Patent Application
20220252461
The present invention relates to a system that enables real time monitoring of perishable products during supply chain and afterwards. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system which combines scanning device, QR barcode and temperature sensitive indicator that irreversibly change color with time in such a manner that the change is faster at elevated temperatures and slower at lower temperatures.
Many products are transported and sold to an end user in refrigerated conditions since they are sensitive to temperature. They can be damaged not only by exposure the higher or lower temperatures than the recommended ones, but also due to the exposure time from the production date even if they are kept in recommended temperature. The most common examples include food, drugs, organic chemicals and biologic materials.
Therefore, there is a need to print expiration date on those products. The problem is that expiration date assumes a certain temperature exposure during the shelf life of the product but cannot indicate the actual time and temperature exposure of the product before reaching the end user. This results in either the sale of a spoiled product or premature disposal of good product.
The only solution to this problem is to attach to the perishable product an irreversible temperature indicator, which enables real time true information on product condition.
Temperature Indicators are divided into two categories;
The first one temperature indicator (TI) generates a signal alarm by a color change only if the product was exposed to certain critical threshold temperature (above or below).
The second one time-temperature-indicator (TTI) integrates time over any temperature and therefore its output is a continuous color change from the time of activation, until it reaches final color. This signal the product was exposed to the integral sum of predetermine duration over the recommend temperature.
Both categories have disadvantages.
Although the TI warns of extreme temperature exposure abuse during the storage/shipping stages. It lacks the ability to signal the user of passed shelf life, since it's not time sensitive.
Another main disadvantage of the current TI is the lack of ability to control the duration time of the temperature abuse, which is very short in the known TIs. This can lead to false classification of non-safe to use product, even after short temperature abuse, which did not significant damage it.
Another disadvantage of the current TI is the lack of ability to control the magnitude of the temperature abuse, which is very small in the known TIs. This can lead to false classification of non-safe to use product, even after small temperature abuse, which did not significant damage it.
On the other hand, the TTI can warn on passed shelf life, but cannot warn on any temperature abuse, this can only speed the indication of the end color.
Some attempts have been made and various patents have been issued describing a temperature indicator combined with bar code designed to be attached to a package and indicate when a package has been temperature abused or has reached the end of its safe shelf life.
They all use one of the two operation modes:
The disadvantages of the first operation mode indicators are described hereinafter.
Firstly, the ones that use melting materials as active indicators must be stored at low temperatures prior to their attachment to the product (or need manual activation). Also, they will not work if the indicator attached upside down or if the product is shipped upside down due to luck of gravity.
These requirements greatly increase the cost of those indicators, complicate the production line procedures and introduce an element of uncertainty as to the reliability of the indicators.
Secondly, if the barcode is damaged during shipment, or the scanner cannot scan it for any reason, the user is left with no option to know the condition of the product.
Thirdly, the temperature range of such indicators is limited.
The main disadvantage of second operation mode indicators described herein, is that different scanners have different sensitivity to different colors and backgrounds. Therefore, non-readable barcode could be the result of less/more scanner sensitivity leading to misleading output.
Therefore, there is a need for a new system that can overcome all those disadvantages by combine the two operation modes, with wide range of abuse temperature and duration, and that the temperature indicator can be activated at the site of application.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined system that can be used as dual propose temperature indicator (TTI and TI).
It is another object of the present invention to provide a chemical colorimetric indicating device adapted to allow visual detection of time and temperature exposures.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a QR barcode integrated with temperature indicator, is such way which will enable the user to receive by scanning indication on the true condition of the perishable product.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a window in the QR barcode to enable visual scanning of the changing color by the scanning device and the human eye.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system in which that the indicator will have wide range of critical temperature and can indicate temperature abuse both above and below abuse of critical temperature.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a scanning device with a specific application that has a data base of the color change values of the specific indicator and threshold temperatures and duration allowed.
It is another object of the present invention to provide printed serial number below the QR barcode that will prevent counterfeiting.
It is another object of the present invention to provide that chemical colorimetric reaction of indicator intended to be engaged with a product is sensitive to temperature and time so that an exact indication of the product condition is exhibited at any time.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a chemical colorimetric indicator that is provided with a triggering mechanism allowing the chemical reaction to start at a predetermined instant, and be manufacture, ship and store in room temperature before activated.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a chemical colorimetric indicator that is not susceptible to environmental conditions that can affect the accuracy of the indicator or uses toxic substances.
It is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an indicator capable of exhibiting a time-temperature dependence and temperature depended comprising: at least one first reactant selected from a group of materials such as: redox reactions, chelating agents, PH sensitive dye and metal etching acid and free radical generators that usually form radical that destroys the dye molecule; at least one second reactant from that group adapted to react according to a predetermined chemical reaction with said at least one first reactant upon triggering wherein a visual characteristic is changed depending on time and temperature after triggering had occurred.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said top label and base label are initially provided separately while a manufacturer attaches said first label and said second label together in order to start activation of the reaction.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said top label and said base label are separated by impervious removable film that can be removed by an end user at any desirable time.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said barrier layer printed on the top of the base label is a clear polymeric matrix that is adapted to allow diffusion of said at least one first reactant through said barrier as a function of temperature wherein said at least one second reactant is prevented from diffusing through said barrier layer.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said barrier layer is in the substantial range of 5-200 microns in thickness. Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one first reactant is a nonvolatile solution of concentration of substantially 0.01-5%.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said at least one second reactant is a nonvolatile solution having concentration of substantially 0.1-5%.
Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base label further comprises adhesive layer adapted to allow adhering of the indicator to a product.
In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are attached and referenced herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.
It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending Description and Claims.
The present invention provides a System comprising a Scanning device with special software, QR barcode and time-temperature indicator. The System can be used as dual propose temperature indicator (TTI and TI). The indicator is capable of exhibit a time-temperature dependence by visually detectable chemical reaction between reactants as a result of trigger activation of composition. The indicator comprises at least two reactants adapted to react upon triggering wherein a visual color is changed depending on time and temperature after triggering had occurred and a matrix adapted to carry said at least two reactants wherein the chemical reaction is performed on said matrix. The triggering modernism is by attaching one label onto print base layer preprinted on the package perishable product or mixing two cartridges and printing on the package of perishable product. The indicator can to be manufacture, ship and stored in room temperature before activation. The temperature exposure history of the product creates a color change signal which is detectable to the observer eye.
Preferred active compounds are those that participate in an immediate color change process. There are known double reactants processes such as metal ions and chelating agents, redox processes that change color due to a change in the oxidation state of individual specie, pH dependent color change indicators, metal foil etching acid that expose color below the foil, and free radical generators that usually form radical that destroys the dye molecule.
One of the most important advantage of these reactants is that they react solely with their pairs; therefore, are not sensitive to environmental conditions.
In order to obtain the widest possible range of indicator response in one recording material, the recording material can contain a mixture of different indicator compounds, each of which undergoes a series of color changes during thermal history development.
These are fast processes that form/deform color in direct contact and therefore must be manipulated by a second, temperature-controlled process, such as migration throw barrier.
Reference is now made to
There are 3 options of implementing the temperature indicator to the perishable package:
A preferred embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is using the operation mechanism of chelating agents color change. The reactant that is being chosen is a chelating agent 2,2′-Dipyridil. It is known that 2,2′-Dipyridil is a reactant for Fe ion and change color for colorless to red. The structure of the indicator is as according to option 1:
Therefore, a temperature indicator was built in accordance to the present invention while the first reactant solution (provided on the upper layer) was 2,2′-Dipyridil, and the second reactant that is provided in base layer 18 was—Iron (II) chloride (water solution, 5 mg/ml). The barrier layer was selected to be clear ink of substantially 10 microns in thickness. The starting color is colorless, and it changes to red at the end of the reaction process. The indicator was design as a TTI for 48 hours at 5° C. The temperature abuse allow was no more than 6 hours at ±3° C.
The system described herein was test at 5° C., 8° C., 2° C. The indicator was periodically removed from incubator for scanning of color change. The scanning device massages from the tests are shown in table 1.
Table 1 clearly shows the performance of the system as a TTI and TI indicator illustrated herein as a preferred embodiment of the present invention can preferably show the end of expiration date for perishable product, and any temperature abuse.
Another preferred embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use the operation mechanism of PH dependent color change indicators. The structure of the indicator is according to option 3.
The first active compound is 10% bromophenol blue sodium salt (BPB-Na) solution micro capsuled mixed in ink in one cartridge.
The second active compound is 20% of Citric acid mix in ink in the second cartridge.
The color changes are blue-green-yellow-red as function of the temperature exposure.
The indicator was design as a TTI for 48 hours at 20° C. The temperature abuse allow was no more than 4 hours at ±5° C.
The system described herein was tested at 20° C., 25° C., 15° C. The indicator was periodically removed from incubator for scanning of color change. The scanning device massages from the tests are shown in table 2.
Table 2 clearly shows the performance of the system as a TTI and TI indicator illustrated herein as a preferred embodiment of the present invention can preferably show the end of expiration date for perishable product, and any temperature abuse
Another preferred embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use the operation mechanism of free radical generators destring dye color reaction. The structure of the indicator is option 1. The reactants that were chosen were: the first compound, Leuco Malachite Green, and the second compound was 2-Nitrobenzaldehide. A 0.3 ml of solution of the leuco Malachite Green in THF (c.60 mg/ml) was made, mixed with glue and coated on the bottom of top label. A 0.3 ml solution of the 2-Nitrobenzaldehide in THF (c.30mg/ml) was made, mix with ink and printed on the base label. A barrier layer of 5-micron clear ink was printed on the second compound layer.
The indicator was designed as a TTI for 48 hours at −5° C. The temperature abuse allowed was no more than 12 hours at ±2° C.
The system described herein was test at −5° C., −2° C., −7° C. The indicator was periodically removed from incubator for scanning of color change. The scanning device massages from the tests are shown in table 3.
Table 3 clearly shows the performance of the system as a TTI and TI indicator illustrated herein as a preferred embodiment of the present invention can preferably show the end of expiration date for perishable product, and any temperature abuse.
EXAMPLE 4
Another preferred embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is using the operation mechanism of reduction agent color change reaction. The structure of the indicator is as option 2. The reactants that were chosen, the first compound sodium sulfite, and the second one malachite green. The 5% solution of sodium sulfite in THF (c.60 mg/ml) and was mixed with glue and coated on the bottom of top label.
The 1% solution malachite green in THF (c.30 mg/ml) and was mixed with ink and printed on the perishable product package. The barrier layer (also printed on the perishable product package) was 5 microns thick.
The indicator was designed as a TTI for 200 hours at 40 ° C. The temperature abuse allowed was no more than 20 hours at ±5° C.
The system described herein was test at 40° C., 45° C., 35° C. The indicator was periodically removed from incubator for scanning of color change. The scanning device massages from the tests are shown in table 4.
Table 4 clearly shows the performance of the system as a TTI and TI indicator illustrated herein as a preferred embodiment of the present invention can preferably show the end of expiration date for perishable product, and any temperature abuse.
Another preferred embodiment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use the operation mechanism of metal foil acid etching color change reaction. The structure of the indicator is as option 1. The reactants that were chosen were: the first compound, Hydrochloric acid, and the second compound Tin. A 1% of solution of was mix with glue and coated on the bottom of top label. A red dye layer of ink was printed on the base label. A Tin foil 20 microns was coated over the red ink layer.
The indicator was design as a TTI for 20 hours at 50° C. The temperature abuse allow was no more than 6 hours at ±10 C.
The system described herein was tested at 50° C., 60° C., 40° C. The indicator was periodically removed from incubator for scanning of color change. The scanning device massages from the tests are shown in table 5.
Table 5 clearly shows the performance of the system as a TTI and TI indicator illustrated herein as a preferred embodiment of the present invention can preferably show the end of expiration date for perishable product, and any temperature abuse.
A preferred temperature range for integrated TTIs responding to both time and temperature, or for TTIs, that respond primarily to temperature, will depend on their intended use. The TTI for regular products range is from −30° C. C, and above.
In order to obtain the widest possible range of indicator response in the indicating device, the device can contain a mixture of different indicator compounds, each of which undergoes a series of color changes during thermal history development. Alternatively, the device can consist of adjacent strips containing different acetylenic compositions with different activities.
Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art, using the preceding description, can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.
The entire disclosure of all patent applications, patents, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.
From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.
This patent application claims priority from U.S. patent application No. 62/871,321 filed on Aug. 7, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2020/056419 | 7/8/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62871321 | Jul 2019 | US |
