A crush indicating device is disclosed which is designed to be attached to an object or a container for the purpose of indicating whether the object or container subsequently is subjected to excessive force, acceleration or shock. The indicator device has a contrasting agent reservoir filled with a contrasting agent, an absorbing wick and a compressible wall. The compressible wall extends between the wick and the reservoir, holding them in a fixed apart relationship while the wall is uncompressed. Application of force to the device compresses the wall and brings the wick into contact with the reservoir. The wick absorbs contrasting agent from the reservoir, resulting in a marked visible change in the wick which signifies that excessive force has been applied to the device. A base is located at one end of the wall, supporting the reservoir and providing means to attach the device to an object or container. A transparent cover sheet is located at the opposite end of the wall.

Embodiments of the invention provide systems, assemblies and methods for packaging hearing devices to protect them during shipping and storage. Many embodiments provide packaging systems that allow metal-air battery powered hearing aids to be stored for several months or longer with a live battery and then ready for use upon opening of the packaging. One embodiment provides a packaging system for a hearing aid comprising a packaging container and a hearing aid disposed in the container. The container comprises an air-impermeable material and has a removal cap that forms an air-impermeable seal with the container. The hearing aid can be positioned on a compliant support coupled to the interior surface of the cap. The support and container protect the hearing aid from shock and vibration as well as reducing the application of force to sensitive components. The container can also include one or more structures for ESD protection.

An indicating device for indicating the time and temperature history of an object. The indicating device includes a reservoir containing an indicating material that liquefies at or above a predetermined temperature mounted on a base sheet, a removable barrier impervious to the indicating material interposed between the reservoir and a wick, wherein the wick is placed in contact with the reservoir after the barrier is removed to enable the migration of the indicating material along the wick at a controlled rate. The wick is constructed of generally hydrophobic materials so that the migration rate of the indicating materials along the wick is generally independent of changes in the ambient humidity.

In the heat-sensitive indicator herein disclosed, a colored heat-fusible substance 3 is accommodated in an inner hollow portion of a projection 1 which is formed from a film collapsible by application of an external pressure such as a finger-pressure. The opening of the hollow portion is sealed with a thin cover 9 collapsible through the application of the foregoing pressure. An An absorber 7 in which the colored heat-fusible substance 3 in the molten state can permeate is arranged outside the thin cover 9 of the hollow portion. The colored heat-fusible substance 3 is supported by a carrier 5 and accommodated in the interior of the hollow portion of the projection 1. A space in which the carrier is dropped when the thin cover 9 is broken through the application of a pressure is formed, behind the thin cover 9, by a hollow ring 11. The carrier 5 is positioned within the hollow ring 11, which forms the space outside the opening of the hollow portion and behind the thin cover 9 for the opening, and on the absorber 7. The carrier 5 serves to control the rate of permeation of the colored heat-fusible substance into the absorber and accordingly, stable permeation thereof into the absorber 7 can be ensured.

A food storage container includes a lid with a vent hole, and a removable cover removably secured to the lid to cover the vent hole. The cover has an evacuation hole. The food storage container further includes a one-way air valve disposed between the vent hole and evacuation hole. When the cover is secured to the lid, the one-way air valve inhibits air flow into the container through the vent hole, and when the cover is not secured to the lid, the one-way air valve allows air flow into the container.