阅读说明：本技术 具有灭菌剂响应开关的灭菌指示器传感器 (Sterilization indicator sensor with sterilant response switch ) 是由 夏文胜 景乃勇 卡拉·A·迈耶斯 安基特·马哈詹 本杰明·J·明斯特曼 尼古拉斯·T·加布 于 2020-04-21 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开的各方面涉及一种传感器装置,该传感器装置具有集成电路和耦接到该集成电路的监测环路。监测环路包括第一导电迹线和第二导电迹线,该第一导电迹线和该第二导电迹线各自具有第一端部以及第二端部,该第一端部电耦接到该集成电路。该监测环路包括灭菌剂响应开关,该灭菌剂响应开关电耦接该第一导电迹线和该第二导电迹线的该第二端部。该灭菌剂响应开关具有第一阻抗状态和第二阻抗状态。该灭菌剂响应开关基于在充分的灭菌过程中对充分的环境条件的暴露来修改该第一导电迹线和该第二导电迹线之间的电连接。该传感器装置还包括天线,该天线耦接到该集成电路,从而形成不同于该监测环路的天线环路。(Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor device having an integrated circuit and a monitoring loop coupled to the integrated circuit. The monitoring loop includes a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace each having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The monitoring loop includes a sterilant response switch electrically coupling the first conductive trace and the second end of the second conductive trace. The sterilant response switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state. The sterilant response switch modifies the electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization. The sensor device also includes an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit to form an antenna loop distinct from the monitoring loop.)

1. A sensor device, the sensor device comprising:

an integrated circuit;

a monitoring loop coupled to the integrated circuit, the monitoring loop comprising:

a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace, each of the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically coupled to the integrated circuit;

a sterilant responsive switch electrically coupling the second ends of the first and second conductive traces, wherein the sterilant responsive switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state, wherein the sterilant responsive switch modifies an electrical connection between the first and second conductive traces based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization; and

an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit forming an antenna loop, wherein the monitoring loop is different from the antenna loop.

2. The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor device is an RFID tag, the sensor device configured to transmit a first radio signal when the sterilant response switch is exposed to an inadequate sterilization process and to transmit a second radio signal when the sterilant response switch is exposed to an adequate sterilization process when interrogated by an RFID interrogator device.

3. The sensor device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sterilant responsive switch is configured to degrade in admittance in response to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization.

4. The sensor device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second radio signal is non-zero.

5. The sensor device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the sterilant responsive switch is a polymer gate material comprising an electroactive polymer that changes from a first impedance to a second impedance when an environmental change receptor or sterilant contacts the electroactive polymer.

6. The sensor device of claim 5, wherein the electroactive polymer is polyaniline, trans-polyacetylene, poly (p-phenylenediamine), poly (3-vinylperylene), polypyrrole, poly (2, 5-bis (3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl) thieno [3,2-b ] thiophene), poly (2- (3-thienyloxy) ethanesulfonate), polythiophene, or a combination thereof.

7. The sensor device of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the first and second conductive traces comprise aluminum that reacts with the electroactive polymer to degrade an admittance of the electroactive polymer when exposed to sufficient environmental conditions including a vapor sterilant.

8. The sensor device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises an adhesive sandwiching at least two folded sections of the sensor device.

9. A sterilization indicator sensor, comprising:

the sensor device of any one of claims 1 to 8;

a first substrate, wherein the sterilant responsive switch contacts the first substrate;

an environmental change receptor proximate to the first substrate.

10. The sterilization indicator sensor of claim 9 wherein the environmental change receptor generates a visual indication in response to the presence of a sterilant.

11. The sterilization indicator sensor of claim 9 or 10 wherein the environmental change receptor is configured to respond to a sufficient environmental condition and is transmitted through the first substrate.

12. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of claims 9-11 wherein the first substrate is configured to wick the sterilant or environmental change receptor from a first substrate location to a second substrate location, wherein the polymeric gate material is positioned according to the second substrate location, and the second substrate location corresponds to the sufficient environmental condition.

13. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of claims 8-12 wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises a conductive element that is modifiable by the environmental change receptor based on exposure to a sterilant.

14. The sterilization indicator sensor of claim 13 wherein the switch comprises a spring and a plunger.

15. The sterilization indicator sensor of claim 13 wherein the conductive element is a conductive ink or a conductive ink layer.

16. The sterilization indicator sensor of claim 15 wherein the sterilant response switch comprises a pH sensitive polymer, a conductive ink layer, and the environmental change receptor is acidic when exposed to the sterilant, wherein the conductive ink layer is electrically coupled between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace.

17. A method, the method comprising:

providing a sterilization indicator sensor comprising a sensor device, the sensor device further comprising:

an integrated circuit having a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace;

a sterilant responsive switch electrically coupling the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, wherein the sterilant responsive switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state, wherein the sterilant responsive switch modifies an electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization;

exposing the sensor device to sufficient environmental conditions during sterilization, wherein the sufficient environmental conditions comprise a sterilant;

allowing the sterilant responsive switch to absorb the sterilant, thereby changing the sterilant responsive switch from a first impedance state to a second impedance state.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sterilant is at least 95% steam and the sufficient sterilization process is 2 minutes at 134 ℃ or 10 minutes at 121 ℃.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second conductive traces comprise aluminum on an exterior surface, wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises emeraldine salt, at least a portion of which undergoes a redox reaction with aluminum and is converted to a reduced polyaniline salt upon allowing the sterilant responsive switch to absorb the sterilant.

20. The method of any one of claims 17-19, wherein the sensor device is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, the method further comprising receiving a first radio signal from an RFID interrogator device,

wherein the sensor device outputs a second radio signal when the sterilant response switch is in the first impedance state; and is

The sensor device outputs a third radio signal when the sterilant response switch is in the second impedance state, wherein the third radio signal is non-zero.

Background

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuits have been used to detect the presence and movement of associated items. The presence of an article equipped with an RFID tag may be detected electronically by intermittently or continuously wirelessly interrogating the RFID tag. In one typical application, the RFID tag stores an Identification (ID) code. When an RFID tag is interrogated by an RFID tag reader, the RFID tag wirelessly transmits its ID code to the RFID tag reader. The code transmitted by the RFID tag to the RFID tag reader indicates the presence and identification of the article to which the RFID tag is attached.

The RFID tag may include a battery or other independent power source, or may derive power from a signal transmitted by an external RFID tag reader. RFID tags without an independent power source are particularly small and extremely low cost, and are inexpensive to use to track a large number of items.

RFID-related technology relates to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags. Both EAS and RFID tags are remotely accessible, but EAS tags typically do not include the data storage capabilities of RFID. EAS and RFID tags include transponder circuits for remote access. The transponder circuit is a resonant circuit having components selected and arranged to cause the transponder to electrically resonate at a particular frequency.

If an electromagnetic signal is transmitted from the tag reader within range of the EAS tag at or near the transponder resonant frequency, the EAS transponder circuit absorbs and/or reflects energy from the electromagnetic field transmitted by the reader through a mechanism (e.g., a magnetic field, in the near field such as capacitive coupling or inductive coupling, in the far field such as electromagnetic backscatter). The energy absorbed or reflected by the transponder circuit may cause a change in the output signal of the tag reader output coil or the tag reader receive coil input signal. Changes in these signals may be interpreted as indicating the presence of an article bearing an EAS tag.

In some patent applications, it is desirable to obtain sensor device information remotely. The remote access capabilities of RFID and EAS tags may be combined with sensor device technology to provide remote sensing capabilities.

In current practice of visually evaluating chemical indicators, a user needs to visually judge the color development to determine whether the chemical indicator has undergone an adequate sterilization process. However, color development can be subjective.

Disclosure of Invention

While there are some examples of sterilization indicators paired with sensors, existing sensors do not have a conductive trace that bridges the sterilant response switch. It has been found that a sterilant response switch can produce a more certain remote sensor reading.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor device having an integrated circuit and a monitoring loop coupled to the integrated circuit. The monitoring loop includes a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace each having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The monitoring loop includes a sterilant response switch electrically coupling the first conductive trace and the second end of the second conductive trace. The sterilant response switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state. The sterilant response switch modifies an electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization. The sensor device also includes an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit to form an antenna loop different from the monitoring loop.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including a sensor device or a sterilization indicator sensor. The sterilization indicator sensor also includes a sensor device, a first substrate, and an environmental change receptor adjacent the first substrate. A sterilant responsive switch may contact the first substrate.

Additional aspects of the disclosure may also relate to a method. The method includes providing a sterilization indicator sensor including a sensor device. The method further includes exposing the sensor device to a sufficient environmental condition during the sterilization process, wherein the sufficient environmental condition includes a sterilant. The method also includes allowing the sterilant responsive switch to absorb sterilant, thereby changing the sterilant responsive switch from the first impedance state to the second impedance state.

Drawings

To readily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, one or more of the most significant digits in a reference number refer to the number in which that element is first introduced.

Fig. 1 illustrates a sterilization indicator system 100 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 200 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3A shows a side view of a sterilization indicator sensor 300 according to one embodiment. Fig. 3B shows a top view of the sterilization indicator sensor 300 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of a sterilization indicator sensor 400 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5A illustrates a top elevation view of a sterilization indicator sensor 400 according to one embodiment. Fig. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the sterilization indicator sensor 400 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 600 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 700 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 800 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 900 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10A shows the sterilization indicator sensor 1000 in a deployed state according to one embodiment. Fig. 10B illustrates the sterilization indicator sensor 1000 in a folded state, according to one embodiment. Fig. 10C shows the sterilization indicator sensor 1000 in a deployed state, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 11A shows a front view of a sterilization indicator sensor 1100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sterilization indicator sensor 1100 in a second impedance state, according to an embodiment. Fig. 11C illustrates a side view of the sterilization indicator sensor 1100 in a first impedance state, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12A shows a cross-sectional view of a sterilization indicator sensor 1200 in a second impedance state, according to an embodiment. Fig. 12B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sterilization indicator sensor 1200 in a first impedance state, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a sterilization indicator sensor 1300 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 illustrates a front view of a sterilization indicator sensor 1300 according to one embodiment.

Fig. 15 shows a method 1500 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16 shows a method 1600 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17 shows a method 1700 according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor device having a sterilant responsive switch responsive to environmental conditions (including sterilant) during sterilization. The sterilant responsive switch may be electrically coupled to the conductive traces of the sensor device and may be mechanically activated or formed from a polymer gate material.

Fig. 1 illustrates a sterilization indicator system 100. The sterilization indicator system 100 may include a sterilizer 104.

Sterilizer 104 is configured to provide sterilant 108 to chamber 112 during a sterilization process. Various examples of sterilizers 104 may exist, and each sterilizer may differ in the type of sterilant 108 provided. The primary types of sterilizers 104 are based on steam or hydrogen peroxide, and each type may have different sterilization process conditions. Examples of sterilizers using hydrogen peroxide as a sterilant are commercially available from Steris (Mentor, OH) or totem (Tuttnauer), Israel. An example of a sterilizer using steam as a sterilizing agent is commercially available from Steris (Mentor, OH).

The chamber 112 may have one or more environmental conditions. In at least one embodiment, the ambient conditions can be related to conditions within the chamber 112 and can include time, sterilant, temperature, pressure, or combinations thereof. For example, a first environmental condition may exist during a pre-sterilization process, and a second environmental condition may exist during a sterilization process. The sensor device 102 may determine whether the second environmental condition corresponds to a sufficient sterilization process. As used herein, the second environmental condition may be referred to as a sufficient environmental condition. An adequate sterilization process may vary based on the sterilant used, the manufacturer of the sterilizer, and the article 106 to be sterilized. For example, the guidelines for health care facility Disinfection and Sterilization (guidelines for Disinfection and sterility in Healthcare Facilities, Center for Disease Control) (2008), which are incorporated herein by reference, provide minimum cycle times for Sterilization of the various article 106 types and sterilant 108 in tables 1 and 7.

The sterilization indicator system 100 includes a sensor device 102 that is capable of collecting and providing data regarding the environmental conditions within the chamber 112 relative to the sterilization process. In addition, the sensor device 102 may also be read by the sensing device 110. The sensing device 110 is an electronic device that can remotely read environmental conditions. In one example, the sensing device 110 may read the sensor device 102 through the walls of the chamber 112 in real time to determine the environmental conditions in the chamber 112. For example, the wall may have a hole formed therein for direct reading of the RFID tag through the steel wall. In another example, the sensing device 110 may read/interrogate the sensor device 102 to determine an environmental condition of the chamber 112 when outside the walls of the chamber 112 (e.g., when in the wrapped enclosure 114). In at least one embodiment, a sufficient sterilization process can alter the electrical impedance of the sensor device 102 and be detected by the sensing device 110.

The sensing device 110 may use wireless communication or wired communication to read the sensor device 102. For example, if wired, the sensor device 102 may include a storage element to store environmental conditions captured by the sensor device 102. In at least one embodiment, the sensor device 102 may be affected by past environmental conditions and may be chemically or electrically modified. For example, the sensor device 102 may also include a sterilant response switch that directly or indirectly indicates an environmental condition from the sterilization process in the chamber 112.

Sensor device 102 can include any type of sterilant resistant integrated circuit. For example, the sensor device may be an RFID tag, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, a communication device, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the sensor device 102 is an RFID tag and the sensing device 110 is an RFID interrogator device. Exemplary RFID interrogator devices are UHF-based and commercially available from Zebra (Zebra) (Lincolnshire, IL), Alien Technology (Alien Technology) (San Jose, CA), or inpainj (Seattle, WA), washington. Other exemplary RFID interrogator devices may also be based on High Frequency (HF) and commercially available from Jadak (Syracuse, NY), Technology Solutions Ltd (United Kingdom), samsung or apple, or based on Low Frequency (LF) and commercially available from RFID (Aurora, CO), Gao RFID (Ontario, Canada), or SkyRFID (Ontario, Canada).

The sensor device 102 may be paired with one or more components (such as a substrate and an environmental change receptor) to form a sterilization indicator sensor, as will be described further herein. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor is distinct from the sterilant response switch. For example, the environmental change receptor can be configured to affect the admittance/impedance of the sterilant response switch.

In at least one embodiment, the article 106 and the sensor device 102 can be encased in an enclosure 114. The sensor device 102 may be responsive to a sterilization process occurring in the chamber 112. The sensor device 102 can be read to determine use of the sensing device 110 without opening the enclosure 114, which helps to ensure sterility of the article 106 for the end user.

Fig. 2 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 200 for use in a sterilizer.

The sterilization indicator sensor 200 may include the sensor device 102 described herein. In at least one embodiment, the sensor device 102 includes an antenna 212 that is capable of receiving energy from the sensing device 110 and transmitting data to the sensing device. The antenna 212 may be of various shapes optimized for transmission to the sensing device 110. One example of an antenna 212 design is commercially available under the model name BELT from sminda (Smartrac) (Netherlands).

In at least one embodiment, the antenna 212 may be formed such that it is not affected by the sterilization process. For example, the antenna 212 may have no interruption within the antenna loop (but the sensor device 102 may have an interruption within the monitoring loop 220). The antenna 212 may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit 206 and form an antenna loop. The integrated circuit 206 may draw energy from the sensing device 110 to transmit the antenna 212 impedance. Various integrated circuit 206 devices may be designed for RFID applications, such as passive, semi-active, and active RFID applications, and are commercially available from enginepu Semiconductors (NXP Semiconductors) (Netherlands), inpaite (Impinj) (Seattle, WA), or ansan (Axzon) (Austin, TX, texas). Examples of integrated circuit 206 are available from anshan (Austin, TX) under the trade name Magnus or from enzimu semiconductor under the trade name UCODE G2iM or G2iL +, which may include UHF RFID transponder capability and a tag tamper alarm capable of measuring the status of monitoring loop 220.

In at least one embodiment, sensor device 200 may include a second integrated circuit that responds to a different frequency than the first integrated circuit. The second integrated circuit may be electrically coupled to the antenna 212 or a second antenna. The second integrated circuit may also be electrically coupled to the monitoring loop.

The monitoring loop 220 may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit 206. In at least one embodiment, the monitoring loop 220 is configured to electrically change based on exposure to a sufficient sterilization process. For example, the monitoring loop 220 may increase or decrease the admittance/impedance based on exposure to a sufficient sterilization process.

Monitoring loop 220 includes conductive trace 214 and conductive trace 216, conductive trace 214 having a first end 222 and a second end 224, and conductive trace 216 having a first end 226 and a second end 228. First ends of both conductive trace 214 and conductive trace 216 are electrically coupled to integrated circuit 206. In at least one embodiment, the second ends of the conductive traces 214 and 216 are not integrally attached using the same material as the conductive traces 214 or 216. In at least one embodiment, the second ends of conductive trace 214 and conductive trace 216 may each be connected by a sterilant responsive switch 208. In at least one embodiment, the conductive trace can further include adjacent microreplicated channels for capillary flow parallel to the conductive trace.

In at least one embodiment, the distance 210 between the conductive trace 214 and the conductive trace 216 is measured along the sterilant response switch 208. The distance 210 may be sufficient to sense a change in electrical admittance/impedance without causing an electrical short or interference between the conductive trace 214 and the conductive trace 216. For example, if distance 210 is zero, conductive trace 214 and conductive trace 216 will be electrically coupled regardless of changes in sterilant response switch 208, and monitoring loop 220 will not sense an environmental condition.

The monitoring loop 220 may also include a sterilant response switch 208 that may be electrically modified based on exposure to environmental conditions for the sterilization process, particularly for an adequate sterilization process. The sterilant response switch 208 may be based on a polymer gate material or mechanical interaction with various components such as the environmental change receptor 204. In at least one embodiment, sterilant response switch 208 can be binary. For example, the sterilant response switch 208 may be indirectly triggered from off to on based on the interaction of the sterilant with the environmental change recipient 204.

Sterilant response switch 208 may also have a gradual response to environmental conditions. For example, the polymer gate material may suffer from gradual electrical admittance degradation based on the interaction from sterilant 108. Examples of sterilant response switches 208 are further described herein.

Additionally, the sensing device 110 may be configured to interrogate the sensor device 102 such that the sensor device 102 provides a plurality of impedance states over time, which may correspond to various environmental conditions during the sterilization process. For example, when exposed to a first environmental condition, the sensor device 102 may transmit a first impedance state based on a sterilant response switch interacting (directly or indirectly) with the first environmental condition. Environmental conditions may change the measured capacitance of the sterilant response switch 208. When exposed to the second environmental condition, the sensor device 102 may transmit the second impedance state based on the sterilant response switch interacting (directly or indirectly) with the second environmental condition, and so on to the third impedance state and the fourth impedance state. In at least one implementation, the sensing device 110 can determine an environmental condition based on the impedance state and provide a gradual view of the environmental condition over time (as opposed to a binary pass/fail that may be present).

The polymer gate material may be any substance that has semiconducting properties or that can be switched between a first impedance state and a second impedance state, for example, a solid substance with a conductivity that is intermediate between that of an insulator and a metal. In at least one embodiment, the impedance state can be related to the impedance and admittance of the sensor device. The impedance state may be inversely related to the flow of the polymer gate material and includes its resistance and the accumulation of inductive and capacitive reactances.

The polymer gate material may include an electroactive polymer that changes from a first impedance state to a second impedance state or vice versa based on interaction with the environmental change receptor 204, the environmental condition, the conductive trace, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the first impedance state may correspond to having a higher or lower impedance relative to the second impedance state, depending on the mechanism. For example, polyaniline can be switched from non-conducting to conducting, or vice versa. In at least one embodiment, the first impedance state refers to an admittance and impedance sufficient to electrically bridge an open circuit, for example an admittance having at least 2 siemens.

The electroactive polymer may be a semi-flexible rod polymer. In at least one embodiment, the electroactive polymer is Polyaniline (PANI), trans-polyacetylene, poly (p-phenylenediamine), poly (3-vinylperylene), polypyrrole, poly (2, 5-bis (3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl) thieno [3,2-b ] thiophene), poly (2- (3-thienyloxy) ethanesulfonate), polythiophene, or a combination thereof. The electroactive polymer may or may not be doped with various dopants such as: dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (DNNSA), sodium, arsenic pentafluoride, triiodide, camphorsulfonate, methanesulfonic acid, halogen or polyhalogen ions, methanol, bisulfate, hydrochloric acid, tetrafluoroborate, sodium sulfite, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the polymer gate material is PANI, which can be in one of three oxidation states (reduced polyaniline, emeraldine (salt or base form), and all (nigrosine)). Emeraldine may be non-conductive in the base form and conductive in the salt form. In addition, emeraldine salts can be converted to reduced polyaniline salts or per (nigrosine) by redox reactions to render the reduced polyaniline salts non-conductive.

In at least one implementation, various conductive materials may be added to the polymer gate material. For example, nanoparticles of tin, aluminum, copper, silver, gold, or combinations thereof may be blended and incorporated into the PANI formulation to coat between two conductive traces.

In at least one embodiment, the conductive traces 214 and the conductive traces 216 may be coated with or formed from a conductive material. It has surprisingly been found that the use of aluminium reacts directly with PANI and converts the emeraldine salt to the reduced polyaniline salt. Thus, the monitoring loop 220 may change from the first impedance state to the second impedance state based on a redox reaction of the polymer gate material with aluminum under ambient conditions corresponding to a sufficient sterilization process (e.g., of steam).

In at least one embodiment, the sterilization indicator sensor 200 can include only the sensor device 102. The sterilization indicator sensor 200 can also optionally include a first substrate 202 and/or an environmental change receptor 204.

In at least one embodiment, a portion of the sterilant responsive switch 208 can contact the first substrate 202. The first substrate 202 may be wicking or non-wicking. If non-wicking, the first substrate 202 may be any metal layer, such as aluminum foil, or a polymer layer, such as a polyethylene, polyurethane, or polyester layer. In at least one embodiment, the first substrate 202 can provide structural support to the sensor device 102. The first substrate 202 may also provide support for the environmental change receptor 204.

If wicking, the first substrate 202 may be any suitable material through which organic compounds may migrate by capillary action. Preferably, the wicking first substrate 202 is a paper strip. Other such wicking materials may be used, such as nonwoven polymer fabrics and inorganic fiber compositions. The size of the wicking first substrate 202 is not critical. However, its dimensions (thickness and width) will affect the wicking rate and determine the amount of organic compound required to produce the appropriate scale length. Thus, from an economic standpoint, the wicking first substrate 202 should be as thin as possible. A suitable width for the first substrate 202 is about 3/16 inches to about 1/4 inches. Examples of wicking first substrate 202 are whatman No.1 filter paper, whatman No.114 filter paper, supported microcrystalline cellulose (TLC plate), supported alumina, and supported silica gel.

In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 is disposed adjacent to the first substrate 202. For example, the environmental change receptor 204 can be positioned such that the environmental change receptor 204 flows onto the first substrate 202 and wicks from the first substrate location to the second substrate location (which can correspond to a portion of the sterilant responsive switch 208) as indicated by the flow direction 218. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 can also be disposed directly on the first substrate 202 at the first substrate location. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 is disposed proximate or adjacent to a sterilant response switch 208. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 is a solid and may be in the form of a tablet, and is disposed on the exterior of the first substrate 202. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 can be embedded within or laminated to the first substrate 202.

The environmental change receptor 204 may include one or more environmentally responsive or sensitive materials selected according to sensing needs. The environmentally responsive material may be selected based on its solubility, boiling point, melting point, ability to absorb gases or liquids, softening point, or flow characteristics such that it changes characteristics (evaporates or redistributes over the sensor strip) in response to particular environmental conditions. In some cases, the environmental change receptor 204 may include more than one component, where each component may include similar or different environmentally responsive materials and may be disposed at different locations. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 can be selected based on the ability to change the sterilant's ability to respond to the admittance/impedance of the switch. The environmental change receptor 204 may be acidic or basic to affect the first resistance state of the polymer gate material. For example, if the environmental change receptor 204 is basic, the base may react with an emeraldine salt to form an emeraldine base and change from a first impedance state to a second impedance state.

The environmental change receptor 204 may include one type of meltable or flowable material, for example, a crystalline or semi-crystalline material (e.g., tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB), a thermoplastic, a polymer, a wax, an organic compound such as salicylamide, a polyethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, sucrose, etc., in some cases, the environmentally responsive material is selected based on its response to a combination of temperature and humidity, or a combination of temperature, humidity, and time, in some embodiments, the material may be selected to suit a particular application, in order to monitor the presence of a chemical, the environmental change receptor 204 may include a type of material that absorbs or reacts with the chemical. DesPlaines, IL) zeolite HiSiv 3000 powder.

Some environmental change receptors may respond to steam sterilants at ambient conditions to perform an adequate sterilization process. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 204 can include an organic base that has a melting point greater than 100 ℃ and is miscible with salicylamide. For example, the organic base can be N, N-lutidine, adamantylamine, or a combination thereof.

Some environmental change receptors may also respond to steam or hydrogen peroxide sterilants during an adequate sterilization process. Such environmental change receptors may include various pigments and inks, such as blue inks and pink pigments. In addition, the environmental change receptor may include an organic ester that is a solid at room temperature. In at least one embodiment, sterilant 108 can interact with environmental change receptor 204, sterilant response switch 208, or both to produce a change that will affect sensor device 102.

Fig. 3A-3B illustrate a sterilization indicator sensor 300 that is similar to sterilization indicator sensor 200, except that it has a different sterilant response switch.

Sterilant response switch 312 may include a conductive element (e.g., conductive ink 306) and a pH-sensitive polymer 308 layered relative to one another. The conductive ink 306 may be an ink that produces a conductive printed object. The conductive ink 306 may be printed via an inkjet printer or screen printing and present as a continuous layer. The thickness of the conductive ink 306 is strong enough to withstand handling, but thin enough to be affected by changes in the pH sensitive polymer 308. For example, the layer of conductive ink 306 may have an average thickness of no greater than 25 microns, preferably, no greater than 10 microns. The conductive ink 306 may include particles of a conductive metal, such as copper, silver, or also include particles of a non-metal, such as graphite. Various conductive ink 306 formulations are commercially available under the trade name Metalon from novacelricx (Austin, TX).

The PH sensitive polymer 308 is selected from, but not limited to, the group consisting of: a methacrylic acid copolymer (such as,eudragit E100 (also known as butyl methacrylate- (2-dimethylaminoethyl) -methacrylate-methyl methacrylate-copolymer (1:2:1) is based on (2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate copolymers having an average molecular weight of about 150,000), chitosan and its derivatives (linear polysaccharides consisting of randomly distributed- (l-4) -linked D-glucosamine (deacetylated units) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (acetylated units)), or other high molecular weight polymers with cationic functionality, cellulose derivatives such as Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP-50 or HPMCP-55), Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer(s) ((r))L seriesAnds series), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), alginate, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), or a mixture of one or more thereof. In at least one embodiment, the pH-sensitive polymer 308 can be a polymer that is acid soluble and dissolves when exposed to acidic conditions (i.e., less than pH 7). A preferred example of a PH sensitive polymer 308 degrades at a PH of less than 7 (acidic conditions), but is stable in water at a PH of 7 or higher, and is commercially available from the winning industry (Evonik Industries), Germany (Germany), under the trade designation Eudragit model E PO. The PH sensitive polymer 308 may form a layer between the gaps of the conductive traces. The layer should have a sufficient thickness to dissolve in response to the environmental change receptor 310. In at least one embodiment, the layer of pH-sensitive polymer 308 has an (average) thickness of no greater than 150 microns, no greater than 125 microns, no greater than 50 microns, or no greater than 5 microns.

The sterilization indicator sensor 300 may also include an environmental change receptor 310, which is an embodiment of the environmental change receptor 204. The environmental change receptor 310 can be in a solid form and interact with a sterilant. For example, the sterilant may dissolve or change the state of the environmental change receptor 310, and the environmental change receptor 310 may be transported along the first substrate 304 from the first substrate location 314 to the second substrate location 316. An example of an environmental change receptor 310 is a salicylamide tablet (which has a pH of about 5 when mixed with water).

The sterilization indicator sensor 300 can also include a first substrate 304. The first substrate 304 is an embodiment of the first substrate 202 and is wicking. In at least one embodiment, first substrate 304 carries environmental change receptor 310 to sterilant response switch 312. The environmental change receptor 310 may degrade the pH-sensitive polymer 308 such that the conductive ink 306 breaks and the conductivity between the conductive trace 214 and the conductive trace 216 of the sensor device decreases.

In at least one embodiment, the sterilization indicator sensor 300 further includes a second substrate 302 to support the sensor device (e.g., including the conductive traces 214 and 216). The second substrate 302 may be generally non-wicking and made of a flexible polymer such as: polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, or combinations thereof; or from a metal capable of forming a flexible sheet of material.

In at least one embodiment, at least the conductive traces 214 and 216 of the sensor device can be disposed on the second substrate 302. The PH sensitive polymer 308 may be coated onto the flexible polymer and adhered over the gap between the conductive trace 214 and the conductive trace 216. A layer of conductive ink 306 of no greater than 50 microns may be applied over the pH-sensitive polymer 308 such that either side of the trace formed by the layer of conductive ink 306 contacts both the conductive trace 214 and the conductive trace 216.

In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the first substrate 304 may contact the pH-sensitive polymer 308 at the second substrate location 316 such that the wicked environmental change receptor 310 may interact with the pH-sensitive polymer 308 and cause the conductive ink 306 mechanically supported by the pH-sensitive polymer 308 to break and lose conductivity. In at least one embodiment, the sterilization indicator sensor 300 can be additionally packaged to hold the components together. In at least one embodiment, when the conductive ink 306 breaks, the resulting signal from the sensor device may be zero.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a sterilization indicator sensor 400. The general configuration may be modified to include a sensor device based on a chemical integrator commercially available from 3M (Saint Paul, MN) under the trade name company.

The sterilization indicator sensor 400 can include a first substrate 404. The first substrate 404 may be wicking and may be an embodiment of the first substrate 202. The first substrate 404 may extend longitudinally along the sterilization indicator sensor 400. In at least one embodiment, the first substrate 404 may contact the polymer gate material 408 at a second substrate location 418 and may be positioned to absorb the environmental change receptor 406 (as described herein) at the first substrate location 416. In at least one embodiment, the sterilant responsive switch can be a polymer gate material 408 as described herein and is electrically coupled to the sensor device 102. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 406 is preferably an acid salt such as salicylamide, and the polymer gate material 408 may preferably be polyaniline. The doping acid can convert the emeraldine base from the second impedance state to an emeraldine salt in the first impedance state.

The sterilization indicator sensor 400 can also have a second substrate 422 formed of a non-wicking substance and described herein. In at least one embodiment, the second substrate 422 includes an aluminum layer. The second substrate 422 may have a first package surface 412 and a second package surface 420. The first package surface 412 may face outward and the second package surface 420 may face the first substrate 404. In at least one embodiment, the second substrate 422 may have a recess 414 (which may form a protrusion on the opposing first package surface 412) formed on the second package surface 420 therein. The recess 414 may intersect the first substrate location 416. The recess 414 may retain a portion of the environmental change receptor 406. In at least one embodiment, the volume of the recess 414 is less than the liquid state of the environmental change receptor 406 such that the environmental change receptor 406 can contact the first substrate 404.

The sterilization indicator sensor 400 can have a cover substrate 402 configured to mate with a portion of a second substrate 422. The cover substrate 402 may be formed of a flexible polymeric material, a paper material, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the environmental change receptor 406 is visible through a cut-out that covers the substrate 402. In at least one embodiment, the channel 410 is formed between the second substrate 422 and the cover substrate 402. In at least one embodiment, the channel 410 can include a portion of the recess 414. In at least one embodiment, the first substrate 404 may be positioned within the channel 410. In at least one implementation, the polymer gate material 408 and the sensor device 102 can also be positioned in the channel 410.

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate different views of the sterilization indicator sensor 400. After the sterilizer has achieved a sufficient sterilization process, the environmental change receptor 406 may flow along the first substrate 404 from the first substrate location 416 to the second substrate location 418. The polymer gate material 408 may be located at a second substrate location 418. The polymer gate material 408 may react with the environmental change receptor 406 and change the admittance/impedance that electrically changes the sensor device 102. As shown, the sterilization indicator sensor 400 produces both a visual change and an electrochemical change in response to an adequate sterilization process.

Fig. 6 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 600, which is an embodiment of the sterilization indicator sensor 200, except that the first substrate 608 and the environmental change receptor 612 form a sterilant response switch to modify the impedance of the sensor device 602. The sterilization indicator sensor 600 may include a wicking first substrate 608 disposed on or near a second substrate 610 (which is preferably non-wicking). The sensor device 602 (e.g., particularly an integrated circuit, while having a separate antenna) can be electrically coupled to the first conductive trace 604 and the second conductive trace 606 in an open loop or open circuit configuration, wherein the first conductive trace 604 and the second conductive trace 606 each contact the first substrate 608, but do not contact each other. The sterilization indicator sensor 600 can also include an environmental change receptor 612 disposed on or near the first substrate 608. Embodiments of different sterilant responsive switches (which do not involve a polymer gate material) in the sterilization indicator sensor 600 are described in fig. 7-9.

Fig. 7 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 700, which is an embodiment of the sterilization indicator sensor 600. The sterilization indicator sensor 700 may use the conductive element 704 to complete an electrical circuit between the first conductive trace 604 and the second conductive trace 606 of the sensor device 602. The conductive element 704 may be arranged as a layer of conductive material. In at least one embodiment, conductive element 704 can have a thickness of no greater than 100 microns. The conductive element 704 may be applied or printed during assembly of the sensor device 602.

After a sufficient sterilization process, the environmental change receptor 702 may be absorbed into the first substrate 608. Preferably, the environmental change receptor 702 may be acidic such that it is capable of dissolving the conductive element 704. Further, the conductive element 704 is acid soluble. The acid in the environmental change receptor 702, after diffusing through the filter paper and into the area between the conductive traces, may dissolve or etch away the conductive elements 704 coupled between the conductive traces.

Fig. 8 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 800, which is an embodiment of the sterilization indicator sensor 600. The sterilization indicator sensor 800 may use the conductive solution 802 to complete an electrical circuit between the first conductive trace 604 and the second conductive trace 606 in the sensor device 602. In at least one embodiment, the conductive solution 802 can result from an interaction between an environmental change receptor and an environmental condition (e.g., steam). For example, the environmental change receptor itself may be electrically conductive via metal particles or in the presence of water (such as an ionic salt).

In at least one embodiment, the conductive traces 604, 606 are sandwiched between the sensor device 602 and the first substrate 608 such that when the conductive solution 802 diffuses through the first substrate 608 into the area between the conductive traces, the loop can become electrically closed. When the sensor device 602 is interrogated by a reader, the sensor device 602 replies with a code indicating "loop open" (meaning that the conductive solution 802 has not yet arrived between the contacts) or "loop closed" (meaning that a short circuit has been placed between the first conductive trace 604 and the second conductive trace 606 after melting).

Fig. 9 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 900 that is similar to the sterilization indicator sensor 800 except that the sterilization indicator sensor 900 includes a conductive element 904 disposed on a side of the first substrate 608 opposite a side in contact with the first and second conductive traces 604, 606.

The first substrate 608 may have a low relative permittivity (e.g., less than 5). Once exposed to a sufficient sterilization process, the first substrate 608 infused with the conductive solution 902 (from an environmental change receptor interacting with an environmental condition) may have a relative dielectric constant that increases to a value of 50 or greater. For example, the environmental change receptor can be a salicylamide. In at least one implementation, the capacitance of the monitoring loop may increase, but the monitoring loop may be non-conductive. Thus, in conjunction with the conductive element 904, a monitoring loop of the sensor device 602 can be completed. In at least one embodiment, the conductive element 904 may be used to protect the conductive solution 902 from interrogation so that the dielectric constant may be sensed by the sterilization indicator sensor 900.

Fig. 10A-10C illustrate a sterilization indicator sensor 1000. The sterilization indicator sensor 1000 may change based on the folding and unfolding of the RFID tag 1002 (e.g., antenna) in response to the adhesive 1006 failing. RFID tag 1002 may be divided into section 1016 and section 1018 according to fold line 1014. Fold line 1014 may be an axis that changes impedance when RFID tag 1002 is folded. In at least one embodiment, fold line 1014 is near the central axis of symmetry so that the two ends of RFID tag 1002 are in contact or very close to contact when overlapped. Without being bound by any theory, it is understood that folding along the axis of symmetry results in the radome itself. It is important to note that if the folds are simply not too tight, leaving an air gap 1015 of about 0.1 inch or more, the antenna can still be read over a significant range so that the ends of the antenna are not close to touch when folded.

As shown, the orientation of RFID tag 1002 is widthwise, with fold line 1014 dividing RFID tag 1002 into two approximately equal widths. As shown, the fold line 1014 may be proximate to the axis of symmetry. However, the structure of the various RFID tags may be different.

The sterilization indicator sensor 1000 can include a first substrate 1004. The first substrate 1004 is preferably wicking. Each surface of the first substrate 1004 has an adhesive disposed thereon. For example, adhesive 1006 is disposed on a first surface, and adhesive 1008 is disposed on a second surface of first substrate 1004. In at least one embodiment, the first substrate 1004 can have a longitudinal dimension that is oriented such that the environmental change receptor 1010 does not contact the RFID tag 1002 when folded. Thus, the first substrate location 1020 and the environmental change receptor 1010 are disposed outside the perimeter of the RFID tag 1002 in a folded or unfolded state. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive 1006 and the environmental change receptor 1010 are both selected such that the environmental change receptor 1010 can degrade to bond with the adhesive of the first substrate 1004.

In at least one embodiment, the adhesive 1006 or 1008 is designed to fail under environmental conditions corresponding to a sufficient sterilization process.

Fig. 10B shows a folded state. In the folded state, the RFID tag 1002 sandwiches the adhesive layer, which in turn sandwiches the first substrate 1004. Once exposed to a sufficient sterilization process, the environmental change receptor 1010 may melt into the first substrate 1004 to form a modified first substrate 1012 and be transferred from the first substrate location 1020 to the second substrate location 1022 based on environmental conditions. Upon reaching the second substrate location 1022, the environmental change receptor 1010 may cause the release of the adhesive 1006 or the adhesive 1008 to the deployed state in fig. 10C.

The extent of the deployed state of the RFID tag 1002 can affect the read range. After the adhesive 1006 is peeled from the paper, the RFID tag 1002 that crumples less strongly at the fold line 1014 can open completely and have a slightly larger read range than the RFID tag 1002 that has not opened completely. However, fully opening the RFID tag 1002 may require significantly more space than leaving the RFID tag 1002 still largely folded but creating a gap.

In at least one embodiment, the antenna is deactivated only if the symmetric sides of the antenna overlap when folded. Folding along other axes will not effectively stop the antenna, and folding multiple fold lines along multiple axes may change the resulting impedance of each fold line as each section opens, which will allow granular RFID tag measurements to be made.

Fig. 11A-11C illustrate a sterilization indicator sensor 1100. The sterilization indicator sensor 1100 may use the molten environmental change receptor 1104 to vertically reposition the conductive element 1106 to complete the electrical circuit between the first conductive trace 1108 and the second conductive trace 1110 of the sensor device.

The sterilization indicator sensor 1100 can have a first substrate 1102 disposed between a first conductive trace 1108 and a second conductive trace 1110. First conductive trace 1108 may have solder 1112 disposed thereon, and second conductive trace 1110 may have solder 1114 disposed thereon. The solder may act as a pad having a height corresponding to the predicted degradation of the environmental change receptor 1104 in response to the environmental conditions of the adequate sterilization process.

In at least one embodiment, each end of conductive element 1106 can be aligned with solder 1112 and solder 1114. In at least one embodiment, the width dimension of conductive element 1106 can be greater than the distance between solder 1112 and solder 1114. For example, the conductive elements 1106 may have an average thickness of less than one thousandth of an inch, and have a width of 300 thousandths of an inch and a length of 100 thousandths of an inch. As shown, the conductive element 1106 may be any conductive material, such as copper metal.

The environmental change receptor 1104 may preferably be a solid and may be dissolved by a sterilant or meltable based on environmental conditions. An example of an environmental change receptor 1104 is salicylamide.

When the sterilization indicator sensor 1100 is exposed to environmental conditions corresponding to a sufficient sterilization process (as shown in fig. 11B-11C), the environmental change receptor 1104 may physically deform and wick into the first substrate 1102 (thereby forming a modified first substrate 1116). Conductive element 1106, previously supported by environmental change receptor 1104, may be lowered into contact with solder 1112 and solder 1114. The conductive elements 1106 may float on the molten environmental change receptor 1104 due to the surface tension of the environmental change receptor 1104. In at least one embodiment, small pieces of closed cell foam (preferably polyurethane/silicone for high temperature) can be used to float the conductor on top of the molten acid.

Fig. 12A-12B illustrate a sterilization indicator sensor 1200 that is conceptually similar to the sterilization indicator sensor 1100, except that it is mechanically assisted in a downward direction by a biasing element (e.g., a spring 1212).

The sterilization indicator sensor 1200 may include a first substrate 1202 on which an environmental change receptor 1214 is disposed. The sterilization indicator sensor 1200 may also include a second substrate 1204 that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the environmental change receptor 1214 from sliding laterally. Exemplary materials may have a shore D hardness (shore D hardness) of no greater than 85 and may be formed from a variety of polymers.

Sensor device 1206 may be disposed on top of second substrate 1204 such that sensor device 1206 is supported by second substrate 1204. In at least one embodiment, the sensor device 1206 can have a monitoring loop with an open portion formed by the first conductive trace 1208 and the second conductive trace 1222.

In at least one embodiment, adhesive 1218 can attach a portion of sensor device 1206 to cover substrate 1216. In at least one embodiment, both the cover substrate 1216 and the second substrate 1204 are formed of the same material, e.g., a sufficiently rigid polymer, such as polycarbonate. The sterilization indicator sensor 1200 may have a spring 1212 with one end attached to the cover substrate 1216 and the other end attached to the floating conductive element 1210. In at least one embodiment, the conductive element 1210 can also be mechanically coupled to a plunger 1220 that aligns with the force of the spring 1212 such that the sterilization indicator sensor 1200 only allows vertical movement.

In at least one embodiment, the spring 1212 is compressed when the environmental change receptor 1214 is not exposed to environmental conditions corresponding to a sufficient sterilization process. When the environmental change receptor 1214 is exposed to the environmental condition, the spring 1212 relaxes. For example, upon exposure to the environmental condition, the environmental change receptor 1214 may wick into the first substrate 1202. The plunger 1220 may apply a vertical force to further assist in the capillary action of the environmental change receptor 1214. The spring 1212 may also drive the conductive element 1210 to electrically couple both the first conductive trace 1208 and the second conductive trace 1222.

Fig. 13 illustrates a sterilization indicator sensor 1300 that is an embodiment of the sterilization indicator sensor 200. The sterilization indicator sensor 1300 can be responsive to a sterilant 1312. Sterilization indicator sensor 1300 may include a first substrate 1302 that may have a region with ionic salt 1304 disposed on or impregnated within first substrate 1302.

Preferably, ionic salt 1304 is selected so that it reacts with sterilant 1312 and renders the resulting material alkaline. Preferably, ionic salt 1304 can be magnesium chloride, magnesium bromide, or a combination thereof.

Examples of the first substrate 1302 and ionic salt 1304 are commercially available from 3M (Saint Paul, MN) under the trade name company as test sheets, and may also be wrapped in a Bowie-Dick test pack.

In at least one embodiment, ionic salt 1304 contacts polymer gate material 1306. The polymer gate material 1306 is described herein, but is preferably PANI, especially emeraldine salt. A polymer gate material 1306 may be disposed on the layer of ionic salt 1304. In at least one embodiment, polymer gate material 1306 is embedded within first substrate 1302. Ionic salt 1304 may be impregnated within first substrate 1302.

As discussed herein, the polymer gate material 1306 may bridge the conductive trace 1316 and the conductive trace 1314. In at least one embodiment, the conductive traces 1316 and the conductive traces 1314 and the polymeric gate material 1306 may be at least partially embedded in the first substrate 1302, and the ionic salt 1304 may form a layer over the polymeric gate material 1306. Portions of the polymer gate material 1306, ionic salt 1304, first substrate 1302, or combinations thereof, may be coated with a release coating 1310. The conductive trace 1314 and the conductive trace 1316 may also be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit 1308 that forms a branch separate from the antenna 1318. When the sterilant 1312 contacts the sterilization indicator sensor 1300, the sterilant 1312 may be absorbed by the first substrate 1302 and the ionic salt 1304, which may modify the polymeric gate material 1306, resulting in the polymeric gate material 1306 having a second impedance state (e.g., converting the emeraldine salt to emeraldine base). In addition, ionic salt 1304 may also produce visual changes for later analysis.

In at least one embodiment, if the sterilant 1312 is steam or hydrogen peroxide, then the conductive trace 1314 and the conductive trace 1316 have exposed aluminum, a redox reaction can occur that changes the emeraldine salt to the reduced polyaniline salt and from the first impedance state to the second impedance state. Thus, ionic salt 1304 may be optional.

Fig. 14 shows a different view of the sterilization indicator sensor 1300. Conductive trace 1314 and conductive trace 1316 are shown contacting polymer gate material 1306. Upon exposure to the sterilant, the polymer gate material 1306 may change the admittance/impedance sensed by the RFID interrogator device.

In at least one embodiment, the sterilization indicator sensor 1300 can be present in a stack of cards, which can typically be paper or formed from a first substrate. The sterilization indicator sensor 1300 may be similar in structure to the chemical indicator described in U.S. patent No. 9,170,245, which is incorporated herein by reference. In at least one embodiment, the stack of cards can have a sterilization indicator sensor 1300 positioned in the middle of the stack of cards.

In at least one embodiment, the sterilization indicator sensor 1300 can form a central region 1320 and a peripheral region 1322. Peripheral region 1322 may surround central region 1320. In at least one embodiment, the central region 1320 can only be in partial contact with the sterilant when disposed in the stack of cards. The central region 1320 may be the result of an air pocket formed by the stack of cards with the sterilization indicator sensor 1300. In at least one embodiment, the central region may reflect the shape of the sterilization indicator sensor 1300. For example, the central region 1320 may be rectangular (such as diamond) or oval in shape. In one example, the sterilization indicator sensor 1300 has an area no greater than 25 square inches and the central region 1320 no greater than 1 square inch. Thus, the ratio of the total area to the central region area may be no greater than 25: 1.

In at least one embodiment, the air pockets may represent the last sterilized test path. In at least one embodiment, the polymer gate material 1306 is positioned in the geometric center and/or center region of the first substrate 1302 such that the polymer gate material 1306 detects whether sufficient environmental conditions are present in the center region. For example, when packaged in a stack of cards, the sterilant may interact with the peripheral region 1322, but may require time to interact with the central region 1322. As shown, polymer gate material 1306 contacts ionic salt 1304.

In at least one embodiment, the stack can be fully wrapped in the sheet of material to form a wrapped package. For example, the sheet of material may be a nonwoven, which may be a sterilant permeable medical wrap commercially available as a sterilization wrap.

Fig. 15 illustrates a method 1500 of using a sensor device.

The method 1500 may begin at block 1502. In block 1502, a user may place a sensor device in a chamber of a sterilizer. In at least one embodiment, a user can place the sensor device with the article to be sterilized in the chamber. The user may also package the sensor device and the article together in a wrapped package such that the sensor device is not visible when the package is wrapped. The sensor device is further described herein and includes a sterilant response switch. In at least one embodiment, a user can place a sensor device, which can be part of a sterilization indicator sensor, which can be placed in the chamber. After the sensor device is placed in the chamber, the chamber may then be isolated from the environment.

In block 1504, a user may activate a sterilization process of the sterilizer, and the sensor device may be exposed to a sterilant and/or one or more environmental conditions during the sterilization process. For example, if the sterilant is steam, the sterilant is at least 95% steam/water vapor and the sterilization process is 2 minutes at 134 ℃ or 10 minutes at 121 ℃. As another example, if the sterilant is hydrogen peroxide, the ambient conditions are an atmosphere comprising 31% hydrogen peroxide vapor and the sterilization process is 60 minutes at 50 ℃. Various criteria may exist for each sterilant and may vary based on the manufacturer, the article to be sterilized, or a combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the environmental conditions include the presence of a sterilant.

In block 1506, the sterilant responsive switch of the sensor device or sterilization indicator sensor may absorb or react (physically or chemically) with a sterilant (which may include a sterilant). In at least one embodiment, the sterilant responsive switch may also interact with the substrate or the environmental change receptor to modify the admittance/impedance of the sterilant responsive switch. For example, an environmental condition, an environmental change recipient, or a combination thereof can cause the sterilant to change from the second impedance state to the first impedance state, or vice versa, in response to the switch.

In blocks 1508-1514, the sensing device may be configured to be able to read the sensor device to determine whether the first impedance state is present.

In at least one embodiment, the sensing device is configured to read the sensor device through the wrapped enclosure. The sensing device may also be configured to read the sensor device when the chamber is sealed (i.e., sealed by the housing of the sterilizer). The sensing device may use on-board memory to read the sensor device later. In at least one embodiment, the sensing device is an RFID interrogator device. In block 1508, the sensing device may be configured to transmit the first radio signal to the sensing device. The first radio signal may be of various frequencies, but is preferably UHF (300MHz-3000 MHz).

In block 1512 or block 1514, the first radio signal may affect the sensor device, and the sensor device may transmit the second radio signal or the third radio signal. For example, in decision block 1510, if the sterilant response switch is exposed to a sufficient sterilization process, in block 1512 the sensor device may output a second radio signal. If the sensor device is not exposed to a sufficient sterilization process, the sensor device may output a third radio signal in block 1514. In at least one embodiment, the output may be intrinsic and not require any computational resources of the sensor device. In at least one embodiment, the second radio signal can indicate whether the sterilant response switch has degraded (e.g., the sterilant causes direct or indirect degradation of the sterilant response switch). In at least one embodiment, the second radio signal can indicate whether the sterilant response switch completes the circuit of the monitoring loop of the sensor device. The third radio signal may indicate that the sterilant response switch is not degraded or minimally degraded.

The presence of the second radio signal or the third radio signal may indicate to the sensing device whether the sensor device is exposed to an environmental condition from a sufficient sterilization process. The sensing means may also communicate whether a sufficient sterilization process has been achieved and thus perform subsequent actions.

Fig. 16 shows a flow diagram of a method 1600 for interrogating a sensor device. The method 1600 may be performed using a sensing device, such as an RFID interrogator device. For example, in block 1602, a sensing device transmits a first radio signal. The first radio signal may be at a frequency that resonates an antenna of the sensor device.

In block 1604, the sensing device may receive a second radio signal from the sensor device. In at least one implementation, the second radio signal may correspond to a frequency different from a frequency of the first radio signal. In at least one implementation, the second radio signal may correspond to a modulation different from the modulation of the first radio signal.

In decision block 1606, the sensing device may determine whether the sterilant response switch is modified. For example, the switch may be modified based on degradation of admittance from expected values of a sterilization process. For example, if the admittance is not degraded (e.g., meaning a higher impedance than expected), the sensing device may determine that the sensor device is exposed to an inadequate sterilization process. In at least one implementation, the second radio signal may be indicative of a monitoring loop with completed circuitry. If the circuit is complete and not affected by admittance degradation, the sensing device may determine that the second radio signal corresponds to an inadequate sterilization process in block 1608.

If the admittance from the expected first impedance state is degraded, the sensing device may determine whether the impedance or admittance is within a threshold value in decision block 1610. If so, in block 1608, the sensing device can determine that the sensor device is exposed to an inadequate sterilization process.

In at least one embodiment, the sensing device can also provide graduated impedance readings to the user. For example, the impedance readings may be indicative of various environmental conditions. Each environmental condition may be determined by the impedance of the sensor device and provided to the user.

In at least one embodiment, additional radio signals at a frequency different from the frequency of the first radio signal may also be transmitted in response to an inadequate sterilization process. The additional radio signal may return a fourth radio signal that may be analyzed for environmental conditions.

If the modification of the admittance is not within the threshold, the degradation is too great, and in block 1612, the sensing device may determine that the sensor device is exposed to a sufficient sterilization process.

Fig. 17 shows a flow diagram of a method 1700 for manufacturing a sterilization indicator sensor. Method 1700 may begin at block 1702.

In block 1702, a sensor device may be acquired having a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace that are not connected to each other but to an integrated circuit. In at least one implementation, the integrated circuit may be assembled such that the integrated circuit may sense whether the loop is open or closed. In at least one embodiment, the integrated circuit may interact with the monitoring loop. For example, both the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace may be connected to integrated circuit terminals that are capable of measuring resistance in a binary manner (on/off) or with further resolution. In at least one implementation, the electrical state of the monitoring loop 220 may be measured and reported by special circuitry contained within the integrated circuit 206.

In block 1704, a first substrate may also be obtained. As described herein, the first substrate may be wicking or non-wicking.

In block 1706, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace (i.e., the ends not attached to the integrated circuit) may be positioned on the first substrate. In at least one embodiment, the located position may be based on the second substrate position. The first and second conductive traces may be inserted into the first substrate or oriented such that both the first and second conductive traces are parallel to a surface of the first substrate.

In block 1708, a polymer gate material may be deposited onto the first and second conductive traces and at least a portion of the first substrate.

In block 1710, an assembly including the sensor device, the first substrate, may be packaged using the second substrate and the cover substrate. Further, the package may also include an environmental change receptor.

By "ionic salt" is meant any salt having a cation selected from a group I, group II metal (particularly an alkaline earth metal) or a late transition metal. Preferably, magnesium or bismuth. The anion of the ionic salt may be selected from the group consisting of halogen, oxygen, sulfur, carbonate, borate, titanate, molybdate, phosphate, oxychloride or combinations thereof.

"integrated circuit" refers to a component that stores and processes information, particularly a component that modulates and demodulates a Radio Frequency (RF) signal.

"post-transition metal" refers to a group of metal elements in the periodic table located between the left side of the transition metal and the right side of the metalloid. Such as proposed by Huheey JE, Keiter EA & Keiter RL 1993, Principles of Structure & Reactivity, 4 th edition, HarperCollins College Publishers, ISBN 0-06-042995-X, including Ga, In, Tl, Sn, Pb, Bi, Al, Ge, Sb, Po.

"second substrate location" refers to a location on the substrate that indicates adequate sterilization. May be established in part by a wicking substrate.

"conductive element" refers to the ability to conduct electrical current. The conductive material has an electrical conductivity of at least 2 siemens per centimeter. Exemplary conductive elements include silver, gold, copper, aluminum, or combinations thereof.

"pH sensitive polymer" refers to a polymer that degrades at a pH other than 7. Can be formed from basic cationic copolymers based on dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate.

"non-metallic" refers to materials other than metals or metal alloys. The term non-metal also excludes aluminum, tin, zinc, copper, manganese, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, iron, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, gallium, cesium, indium, and alloys thereof.

"monitoring loop" refers to an electrical loop that is open or closed.

By "substantially sterile" is meant that a sterility assurance level of 10 is achieved^-6Or 12 log reduction of B.subtilis var.niger. SterileThe assurance level is related to the probability that the sterilization unit remains non-sterile after undergoing the sterilization process.

"wicking" refers to any suitable material through which organic compounds can migrate by capillary action. The wicking material may include paper strips, nonwoven polymer fabrics, and inorganic fiber compositions. Preferred wicking materials are Whatman No.1 filter paper, Whatman No.114 filter paper, PET fabric nonwoven, supported microcrystalline cellulose (TLC plate), supported alumina and supported silica gel.

"sufficient environmental conditions" refers to environmental conditions within the sterilization chamber that correspond to a sufficient sterilization process.

"conductive trace" refers to a conductive element that forms part of an electrical circuit. Or may be a wire.

The phrase "comprising at least one of … …" in a subsequent list is intended to include any one of the items in the list, as well as any combination of two or more of the items in the list. The phrase "at least one (of) … … of a subsequent list refers to any one item in the list or any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used herein, the term "or" is generally employed in its ordinary sense, including "and/or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Although the term "impedance" is used, the term "impedance" is the inverse of "admittance". Depending on the context, impedance or admittance may be used as a change in the impedance of a material may also change the admittance of the material.

The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, with respect to a measured quantity, the term "about" refers to a deviation in the measured quantity that is commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the accuracy of the measurement equipment used, as would be expected by a skilled artisan taking the measurement with some degree of care. Herein, "at most" a number (e.g., at most 50) includes the number (e.g., 50).

Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical ranges include endpoints and non-integer values between endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

List of exemplary embodiments

1. A sensor device, the sensor device comprising:

an integrated circuit;

a monitoring loop coupled to the integrated circuit, the monitoring loop comprising:

a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace, each of the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace having a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically coupled to the integrated circuit;

a sterilant responsive switch electrically coupling the first conductive trace and the second end of the second conductive trace, wherein the sterilant responsive switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state, wherein when the sterilant responsive switch modifies the electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization.

2. The sensor device of embodiment 1, wherein the sensor device is an RFID tag, a thermometer, a pressure sensor device, a communication device, or a combination thereof.

3. The sensor device of any of embodiments 1-2, wherein the sensor device is an RFID tag, the sensor device further comprising:

an antenna coupled to the integrated circuit to form an antenna loop distinct from the monitoring loop.

4. The sensor device of embodiment 3, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit a first radio signal when the sterilant response switch is exposed to an inadequate sterilization process and to transmit a second radio signal when the sterilant response switch is exposed to an adequate sterilization process when interrogated by the RFID interrogator device.

The sensor device of embodiment 4, wherein the second impedance state is responsive to a frequency band from the first radio signal.

5. The sensor device of embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the sterilant response switch is configured to degrade on admittance in response to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization.

6. The sensor device of any of embodiments 3-5, wherein the second radio signal is non-zero.

7. The sensor device of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the sterilant responsive switch is a polymer gate material comprising an electroactive polymer that changes from a first impedance to a second impedance when an environmental change receptor or the sterilant contacts the electroactive polymer.

8. The sensor device of embodiment 7, wherein the electroactive polymer is a semi-flexible rod polymer.

9. The sensor device of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the electroactive polymer is polyaniline, trans-polyacetylene, poly (p-phenylenediamine), poly (3-vinylperylene), polypyrrole, poly (2, 5-bis (3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl) thieno [3,2-b ] thiophene), poly (2- (3-thienyloxy) ethanesulfonate), polythiophene, or a combination thereof.

10. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 7-9, wherein the electroactive polymer is undoped.

11. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 7-9, wherein the electroactive polymer is doped with a dopant.

12. The sensor device of embodiment 11, wherein the dopant is dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (DNNSA), sodium, arsenic pentafluoride, triiodide, camphorsulfonate, methanesulfonic acid, a halogen or polyhalogen ion, methanol, bisulfate, hydrochloric acid, tetrafluoroborate, sodium sulfite, or a combination thereof.

13. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 7-12, wherein the first and second conductive traces include a post-transition metal disposed on or formed from the first and second conductive traces, and the polymer gate material is disposed on the post-transition metal.

14. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 7-13, wherein the first and second conductive traces comprise aluminum that reacts with the electroactive polymer to degrade an admittance of the electroactive polymer when exposed to sufficient environmental conditions including a vapor sterilant.

15. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the first impedance state results in a closed monitoring loop.

16. The sensor device of any of embodiments 1-15, wherein the second impedance state results in an open monitoring loop.

17. The sensor device of embodiment 16, wherein the second impedance state is non-conductive.

18. The sensor device of any one of embodiments 1-17, wherein the admittance of the second impedance state is no greater than 90% of the admittance of the first impedance state.

19. A sterilization indicator sensor, comprising:

the sensor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18;

a first substrate, wherein the sterilant responsive switch contacts the first substrate;

an environmental change receptor, the environmental change receptor being proximate to the first substrate.

20. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 19 wherein the environmental change receptor produces a visual indication in response to the presence of a sterilant.

21. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 19 or 20 wherein the environmental change receptor is non-metallic.

22. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 21 wherein the environmental change receptor comprises an ionic salt.

23. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 22 wherein the environmental change receptor comprises an organic amine or a migratory base.

24. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 23 wherein the environmental change receptor is deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the first substrate and the polymeric gate material contacts the environmental change receptor.

25. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 24 wherein the environmental change receptor is configured to respond to a sufficient environmental condition and is transmitted through the first substrate.

26. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19-25 wherein the sterilant comprises steam or water.

27. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19-26, further comprising a channel formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

28. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 27, wherein the first substrate is a wicking substrate configured to wick the sterilant, and the environmental change receptor provides a moving front.

29. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 27 or 28 wherein the second substrate is configured to be impermeable to the sterilant.

30. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 27-29 wherein the sensor device is disposed between and spaces apart the first substrate and the second substrate to form the channel therein.

31. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 27 through 30 wherein the second substrate has a first encapsulation surface and a second encapsulation surface, the second encapsulation surface being partially recessed to form the predetermined channel.

32. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 27 through 31, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the second packaging surface and the cover substrate.

33. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19-32 wherein the first substrate is configured to wick the sterilant or the environmental change receptor from a first substrate location to a second substrate location.

34. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 33 wherein the polymer gate material is positioned according to the second substrate position.

35. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 33 or 34 wherein the second substrate position corresponds to a sufficient environmental condition.

36. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 27 through 35 wherein the second substrate includes a recess formed therein to retain a portion of the environmental change receptor.

37. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 36 wherein the environmental change receptor comprises salicylamide.

38. The sterilization indicator sensor according to any one of embodiments 19 through 37 wherein the environmental change receptor comprises an organic base having a melting point greater than 140 ℃ and is miscible with salicylamide.

39. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 38 wherein the organic base is N, N-dimethylaminopyridine, adamantylamine, or a combination thereof.

40. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19-39, wherein the sterilant comprises hydrogen peroxide.

41. The sterilization indicator sensor of any of embodiments 19-40 wherein the environmental change receptor comprises a blue ink and a pink pigment.

42. The sterilization indicator sensor of any of embodiments 19-41 wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises a conductive element that is capable of being modified by the environmental change receptor based on exposure to the sterilant.

43. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 42 wherein the conductive element is a spring.

44. The sterilization indicator sensor of embodiment 42 wherein the conductive element is a conductive ink.

45. The sterilization indicator sensor of any of embodiments 19-44 or the sensor device of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises an adhesive sandwiching at least two folded sections of the sensor device.

46. The sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19 through 45 wherein the sterilant response switch comprises a pH sensitive polymer, a conductive ink layer, and the environmental change receptor is acidic upon exposure to the sterilant, wherein the conductive ink layer is electrically coupled between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace.

47. A sterilization indicator system, comprising:

the sterilization indicator sensor of any one of embodiments 19-46;

a sterilizer configured to perform a sterilization process on the sterilization indicator sensor using the sterilant within the chamber.

48. The sterilization indicator system of embodiment 47, further comprising:

an article to be sterilized, wherein the sterilizer is configured to perform a sterilization process on the article.

49. The sterilization indicator system of embodiment 47 or 48 wherein the sterilization indicator sensor provides a visual indication of sufficient environmental conditions.

50. The sterilization indicator system of any one of embodiments 47-49, further comprising:

a wrapped package, the wrapped package comprising:

an article of manufacture;

a sterilization indicator sensor; and

a sheet of material that wraps around both the article and the sterilization indicator system such that the sheet of material visually obscures the sterilization indicator sensor.

51. The sterilization indicator system of any one of embodiments 47-50, further comprising:

a sensing device, wherein the sensing device is an RFID interrogator device configured to:

transmitting a first radio signal to the sterilization indicator sensor;

a second radio signal is received indicating that the sterilization process is adequate.

52. A method, the method comprising:

providing a sterilization indicator sensor comprising a sensor device, the sensor device further comprising:

an integrated circuit having a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace;

a sterilant responsive switch electrically coupling the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, wherein the sterilant responsive switch has a first impedance state and a second impedance state, wherein the sterilant responsive switch modifies an electrical connection between the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace based on exposure to sufficient environmental conditions during sufficient sterilization;

exposing the sensor device to sufficient environmental conditions during sterilization, wherein the sufficient environmental conditions comprise a sterilant;

the sterilant responsive switch is allowed to absorb the sterilant, thereby changing the sterilant responsive switch from the first impedance state to the second impedance state.

53. The method of embodiment 52, wherein the sterilant is at least 95% steam and the sufficient sterilization process is 2 minutes at 134 ℃ or 10 minutes at 121 ℃.

54. The method of embodiment 53, wherein the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace comprise aluminum on an exterior surface, wherein the sterilant responsive switch comprises emeraldine salt, at least a portion of which undergoes a redox reaction with the aluminum and is converted to a reduced polyaniline salt upon allowing the sterilant responsive switch to absorb the sterilant.

55. The method of embodiment 52, wherein the sterilant is hydrogen peroxide and the ambient-condition atmosphere comprises 31% hydrogen peroxide vapor and the sterilization process is 60 minutes at 50 ℃.

56. The method according to any one of embodiments 52-55, wherein the sensor device is placed in a wrapped enclosure with the article to be sterilized.

57. The method according to any one of embodiments 52-56, wherein the sensor device is a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag.

58. The method of any of embodiments 52-57, further comprising receiving a first radio signal from an RFID interrogator device,

wherein the sensor device outputs a second radio signal when the sterilant response switch is in the first impedance state; and is

When the switch is in the second impedance state, the sensor device outputs a third radio signal.

59. The method according to embodiment 58, wherein the first impedance state corresponds to an inadequate sterilization process.

60. The method according to embodiment 58 or 59, wherein the second impedance state or second impedance state corresponds to a sufficient sterilization process.

61. The method of any one of embodiments 52-60, further comprising: the sensor device is interrogated with the first radio signal and the second radio signal is received.

62. The method according to any one of embodiments 52-61, wherein the first and second conductive traces are coated with or formed of aluminum.

63. The method of any of embodiments 52-62, wherein the sterilant response switch comprises a polymeric gate material.

64. The method according to any one of embodiments 52-63, wherein the sensor device is electrically coupled to a first substrate to form the sterilization indicator sensor;

wherein the environmental change receptor migrates from a first substrate position to a second substrate position upon exposure of the sterilization indicator sensor to the sterilization process, wherein the sterilant response switch is located at the second substrate position.

65. The method according to embodiment 64, wherein the environmental change receptor visually changes upon exposure of the sterilization indicator sensor to a sufficient sterilization process.