Key information

Title
Indicator for perishable products
Application number
20210465
Case type
National
Status
27.06.2022 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed
14.04.2021
Effective date
14.04.2021
Publicly available
27.06.2022
Next annual fee due
30.04.2027
Applicant
CMEYE AS (NO)
Owner
CMEYE AS (NO)
Inventor
Davoud Tayebi (NO)
Agent
BRYN AARFLOT AS (NO)
Granted
27.06.2022
Patent number
346360
Expiry date
14.04.2041

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.
The present disclosure concerns an indicator (1) for a perishable product (8), the indicator (1) comprising indicator means, configured to indicate an exposure to an undesired condition. The indicator (1) further comprises a shell (1a) encapsulating the indicator means. The indicator (1) is configured to be immersed and freelymoveable in the perishable product (8).

Publications

B1A1
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Documents

 Expand Download files (47)
Date
 Date Doc. No. Process Case number In/Out Journal description To/from
 28.02.2023 19-01 Saksbehandling 20210465(346360) UT PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20210465) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 01.07.2022 18-01 Saksbehandling 20210465(346360) UT PT Registreringsbrev Nasjonal Patent (15) (PT20210465)
03.05.2022 17-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT Intention to grant BRYN AARFLOT AS
 03.05.2022 16-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Le to NIPO 3 May BRYN AARFLOT AS
 03.05.2022 16-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description 3 May 2022 clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 03.05.2022 16-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description 3 May 2022 annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 03.05.2022 16-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 27.04.2022 15-05 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Response NIPO 27 april BRYN AARFLOT AS
 27.04.2022 15-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 Claims Norwegian BRYN AARFLOT AS
 27.04.2022 15-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description 26 April 2022 clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 27.04.2022 15-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description 26 April 2022 annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 27.04.2022 15-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 11.04.2022 14-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT 20210465_1562541_PT 08 Eng BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-06 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Response NIPO BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-05 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description April 2022 clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended description April 2022 Annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims April 2022 clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims April 2022 Annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 08.04.2022 13-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 04.04.2022 12-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN tilleggsgranskning
04.04.2022 11-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT Substantive examination BRYN AARFLOT AS
 31.03.2022 10-05 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Response NIPO Final BRYN AARFLOT AS
 31.03.2022 10-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 Figures revised 30 March 2022 BRYN AARFLOT AS
 31.03.2022 10-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims 30 March 2022 Clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 31.03.2022 10-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims 30 March 2022 annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 31.03.2022 10-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 11.03.2022 08-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT 20210465_1549878_PT 08 Eng BRYN AARFLOT AS
 01.03.2022 09-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Le to NIPO requesting OA BRYN AARFLOT AS
 01.03.2022 09-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 20.12.2021 07-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Response NIPO Update 20 Dec BRYN AARFLOT AS
 20.12.2021 07-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims Dec 2021 clean BRYN AARFLOT AS
 20.12.2021 07-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103 amended claims Dec 2021 annotated BRYN AARFLOT AS
 20.12.2021 07-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 09.11.2021 06-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT PT report 08:57:05
09.11.2021 06-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT Substantive examination BRYN AARFLOT AS
 16.06.2021 05-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Brev til NIPO angående forundersøkelse BRYN AARFLOT AS
16.06.2021 05-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103ForundersøkelsePatentstyret BRYN AARFLOT AS
 16.06.2021 05-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 26.05.2021 04-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Signert fullmakt 138103 BRYN AARFLOT AS
 26.05.2021 04-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Signert erklæring 138103 BRYN AARFLOT AS
 26.05.2021 04-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn) BRYN AARFLOT AS
 19.04.2021 03-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT Formal Examination 1 BRYN AARFLOT AS
 19.04.2021 02-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 UT Infobrev til oppfinner BRYN AARFLOT AS
 14.04.2021 01-05 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103drawings.pdf BRYN AARFLOT AS
 14.04.2021 01-04 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103description.pdf BRYN AARFLOT AS
 14.04.2021 01-03 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103claims.pdf BRYN AARFLOT AS
 14.04.2021 01-02 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN 138103abstract BRYN AARFLOT AS
 14.04.2021 01-01 Saksbehandling 20210465 INN Søknadsskjema Patent BRYN AARFLOT AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content. Description
Indicator for perishable productsTechnical Field[0001] The present invention is concerned with an indicator for perishable products, the use of an indicator for perishable products and a method for production of an indicator for perishable products.Background[0002] Perishable products comprise fluid or granular products that may spoil when exposed to an undesirable condition. Such an undesirable condition may, for instance be a temperature outside an acceptable range, such as a too high temperature or a too low temperature. Other undesirable conditions are, for instance, exposure to UV light or to IR light, a too high pressure or too low pressure, bacterial or fungal contamination or exposure to radioactivity.Perishable products are utilized across a range of industries and may comprise granular materials, such as powders or particles, or fluids, such as liquids, emulsions or colloidal dispersions. In the medical field perishable products may comprise vaccines, medicines, blood, intravenous fluids or biological samples, such as blood samples or saliva samples. In the field of food technology perishable products may comprise dairy products, egg-based fluids or beverages, such as wines or fresh juices. In the field of chemicals perishable products may comprise various compositions. In most cases, particular transport and storage technology is used, to safely transport the perishable product from the production location to the end-user. For example, vaccines are temperature sensitive and are handled with cold chain technology.Thereby, the vaccine is kept within an acceptable temperature range during transport, to avoid spoiling.[0003] Nevertheless, the perishable product may unintentionally be exposed to an undesired condition. For instance, cooling installations may malfunction, insufficient sterilization may occur, or human errors may arise during handling of the perishable product. Often, it is not apparent from visual observation of the perishable product that spoiling has occurred. Especially for perishable products in the medical field, such as vaccines or medicines, failing to detect spoiling may have severe or even life-threatening consequences. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and signal whether the perishable product was exposed to an undesired condition during storage and transport.[0004] One way of monitoring conditions during storage and transport is to include an indicator in the bulk package holding a batch of containers with a perishable product. The bulk package may, for instance, be a cold storage box and the indicator a temperature indicator. Based on a visual indication by the temperature indicator, an operator can quickly determine whether the batch has been spoiled and should be discarded. In this case, however, individual containers are not monitored and therefore an end-user has no information concerning the individual container at hand.[0005] Another solution for monitoring conditions during storage and transport is therefore to include an indicator in or on each individual container holding the perishable product. Known indicators may be attached to the outside or to the inside of the container. Indicators placed on the inside may, for instance, be attached to the lid or to the bottom of the container. The indicator is then adhered to the lid or the bottom wall of the container during the container production process and before the filling of the container with a perishable product. Disadvantageously, the production process thereby becomes more complicated and time-consuming and existing production lines must be adapted to allow for this additional production step. Alternatively, the indicator may be moulded as an integral part of the container. However, this requires moulding of a complex geometry of the container or container lid, requiring complex and error-prone moulding steps. Alternative solutions for monitoring conditions of products are provided in the following patent applications.US2009/0266290 A1 relates to a sensing device for detecting the presence or absence of chemical species in beverages or food items. The device comprises a sensing material. The indicator is for placement in the beverages or food items by the user and floats at the surface of the product. EP0932040 is related to the use of indicator dyes that change color during pH changes, to monitor the freshness of food and beverages. Indicator dyes from the group of anthocyanins are suggested and are included in an indicator foil coated on a polymer. The indicator dye is in direct contact with the product to be monitored. US2008/296191 is directed towards a complex packaging comprising one or more integrated sensors, such as a first sensor arranged in the main body of the package. The package further comprises a display unit and a processing unit. CN20562003 describes a temperature detection device, like a thermometer, for example, for checking that a drink has suitable temperature for drinking. The device may be layered with a food safety layer, and it floats by comprising a light section and a heavy section, such that the visual part (LED) is outside the drink.[0006] Consequently, there exists a clear need for a solution wherein conditions during storage and transport can reliably be monitored in each individual container with a perishable product, without the disadvantages of a complicated, error-prone and / or time-consuming container production process.Summary[0007] The present disclosure concerns an indicator for a perishable product according to claim 1. The present invention also concerns the use of an indicator according to claim 12 and a method for producing an indicator according to claim 13.Figures[0008] Figure 1A schematically shows an indicator according to the disclosure.[0009] Figure 1B schematically shows an alternative indicator according to the disclosure.[0010] Figure 1C schematically shows a second alternative indicator according to the disclosure. [0011] Figure 1D schematically shows a third alternative indicator according to the disclosure.[0012] Figure 1E schematically shows a fourth alternative indicator according to the disclosure.[0013] Figure 2A schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a container according to the disclosure.[0014] Figure 2B schematically shows a transversal cross-section of a container according to the disclosure.[0015] Figure 3A shows a vaccine container with an indicator according to the disclosure that has not changed color.[0016] Figure 3B schematically a vaccine container with an indicator according to the disclosure that has changed color.Detailed description[0017] An indicator 1 according to the disclosure is schematically shown in Figure 1A. The indicator 1 comprises indicator means, configured to irreversibly, visually indicate an exposure to an undesired condition related to perishability of the product; and a shell 1a encapsulating the indicator means. The indicator 1 is configured to be immersed and freely-moveable in a perishable product 8. When exposed to the undesired condition the perishable product 8 may become spoiled. The undesired condition may be a temperature outside an acceptable temperature range, a pressure outside an acceptable pressure range, light with an undesirable wavelength, such as UV light or IR light, radioactivity and / or bacterial-, fungal- or particulate-contamination.[0018] The shell 1a comprises the outer surface of the indicator 1. The shell 1a is fluid-tight and is piecewise-transparent or transparent encapsulating the indicator means. In some examples, the shell may comprise non transparent material. The shell 1a preferably comprises a glass or a polymer. Preferably, the shell 1a comprises a polymer, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyester, polyether, polyethylene, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, or urethane. The indicator 1 may have a spherical shape, a cuboid shape, a cylindrical shape, a pyramidal shape, a conical shape or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the indicator has a spherical 1a shape. Advantageously, the indicator may thereby easily be moved when enclosed in a container holding a perishable product, for instance by tilting or rotating the container. Thereby, the indicator is easily visible to an operator or end-user.[0019] The indicator means may comprise a substance 1b. The substance 1b is configured to change color and / or opacity when exposed to an undesired condition. When the indicator means comprises a substance 1b, the shell 1a is preferably piece-wise transparent or transparent. Upon exposure to the undesired condition, the substance 1b may, for example, change from transparent and colorless to non-transparent and colored. Advantageously, a change in color and / or opacity provides a clear visual indication that the perishable product 8 was exposed to an undesired condition and may be spoiled. Advantageously, a change in color and / or opacity allows an operator or end-user to quickly verify, with one glance, that exposure to an undesired condition has occurred. Consequently, an operator or an end-user may decide to discard the perishable product 8, with minimal waste of time and effort.[0020] The substance 1b may preferably be configured to change to a vibrant color, such as yellow, orange, red, purple, blue or green. The substance 1b may, for instance, change color from colorless or green, to red, to indicate exposure to an undesired condition. Advantageously, the indicator 1 may thereby function as a ‘traffic light’, where green indicates that the perishable product safe for use, while red indicates that the perishable product is unsafe for use. The change of color and / or opacity may be irreversible. Alternatively, the change of color and / or opacity may be temporary. The substance 1b may comprise a fluid, such as a gel, a liquid, an emulsion, or a colloidal dispersion. The substance 1b may, for instance, be configured to undergo a chemical reaction when exposed to an undesired condition, to thereby change color and / or opacity. Alternatively, the substance 1b may comprise a wax, a granular material, or a porous material. For instance, the substance 1b may comprise a wax configured to melt when exposed to an undesired temperature. Thereby, the substance 1b may change opacity from non-opaque to opaque.[0021] Preferably, the substance 1b changes color and / or opacity when exposed to the undesired condition for a minimal time duration Δt. Preferably, Δt equals the minimal period required for the perishable product 8 to become spoiled, when exposed to the undesired condition. Advantageously, when the perishable product 8 is exposed too briefly to the undesired condition to be spoiled, the indicator 1 may not change color and / or opacity. The perishable product 8 may thereby safely be used by an end-user and not go to waste.[0022] The indicator means may comprise at least one further substance 1c (fig.1B). Each substance 1b, 1c may be encapsulated separately within the shell 1a. Alternatively, the substances 1b, 1c may be encapsuled together within the shell 1a. Preferably, the substance 1b and at least one further substance 1c are configured to change color and / or opacity when exposed to different undesired conditions, such as different temperatures. Different temperatures may, for instance, be the lower end and the upper end of an acceptable temperature range. Each substance may additionally change to the same color and / or opacity, or to a different color and / or opacity. Advantageously, when each substance changes to a different color and / or opacity, it may be easier to detect the cause of the undesired condition retroactively. Additionally, each at least one further substance 1c may change color and / or opacity when exposed to an undesired condition for a different minimal time duration. For instance, one substance 1b may change from colorless or green, to orange, when briefly exposed to and undesired condition. A further substance 1c may then change from colorless to red, when exposed long enough to the undesired condition such that the perishable product 8 may spoil. Advantageously, an operator or end-user may then decide that the perishable product 8 is still useable or may discard the perishable product 8.[0023] Alternatively and / or additionally, the indicator means may comprise electronic components, as schematically shown in fig.1C, 1D and 1E. The electronic components may comprise a sensor 2 and an energy source 3, preferably placed on an electronic circuit board. The electronic components may further comprise a wireless transmitter 4 and / or a light source 5, such as a light emitting diode (led). Optionally, the electronic components may comprise a storage device (not shown) and / or an RFID chip (not shown). The sensor 2 is configured to detect a condition, such as temperature, pressure, a particular wavelength of light, such as UV light or IR light, exposure to radioactivity, or a bacterial-, fungal-, or particulate-contamination. Optionally, the indicator means may comprise multiple sensors, each configured to detect a different condition. The energy source 3 is configured to provide energy to the sensor 2, transmitter 4, light source 5 and / or the storage device. The energy source 3 preferably comprises a battery. The transmitter 4 is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal from the sensor 2 and / or from the optional storage device to an external device, detailed below. The transmitter 4 may be any suitable transmitter, such as a radio frequency transmitter. Preferably, the transmitter 4 is a low power transmitter.[0024] The light source 5 is configured to be activated and emit light when the presence of an undesired condition is detected by the sensor 2. Preferably, the light source 5 is irreversibly activated. Once an undesired condition is detected, the light source may therefore continue to emit light. When the electronic components comprise a light source 5, the shell 1a is preferably piece-wise transparent or transparent. The light source 5 may emit a colored light of a desired color, such as red, blue, green, yellow, orange or purple. The emitted light may comprise a blinking light or a continuous light. The light source 5 may be configured to emit light when exposed to the undesired condition for a minimal time duration Δt. The light source 5 may, for instance, be configured to emit blinking light or light of a first color when exposed to the undesired condition for a time t < Δt. The light source 5 may be further be configured to emit continuous light or light of a second color when exposed to the undesired condition for a time t > Δt. Advantageously, the indicator thereby indicates both that an undesired condition has occurred and whether the undesired condition has persisted long enough for the perishable product 8 to be spoiled. An operator or end-user may then decide that the perishable product 8 is still useable or discard the perishable product. Alternatively, if the electronic components comprise multiple sensors, one light source 5 may be provided for each sensor 2.[0025] The indicator means may comprise both electronic components and a substance 1b, as schematically shown in fig.1D. Additionally, the indicator means may optionally comprise at least one further substance 1c.Advantageously, the substance 1b may provide a back-up for the electronic components. Should the electronic components fail, the substance 1b may still provide a visual indication for an operator or an end-user. Alternatively, the electronic components and substance 1b may be configured to indicate exposure to different undesired conditions.[0026] Alternatively, the indicator may comprise electronic components and the shell 1a may comprise a non-transparent material, schematically shown in fig.1E. The electronic components may comprise a sensor 2, an energy source 3 and a wireless transmitter 4 and optionally a data storage device (not shown), as detailed above. This configuration is advantageous when the perishable product 8 is non-transparent, and a visual indication from the indicator 1 immersed in the perishable product 8 cannot readily be observed.[0027] Figure 2A schematically shows a longitudinal cross-section of a container 6 according to the present disclosure. The container 6 comprises a chamber 7 for holding a perishable product 8. The chamber 7 comprises walls and an opening for filling and emptying. The container 6 may comprise a bag, a vial, a bottle, a box or any other suitable shape. The walls of the chamber 7 may comprise a glass, a polymer, a metal, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the container is transparent. The container 6 further comprises an indicator 1 according to the disclosure, located in the chamber 7 and freely moveable therein. With freely moveably it is to be understood that the indicator 1 is not fixed to other parts of the container 6. Alternatively, the container 6 may comprise at least one further indicator 1 according to the disclosure.[0028] The indicator 1 may be placed in the chamber 7 before a perishable product 8 is placed therein (shown in fig.2A). Alternatively, a perishable product 8 may first be placed in the chamber 7, after which the indicator 1 is placed in the chamber 7. According to yet another alternative, the indicator 1 may be placed in the chamber 7 simultaneously with the perishable product 8.Advantageously, the indicator 1 can therefore be placed in the chamber 7 at any convenient moment during the process of producing and / or filling of the container 6. Improved flexibility in the production and / or filling process is thereby achieved. Furthermore, as the indicator 1 is freely moveable in the chamber 7, the step of adhering or fixing the indicator 1 to the container walls can be omitted. Advantageously, the production process is thereby significantly simplified and less time-consuming. This is especially advantageous for highvolume production processes, for instance during production of medical containers, such as vaccine vials. The indicator 1 is preferably immersed in the perishable product 8. Advantageously, the indicator 1 thereby provides a more accurate indication of the undesired condition. The density of the indicator 1 may be configured to be greater than the density of the perishable product 8. The indicator 1 may therefore sink to the bottom of the chamber 7, when the container 6 is held in an upright position. Alternatively, the density of the indicator 1 may be equal to or less than the density of the perishable product 8, so that the indicator 1 may remain suspended in the perishable product 8 or may float at the surface of the perishable product 8.[0029] The container 6 may further comprise a lid 9, schematically shown in the longitudinal cross-section of fig.1C, for closing and sealing of the chamber 7. The lid 9 may comprise a glass, a polymer, a metal, or a combination thereof. After placing a perishable product 8 and an indicator 1 in the chamber, the chamber 7 is closed by the lid 9, in a fluid tight manner. The lid 9 may be screwed, clamped, adhered and / or welded onto or into the chamber 7.Alternatively, the walls of the chamber 7 may be sealed directly together to close the chamber 7, for instance when the container 6 comprises a bag or a box.[0030] The indicator 1 according the present disclosure may be used during the transport and / or storage of a perishable product 8. The indicator 1 is configured to be immersed and freely-moveable within the perishable product 8. Preferably, the indicator 1 comprises a spherical shape and a fluid-tight shell 1a. Furthermore, the container 6 according the present disclosure may be used for the transport and / or storage of a perishable product 8. The perishable product may comprise a medical fluid, such as a vaccine, a biological sample, blood, a medicine, or an intravenous fluid. Alternatively, the perishable product 8 may comprise a food product, such as a dairy product, an egg-based product or a beverage. Use of the container 6 is shown in fig.3A and 3B, for a vaccine. In fig.3A the indicator 1 has not changed color and the vaccine can safely be used. In fig.3B the indicator 1 has irreversibly changed color; the vaccine is spoiled and should preferably be discarded.[0031] A system for a perishable product 8 may comprise an indicator 1 according to the disclosure and an external device (not shown). The indicator 1 comprises a transmitter 4, as detailed above. Optionally, the indicator 1 comprises an RFID chip. The external device is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter 4 and / or to read the RFID chip and to convert the signal to at least a visual indication. Thereto, the external device may comprise a screen, at least one light source, or combinations thereof. The light source may be at least one led. Preferably, the screen or at least one light source is irreversibly activated. Once an undesired condition is detected, the screen or light source may therefore continue to provide the visual indication. The visual indication preferably comprises a vibrant color, such as yellow, orange, red, purple, green or blue. Optionally, the visual indication may be a blinking indication or a continuous indication. Advantageously, the external device thereby indicates that the indicator 1 was exposed to an undesired condition. The signal from the transmitter 4 may be encoded and the external device may be provided with a decoding key. Advantageously, the communication between the indicator and the external device can thereby be kept exclusive, such that only an operator or end-user with an approved external device can read the indicator signal. Optionally, a detected condition stored on the storage device may be transmitted by the transmitter 4 to the external device. Advantageously, a condition history of the perishable product 8 can thereby be provided to an operator or an end-user. The moment of occurrence of an undesired condition may thereby precisely established.[0032] A method for producing the indicator 1 may comprise providing indicator means and moulding the shell 1a to encapsulate the indicator means. The indicator means may comprise a substance 1b, and optionally at least one further substance 1c. Moulding the shell 1a may comprise injection moulding, extrusion moulding, blow moulding or any other suitable moulding technique. After moulding, the shell is hardened. Inserting the substance 1b and the optional at least one further substance 1c may, for instance, comprise injecting the substance 1b into the shell 1a before hardening of the shell 1a.[0033] Alternatively or additionally, providing the indicator 1 may comprise providing electronic components, positioning the electronic components in a mould and moulding the shell 1a to enclose the electronic components.Preferably, the moulding comprises injection moulding. The electronic components may be enclosed in a protective film before positioning in the mould. Advantageously, the electronic components are thereby protected during the moulding process.[0034] The method may further comprise providing a container 6 comprising a chamber 7, optionally, sterilizing at least one indicator 1 and / or the container 6, and inserting the at least one indicator 1 in the chamber 7. The container 6 may be filled with a perishable product 8 before the step of inserting the at least one indicator 1, during the step of inserting the at least one indicator 1, or after the step of inserting the at least one indicator 1. The container 6 may next be closed and sealed, for instance by closing and sealing the container with a lid 9 or by closing and sealing the container walls together directly, without the use of a lid.List of references[0035]1 indicator1a shell1b substance1c further substance2 sensor3 energy source4 wireless transmitter5 light source6 container7 chamber8 perishable product9 lid
Claims
CLAIMS1. An indicator (1) for a perishable product (8), the indicator (1) characterised by:- indicator means, configured to irreversibly, visually indicate an exposure to an undesired condition related to perishability of the product; and- a fluid-tight and transparent or piecewise transparent shell (1a) encapsulating the indicator means;wherein the indicator (1) is configured to be immersed and freely-moveable in the perishable product (8).2. The indicator (1) of claim 1, wherein the indicator means comprises a substance (1b), the substance (1b) being configured to change color and / or opacity when exposed to a first undesired condition.3. The indicator (1) of claim 2, wherein the indicator means comprises a further substance (1c), the further substance (1c) being configured to change color and / or opacity when exposed to a further undesired condition, the further undesired condition being different from the first undesired condition.4. The indicator (1) of any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the substance (1b) and the further substance (1c) comprise any one of a granular material, a porous material, a fluid or a combination thereof.5. The indicator (1) of any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the indicator means comprises a sensor (2), an energy source (3) and an light source (5); and wherein the light source (5) is configured to provide a visual indication when the sensor (2) detects an undesired condition.6. The indicator (1) of claim 1, wherein the indicator means comprises a sensor (2), an energy source (3) and a wireless transmitter (4); and wherein the wireless transmitter (4) is configured to transmit a signal when the sensor (2) detects an undesired condition.7. The indicator (1) of any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the shell (1a) comprises a glass or a polymer.8. The indicator (1) of any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the indicator (1) comprises a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a cuboid shape.9. A container (6) for a perishable product (8), the container (6) comprising:- a chamber (7), configured to hold the perishable product (8); characterised in that the container further comprises- at least one indicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8; wherein the at least one indicator (1) is located within the chamber (7) and freely moveable therein.10. The container (6) of any of claim 1 - 9, wherein the chamber (7) further comprises a perishable product (8), the perishable product (8) comprising: - a medical fluid, such as a vaccine, a biological sample, blood, a medicine, or an intravenous fluid; or- a food product, such as a dairy product, an egg-based product or a beverage.11. The container (6) of claim 10, wherein the chamber (7) is closed and sealed, preferably by a lid (9).12. Use of an indicator according to any one of claims 1 – 8 or of a container (6) according to any one of claims 9 - 11, for transport and / or storage of a perishable product (8), the perishable product (8) comprising:- a medical fluid, such as a vaccine, a biological sample, blood, a medicine, or an intravenous fluid; or- a food product, such as a dairy product, an egg-based product or a beverage.13. A method of producing an indicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8, the method comprising:- providing indicator means, configured to indicate an exposure to an undesired condition; and- moulding a shell (1a) such that the shell (1a) encapsulates the indicator means.14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:- providing a container (6) comprising a chamber (7);- optionally, sterilizing the at least one indicator (1) and / or the container (6); and- inserting the at least one indicator (1) into the chamber (7) so that the at least one indicator (1) is freely moveable therein.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:- filling the container (6) with a perishable product (8) before the step of inserting the at least one indicator (1), during the step of inserting the at least one indicator (1), or after the step of inserting the at least one indicator (1); and- closing and sealing the container (6).PATENTKRAV1. Indikator (1) for et forgjengelig produkt (8), indikatoren (1) er karakterisert ved:- indikatormidler, konfigurert for å irreversibelt, visuelt indikere en eksponering for en uønsket tilstand relatert til produktets forgjengelighet; og - et fluidtett og transparent eller stykkevis transparent skall (1a) som innkapsler indikatormidlene;hvori indikatoren (1) er konfigurert til å være nedsenket og fritt bevegelig i det forgjengelige produktet (8).2. Indikator (1) ifølge krav 1, hvori indikatormidlene omfatter en forbindelse (1b), forbindelsen (1b) er konfigurert til å endre farge og/eller opasitet når den utsettes for en første uønsket tilstand.3. Indikator (1) ifølge krav 2, hvori indikatormidlene omfatter en ytterligere forbindelse (1c), den ytterligere forbindelsen (1c) er konfigurert til å endre farge og/eller opasitet når den utsettes for en ytterligere uønsket tilstand, den ytterligere uønskede tilstanden er forskjellig fra den første uønskede tilstanden.4. Indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 2 eller 3, hvori forbindelsen (lb) og den ytterligere forbindelsen (1c) omfatter hvilken som helst av et granulært materiale, et porøst materiale, et fluid eller en kombinasjon derav.5. Indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 - 4, hvori indikatormidlene omfatter en sensor (2), en energikilde (3) og en lyskilde (5); og hvori lyskilden (5) er konfigurert til å gi en visuell indikasjon når sensoren (2) oppdager en uønsket tilstand.6. Indikator (1) ifølge krav 1, hvori indikatormidlene omfatter en sensor (2), en energikilde (3) og en trådløs sender (4); oghvori den trådløse senderen (4) er konfigurert til å sende et signal når sensoren (2) oppdager en uønsket tilstand.7. Indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1-6, hvori skallet (1a) omfatter glass eller en polymer.8. Indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1-7, hvori indikatoren (1) omfatter en sfærisk form, en sylindrisk form eller en kubisk form.9. Beholder (6) for et forgjengelig produkt (8), beholderen (6) omfatter:- et kammer (7), konfigurert til å holde det forgjengelige produktet (8); karakterisert ved at beholderen videre omfatter- minst én indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 - 8; hvori den minst ene indikatoren (1) er plassert inne i kammeret (7) og er fritt bevegelig deri.10. Beholder (6) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1-9, hvori kammeret (7) videre omfatter et forgjengelig produkt (8), det forgjengelige produktet (8) omfatter:- et medisinsk fluid, slik som en vaksine, en biologisk prøve, blod, en medisin eller et intravenøst fluid; eller- et matprodukt, for eksempel et meieriprodukt, et eggbasert produkt eller en drikkevare.11. Beholder (6) ifølge krav 10, hvori kammeret (7) er lukket og forseglet, fortrinnsvis med et lokk (9).12. Anvendelse av en indikator ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1 - 8 eller av en beholder (6) ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 9 - 11, for transport og/eller lagring av et forgjengelig produkt (8), det forgjengelige produktet (8) omfatter:- et medisinsk fluid, slik som en vaksine, en biologisk prøve, blod, en medisin eller et intravenøst fluid; eller- et matprodukt, for eksempel et meieriprodukt, et eggbasert produkt eller en drikkevare.13.Fremgangsmåte for å fremstille en indikator (1) ifølge hvilket som helst av kravene 1-8, fremgangsmåten omfatter:- å tilveiebringe indikatormidler, konfigurert til å indikere en eksponering for en uønsket tilstand; og- støpe et skall (la) slik at skallet (la) innkapsler indikatormidlene.14.Fremgangsmåten ifølge krav 13, videre omfattende:- å tilveiebringe en beholder (6) omfattende et kammer (7);- eventuelt å sterilisere den minst ene indikatoren (1) og/eller beholderen (6); og- å sette inn den minst ene indikatoren (1) i kammeret (7) slik at den minst ene indikatoren (1) er fritt bevegelig deri.15.Fremgangsmåten ifølge krav 14, videre omfattende:- å fylle beholderen (6) med et forgjengelig produkt (8) før trinnet med å sette inn den minst ene indikatoren (1), i løpet av trinnet med å sette inn den minst ene indikatoren (1), eller etter trinnet med å sette inn den minst éne indikatoren (1); og- å lukke og forsegle beholderen (6).
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Patent classes

IPC classesB65D 79/02G01K 3/00G01K 1/02G01N 21/77G01N 21/78G01N 33/00G01N 33/02G01N 33/04G01N 33/08G01N 33/14G01N 33/15G01N 33/48CPC classesB65D 79/02G01K 3/00G01K 3/005G01K 1/02G01N 21/77G01N 21/78G01N 33/00G01N 33/02G01N 33/04G01N 33/08G01N 33/14G01N 33/15G01N 33/48

Citations

US 2009/266290 A1 (A1)EP 0932040 A1 (A1)US 2008/296191 A1 (A1)CN 205620038 U (U)WO 2012/061213 A1 (A1)WO 2016/170498 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners
CMEYE AS
Uranienborg terrasse 10 0351 OSLO NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)Org. number: 926356313Inventors
Davoud Tayebi
Uranienborg terrasse 10 0351 OSLO NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)

Agent

BRYN AARFLOT AS
BRYN AARFLOT AS

Org. number: 979993269

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Stortingsgata 8 0161 OSLO NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)
Org. number: 979993269
Reference: 138103/MWW

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