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US 6,741,523 B1Granted
Microstructured time dependent indicators
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsG. Marco Bommarito, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Raymond P. Johnston, David J. Yarusso, Curtis L. Larson
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Abstract
The invention provides microstructured time dependent indicators including timers, time/temperature indicators, etc. The indicators are preferably highly accurate and easy to read. The invention also includes indicators which are game pieces, calendars, greeting cards, etc. The indicators function by flow of a material through channels of a microstructured substrate.
Claims24
An article comprising:
- (a) a substrate having a microstructured surface, wherein the microstructured surface of the substrate defines a plurality of channels having a predetermined channel pattern;
- (b) a fluid wherein the fluid is separated from the substrate until activation of the article is desired;
- wherein the article is designed such that it can be manipulated at a desired point in time to allow contact of the fluid with at least some of the channels of the substrate in order to activate the article;
- and
- wherein the article is designed in such a manner as to provide an indication of the progress of fluid as it migrates through the channels of the substrate.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.