Rate Of Temperature Change Patents (Class 340/589)
  • Patent number: 10421345
    Abstract: An electric truck has a chassis, on which a driver's cab with a motor compartment containing an electric motor is disposed in the front of the electric truck, and in the rear a cargo body rests on the chassis. The cargo body substructure sits on vehicle longitudinal beams of the chassis. The cargo body bottom sealing the cargo body on the underside is spaced above the vehicle longitudinal beams to ensure clearance for a sufficient spring travel. A battery housing with at least one integrated battery is disposed in the intermediate space between the vehicle longitudinal beams and the body bottom, so that a larger installation space is available for the batteries and therefore a greater range for the electric truck. The battery is protected in this region and, moreover, the insulation of the battery housing simultaneously contributes to insulation of the cargo body disposed above the battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignees: KOENIG METALL GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jobst H. Kerspe, Michael Fischer, Juergen Erhardt
  • Patent number: 9330550
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems for, and methods of, providing low nuisance, fast response hazard notification. Advantageously, the disclosed techniques avoid sounding an alarm in response to typical nuisance events, such as burnt food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: WALTER KIDDE PORTABLE EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Anis Zribi, Bill Chandler, Matthew J. Buchholz, Dave Bush
  • Patent number: 9019109
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for smoke detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a smoke detector uses linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to determine whether observed conditions indicate that an alarm is warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Bruce Warmack, Dennis A. Wolf, Steven Shane Frank
  • Patent number: 8947224
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: PakSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jensen, Kirk M. Gruell, Casimir E. Lawler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8922152
    Abstract: A temperature protection device basically includes a temperature detector, a temperature estimator, an overheated determining component and an overheating protection component. The temperature detector detects a temperature of a semiconductor component. The temperature estimator estimates an estimated temperature of the semiconductor component. The overheated determining component determines whether the semiconductor component is in an overheated state based on the detected temperature and the estimated temperature by using a first estimated temperature as the estimated temperature at a time point when the detected temperature has reached a first threshold temperature and a second estimated temperature that is estimated subsequent to the time point as the estimated temperature when the detected temperature has reached the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8902071
    Abstract: An HVAC controller may be programmed to monitor a current delta T of an HVAC system and to determine a performance level of the HVAC system based, at least in part, on one or more delta T limits stored in the memory of the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may be further programmed to display or provide a user alert if the performance level falls outside of a normal operating range for the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Barton, David Schultz, Mohammad Aljabari
  • Patent number: 8854217
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that monitors and controls the operation of an electricity meter, and modifies at least one temperature threshold for determining when an alarm message should be transmitted or an electrical connection in the meter should be disconnected. The method and apparatus includes a plurality of sensors that detect temperatures in various locations within the electricity meter. The method and apparatus compares at least one detected temperature to at least one threshold, and operates an alarm or a switch when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold. The method and apparatus determines an average rate of change for at least one temperature according to a short-term temperature average over a first number of samples of the temperature, and a long term-term temperature average over a second number of samples of the temperature. The second number of samples is different from the first number of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Brown, William R. Mazza, Jr., Andrew James Bryce Dudding
  • Patent number: 8816875
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a hollow probe provided at its longitudinal tip with a temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, electrodes neighboring to the temperature sensor and arranged in the hollow of the probe, and a determining unit for determining whether temperature measuring unit is in appropriate contact with a measurement target portion of a user or not, based on a change in electrostatic capacity sensed using the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiramatsu, Yasuo Fujita, Yoshihito Nakanishi, Yoshihide Onishi, Daisuke Ishihara, Atsuko Fukui, Masaki Tomioka, Katsuyoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8665100
    Abstract: The performance of a PCA unit associated with an airport gate is monitored by a temperature sensor in the stream of output air leaving the PCA unit, to produce a signal indicative of the temperature of the output air that may be compared to an acceptable range of values, or to the temperature of air input to the PCA unit (as measured by a second temperature sensor). An alert is generated to a human operator if the temperature measured does not compare favorably with the desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Twist, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe W. Wright, James Dillon, Dave McIntire
  • Patent number: 8643716
    Abstract: A method and system for steam leak detection. The method comprises obtaining real-time temperature data representing a heat dissipation of a steam pipe along a steam pipe route, processing the real-time temperature data in real-time to determine at least one indication of a potential steam leak based on the real-time temperature data and to generate a processed image for display, and displaying the processed image to depict the heat dissipation of the steam pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Power Survey LLC
    Inventors: David Kalokitis, Jonathan Lloyd Schepps, Peng Chang
  • Publication number: 20140015678
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems for, and methods of, providing low nuisance, fast response hazard notification. Advantageously, the disclosed techniques avoid sounding an alarm in response to typical nuisance events, such as burnt food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Anis Zribi, Bill Chandler, Matthew J. Buchholz, Dave Bush
  • Patent number: 8618914
    Abstract: An apparatus provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes an RFID tag, and a passive switch for sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected, and coupled to the RFID tag so that a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter can be stored, the RFID tag for providing remote readout of the sensed environmental parameter. A method provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes the steps of sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected with activation of a passive switch, storing a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter upon the event of activation of the passive switch, and providing remote readout of the measurement of the sensed environmental parameter with an RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark Bachman, Yang Zhang, Scott McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8519850
    Abstract: A method to analyze the spread of viral or bacterial infections in a population using remote thermal sensor data is disclosed. The method includes determining a body temperature of passengers traveling through a public transportation facility using a remote thermal sensor, storing the body temperatures of the passengers in a database, assigning at least one geographic characteristic to the stored body temperatures in the database, and comparing the body temperatures to a known normal body temperature of humans. In addition, the method includes generating an alert when the body temperatures of the passengers are above the normal body temperature to indicate an illness. The at least one geographic characteristic may be an origination location, destination location, or any combination thereof. The method also includes accessing flight information stored on a remote server, and correlating the flight information to the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thermal Matrix USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Reinpoldt
  • Patent number: 8514089
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring circuit includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor, a zener diode, an alarm, a silicon controlled rectifier. A first terminal of the NTC resistor is connected to a power supply through a first resistor. A second terminal of the NTC resistor is grounded. A cathode of the zener diode is connected to a node between the NTC resistor and the first resistor. An anode is grounded through a second resistor. A first terminal of the alarm is connected to the cathode of the zener diode, and is grounded through a third and fourth resistors in series. A cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to the anode of the zener diode. An anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a second terminal of the alarm. A control terminal of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a node between the third and fourth resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8493221
    Abstract: One embodiment involves detecting the fouling of an air filter used to filter airflow entering a computer system. An expected airflow rate is obtained from a current fan speed. An expected temperature rise between two positions is computed as a function of the expected airflow rate and the power consumption of heat-generating components, such as servers. An actual temperature rise is obtained from temperature sensors. An electronic alert is automatically generated in response to the actual temperature rise exceeding the expected temperature rise by a setpoint. Different setpoints may be used to trigger distinct electronic alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cash, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 8477041
    Abstract: A wireless communication device and method adapted for temperature monitoring and warning is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: providing (510) a multi-mode communication device including an unrestricted mode having an unrestricted operation temperature range, a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range and a warning mode having a warning operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to the energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range, the unrestricted operation temperature range and a warning operation temperature range; and entering (540) the warning mode when in the warning operation temperature range. The warning mode can include a notification, banner or the like, to a user, to suggest that at least one active application be shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Ya-Hai Hu, Tian-Shu Hui, Dai-Ping Zhao
  • Patent number: 8471702
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the health of a compressor of a gas turbine is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of turbine data points, wherein the plurality of turbine data points may include one or more operating parameters, at least one of a computer discharge temperature (CTD), and one or more performance parameters. The plurality of turbine data points may be categorized based on the one or more operating parameters. A statistical variability measure of at least one of the CTD and the one or more performance parameters may be computed for each of the plurality of bands. An alarm indicator may be computed based on the at least one statistical variability measure. The method may also include combining two or more of the operating parameters, the CTD and the performance parameters using sensor fusion techniques. The alarm indicator may be computed based on the combined parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ravi Yoganatha Babu, Vinay Bhaskar Jammu, Achalesh Kumar Pandey, Sudhanshu Rai
  • Patent number: 8400315
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: William Sherman
  • Patent number: 8368547
    Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the unsafe service handling temperature of an information handling system component are disclosed. A method may include sensing a surface temperature of the component and comparing the surface temperature to a first and second threshold temperatures. The method may further include displaying various temperature warning by multiple temperature indicators if the surface temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart Allen Berke, Shawn P. Hoss
  • Patent number: 8350710
    Abstract: An enclosed space monitoring system includes a controller and a plurality of sensors. The sensors may include a humidity sensor, a water presence sensor, a water pump operation sensor, a temperature sensor, a radon gas detector, a propane or natural gas detector, a smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide detector and a motion sensor. Environmental parameter data obtained by the sensors is stored within a memory connected to the controller. The controller sends the data to a remote facility periodically and/or when the data indicates a potential condition within the space needing attention or remediation. The sent data is stored at the remote facility and may be accessed by a technician or an owner of the space. Also, the data may be comparatively studied relative to earlier data from the same space and to data collected in similar spaces to discern a potential condition needing attention or remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: James A. C. Logan, Alvin C. West
  • Patent number: 8325048
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for non-invasive monitoring thermal stress of a user. The device is capable of monitoring the internal body temperature and changes in the internal body temperature of a user. Also, the device is capable of alerting a user when the user is in danger of thermal stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Andrew Thomas Baker, Jeffrey Heller
  • Patent number: 8294587
    Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: ista International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Danz, Sebastian Schnepel, Gerhard Niederfeld
  • Patent number: 8280556
    Abstract: An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Michael F. Finch, Timothy Dale Worthington, Daniel Ryan Capelle
  • Patent number: 8242917
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and/or simulating weather related information, including temperature information are provided. Weather related data can be obtained from any convenient source. A temperature indication surface can be used to match a temperature value from the weather related data. Indications can also be provided regarding wind speed and general weather condition corresponding to the weather related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Blinn, Kenneth R. Steele, Sanjay K. Sharma, Brita A Horton
  • Patent number: 8188872
    Abstract: A device for evaluating a temperature measurement signal of a temperature measurement facility has a modeling unit with a first input for picking up an input signal which is indicative for the temperature measurement signal, a second input for picking up a feedback signal, and an output for outputting an output signal. The output signal can be generated in dependence on the input signal and the feedback signal by using a computational model stored in the modeling unit. The feedback signal (slope) is directly or indirectly dependent on the output signal. Furthermore, an alarm indicator with an evaluation device of this type and a method for evaluating a temperature measurement signal are provided. Alongside this, a computer-readable storage medium and also a program element are described, which contain instructions for carrying out the evaluation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 8044812
    Abstract: A wireless sensor network including a receiver including a photodetector, and a sensor node that includes a sensor configured to sense a property, a transmitter configured to emit outgoing optical energy, the outgoing optical energy being indicative of the property, and a photodetector configured to harvest incoming optical energy and convert the incoming optical energy into electrical energy useful by the transmitter, wherein the photodetector of the receiver is positioned to receive the outgoing optical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel N. Harres
  • Patent number: 8013755
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to integrate with existing fire system strobe/horn plates. The apparatus may be a mass notification plate. Also disclosed are embodiments of a strobe housing configured to mix and/or reflect light emitted from one or more light emitters, such as high intensity LEDs, through a lens. The lens may be configured to produce a mass notification pattern. Further disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods that may be configured to deliver strobe control signals and/or strobe color control signals over a two-wire fire system powerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Ted Rock, Steven Hein, Munro Howard Sykes, Gary Pollack
  • Patent number: 7982621
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling power of an electronic device, controlled by a touch input. To this end, a power control apparatus for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch by a user's finger or the like, and a temperature sensor for sensing a body temperature detected through the touch. Through such a touch sensor and such a temperature sensor, the power control apparatus senses the touch and body temperature of a user, and controls the power of the electronic device. As a result, even without a separate power button installed on the outside of the electronic device, it becomes possible to control the power of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Ik Park, Soon-Youl Kwon
  • Patent number: 7954334
    Abstract: An inverter system having a semiconductor device, and a railway vehicle using this inverter, provide a more accurate determination of whether an abnormal heat generation from the inverter is associated with an error of the inverter system or is due to other causes, by use of a plurality of temperature detecting elements at a plurality of sites associated with the semiconductor device. An error detection section applies inputs from the temperature detecting elements, captures a trend of the differential value based on the plurality of temperature inputs using period sampling wherein an error associated with the semiconductor device, and not from some other condition such as outside environment temperature, is determined based on differences from, or a change in, the initial trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Sasaki, Hideki Miyazaki, Katsumi Ishikawa, Keiji Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7944360
    Abstract: Provided are a temperature sensor using a metal-insulator transition (MIT) device subject to abrupt MIT at a specific temperature and an alarm including the temperature sensor. The abrupt MIT device includes an abrupt MIT thin film and at least two electrode thin films that contacts the abrupt MIT thin film. The abrupt MIT device generates abrupt metal-insulator transition at a specific transition temperature. The alarm includes a temperature sensor comprising an abrupt MIT device, and an alarm signaling device serially connected to the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the alarm can be manufactured to have a simple circuit and be of a small size by including the temperature sensor using an abrupt MIT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyun-Tak Kim, Kwang-Yong Kang, Yong-Wook Lee, Byung-Gyu Chae, Bong-Jun Kim, Sang-Kuk Choi, Sun-Jin Yun
  • Publication number: 20100328082
    Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Michael DANZ, Sebastian Schnepel, Gerhard Niederfeld
  • Patent number: 7800027
    Abstract: A water temperature calibration method for an electric kettle includes the steps of providing a temperature sensor, a microprocessor, and a control circuit; detecting an interior temperature from one of the temperatures of the water, a heating point contacting with the water, and an interior wall of the electric kettle; determining a temperature rate change by the microprocessor and comparing a current cycle of the temperature rate change with a previous cycle thereof; and sending out a control signal to the control circuit when the current cycle of the temperature rate change is close to the previous cycle thereof that a difference between the current cycle of the temperature rate change and the previous cycle thereof is minimized. Therefore, the process is adapted to accurately determine the water temperature and to cut off the heating power when the water is boiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Mohan Zhang, Yaolun Wang
  • Patent number: 7714731
    Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature and a second thermal sensor positioned proximate an exit air stream for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures of the thermal sensors. The control circuit may initiate an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. The control circuit might also take other remedial steps prior to initiating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Palaszewski
  • Patent number: 7652587
    Abstract: According to the method a temperature module is defined, simulating the thermal behavior in the electric motor (1), based on a multi-mass model. The rotational speed (n) and the current (i) for the electric motor (1) are continuously recorded as input parameters for the temperature model and at least one bearing power loss and/or bearing inner temperature (TIL1?), corresponding to a bearing (8,9), is continuously derived from the temperature model. A first warning signal (W1) is given when a computer-determined bearing power loss exceeds a given comparative value. Furthermore, a second warning signal (W2) is given when a computer-determined bearing inner ring temperature exceeds a given temperature difference (?T) from a corresponding computed bearing outer ring temperature (TAL1?). The thermal behavior of non-accessible components, in particular, the bearing (8, 9), can thus advantageously be determined by mere evaluation of the current (i) and the rotational speed (n).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaf
    Inventors: Ulrich Höhn, Hans-Werner Lipot, Markus Platen
  • Patent number: 7561058
    Abstract: An externally powered temperature calibration device includes a system that provides a warning of high temperatures within the device after the device has been disconnected from the external power. The warning system includes a capacitor that provides power to a light-emitting diode (“LED”) after the calibration device has been disconnected from the external power. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of an internal component. An output signal from the sensor is used to control a switch that connects the capacitor to one of several resistors having different resistances. The switch therefore controls the discharge rate of the capacitor based on the sensed temperature at the time the calibration device was disconnected from the external power. As a result, the period during which the capacitor powers the LED can be commensurate with the time required for the internal component to cool from its initial temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Farley, Frank E. Liebmann, Allen E. Sjogren
  • Patent number: 7545265
    Abstract: The present invention related to a management system with real-time interaction for environmental monitoring and a method thereof. The management system for environmental monitoring includes a server system, which includes a data processing apparatus and a first management apparatus. The data processing apparatus executes collecting and evaluating monitored data, and importing and exporting monitoring management criteria as well as analyzing and comparing the monitored data and the automatically adjusting the monitoring management criteria. The management system for environmental monitoring also includes a monitoring apparatus, which receives data of monitoring operations transmitted by the first management apparatus via a network, and transmits the monitored data produced in environmental monitoring to the first management apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council - Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventor: Hsin-Fa Fang
  • Patent number: 7425896
    Abstract: A tag testing device uses an infrared camera to take an image of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, compares the image with a stored standard tag pattern image storage, and detects defective tags based on the comparison. A radio wave transceiver bulk reads the tags using anti-collision, a tag response counter counts a number of tag responses, and a defective tag detector compares a number of heat emitting tags based upon the image processing with a number of tag responses counted by the tag response counter. If the number of heat emitting tags does not match a number of responsive tags, a number of the tags tested are changed by partially shielding the tags and the radio wave transceiver repeatedly bulk reads the tags using the anti-collision function while a shielding range is gradually changed, thereby narrowing down other possible defective but heat emitting tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignees: Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Frontech Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 7414536
    Abstract: A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion to detect a change in immersion depth and bottoming out of the user seated on the cushion. The sensor includes an airflow conduit for attachment to the cushion inflation tube. The airflow conduit comprises a cylindrical body having a longitudinal inner bore. There is an opening through the conduit body in fluid communication with the bore. A transducer is positioned at the opening to detect changes in air pressure within the airflow conduit. The transducer is operatively connected to a warning light, an audible sensor and a mode set button. The functions of the electronic components are preprogrammed into a computer chip. A battery powers the sensor. The recited components are secured within a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: ROHO, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan William Call, Kent Walker Mabey
  • Patent number: 7405667
    Abstract: A technique for quickly determining the type of liquid in a container externally regardless of the material of the container, preferably contactlessly. A halogen heater 102 and an infrared thermopile 103 are disposed outside an electrically conductive container 101 made of aluminum, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is measured when the halogen heater 102 is off, followed by the turning-on of the halogen heater 102 for two seconds, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is then measured, and a difference from the previous result of measurement is calculated. If the difference is smaller than a threshold value, the liquid in the container is determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a blue lamp is activated. If the difference is greater than the threshold value, the liquid in the container cannot be determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a red lamp is activated, indicating abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takeshi Abe, Yasuhiko Shinozawa, Yoshinobu Miyagi, Kouichiro Yamada, Tomohide Machida
  • Publication number: 20080173817
    Abstract: The present invention provides very small low cost apparatus and method for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of optically monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photocurrent from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculated the CO concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Mark K. Goldstein, Michelle S. Oum
  • Publication number: 20080136651
    Abstract: A system and a method of data fusion fire alarm, wherein at least one line type temperature sensing element is used to detect and produce values of at least two nonequivalent electric parameters, namely, a first electric parameter a and a second electric parameter b at a certain time; the values of the two nonequivalent electric parameters are transmitted to an electric signal measuring device, and are used to obtain a function value at the time by a data fusion device according to a predetermined function having at least the first electric parameter and the second electric parameter, then the obtained function value is compared with a predetermined value; whether to send out a fire alarm signal is judged according to the comparative result, and starting a fire alarm device if necessary. Another technical solution may use two line type temperature sensing element, which detect and produce two nonequivalent electric parameters, namely a first electric parameter and a second electric parameter respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Gangjin Li, Weishe Zhang
  • Patent number: 7180406
    Abstract: The method is for warning for alcohol fueled fires in vehicles such as racing vehicles. The method comprises providing a vehicle (44) with an engine (46) fueled by alcohol. Sensors (20, 22, 24) are mounted adjacent to the engine. The sensors sense a trigger temperature (54, 56, 58) of an alcohol-fueled fire (62) and send a signal to a central unit (12). The central unit activates a smoke generator (41) to generate a visible smoke (60) in response to the signal from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Tord Berg
  • Patent number: 7167813
    Abstract: A water heater performance monitoring device for monitoring whether a water heater is functioning optimally or whether it requires service. The device uses maximum heating rates taken from a plurality of measured heating rates to determine if the performance of the water heater has degraded from a threshold performance level. A water heater performance monitoring device can reduce the number of false alarms that occur regarding the need for water heater service by filtering out temporary factors, lasting less than a time cycle, which affect heating rate of water in the water heater. This can save users time and money by reducing unnecessary water heater inspections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Bruce L. Hill, Timothy J. Nordberg
  • Patent number: 7123154
    Abstract: Detecting a wildfire and an electrical arc, which are characterized by emission of ultraviolet (UV) radiation at a given wavelength, are described using a light sensor having a pulse output responsive to the given wavelength and generating an intermediate output responsive to the pulse output in a way which tracks a trend in the pulse output, irrespective of any increase in the relative number of pulses in the pulse output that is responsive to extraneous sources other than wildfire or electrical arc. The intermediate output is generated responsive to pulses occurring within an event window that continuously terminates at present time and extends backward therefrom by a selected time duration. An alarm signal is produced based on a predetermined characteristic of the intermediate output. Packaging of the sensor and alarm arrangement is described along with photo-detection tube optimization. Further, atmospheric transmission of the detected wavelength is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7102501
    Abstract: A device and method for automatically preventing misting of the windscreen of a vehicle, wherein a number of sensors determine ambient conditions capable of misting the windscreen, and, upon such ambient conditions occurring, an electronic central control unit automatically activates the air-conditioning system of the vehicle to prevent the windscreen from misting. The device has and the method utilizes a radiant mean temperature sensor arranged inside the vehicle passenger compartment to measure temperature inside the passenger compartment. The radiant mean temperature sensor (4) has a field of view including at least part of the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Giulio Lo Presti, Stefano Mola, Carloandrea Malvicino, Gennaro Bisceglia
  • Patent number: 7098797
    Abstract: A system for detecting fire or overheating includes a sensor including at least one material having a resistance with a selected temperature coefficient, wherein the resistance of the material is indicative of a temperature. The system includes further a device connected to the sensor to perform measurements on the material, wherein the device is configured to determine at least one parameter from the measurements and to analyze a dynamic behaviour of the at least one parameter to deduce status information including overheating and malfunction of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Cerberus S.A.S.
    Inventors: Wael Chahrour, Jean Paul Colombier, Philippe Mangon
  • Patent number: 7084774
    Abstract: A method and implementing computerized system are provided for enabling point-specific temperature control for a given airspace. In an exemplary embodiment, infrared sensing devices are positioned in a vehicle to sense and record temperatures at various points within the vehicle airspace. This temperature profile is mapped relative to points within the vehicle and compared to a preferred temperature database to provide temperature control signals. The temperature control signals are, in turn, applied to temperature control air vent devices which are effective to direct appropriate air flows to specific areas such that actual measured temperatures at control points in the vehicle airspace approach the preferred temperatures for the respective control points. In another example, when sensed temperatures are above or below predetermined emergency condition limits for a predetermined period of time, various alarm systems are activated until the sensed emergency condition is corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Edward Martinez
  • Patent number: 7046155
    Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Sato, Masahiro Nagasu, Katsumi Ishikawa, Ryuichi Saito, Satoru Inarida
  • Patent number: 7034701
    Abstract: A multi-criteria fire detection system, comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of detecting a signature characteristic of a presence of a fire and providing an output indicating the same. A processor for receiving each output of the plurality of sensors is also employed. The processor includes a probabilistic neural network for processing the sensor outputs. The probabilistic neural network comprises a nonlinear, nor-parametric pattern recognition algorithm that operates by defining a probability density function for a plurality of data sets that are each based on a training set data and an optimized kernel width parameter. The plurality of data sets includes a baseline, non-fire, fist data set; a second, fire data set, and a third, nuisance data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Susan Rose-Pehrsson, Ronald E. Shaffer, Daniel T. Gottuk, Sean J. Hart, Mark H. Hammond
  • Patent number: 7026921
    Abstract: An engine temperature monitoring device for alerting a vehicle operator that an engine is overheated includes a heat sensor adapted for detecting ambient temperature levels. A processor adapted for monitoring the temperature levels is operational coupled to the heat sensor. A speaker for producing an audible sound is operationally coupled to the processor. The speaker is turned on when the heat sensor detects a temperature of the engine which is greater than an acceptable tolerance. A power supply is operationally coupled to the processor. The heat sensor is secured to the engine such that the heat sensor may detect the temperature of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Rasheed Hosein