers (layers 202, 204, 206 and 208) of battery tester 200 could be formed via one multilayer printing process while the bottom five layers (layers 210, 212, 214, 216 and 218) of battery tester 200 could be formed in a separate and second similar or different, printing process. Then, the top for layer sub-component could be joined to the bottom five layer subcomponent via an suitable means including, but not limited to, an adhesive, a pressure sensitive adhesive, a conductive adhesive, heat sealing, etc. It should be noted that the number of subcomponents parts and/or the number of layers in each sub-component part is not limited to just the above example and any combination of sub-components having any number of layers can be finally assembled to yield the battery tester structure 200.

[0045] In another embodiment, battery tester 200 is formed by any other suitable technique that can be used to form label structures. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, casting, bonding, heat bonding, UV-based bonding, etc. Again, the use of such techniques could be accomplished in any desired number of sub-components having any desired number of layers therein and then such sub-components could be assembled to form the final battery tester structure 200.

[0046] It should be noted that the thickness of each layer in battery tester 200 can be formed to any desired thickness and as such the layers of battery tester 200 are not limited to any one dimensional thickness. Given this, any thickness values stated below with reference to any layer in battery tester 200 are exemplary in nature and are to be construed as non-limiting. [0047] Given the above, a detailed discussion of the make-up of each individual layer will now be addressed. Regarding release layer 202 this layer is formed from any suitable release liner material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, siliconized paper, siliconized Kraft paper, siliconized PET, etc. In one embodiment, release layer 202 is formed from siliconized PET. In still another embodiment, release layer 202 is formed from a 31 micron thick siliconized PET.

[0048] Turning to insulating layer 204, layer 204 is formed from a combination of ultraviolet acrylic ink and polymer microspheres. In one embodiment, suitable polymer microspheres include polymer microspheres formed from a suitable thermoplastic polymer composition. Suitable thermoplastic polymer compositions for the polymer microspheres of the present invention include, but are not limited to, acrylic (PMMA) polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene polymers (PE), polypropylene polymers (PP), polystyrene polymers (PS), other polyolefin polymers, or combinations of two or more types of microspheres each formed from a different thermoplastic polymer. In another embodiment, the polymer microspheres of this embodiment are formed from a suitable polypropylene polymer composition.

[0049] In one embodiment, the microspheres of this embodiment are spherical in shape and have average diameters of about 3 μιη to about 75 μιη, or from about 5 μιη to about 70 μιη, or from about 10 μιη to about 60 μιη, or from about 15 μιη to about 55 μιη, or from about 20 μιη to about 50 μιη, or from about 25 μιη to about 45 μιη, or from about 30 μιη to about 35 μιη. Here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non-disclosed and/or non- stated ranges.

[0050] Regarding the ultraviolet acrylic ink portion of layer 204, in one embodiment a suitable ultraviolet acrylic ink includes, but is not limited to, ultraviolet acrylic inks containing at least one acrylated oligomer selected from an acrylated epoxy oligomer, an acrylated polyester oligomer, acrylated silicone oligomer, acrylated acrylic oligomer, acrylated urethane oligomer, an acrylated melamine oligomer, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, in another embodiment any suitable acrylic ink can be utilized in layer 204 of battery tester 200 so long as an ultraviolet pigment and/or colorant can be added thereto.

[0051] In one embodiment, the microspheres that are added to the ink portion of layer 204 are added in an amount of about 10 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based on 100 weight units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet-modified acrylic ink. In still another embodiment, the amount of microspheres in layer 204 ranges from about 15 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, or even from about 27.5 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based again on 100 units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet- modified acrylic ink. Here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non-disclosed and/or non-stated ranges. In still yet another embodiment, the amount of microspheres in layer 104 ranges from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent, or from about 20 weight percent to about 30 weight percent, or even from about 30 weight percent to about 35 weight percent based again on 100 units of the ultraviolet acrylic ink, or the ultraviolet-modified acrylic ink. Again, here, as well as elsewhere in the specification and claims, individual numerical values, or limits, from one or more embodiments and/or different ranges can be combined to form additional non- disclosed and/or non-stated ranges. In one instance, the higher loading versions provide an additional advantage as it is possible to utilize less ink when an increased amount of microspheres are included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] In still another embodiment, the amount of microspheres utilized are not critical so long as the ultraviolet acrylic ink-microsphere combination has the proper insulative properties. It should be noted that the microspheres of layer 204 provide the necessary insulative properties to layer 204. Additionally, the microspheres act as a hardness additive to achieve the desired hardness for layer 204, as well as acting as a stiffness additive and a density reducer to achieve the desired property set from layer 204. Another non-limiting advantage realized by the embodiments of the present invention is that the inclusion of a greater amount of microspheres reduces the amount of acrylic ink needed.

[0053] Turning to switch layer 206 and dielectric release layer 208, these layers are formed from an ink composition selected from a suitable ultraviolet acrylic ink dielectric material so as to form the desired dielectric material for layer 108. In one embodiment, the dielectric material of layer 208 is selected from a suitable dielectric ink. In another embodiment, the dielectric ink of the present invention is one that is able to be printed by any suitable printing technique including, but not limited to, gravure printing, Flexo, ink jet printing, offset printing, etc. Suitable dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, Electrodag PD011 or DuPont 5018. Other suitable dielectric materials can be obtained from Henkel, Acheson, DuPont as well as a wide range of electronic companies.

[0054] Turning to conductive layer 210, layer 210 is formed from a suitable conductive metal, or metal alloy, and provides the conductive circuit necessary to transfer current from the battery to be tested to the on-cell battery tester 200. In one embodiment, layer 210 is formed from any suitable conductive metal, or metal alloy, selected from silver, silver-containing alloys, copper, copper-containing alloys, gold, gold-containing alloys, platinum, platinum-containing alloys, nickel, nickel-containing alloys, brass, or any suitable alloy formed from any combination of silver, gold, nickel, copper and/or platinum. Conductive layer 210 is formed so as to permit battery tester 200 to be electrically connected via suitable electrical leads (not pictured) to the battery to be tested and to conduct a sufficient amount of electrical charge to battery tester 200 so as to permit it to function by indicating the level of charge in the battery due to the heat generated by the state of the electrical charge provided to tester 200 which is then converted to heat thereby permitting thermochromic layer 214 to change from opaque to clear in an ordered manner thereby allowing a user to see a color indication of the battery charge level due to the presence of indicating layer 212.

[0055] Regarding indicating layer 212, indicating layer 212, is formed from a suitable ultraviolet high visibility ink. Any suitably colored ultraviolet ink can be utilized including, but not limited to, yellow, pink, green, etc. In one embodiment, layer 212 is formed from a yellow ultraviolet ink. Suitable yellow ultraviolet inks for use in conjunction with on-cell battery testers are known in the art and any such ink can be utilized in conjunction with battery tester 200 of the present invention. As such, a detailed discussion herein will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0056] Turning to thermochromic layer 214, thermochromic layer 214 is formed from any suitable thermochromic ink. Such thermochromic inks are known in the art. In one embodiment layer 214 is formed from a thermochromic ink that transitions from opaque (e.g., black in color) to clear at a defined temperature. In one embodiment, a thermochromic ink is utilized for layer 214 that changes from opaque to clear at a temperature of about 44°C. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to solely a thermochromic ink that changes at 44°C. Rather, any suitable thermochromic ink that changes in a desirable manner at a desirable temperature can be utilized in conjunction with the present invention.

[0057] Regarding pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 216, layer 216 is formed from any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive that is capable of joining the construct of layers 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214 to the underside of window layer 218. In one embodiment, suitable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions for use in conjunction with the present invention include, but are not limited to, emulsion acrylic PSAs (e.g., AE-3506 available from Avery Dennison of Pasadena, CA), solvent-based acrylic PSAs (e.g., high performance solvent-based acrylic PSAs), or combination of two or more thereof.

[0058] Regarding window layer 218, window layer 218 is formed from any suitable polymer material including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), one or more polyolefins, or one or more co-polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic co-polyolefins, or any suitable combinations of two or more thereof in a multilayer structure.

[0059] Turning to Figure 3, Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention depicting one example of a patterned insulating layer 350. In one embodiment, patterned insulator 350 is formed from Kraft paper. However, the material utilized for patterned insulating layer is not limited thereto. Any other suitable insulting materials can be utilized for patterned insulator 350 so long as such material can be formed into the shape, or pattern, desired for patterned insulator 350. Other suitable insulating materials include those material discussed above, or electrical insulators including, but not limited to, rubber, glass, porcelain or a composite polymer materials. In one embodiment, patterned insulator 350 is formed using a rotary die-cut process and as such is formed from Kraft paper. In another embodiment, patterned insulator 350 is formed from a screen printing process. Since both rotary die-cut and screen printing process are known in the art, a detailed discussion herein is omitted for the sake of brevity. Regarding patterned insulator 350, patterned insulator 350 comprises a skeleton backbone 352 that is connected to any desired number of teeth 354. In the case of patterned insulator 350 that number is six, but as stated above could be any number greater than four, five, six, seven or even eight or more. In between each set of consecutive teeth is air gap 354, with the first air gap 356 being designed to receive the positive circuit contact point for the battery tester label of the present invention (or any other suitable battery tester). The remaining four air gaps 358 serve to form conductive areas that when a current is applied to the battery tester label of the present invention, or for that matter any batter tester label having patterned insulator 350 therein, permit a thermochromic ink material to accept a charge (or current) and turn from opaque to clear thereby permitting a user to visually see a portion of an indicator dye, ink or layer there through.

[0060] Turning to Figure 4, Figure 4 illustrates an indicator pattern 370 generated via the use of patterned insulator 350 of Figure 3. As can be seen in Figure 4, patterned insulator 350 yields four indicators 372, 374, 376 and 378 that correspond to the four air gaps 358 of patterned insulator 350. When in use, indicators 372, 374, 276 and 378 serve to yield a more accurate manner by which to visually display the charge level of a battery which a battery tester having therein patterned insulator 350. For example, indicators 372, 374, 376 and 378 each represent a 25 percent of a complete charge in a battery being tested. In another embodiment, any suitable number of indicators greater than two can be utilized. It should be noted that the greater the number of insulators the greater the accuracy of the charge level displayed. In another embodiment air gaps 358 of insulator 350 can be formed so as to present any desired shape such as a series of circles, a sires of polygons, etc.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates an indicator pattern 380 generated using a screen printing method for a patterned insulator. As can be seen in Figure 5, a patterned insulator yields four indicators 382, 384, 386, and 388 that correspond to the four air gaps in an alternative embodiment of a patterned insulator. When in use, indicators 382, 384, 386, and 388 serve to yield a more accurate manner by which to visually display the charge level of a battery which a battery tester having therein patterned insulator 350. For example, indicators 382, 384, 386, and 388 each represent a 25 percent of a complete charge in a battery being tested. In the case of indicators 382, 384, 386, and 388, the first three indicators in this sequence are polygonal in shape and of descending size. This arrangement yields an even higher level of visual information concerning the charge level of the battery tested with such a patterned indicator sequence. In an alternative embodiment, the patterned insulator that forms indicator pattern 380 can be formed by any suitable alternative method including, but not limited to, a punch pattern method.

[0062] Given the above, patterned insulator 350 can be substituted for insulating layer 104 of battery tester 100 to yield battery tester 100a (see Figure 6) with insulating layer 104a therein. Besides this change the remainder of battery tester 100a is identical to that of battery tester 100. In this embodiment, battery tester construct, or label, 100a of the present invention is designed to convey a more specific charge level indication due to the inclusion of a patterned insulator contained in layer 104a.

[0063] Turning to Figure 7, Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention depicting another example of a patterned insulating layer 450. In this embodiment, patterned insulator 450 is formed from Kraft paper. However, the material utilized for patterned insulating layer is not limited thereto. Any other suitable insulting materials can be utilized for patterned insulator 450 so long as such material can be formed into the shape, or pattern, desired for patterned insulator 450. Other suitable insulating materials include those material discussed above, or electrical insulators including, but not limited to, rubber, glass, porcelain or a composite polymer materials. In one embodiment, patterned insulator 450 is formed using a rotary die-cut process and as such is formed from Kraft paper. In another embodiment, patterned insulator 450 is formed from a screen printing process. Since both rotary die-cut and screen printing process are known in the art, a detailed discussion herein is omitted for the sake of brevity. Regarding patterned insulator 450, patterned insulator 450 comprises a skeleton backbone 452 that is connected to any desired number of sets angled teeth 454. In the case of patterned insulator 450 that number is five sets, but could be any number greater than two, three, four, five, six or even seven or more. In between each set of consecutive pairs of teeth are two a respective set of air gaps each individually labeled 458. At one end of backbone 452 is formed an air gap 456 that is utilized to position and/or designed to receive the positive circuit contact point for a battery tester label of the present invention (or any other suitable battery tester). The four sets of air gaps 358 serve to form conductive areas that when a current is applied to the battery tester label of the present invention, or for that matter any batter tester label having patterned insulator 450 therein, permit a thermochromic ink material to accept a charge (or current) and turn from opaque to clear thereby permitting a user to visually see a portion of an indicator dye, ink or layer there through.

[0064] Turning to Figure 8, Figure 8 illustrates an indicator pattern 480 that is generated via the use of patterned insulator 450 of Figure 7. As can be seen in Figure 8, patterned insulator 450 yields four sets of indicators 482, 484, 486 and 488 that correspond to the four sets of air gaps 458 of patterned insulator 450. When in use, indicators 482, 484, 486 and 488 serve to yield a more accurate manner by which to visually display the charge level of a battery which a battery tester having therein patterned insulator 450. For example, indicators 482, 484, 486 and 488 each represent a 25 percent of a complete charge in a battery being tested. In another embodiment, any suitable number of indicators greater than two can be utilized. It should be noted that the greater the number of insulators the greater the accuracy of the charge level displayed.

[0065] Given the above, patterned insulator 450 can be substituted for insulating layer 204 of battery tester 200 to yield battery tester 200a (see Figure 9) with insulating layer 204a therein. Besides this change the remainder of battery tester 200a is identical to that of battery tester 200. In this embodiment, battery tester construct, or label, 200a of the present invention is designed to convey a more specific charge level indication due to the inclusion of a patterned insulator contained in layer 204a. Additionally, patterned insulator 350 could be utilized in layer 204a in battery tester 200a and/or patterned insulator 450 can be utilized in layer 104a in battery tester 100a.

[0066] Alternatively, as would be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the disclosure contained herein, the alternative indicator shapes of the embodiments of Figures 3 and 7 could be combined with the insulating layers of Figures 1 and 2 that contain microspheres, as is described above. In other words, insulating layers 104 and/or 204 can be, if so desired, formed to have a wide range of different indicator level shapes so as to convey more detailed information to a user regarding the charge level of a battery to which battery tester labels 100 and/or 200 are affixed. In another embodiment, the Kraft paper embodiments of Figures 3 and 7 could be utilized to enhance a wide range of battery tester labels that are currently available by making such currently available battery tester labels more accurate by permitting such labels to more accurately track the amount of charge left in a given battery when utilized. As such, the insulator layer constructs of Figures 3 and 7 are not limited to just the battery tester label embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the insulator layer constructs of Figures 3 and 7 could be utilized in combination with any suitable battery tester label structure that utilizes an insulating layer.

[0067] While in accordance with the patent statutes the best mode and certain embodiments of the invention have been set forth, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached. As such, other variants within the spirit and scope of this invention are possible and will present themselves to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A patterned insulator for use in a battery tester label, the patterned insulator comprising:

a backbone structure;

at least one set of patterned protrusions attached to the backbone structure; and

a set of corresponding air gaps formed between two consecutive patterned protrusions.

2. The patterned insulator of claim 1, wherein the number of protrusions is at equal to n, and the number of air gaps is equal to (n - 1), where n is an integer equal to 3 or more.

3. The patterned insulator of claim 1, wherein the number of protrusions is 4 and the number of air gaps is 3.

4. The patterned insulator of claim 1, wherein the number of protrusions is 5 and the number of air gaps is 4.

5. The patterned insulator of claim 1, wherein the number of protrusions is 6 and the number of air gaps is 5.

6. The patterned insulator of claim 1, wherein at least one of the air gaps is designed to receive a positive contact point for a battery tester circuit.

7. The patterned indicator of claim 1, wherein the patterned protrusions are squares.

8. The patterned indicator of claim 1, wherein the patterned protrusions are a set of different sized polygons.

9. The patterned indicator of claim 1, wherein the patterned protrusions are circles.

10. The patterned indicator of claim 1, wherein the patterned protrusions are rectangles.

11. A patterned insulator for use in a battery tester label, the patterned insulator comprising:

a backbone structure;

at least one set of patterned angled protrusions attached to the backbone structure;

a set of corresponding angled air gaps formed between two sets of consecutive patterned angled protrusions; and

a positive contact structure formed at one end of the backbone structure, wherein the positive contact structure has an air gap formed therein designed to receive a positive contact point for a battery tester circuit.

12. The patterned insulator of claim 11, wherein the number of sets of angled protrusion is at equal to n, and the number of sets of angled air gaps is equal to (n - 1), where n is an integer equal to 2 or more.

13. The patterned insulator of claim 11, wherein the number of sets of angled protrusions is

4 and the number of sets of angled air gaps is 3.

14. The patterned insulator of claim 11, wherein the number of sets of angled protrusions is

5 and the number of sets of angled air gaps is 4.

15. The patterned insulator of claim 11, wherein the number of sets of angled protrusions is

6 and the number of sets of angled air gaps is 5.

16. A label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising:

a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface;

an insulator layer, the insulating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the insulating layer faces the top surface of the release layer;

a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer; a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer;

a conductive layer, the conductive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the conductive layer faces the top surface of the dielectric release layer;

an indicating layer, the indicating layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the indicating layer faces the top surface of the conductive layer;

a thermochromic layer, the thermochromic layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the thermochromic layer faces the top surface of the indicating layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer faces the top surface of the thermochromic layer; and

a window layer, the window layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the window layer faces the top surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer,

wherein the insulating layer contains a patterned insulator comprising:

a backbone structure;

17. The label of claim 16, wherein the release layer is formed from siliconized paper, siliconized Kraft paper, or siliconized polyethylene terephthalate.

18. The label of claim 16, wherein the release layer is formed from siliconized polyethylene terephthalate.

19. The label of claim 16, wherein the patterned insulator is formed from a pattern of rotary die-cut Kraft paper.

20. The label of claim 16, wherein the conductive layer is formed from a conductive metal, or metal alloy, selected from silver, silver-containing alloys, copper, copper-containing alloys, gold, gold- containing alloys, platinum, platinum-containing alloys, nickel, nickel-containing alloys, brass, or any suitable alloy formed from any combination of silver, gold, copper and/or platinum.

21. The label of claim 16, wherein the conductive layer is formed from silver.

22. The label of claim 16, wherein the indicating layer is formed from an ultraviolet high visibility ink.

23. The label of claim 16, wherein the thermochromic layer is formed from a thermochromic ink that changes from opaque to clear at a temperature of about 44°C.

24. The label of claim 16, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is formed from an emulsion acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, or a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.

25. The label of claim 16, wherein the window layer is formed from a polymer material selected from polyvinyl chloride, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, one or more polyolefins, or one or more co-polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic co- polyolefins, or any suitable combinations of two or more thereof.

26. A label for use as an on-cell battery tester, the label comprising:

a release layer, the release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface;

a switch layer, the switch layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the switch layer faces the top surface of the insulating layer;

a dielectric release layer, the dielectric release layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, where the bottom surface of the dielectric release layer faces the top surface of the switch layer;

wherein the insulating layer contains a patterned insulator comprising:

a backbone structure;

27. The label of claim 26, wherein the release layer is formed from siliconized paper, siliconized Kraft paper, or siliconized polyethylene terephthalate.

28. The label of claim 26, wherein the release layer is formed from siliconized polyethylene terephthalate.

29. The label of claim 26, wherein the patterned insulator is formed from a pattern of rotary die-cut Kraft paper.

30. The label of claim 26, wherein the conductive layer is formed from a conductive metal, or metal alloy, selected from silver, silver-containing alloys, copper, copper-containing alloys, gold, gold- containing alloys, platinum, platinum-containing alloys, nickel, nickel-containing alloys, brass, or any suitable alloy formed from any combination of silver, gold, copper and/or platinum.

31. The label of claim 26, wherein the conductive layer is formed from silver.

32. The label of claim 26, wherein the indicating layer is formed from a ultraviolet high visibility ink.

33. The label of claim 26, wherein the thermochromic layer is formed from a thermochromic ink that changes from opaque to clear at a temperature of about 44°C.

34. The label of claim 26, wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is formed from an emulsion acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, or a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.

35. The label of claim 26, wherein the window layer is formed from a polymer material selected from polyvinyl chloride, glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, one or more polyolefins, or one or more co-polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic polyolefins, one or more thermoplastic co- polyolefins, or any suitable combinations of two or more thereof.