| 摘要 |
<p>A reliable and low cost sensor and indicator (12) to be associated with a receptacle (l) filled with dosage forms (e.g. over-the-counter drugs) and a corresponding method by which to quickly and easily warn a consumer that an unauthorized tampering may have occurred to the receptacle and the contents (2) thereof. The tampering indicator is preferably either attached to or integrally formed with a seal (36) at the underside of a removable receptacle cap (8). The tampering indicator comprises a fluid filled reservoir (14), a tab (10) having a chemically treated indicator strip (22) thereat, and a fluid path (18, 24) by which fluid from the reservoir communicates with the indicator strip. The indicator is engaged by the rim (40) of the receptacle when the cap is positioned thereover by the dosage form manufacturer. Accordingly, fluid is forced from the reservoir into the fluid path. However, the fluid path is initially blocked at the engagement thereof by the receptacle rim. The tab and the indicator strip thereof extend outwardly from beneath the cap of the receptacle for providing the consumer with a visual indication in the event of an unauthorized removal of the cap from the receptacle. 31 That is, should the cap be removed from the receptacle and the fluid path be moved out of engagement with the receptacle rim prior to a purchase by a consumer, whereupon tampering with the contents of the receptacle might occur, fluid from the supply thereof is permitted to flow via the fluid path to the chemically treated strip, whereby to cause the strip to assume a characteristic color that is indicative of a possible tampering condition.</p> |
