Abstract: A method and system for transporting and/or storing temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the system may be a hybrid system that includes an active temperature-control system and a passive temperature-control system. The active temperature-control system may be, for example, a portable refrigerator that includes an internal chamber for maintaining contents within a desired temperature range. The passive temperature-control system, which includes at least one phase-change material (PCM) member and space for receiving one or more temperature-sensitive materials, may be removably positioned entirely within the internal chamber of the active temperature-control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to integrated circuits. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining temperatures of an integrated circuit using an one-point calibration technique, where temperature is determined by a single temperature measurement and calculation using known electrical characteristics of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for temperature monitoring and environmentally related calculations are disclosed herein. A system according to embodiments herein may include a memory, a network interface, and one or more processors. The system may receive one or more environmental readings from a sensor taking readings at an environmentally controlled area. The system may further determine a timestamp corresponding to each of the one or more readings and calculate, using the one or more readings and their corresponding timestamps, an exposure of a good stored within the temperature controlled area. The system may further determine that the calculated exposure of the good has surpassed a pre-determined exposure threshold for the good and send an electronic message configured to indicate such determination to a user. The system may use a neural network to predict future readings based on current readings and use the predicted future readings in methods described herein.

Abstract: A method for monitoring devices based at least in part on detected conditions includes accumulating, by one or more sensory nodes, sensed information in an area that includes a controllable device. The method also includes analyzing the sensed information to identify historical information regarding the area that includes the controllable device. The method also includes sensing a condition within the area by the one or more sensory nodes. The method also includes determining, based at least in part on the sensed condition and at least in part on the historical information, that the sensed condition relates to the controllable device. The method further includes generating, responsive to said determining, an alert regarding the controllable device.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system includes a radio frequency transponder module including an RFID chip having a first memory, and an antenna; at least one sensor module that monitors data related to the condition of an item and includes a second memory for storing the monitored data; and a communication interface that couples the at least one sensor module to the RFID chip of the radio frequency transponder module so that the sensor module is operative to communicate with the RFID chip by way of the communication interface and the RFID chip first memory is operative to store data related to the item.

Abstract: A system for controlling cooling of a container in a household appliance includes a conducting wire adapted and configured to be placed in windings around the container, a monitor adapted to sense the inductance of the wire, and an indicator to signal to a user that the temperature of the container has reached a predetermined temperature value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an intelligent seasoning box for a kitchen, comprising a shell, a seasoning conveying component, a temperature monitor and a master controller, wherein the seasoning conveying component is a liquid-seasoning conveying component; both the seasoning conveying component and the master controller are arranged in the shell; the temperature monitor is connected by a universal hose and points to the center of a frying pan; the seasoning conveying component and the temperature monitor are electrically connected with the master controller respectively; the shell is provided with a containing cavity for containing liquid-seasoning bottles; the seasoning conveying component comprises conveying pipes, conveying pumps and a spraying nozzle; the conveying pumps are electrically connected with the master controller.

Abstract: A method for monitoring devices based at least in part on detected conditions includes accumulating, by one or more sensory nodes, sensed information in an area that includes a controllable device. The method also includes analyzing the sensed information to identify historical information regarding the area that includes the controllable device. The method also includes sensing a condition within the area by the one or more sensory nodes. The method also includes determining, based at least in part on the sensed condition and at least in part on the historical information, that the sensed condition relates to the controllable device. The method further includes generating, responsive to said determining, an alert regarding the controllable device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring devices based at least in part on detected conditions includes accumulating, by one or more sensory nodes, sensed information in an area that includes a controllable device. The method also includes analyzing the sensed information to identify historical information regarding the area that includes the controllable device. The method also includes sensing a condition within the area by the one or more sensory nodes. The method also includes determining, based at least in part on the sensed condition and at least in part on the historical information, that the sensed condition relates to the controllable device. The method further includes generating, responsive to said determining, an alert regarding the controllable device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring devices based at least in part on detected conditions includes accumulating, by one or more sensory nodes, sensed information in an area that includes a controllable device. The method also includes analyzing the sensed information to identify historical information regarding the area that includes the controllable device. The method also includes sensing a condition within the area by the one or more sensory nodes. The method also includes determining, based at least in part on the sensed condition and at least in part on the historical information, that the sensed condition relates to the controllable device. The method further includes generating, responsive to said determining, an alert regarding the controllable device.

Abstract: Systems and method for operating and monitoring refrigerators are described. Temperature cycles within the compartment are characterized using statistical, frequency and pattern analysis techniques to derive a steady-state characteristic of temperature within the compartment. A thermal sensor inside the conditioned area is monitored and temperature data sets can be analyzed to determine performance in comparison to a baseline, and energy consumption. Analysis of continuous temperature readings taken from individual or groups of freezers identifies patterns of variations in temperature cycles from which feedback on efficiency can be inferred. Electrical load can be determined by measuring or estimating current usage and identifying periods of time when compressors are active in the refrigerator.

Abstract: This disclosure is a system for heating a sample, e.g. a biological material, in a vessel. The system can include a heating device configured to transmit energy to the vessel and a base moveably coupled to the heating device. The system can also include a processor configured to receive an input associated with a target temperature, and transmit a signal to controllably move the heating device relative to the base for a time period, wherein the time period is determined based on the target temperature and content volume.

Abstract: A refrigerator for storing products includes a sensor container configured to position at least one temperature sensor within a refrigerated interior in a cabinet of the refrigerator. The sensor container includes a main body portion enclosing a hollow interior space configured to receive a ballast liquid, and a plurality of dry wells which each extend generally horizontally between a closed end within the hollow interior space and an open end. The temperature sensors positioned in the dry wells are surrounded by ballast liquid but are not in direct contact with refrigerated air within the cabinet or the ballast liquid. The temperature measurements therefore approximate the thermal response of products (such as blood) stored in the cabinet without necessitating submersible sensors or a risk of liquid leaks. The temperature measurements may be sent to elements such as a chart recorder, and a display and alarm device associated with the refrigerator.

Abstract: A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor includes an electric motor. A current sensor measures current to the electric motor. A switching device is configured to close and open to allow and prevent current flow to the electric motor, respectively. A maximum continuous current (MCC) device generates an output that one of: (i) is an MCC for the electric motor and (ii) is a value indicative of the MCC for the electric motor. A motor protection module: is remote from the MCC device; receives the output wirelessly from the MCC device via an antenna; one of sets a first MCC to the MCC for the electric motor and determines the first MCC based on the value indicative of the MCC for the electric motor; selectively sets a predetermined MCC to the first MCC; and controls the switching device based on a comparison of the current to the electric motor and the predetermined MCC.

Abstract: A method and related system for monitoring a time-temperature profile comprises measuring by a temperature sensor a temperature of an object, recording by an electronic device a time-temperature data point including the temperature and a time at which the temperature was measured, communicating the recorded time-temperature data point by the electronic device to a computing system, and determining by the computing system whether the recorded time-temperature data point is outside a predetermined acceptable range.

Abstract: A plurality of communication terminals communicate via a communication line in a communication system. The communication system includes: a diagnosis unit configured to diagnose a state of a device built in the communication terminal or a device connected to the communication terminal; a management unit configured to manage diagnosis result data for each of the communication terminals; a determination unit configured to determine a usage of the communication terminal based on diagnosis result data of the communication terminal; and a display processing unit configured to perform a process of displaying, on a display unit, information based on the usage determined by the determination unit together with the diagnosed state of the device of the communication terminal.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring system including a base station. The base station may receive at least two reports from at least one environmental sensor in an environment; compute, based on values of physical properties of a simulated object and the at least two reports, a simulated condition of the simulated object within the environment; and transmit, to a computing device, the at least two reports and/or the computed simulated condition of the simulated object. A method of operating a base station of an environmental monitoring system. At least one computer-readable storage medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method of operating a base station of an environmental monitoring system.

Abstract: A standalone uninterruptible power supply includes a cabinet and a power supply unit. The cabinet has a frame, rails and carrier plates removably disposed on the rails. The power supply unit installed in the frame includes a control module, a power input module, a power output module and cables. The control module is installed in one carrier plate. The power input module and the power output module are electrically connected with the control module and installed in another carrier plate. The cables are detachably connected with the control module, the input module and the power output module.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of illumination relative to an appliance. A programmable controller activates one or more light sources automatically based on a trigger or sensed condition. The controller dynamically adjusts the one or more light sources in a closed loop fashion.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a refrigerator that may save power rates is provided. The refrigerator according to the present invention includes a door; a communication unit; a sensing unit; a memory unit; an output unit; and a controller configured to sense an opening state of the door, obtain power consumption information consumed as the door is opened from the memory unit considering at least one of the opening state of the door and an attribute of the door and configured to output through the output unit power rates information corresponding to the power consumption information, considering power information received through the communication unit.

Abstract: A test-operation control apparatus, system and method are disclosed to reduce time and cost required for test operation by automatically performing test-operation on a control point of facilities installed on site based on a previously established template sequence and operational conditions of the situation on the spot. The test-operation control apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a basic sequence with respect to each of one or more control points set in the facilities installed on the spot (or site); an input unit configured to selectively receive one or more of the control points and receive operational conditions of each basic sequence with respect to each of the one or more of the selected control points; and a controller configured to combine the basic sequences with respect to each of the one or more of the selected control points according to the inputted operational conditions to generate a test-operation sequence.

Abstract: An electric device includes a storage unit to store operation information for each period, a controller to generate a power consumption pattern on the basis of the operation information for each period, and generate a consulting message on the basis of a power consumption pattern, and a display to display the consulting message. A power management device includes a communication unit to receive operation information for each period from several electric devices, a controller to generate a consulting message for each electric device, generate a power consumption pattern on the basis of operation information for each period, and generate a consulting message on the basis of the power consumption pattern, and a display to display a consulting message for each electric device. The electric device or the power management device informs a user of a power consumption pattern on the basis of operation- and environmental-information for each electric device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for monitoring condenser performance are described herein. One method includes receiving a control signal associated with a fan component of a condenser of a refrigeration system, determining an expected control signal based on a number of driving conditions associated with the condenser, and providing a notification responsive to a difference between the received control signal and the expected control signal exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A mobile refrigerator unit is operated remotely via wireless technology using a system with a local maintenance switch. A local override switch turns the refrigerator unit on and off, but keeps it on in the event of failure of the maintenance switch.

Abstract: One computer readable medium embodiment includes computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a device to perform a method of environmental data collection. The method can include receiving environmental data and associated time data. The method can also include aggregating time data into categories of environmental data within, above, and below a range. The method can further include outputting the aggregated and categorized time data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a smoker with multiple separate drawers for smoking meat, fish, sausage, etc. In an example embodiment, one drawer may contain water and another drawer may contain smoking material such as wood chips. The sliding drawers enable the maintenance of a stable smoking temperature and offer a safer means to replenish water and/or wood during the actual smoking operation. The multiple drawers allow a user to add wood and/or water without opening the smoking chamber.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling a refrigerated medical storage unit. The system may include a control station. The control station may receive temperature information from the refrigerated medical storage unit and may cause at least a portion of the temperature information to be stored. The control station may determine whether the temperature is outside a predefined range and may causes an alarm to be generated when the temperature is outside the predefined range. The control station may receive user authentication information from a user, and upon verification of the user authentication information, send unlock instructions to the refrigerated medical storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling and managing medical supplies stored inside medical refrigerator or freezer. The system includes a reader and at least two antenna situated in different locations of the exterior of the refrigerator or freezer and are connected to the reader individually; electronic labels attached on the medical supplies which store identification codes of corresponding medical supplies; processing unit which is connected to the reader for receiving identification codes of medical supplies from reader through the antenna, and determines a general position of the corresponding medical supply in the storage space according to the situated location and beam coverage area of the antenna, thus allowing one to quickly retrieve said medical supply.

Abstract: Various cryptographic locks for securing assets, secure containers and methods of operating a cryptographic lock. One embodiment of a cryptographic lock includes: (1) a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first and second phase, wherein the first phase inhibits access to an asset and the second phase allows access to the asset and (2) an RFID transponder, coupled to the SMA, configured to receive an authentication signal from an RFID transceiver and, based thereon, energize the SMA to temporarily change the SMA from the first phase to the second phase.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling a refrigerated medical storage unit. The system may include a control station. The control station may receive temperature information from the refrigerated medical storage unit and may cause at least a portion of the temperature information to be stored. The control station may determine whether the temperature is outside a predefined range and may causes an alarm to be generated when the temperature is outside the predefined range. The control station may receive user authentication information from a user, and upon verification of the user authentication information, send unlock instructions to the refrigerated medical storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device (9) for an electric appliance (1), comprising electronic control means and data and/or information storage means. Said monitoring device (9) is typically connected to a first communication network (70A, 70B) through first interface means (7) and to a second communication network (80) through second interface means (8). Said first communication network (70A, 70B) is adapted to connect at least one sensing device (93, 94, 95, 96), being capable of measuring at least one value of at least one physical quantity related to the monitored electric appliance (1), to the monitoring device (9). According to the present invention, the monitoring device (9) receives the value of at least one physical quantity through the first interface means (7), and the electronic control means use said value of at least one physical quantity in order to obtain at least one piece of information related to the monitored electric appliance (1).

Abstract: A system for providing communications for container security is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and to an apparatus and method for refrigerator diagnosis. More particularly, the refrigerator converts product information and outputs a tone when a command for storing data and performing a diagnosis is inputted during operation. The refrigerator diagnosis apparatus receives the tone and diagnoses the state of or presence of defects in the refrigerator based on the data contained in the product information so as to analyze the cause of the defect and propose countermeasures to repair the refrigerator. Thus, the diagnosis of defects may be accurately and easily performed upon the occurrence of defect in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A system for providing communications for container security is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remote location.

Abstract: A multi level hazard detection system for home residents or owners or service providers that want to efficiently monitor and detect numerous common hazards in houses, offices or industrial structures. Hazards that may be dangerous their health or to the structural integrity of their houses, offices and industrial structures and all appliances and systems that are of these structures such as heating and cooling systems, pipes and more. By detecting hazards in advance, residents home owners and service providers can better protect their property. The multi level hazard detection system generally includes Single or Multi Sensor Device (170) that can be based on Low Power Communication Module (110), A Monitor and Control Device (140) which can be a mobile phone, desktop or laptop computer, an Analytic Server (150) and Relay Dongle (160).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of displaying information associated with a refrigeration system, methods for managing a refrigeration system, refrigeration systems, methods of providing redundancy to a refrigeration system, and injector systems. A refrigeration system and method for displaying information associated with a refrigeration system includes monitoring a temperature associated with the refrigeration system, detecting events associated with the refrigeration system, and displaying the temperature and at least one event associated with the refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of time, including displaying the temperature occurring during the predetermined period of time and displaying a user interface element associated with at least one event occurring during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a process temperature anomaly during a power outage comprising employing a power source separate from that powering the process, setting a temperature set point; sensing presence and absence of power powering the process, sensing process temperature; and indicating to users that an absence of power was sensed and that the temperature sensed during the absence of power was below (or above) the temperature set point.

Abstract: A system allows a remote asset, via an Intelligent Device and interconnected Central Data Server to autonomously, and continuously monitor and update its status on various parameters; and from these, to calculate an overall asset state that may be caused by various combinations of the parameters and to infer the operational states and logistical position of a transport refrigeration unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling and managing medical supplies stored inside medical refrigerator or freezer. The system includes a reader and at least two antenna situated in different locations of the exterior of the refrigerator or freezer and are connected to the reader individually; electronic labels attached on the medical supplies which store identification codes of corresponding medical supplies; processing unit which is connected to the reader for receiving identification codes of medical supplies from reader through the antenna, and determines a general position of the corresponding medical supply in the storage space according to the situated location and beam coverage area of the antenna, thus allowing one to quickly retrieve said medical supply.

Abstract: A method of collecting data from (and sending instructions and data to) a reefer is provided, the method includes the steps of connecting a monitoring device on a reefer at an existing connection port for collecting (and delivering) data related to the reefer and wirelessly transmitting the data. A software management system for collecting and monitoring data of a reefer is also provided, the software management system has a monitoring device for obtaining data from a reefer at an connection port of the reefer and wirelessly transmitting the data, and a software system for receiving the data and monitoring and controlling the status of the reefer based on the data received.

Abstract: Provided are an abrupt MIT device with variable MIT temperature or voltage, an MIT sensor using the abrupt MIT device, and an alarm apparatus and a secondary battery anti-explosion circuit including the MIT sensor. The MIT device includes an abrupt MIT layer undergoing an abrupt MIT at a transition temperature or a transition voltage and at least two electrode layers contacting the abrupt MIT layer. The transition temperature or the transition voltage varies with at least one of factors including a voltage applied to the electrode layers, a temperature, an electromagnetic wave, a pressure, and a gas concentration that affect the abrupt MIT layer. The MIT sensor is a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas-concentration sensor, or a switch. The alarm apparatus includes the MIT sensor and an alarm-signaling unit connected in series with the MIT sensor.

Abstract: An automated and/or remote method for identifying and/or changing the source of power for these generator sets, which may apply to any environment where there are alternative sources of power available which must be managed remotely (such as for other powered containers not used for refrigeration transport).

Abstract: A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling a refrigerated medical storage unit. The system may include a control station. The control station may receive temperature information from the refrigerated medical storage unit and may cause at least a portion of the temperature information to be stored. The control station may determine whether the temperature is outside a predefined range and may causes an alarm to be generated when the temperature is outside the predefined range. The control station may receive user authentication information from a user, and upon verification of the user authentication information, send unlock instructions to the refrigerated medical storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for temperature monitoring and controlled access to refrigerated medications. An electronically controlled lock is installed on a refrigerator used for storage of temperature sensitive medications. Lock access is given to individuals having differing levels of access authorization so that user level authorization holders may have access to stored medications. Supervisor level authorization holders may have access to stored medications and may also effect changes in lock settings including setting alarm levels. Alarm levels may be adjusted to monitor temperatures within the refrigerated storage area so that in the case that temperature fall outside preset limits, access to the stored medicines may be had only by those individuals having supervisory access authorization.

Abstract: An advanced food and/or drink organization and/or handling system that greatly facilitates food management and handling to help streamline household operations as relate to foods and related functions and events.

Abstract: A kimchi refrigerator and a control method thereof, in which salinity of kimchi introduced into the kimchi refrigerator is displayed and a storage temperature corresponding to the salinity is displayed so as to widen a user's range of selection of kimchi flavors and improve kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator. The control method includes measuring salinity of kimchi, determining a storage temperature based on the measured salinity, and displaying the determined storage temperature through a display unit. Thereby, the control method enables a user to select an appropriate storage temperature based on the displayed salinity and recommended storage temperature of the kimchi, thereby improving kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator. Further, the control method allows a recommended ripening or storage time according to the salinity of the kimchi to be displayed, thereby improving kimchi storage performance of the kimchi refrigerator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of displaying information associated with a refrigeration system, methods for managing a refrigeration system, refrigeration systems, methods of providing redundancy to a refrigeration system, and injector systems. A refrigeration system and method for displaying information associated with a refrigeration system includes monitoring a temperature associated with the refrigeration system, detecting events associated with the refrigeration system, and displaying the temperature and at least one event associated with the refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of time, including displaying the temperature occurring during the predetermined period of time and displaying a user interface element associated with at least one event occurring during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A remotely actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion attached to the cabinet and a door portion attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be remotely lifted to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly is connected to a remote host computer via a USB or ethernet connection. Temperature and/or humidity in the refrigerator is compared with a predetermined limit, and in the event the sensed value is beyond the limit, the remote opening functionality is disabled, and a microprocessor automatically generates and sends a warning message. A key lock can provide access in the event of an adverse temperature or humidity event. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program.