Abstract: A microwave oven is described herein. In some instances, such a microwave oven may include a housing; a rotating turntable assembly disposed in a cooking cavity of the housing; a probe powered by the turntable assembly, where the probe is configured to measure an environmental condition during a cooking cycle and where the probe is configured to transmit a signal regarding the environmental condition; and a controller disposed in the housing and configured to receive the signal regarding the environmental condition from the probe. A method of operating a microwave oven for sous vide cooking is also disclosed.

Abstract: A warning unit and a correspondingly configured method warns a driver in a vehicle where there is an imminent danger. The warning unit includes a control unit for bringing about a driver message when imminent danger is detected in the surroundings of the vehicle and an actuator system for outputting the driver message. When imminent danger is detected in the surroundings of the vehicle, the control unit outputs a signal for bringing about a flow of air in the direction of the driver.

Abstract: To continue operating a compression refrigerant system even while the system's brazed plate heat exchanger contains, in localized areas, water at or below its atmospheric subfreezing water temperature, a penetrating temperature probe senses the water temperature at a strategic intermediate point between the heat exchanger's water inlet and outlet. The brazed plate heat exchanger comprises a series of corrugated plates stacked and brazed together to create an alternating arrangement of water and refrigerant passages in heat transfer relationship with each other. In some examples, the idea is to take advantage of the principle that water has a lower freezing temperature at relatively high pressure and that the relatively small micro-channel passages of intermediate water passages within the brazed plate heat exchanger can withstand appreciably higher pressure than other areas within the heat exchanger, such as the areas at the heat exchanger's water inlet and water outlet.

Abstract: A thermal context manager (hereinafter “TCM”) detects a thermal state and a position of a computing device. Based on the detected thermal state(s) and the detected position(s) of the computing device, the TCM initiates an action associated with the computing device. The TCM continually monitors the computing device in order to create a thermal state profile of the computing device. To create the thermal state profile, the TCM stores data representing each detected instance of the thermal state of the computing device and data representing each detected position of the computing device.

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill. The system includes a detection module and an intervention module. The detection module monitors a driver's parameters to determine whether the driver is drowsy. If the driver is determined to be drowsy, the intervention module activates a thermal grill with interlaced hot and cold regions. This activation causes the hot regions to approach one temperature and the cold regions to approach another. Additionally, this activation leads to an uncomfortable sensation for the driver, alerts the driver, and prevents the driver from getting drowsy.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: An implementation of a heating cooker includes a case; a plate covering a top of the case; a plurality of burner systems provided in an internal space defined by the plate and the case; at least one switch controlling an on/off operation of the burner system; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the burner system and on-off-operated; and an alarming unit that generates an alarming signal according to at least one of on-operation of the switch and temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A monitor can sense the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of an enclosure containing electrical power equipment. The monitor has a case adapted for mounting at the enclosure. Also included is a first and a second sensor for producing a first signal and a second signal, respectively. The first sensor is mounted at the case and is adapted for insertion through an opening in the enclosure. The second sensor is adapted to sense temperature at a location remote from the first sensor. Specifically, the case is mounted so that one of the sensors is inside the enclosure and the other is outside. The monitor also includes an alarm system mounted at the case and coupled to the first and the second sensor for producing a warning signal in response to the first and the second signals from the first and the second sensor signifying a temperature difference exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A freezer failure indicator assembly is provided comprising an indicator unit in the form of a closed container party filled with an opaque liquid (1) and a support bracket (8) therefor. The container has an opaque zone (2) and a transparent zone (3) arranged to enable the liquid to be pre-frozen within the opaque zone followed by re-orientating the container relative to the bracket to render the transparent zone of the wall visible, devoid of any liquid and lower than the pre-frozen liquid. Thawing of the pre-frozen liquid causes it to move to become visible through the transparent zone. Colour imparting means (13) are carried by the bracket so as to be visible through the said transparent zone in the operative position thereof to thereby impart a first colour to the transparent zone in the absence of any liquid being present in it. The opaque liquid serves to obscure such first colour when the liquid is present in the transparent zone.

Abstract: A emergency sign emits a non-electrical light and sounds a non-electrical alarm when an elevated level of heat is sensed, such heat from a fire, to provide a combined light and a sound alert signals. The light results from the mixing of a chemical compound having chemiluminescent properties. The light illuminates indicia located on the face plate of the sign. The alarm is sounded by releasing compressed gas from a cartridge and directing the released gas through a whistle.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a coiled temperature sensitive bi-metallic spring. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material slowly rotates, causing a pointer and triggering disk to rotate. When the rotation achieves a predetermined position, a pre-wound coil spring is permitted to engage a drive gear which operates a hammer device so as to provide an audible signal. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: A method of operation of a steam stripped fractionation column by using a computer to process the relevant operating parameters of the column to determine the undesirable approach to a possible flooding condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a steam iron (1) equippped with an electrically heatable soleplate (9) and having a residual heat warning device (16) which operates preferably independently of the line voltage and issues a flashing warning signal via a light emitting diode (17) when the temperature of the soleplate (9) exceeds a threshold temperature of about 60° C. Due to a capacitor which is chargeable during operation of the iron, a preferred warning system is operable also when the iron is disconnected from the supply after use.

Abstract: The present invention is a novelty musical kettle that plays a song when liquid inside the kettle is heated. The kettle body contains a circular flute instrument with a release flap at a first end and a closed second end. When the water is heated, the flap opens allowing pressure to enter the instrument. Also, when the liquid is heated, a release strip releases a rachet which in turn releases a manually pre-wound rotating drum with a drive mechanism. As the drum unwinds, a plurality of multilevel cams along the drum's outer circumference lift a plurality of corresponding actuation valves. The actuation valves unseal and reseal a plurality of apertures along the circular instrument. When the aperture is open, the pressure inside escapes and a musical note is played. The unwinding drum continually unseals and reseals the apertures in a preprogramed manner, thus playing a song.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measuring device for insertion into food which audibly signals the user when the temperature of the food reaches a predetermined level. The stem of the device contains a temperature sensitive spring in bi-metallic communication. As the internal temperature of the substance increases, the temperature sensing material and spring slowly rise causing the disk to rotate back to its original position. When the original position is reached, the actuation pin on the temperature pointer activates a series of levers which release a manually pre-wound coil spring. The unwinding of the coil spring activates a large gear which then activates a small gear causing a clapper with a plurality of wings to spin in circles and repeatedly ring a bell. Thus, the user is audibly alerted when the internal temperature of the substance reaches the desired threshold level.

Abstract: An acoustic signalling device for containers destined for culinary use, in particular for boilers, is proposed, comprising a nozzle (11) able to convey externally to a container able to be closed (2) whereto the device is associated a steam jet formed inside the same container, a sounding body (12) fastened to a portion of the container able to be closed (2) and a movable element (13) positioned in the trajectory of the steam jet and able repeatedly to strike the sounding body (12) under the thrust of the same steam jet.

Abstract: A freezer alarm system is energized by a battery (2) or an AC power adapter (3) to drive a piezo alert pulsing buzzer (4) when activated by one of two sensor modules. An electrolyte freezer alarm sensor (13) has a non-conducting wall (9) and two conducting elements (9), and it contains electrolyte solution (10) and a small air expansion space (11). Alternatively, a modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor has non-conducting walls (9) which form a tube that is square in cross-section; two conducting elements (12) that are placed at separate points in the vertex of one angle; and contains mercury (15), freezable liquid (14) and an air expansion space (11). The modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor can also be used as a sensor component of home burglar alarm systems which are activated by breaking a closed electrical circuit.

Abstract: A theremometer or temperature alarm device making use of fibre optics. The measuring instrument has a fibre-optic light transmitter (1), which sends out light along an optic fibre (2) to a measuring head (5) on the end of the transmitting fibre (2), and a fibre-optic receiver (3), which is connected with an optic fibre (4) to the same measuring head (5). The measuring head (15) is a cell or hollow enclosure (6) which has been filled with a light-scattering substance (7) of the kind which below a certain threshold temperature scatters the incident light from the transmitting fibre (2) back to the receiving fibre (4) but above the threshold temperature characteristic for the substance (7) loses its light scattering capacity so that the light coming from the transmitting fibre (2) is no longer scattered to the receiving fibre (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine including a flywheel starting gear and a cooling system, a member mounted on the engine for displacement between a first position engaged with the flywheel gear so as to produce an audible noise in response to engine rotation and a second position clear of the flywheel gear, a spring biasing the member toward one of the first and second positions, and a temperature or pressure responsive plunger for displacing the member to the other of the first and second positions against the action of the spring in response to malfunctioning of the cooling system.

Abstract: A metallic bell-type alarm device for indicating the need for refueling or otherwise adjusting the heat generated within a wood stove or the like. The device is mounted on or adjacent to a stove at a location where it can respond to heat fluctuations in the stove. It comprises a metallic casing and base plate having mounted therein a bimetallic spring having a free-riding clapper washer mounted thereon and a trigger rod that cooperate to sound a bell alarm when significant temperature changes cause the spring to react to change position and strike the metal casing to sound a bell alarm.

Abstract: Cold weather operation of a heat exchanger which utilizes ambient air to cool a process stream containing water is monitored by a series of thermocouples placed in the heat exchanger tubes subjected to the coldest air. A scanner monitors the thermocouples and alerts operators to unsafe or potentially freezing temperature conditions in the tubes.

Abstract: Solid materials having a flash point of less than 500.degree. C. are rendered fire alarming by providing for the presence thereon of micro capsules containing a bromofluoroalkane having a critical temperature of at least 100.degree. C., the micro capsules having an external diameter of from 200 to 260 microns, and the wall of the capsules consisting of a polymer, treated to release the bromofluoralkane suddenly at a predetermined temperature to provide a detonation having a maximum sound level of 10-12 kHz.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive instrument assembly for removable mounting within a vessel, flowline or the like including a flange plate for mounting onto a vessel or flowline nozzle; a hollow mounting tube mounted within and extending through the flange plate into the interior of the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like; a temperature-sensitive element positioned in and extending with the mounting tube into the interior of the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like, the mounting tube having an opening on the downstream side thereof to expose the temperature-sensitive element to fluid conditions within the vessel; and, a shield mounted on the mounting tube opposite from the mounting tube opening for protective positioning upstream of any fluid flow in the vessel, flowline nozzle or the like.