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.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the computer system and validates the telemetric signals using a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique. Next, the system assesses the integrity of a power supply unit (PSU) in the computer system by comparing the telemetric signals to one or more reference telemetric signals associated with the computer system. If the assessed integrity falls below a threshold, the system performs a remedial action for the computer system.

Abstract: A first thermometry system for measuring a temperature of an object under test includes a first detecting sheet having crystal oscillators arranged on a first sheet-like object formed of resin, and a first measuring device for measuring the temperature based on frequencies acquired from the crystal oscillators and corresponding to natural frequencies of the crystal oscillators. In this system, the first detecting sheet is placed in contact with the object under test, whereupon the crystal oscillators provide the natural frequencies corresponding to the temperature of the object under test. The first measuring device measures the temperature of the object under test accurately based on the frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies.

Abstract: Logging and transmission equipment comprising at least one autonomous measurement sensor, supplied by an electric cell, comprising an emitter able to transmit at various instants at least one value measured by the sensor, and a receiver for gathering the values transmitted by the emitter; the sensor comprises a means of measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the cell; a link is provided for supplying the emitter with the temperature values measured, which emitter is provided so as to transmit, in addition the values of at least one physical quantity, these temperature values measured, at determined intervals, and the receiver is provided so as to store the temperature values measured, estimates the lifetime of the cell by taking account of these measured values, and determine a date for replacing this cell.

Abstract: A shipper having an outer housing with a temperature sensitive payload and a temperature/location tracker disposed therein. The outer housing has a body having an interior surface bounding a compartment that is accessed through an opening. A first panel is coupled with the body and configured to extend over at least a portion of the opening, with a first access port extending through the first panel. The payload and temperature/location tracker are disposed within the compartment of the body. The temperature/location tracker includes a first temperature probe, a GPS receiver, a cellular modem, and a GPS antenna. The GPS antenna is disposed so as to be aligned with the first access port when the shipper is in a fully assembled state such that the GPS antenna is directly accessible through the first access port. The temperature/location tracker monitors and periodically transmits temperature and location values of the shipper over a cellular communication network.

Abstract: A transmission system for a measurement device on a coordinate positioning apparatus comprises a station (18) mounted on the measuring device (10) and a station (20) mounted on the coordinate positioning apparatus (22), wherein the stations communicate with each other using a spread spectrum radio link, for example frequency hopping. The station on the probe sends a regular signal and on receiving the signal the station on the coordinate positioning apparatus synchronises its clock and sends an acknowledgement signal. Measurement data is either sent in the regular signal or in a measurement event driven signal.

Abstract: A computer processor implemented method of measuring, monitoring, comparing and diagnosing the power generated of at least two renewable power systems provided to at least two consumers and alerting at least one of consumers in the event of comparative underperformance, the method taking into account at least two diagnostic variables including weather and the renewable power system cover status (such as covered by snow), wherein the at least one data server determines comparative information for a predetermined geographic area based upon at least two diagnostic variables, and at least two normalized performances to provide a comparative value; and informing the consumer of the comparative value in the event of an underperforming comparative value.

Abstract: The invention provides a new system for measuring the heat flow rate between a first and a second medium, the system includes at least two sensor units with signal outputs disposed in a spaced-apart relationship, each of said units including a transducer with apertures allowing fluid to pass through; the transducers are affixed to a first surface on the first medium directly or at least indirectly, and a second surface is exposed to the second medium; thus the said system includes at least two different calibration plates with known coefficient of thermal conductivity and said calibration plates inserted into a measuring line (scheme) of both the sensor units and are affixed behind or in front of the sensor units; the signal outputs of the said transducers arrive to a processing unit for determination and measurement of changes in the heat flow between the said first and the said second sensor units.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing conditions or characteristics associated with a process or thing. The sensing system includes one or more energy converters and a sensor, which are coupled to the process or thing. A node is coupled to the sensor and the energy-converter, and the node is powered by output from the energy converter. In a more specific embodiment, the node includes a controller that implements one or more routines for selectively powering a wireless transmitter of the node based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may specify that sensor output values are within a predetermined range or are below or above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may specify that electrical energy output from the energy converter is below a predetermined threshold. A remote computer may be wirelessly connected to node and may include software and/or hardware that is adapted to process information output by the sensor and relayed to the computer via the node.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit. The system also includes a second unit including a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter and a visual display for displaying the received temperature readings, wherein the second unit is movable to a second location remote from the first location while maintaining radio contact with the first unit. The system includes a microprocessor operative to calibrate a taste preference and a choice preference associated with the food being cooked.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring food storage bins. The system may include at least one food storage bin defining a volume usable to store food. Each food storage bin may also include at least one sensor usable to measure temperature within the volume. The system may include a transmitter/receiver operable to wirelessly transmit power to the at least one sensor and wirelessly receiver signals which include information regarding the temperature within the volume and/or the content of the food storage bin. The system may also include a controller coupled to the transmitter/receiver, operable to receive and/or determine information regarding the temperature, location, and/or content of the food storage bins via signals received from the transmitter/receiver. The controller may be operable to store the received information in a memory, e.g., comprised in or coupled to the controller.

Abstract: System and method for tracking inventory of a multiplicity of products. First RFID tags are associated with respective products or groups of products. Second Active RFID tags are associated with respective first containers for the multiplicity products. A third Active RFID tag is associated with a second container for the first containers. First RFID tags broadcast their respective identifications. Second Active RFID tags hash the identities of the first RFID tags within their respective first containers and broad their hashed values. Third Active RFID tag hash the hashed values broadcast by the second Active RFID tags. An expected value is compared to a result of the third Active RFID tag hashing the hashed values broadcast by the second Active RFID tags.

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.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus with an information exchange system that involves an assembly featuring a cooking apparatus such as a smoker or an electric turkey fryer and an information exchange system that provides for local and/or remote monitoring of cooking characteristic that preferably includes food item temperature probing that is displayed externally on the cooking appliance as in a local remote cooking characteristic information conveyance device that are preferably either in unidirectional of bi-directional.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system uses a switch placed on a vehicle childseat to determine occupancy of the seat, and a temperature detector to determine if an unsafe temperature exists in the vehicle interior. The system alarms if both these conditions exist to warn of a hazard to a child. The system installation in the vehicle is simply to place the switch on the childseat connect it into the system and provide power to the system. The system also provides a reminder if the alarm is turned off.

Abstract: A system and method for data logging, collection, and analysis techniques. Logging, collection, and analysis of data relating to the condition of a structure, such as a railway rail. Monitoring the neutral temperature of a railway rail.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised, or spoiled.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of a turbine for receiving information about a condition of the part and transmitting this information external to the engine. The circuit assembly includes a high-temperature resistant package (34A) that attaches to the part. A high temperature resistant PC board (42) supports both active and passive components of the circuit, wherein a first group of the passive components are fabricated with zero temperature coefficient of resistance and a second group of the passive components are fabricated with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The active components are fabricated with high temperature metallization. Connectors (40) attached to the PC board pass through a wall of the package (34A) for communication with sensors (30) on the part and with an antenna (26) for transmitting data about the condition of the part to outside the turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated temperature sensor (1) comprising: means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) at an oscillation frequency, means (3000) for counting the number of pulses during a fixed period of time independent of a temperature to be measured (T) and for generating a plurality of bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0) indicating the number of pulses in the pulse train (DATA_IN), and means (4000) for generating a serial digital signal (DATA_OUT) from said bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0), in which the means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) include a plurality of logic gates (2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450) which can introduce a delay dependent on the temperature to be measured (T), said means (2000) generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) the oscillation frequency of which is dependent on said temperature to be measured (T). The invention also relates to a temperature measurement method and to a transponder for a wireless system.

Abstract: In a telemetry system for use in an engine, a circuit structure (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of the engine is disposed for amplifying information sensed about a condition of the part and transmitting the sensed information to a receiver external to the engine. The circuit structure is adapted for the high temperature environment of the engine and includes a differential amplifier (102, 111) having an input for receiving a signal from a sensor (101, 110) disposed on the part. A voltage controlled oscillator (104, 115) with an input coupled to the output of the amplifier produces an oscillatory signal having a frequency representative of the sensed condition. A buffer (105, 116) with an input coupled to the output of the oscillator buffers the oscillatory signal, which is then coupled to an antenna (26) for transmitting the information to the receiver.

Abstract: A system collects data relating to a process performed within an autoclave, and wirelessly transmits the data to a receiver located outside the autoclave for processing. One or more sensors inside the autoclave sense process parameters such as temperature or pressure. The transmitter is housed in a protective container that protects the transmitter against the effects of autoclave heat and pressure.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled.

Abstract: A wireless parameter sensing system for a flask for use in lyophilization as well as a method of controlling a lyophilization process based on the sensed readings is disclosed. The wireless parameter sensing system may include a stopper adapted to be removably secured to an open end of the flask. A control unit may be positioned within an inner portion of the stopper. A parameter sensor may be connected with the control unit. A radio frequency transmitter may be connected with the control unit, wherein the control unit is operable to periodically transmit a parameter reading from the parameter sensor with the radio frequency transmitter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a temperature measurement apparatus and method for measuring temperature by using RF signals having different frequencies. The temperature measurement apparatus includes a parameter generation unit for generating a first parameter based on a radio frequency (RF) signal having a first frequency and a second parameter based on an RF signal having a second frequency; a parameter detection unit for detecting the generated first and second parameters; and a control unit for calculating a temperature value based on the detected first and second parameters. Accordingly, the temperature measurement apparatus can measure temperature by use of existing components and received RF signals without any addition of a temperature sensor, as well as measure temperature precisely without having any influence on the intensities of RF signals that can vary due to the changes of transmission distances and signal-receiving environments.

Abstract: System and method for recording temperature on an RFID tag. A first RFID tag is attached to a container. The first RFID tag includes a temperature sensor. The container contains a multiplicity of packages. A multiplicity of second RFID tags are attached to the multiplicity of packages, respectively. The first RFID tag transmits temperature information to the multiplicity of second RFID tags. In response, the multiplicity of second RFID tags record the temperature information. Consequently, there is no need for expensive temperature sensors on the multiplicity of RFID tags on the packages. According to features of the present invention, the first RFID tag is an active RFID tag, and the multiplicity of second RFID tags are passive RFID tags. The first RFID tag also transmits other information to the multiplicity of second RFID tags to enable the second RFID tags to authenticate the temperature information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes the reliability of a computer system. The system first collects samples of a performance parameter from the computer system. Next, the system computes the length of a line between the samples, wherein the line includes a component which is proportionate to a difference between values of the samples and a component which is proportionate to a time interval between the samples. The system then adds the computed length to a cumulative length variable which can be used to characterize the reliability of the computer system.

Abstract: A semi-passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag being coupled to a battery providing a battery voltage for powering a part of the circuitry of the RFID tag includes an RF communication block receiving and transmitting RF signals, a sensor block including a frequency ratio digitizing temperature sensor for alternately measuring the ambient temperature and the battery voltage, and a control logic block in communication with the RF communication block and the sensor block. The control logic controls the operation of the RF communication block and the sensor block and stores temperature and voltage measurement data generated by the sensor block. In one embodiment, the control logic block of the RFID tag operates based on a system clock and the sensor block provides a reference clock to the control logic block for use in calibrating the system clock of the control logic block.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for measuring fluid in a vessel, comprising: at least one processor for receiving, processing and storing data from sensors in the vessel, at least one vertical support disposed within the vessel and at least one pair of sensors connected to the at least one vertical support. The sensors continuously provide measurement data to the processor, wherein the processor synchronously polls measurement data from the sensors, continuously calculates values, and compares the calculated values to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify whether the calculated values are within the predetermined values. The processor communicates the compared value to a data collector.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing conditions or characteristics associated with a process or thing. The sensing system includes one or more energy converters and a sensor, which are coupled to the process or thing. A node is coupled to the sensor and the energy-converter, and the node is powered by output from the energy converter. In a more specific embodiment, the node includes a controller that implements one or more routines for selectively powering a wireless transmitter of the node based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may specify that sensor output values are within a predetermined range or are below or above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may specify that electrical energy output from the energy converter is below a predetermined threshold. A remote computer may be wirelessly connected to node and may include software and/or hardware that is adapted to process information output by the sensor and relayed to the computer via the node.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A low power analog linear temperature sensor integrateable with digital and/or analog circuits in CMOS fabrication processes. The sensor is accurately calibrateable at a single temperature that yields a linear relationship between measured differential voltage and temperature over a wide variety of temperature ranges. The sensor provides stable voltage and current references that are essential for wireless sensor platforms. There are many applications where sensors require stable voltage/current references and the physics of the sensor's transduction mechanisms are themselves temperature dependent. Wireless platforms such as, but not limited to, passive RFID tags with the addition of on- or off-chip sensors provide a low cost solution for a variety of low cost sensor applications.

Abstract: A monitor device includes a substrate and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the substrate. The monitor device also includes a processor coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive one or more signals from the plurality of temperature sensors. The processor is further adapted to convert the one or more received signals into one or more converted signals. The monitor device further includes a transceiver coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive the one or more converted signals. The transceiver is further adapted to transmit one or more output signals to an external receiver.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that provides a thermal shutdown circuit that generates a plurality of temperature warning flag signals. Each temperature warning flag signal represents a different temperature. The thermal shutdown circuit comprises a plurality of inverter circuits in which each inverter circuit has a different temperature turn-on threshold. A temperature to binary code converter receives the temperature warning flag signals from the inverter circuits and generates a plurality of binary coded signals that represent a temperature that is detected by the thermal shutdown circuit. A host controller unit uses the temperature information from the binary coded signals to shut down subsystems in advance of an abrupt thermal shutdown of a system.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system includes an interrogator for generating and transmitting an interrogation signal to a transponder. One or more transponders of the system receive the interrogation signal and return a data signal which includes identification and/or body characteristic information in one of multiple formats. The interrogator receives the data signal, determines the format of the data signal, and decodes the data signal to obtain the identification and/or body characteristic information. The interrogator operates to decode data signals from transponders not capable of transmitting body characteristic information and transponders which are-capable of transmitting body characteristic information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system controlling or tracking the operation of household appliances or computer or entertainment equipment (subsequently appliance), comprising an accessory (1) which is attachable to an operating energy and/or water supply (4, 11) of the appliance. The accessory includes connections (3, 9) for sensors monitoring either a user's presence or activity status or an operating environment or wired connections (7, 12) for signals tracking a flow rate of water or energy consumption, and a processor or a control logic (15) for processing information received by way of said connections. The accessory monitors the operating status of an appliance connected therewith on the basis of energy claimed thereby (measurement 7) or a water flow rate (measurement 12) or temperature.

Abstract: A compact industrial process transmitter is provided having an electronics module that includes a top surface with a plurality of lead attachment points thereon. At least one of the lead attachment points disposed on the top surface of the compact temperature transmitter electronics module includes a upwardly extending external lead attachment clip. In some aspects, a plurality of upwardly extending lead attachment clips as well as lead attachment points that have a lead wire engaging surface that is substantially flush with or raised above the top surface of the compact temperature transmitter electronics module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the true temperature of connate fluid within a subterranean geological formation is provided herein. The method includes generating a flow of connate fluid, measuring the temperature of the flow over time until the measured temperature reaches a limiting value termed the stabilized temperature. Multiple events of temperature sampling events can be conducted at different flow rates of the connate fluid. The stabilized temperature values can then be ascendingly organized based on the value of their respective flow rates. The limiting value reached by the stabilized temperatures is taken to be substantially equal to the actual temperature of the connate fluid residing within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: A personal multimedia communication system and network for emergency services personnel includes a plurality of personal communication systems linked together and to a base station in a network. Each personal communication system includes a PDA device mounted on a PASS control console, a video camera mounted on the PDA device, a GPS unit, a microphone, and other electronic devices. The various electronic devices are all communicatively connected to the PDA device. Data from the various devices may be collected in the PDA device and wirelessly transmitted to any other node or device in the network, including other personal communication devices. Each personal communication device may serve as a repeater, thus providing a wireless communications link between a device located out of range of the base station.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device and a temperature measuring method are provided which are capable of obtaining precise measured temperature values with respect even to old persons, sucklings or infants, which device may be formed into a disposable type according to need, which method may be carried out using such a disposable type device according to need, and which enable precise temperature measurement in real time. An on-subject temperature measuring device 1, which is attached to a subject when a temperature of the subject is measured, receives a radio wave from a reader 2 as an external device and is thereby electrically powered. Using the electric power, temperature measurement is performed in the on-subject temperature measuring device 1. The results of the measurement are transmitted through radio waves to the reader 2 in the form of a temperature of the subject and ID data.

Abstract: A system for measuring temperature and current at coupling points in an electric distribution network. A monitor device is connected to a series of measuring devices using radio waves. The monitor device sequentially interrogates measuring devices to determine the temperature and current of each one. The measuring devices include a core surrounding the conductor which provides power by induction to each measuring device and also provides a measure of the current. A temperature sensor connected to the core provides the temperature measurement.

Abstract: Temperature measurement data obtained by measuring the temperature of a cable clamp (31) by a temperature sensor (320) is radio-transmitted from a temperature sensing unit (32) at a predetermined timing, and the radio-transmitted temperature measurement data is received by a receiving station (5), classified by the temperature sensing unit number, and stored in a temperature measurement data storage area (502A). The temperature measurement data transmitted from twelve temperature sensing units (32) can be received by one receiving station (5).

Abstract: A remote sensing system and method for instrumenting the entries to manhole enclosures, in order to provide a platform and means for sensing environmental parameters within and around the enclosures and wirelessly transmitting those parameters to a distant site. The system comprises a housing with sensor for monitoring environmental parameter in the vicinity of the manhole. A microcontroller in the housing sends the parameters to a radio module, which transmits the parameters to a communication device for alerting a user that a manhole has been tampered with.

Abstract: An improved roadway temperature monitoring system is designed to be powered by solar energy for measuring and transmitting sensed roadway surface temperatures over a wireless link to remote workstations comprises a module housing fabricated from a light-transmissive, thermally conductive tough plastic for containing a solar cell array, a microprocessor, a spread spectrum RF transmitter, a plurality of temperature sensing elements and a battery supply therefor whose charge is maintained by the solar cell array.

Abstract: Methods and systems employing combined source-channel coding for multi-carrier modulation (MCM). In some embodiments, a described method comprises: estimating channel gain to noise ratio (CGNR) as a function of frequency bin; determining MCM parameters that minimize distortion of one or more telemetry signals; generating a communications signal using the MCM parameters, and transmitting the communications signal via a communications channel. The MCM parameters may be determined by minimizing a telemetry signal distortion measure subject to CGNR and a transmit power constraint. The MCM parameters may further account for differing fidelity requirements when multiple telemetry signals are being transmitted.

Abstract: A personal multimedia communication system and network for emergency services personnel includes a plurality of personal communication systems linked together and to a base station in a network. Each personal communication system includes a PDA device mounted on a PASS control console, a video camera mounted on the PDA device, a GPS unit, a microphone, and other electronic devices. The various electronic devices are all communicatively connected to the PDA device. Data from the various devices may be collected in the PDA device and wirelessly transmitted to any other node or device in the network, including other personal communication devices. Each personal communication device may serve as a repeater, thus providing a wireless communications link between a device located out of range of the base station.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indicator(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale.

Abstract: A temperature tracking and monitoring system used for commodities transportation comprises a deliver unit, a control computer and a monitor and control unit. The deliver unit comprises a transportation means, at least a glove compartment, a RFID tag and a RFID reader. The glove compartment is disposed in the transportation device the RFID tag is disposed in the glove compartment and has provision for transmitting an identification code. The control computer is adapted to communicate with the RFID reader to receive a temperature signal and the identification code. The control computer transmits a positioning request signal, receives real-time position data, transforms the real-time position data into a position signal and transmitting the position signal, the temperature signal and the identification code in a specific manner. The monitor and control portion comprises a positioning device and a logistics center.

Abstract: A self powered monitoring device for monitoring an animal's temperature and other vital signs. The device may be mounted in the animal's ear, under the animals skin, or in any location which can be used to generate a reliable indication of the animals temperature and other vital signs. The temperature probe for the device is inserted subcutaneously and thermally and/or electrically connected to the housing of the device. Power for the device is provided by a miniature array of solar cells, the power from the solar cells being used to drive digital circuitry which processes signals from the various probes used to gather data concerning the animal's vital signs. The size of the array is chosen to be commensurate with the number of vital signs monitored, with the amount of sunlight, density of herd, and other factors being considered to ensure sufficient power for the device.