Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for enabling a single sensor to indicate a greater quantity of information about a sensed event, or the occurrence of many different types of events. A sensor system employs a number of individual sensors with single-use indication means (such as an explosive charge). Each individual sensor is equipped with a chronometer. The sensors are programmed to transmit information through their single-use indication means at specific times with each specific time being indicative of a particular type of event or of specific information about an event. A central monitor chronologically records all sensor indications and compares indication times to a schedule of time keyed information to determine the nature of each sensor indication.

Abstract: An intelligent thermostat communicates with threat detectors to allow periodic remote testing of the detector. The real-time clock and calendar functions of the thermostat allow the consumer to program the day, time, and frequency of the testing. The thermostat then communicates a test control signal to each of the detectors to initiate the self-test. The communication may be wired or wireless. During testing the thermostat displays a detector test screen. Upon completion of the self-test, the thermostat displays a test results screen for user confirmation. This results screen will indicate that the test passed or failed along with any diagnostic information provided by the detector. The thermostat also provides a test initiation screen from which the consumer may initiate a detector self-test manually. Loss of communications with a detector is also communicated to the user, as is the location of the detector that first identified a threat.

Abstract: A temperature recorder capable of storing, in time sequence, measured temperatures and measured times as temperature records in a memory incorporated therein, wherein, the temperature recorder is installed in a power line for temperature recording and, when the power line supplies a power in a normal temperature range, wirelessly transmits the temperature record to a monitor at a frequency of once every half day and, when an abnormal heating is detected from the power line, wirelessly transmits the temperature record as a temperature alarm record.

Abstract: A telemetry system includes a transmitter unit that measures a first value of a parameter, incorporates the first value in a first data packet and transmits the first data packet, and measures a second value of the parameter, incorporates the second value and the first value in a second data packet and transmits the second data packet. A receiver unit periodically receives a signal and generates a sequence of bits therefrom, determines whether the sequence of bits includes a payload that meets a predetermined standard and, if so, recovers a more recent datum from the payload else enters a data recovery mode. In the data recovery mode, the receiver unit receives a transmission signal and generates a second sequence of bits and determines whether the second sequence of bits contains a payload that meets the predetermined standard and, if so, recovers both a more recent datum and a less recent datum from the payload.

Abstract: An apparatus measures temperature of a reciprocating piston and comprises one or more thermocouples of which one end is inserted to a predetermined point of the piston and generates a potential difference according to temperature of the predetermined point. A telemetry unit is mounted on a big end of a connecting rod, computes the piston temperature on the basis of the potential difference, and wirelessly transmits the piston temperature signal.

Abstract: A method of creating a solenoid temperature estimator includes operating a solenoid based on a data point including a plurality of operating parameters and determining a temperature of the solenoid. The method further includes recording steady-state values for the temperature and each of the plurality of operating parameters and generating the solenoid temperature estimator based on the steady-state values.

Abstract: A controlled cooking system (CCS) that monitors, measures, and controls the internal temperature of foods placed in an oven having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna(s), a transmitter/receiver/interrogator/reader/microprocessor (TRIRM) module and an RFID tag with built-in temperature sensor. The RFID tag is buried in the food being cooked and is energized and enabled by an RF signal of pre-determined frequency. The tag output is an RF “backscatter signal” having encoded temperature data indicative of the internal temperature of the food that the tag is buried in. The backscatter signal is received and decoded by the antenna(s) and the TRIRM module incorporating a programmed cooking/baking temperatures for various foods. If the decoded temperature is below a user-set temperature, the TRIRM module allows the oven to remain on.

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

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. The label may take the form of a flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery.

Abstract: A method for determining temperature from a transponder utilizing a thermistor and a running counter comprises providing a running count which varies as a function of temperature; latching the count at predetermined time intervals; determining the difference between the values of successive latched counts; aggregating the differences; determining the total elapsed time between a first latched count and a last latched count; dividing the aggregate by the total time to obtain a frequency; and converting the frequency to a temperature based upon the temperature frequency characteristics of the thermistor.

Abstract: Surface covering unit comprising surface elements with supporting base, decorative upper surface and edges for joining said surface elements into said surface covering unit. The surface covering unit comprises at least one digital memory member connected to an antenna for radio frequency transmitted communication with a base station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gathering data, representative of food condition information, from a plurality of remote locations and providing the information to a user together with information about the locations from which the information was gathered. The sensors may be grouped into a plurality of zones, and the food information may be presented to the user on the basis of the zone in which the respective sensor is located. A sensor's actual location may be compared to its expected location and the results provided to a user, and an alarm may be generated if the sensor's actual location differes from its expected location.

Abstract: Two-stage systems and methods are provided for gathering food information and communicating the food information to a data collection apparatus. A system includes a remote unit, having a sensor device and a wireless transmitter; a translator or intermediate unit, having a wireless receiver and transmitter; and a central unit. Data is gathered by the remote unit, wirelessly transmitted to the translator unit, and relayed to the central unit. Communication between the translator unit and the central unit may be wireless as well, or the translator unit may be equipped to transmit either wirelessly or via a direct physical connection.

Abstract: A passive transponder including an integrated sensor is disclosed. The transponder receives an interrogation signal from a scanner, and is operable to transmit identification information and body characteristic information to a scanner. The scanner is operable to receive the identification and body characteristic information and display and/or store the information. The sensor is integrated into the transponder. If temperature is to be sensed, the transponder determines the temperature of the host using the temperature dependent characteristics of the P-N junction of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus for moving machinery includes a microwave transmitter disposed outside the moving machinery to fill a chamber of the moving machinery with microwave energy. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus also includes a transponder disposed inside the moving machinery for measuring a sensed condition of a part of the moving machinery and providing a modulated microwave signal that contains information on the sensed condition. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus further includes a receiver disposed outside the moving machinery to separate modulated and continuous-wave signal components of the signal and extracts information from the modulated component.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing power in a utility meter includes a power conversion circuit and a bank of capacitors. The power conversion circuit is operable to provide power to metering circuitry within the utility meter, the power conversion circuit having a maximum output current. The bank of capacitors is operably coupled to a power supply input of the radio frequency transmitter, the bank of capacitors configured to provide current in excess of the maximum output current during transmission by the radio frequency transmitter to supply power to the radio frequency transmitter.

Abstract: A temperature tag and system for sensing and reporting an internal temperature reading inside a container. The temperature tag mounts on an outside surface of the container, and a shaft with a temperature sensor extends through the side of the container and senses the internal temperature reading. A plurality of readings may be recorded at a predefined sampling rate and stored in a data memory. The temperature tag then sends the temperature readings to a reader device that presents the temperature readings to a user. The reader device may trigger the temperature tag to send the temperature readings with a signal such as an infrared (IR) signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, and the like. The temperature readings may be analyzed in the temperature tag, the reader device, or may be downloaded to a computer to determine if an alarm condition exists.

Abstract: A device and a system for measuring temperature in an inaccessible and/or movable mechanical part. The device comprises a temperature-sensitive clement which can be installed inside the movable part and which is designed to emit a signal containing information on the temperature of said clement, in such a way that this signal can be received by a control unit. The temperature-sensitive clement is a SAW chip which is arranged at the lower end of a hole in the mechanical part whose temperature is to be measured and it is connected to a first antenna provided outside said hole in said mechanical part.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of an electric current-carrying heating element involving installing the heating element in a location and setting the initial composition Ci of the material as a reference baseline at an initial time Ti corresponding to said installation of the heating element. Data is then collected reflecting the subsequent composition Cs of the heating element material after a subsequent time Ts at the installed location and any change in the material composition of the heating element between Ti and Ts is monitored. An alarm is sent when the change reaches a threshold value indicating a possible failure condition. According to one embodiment, an impedance monitor is provided that calculates and compares impedance at the required levels of accuracy to determine changes in material composition. The impedance monitor, or portions thereof may be embedded within a microcontroller for increased portability and functionality.

Abstract: A transponder includes a memory, the memory having a data region and a status byte region. A clock generator receives a program signal and outputs a data latch signal. An address module receives the address latch signal and addresses predetermined adresses in the memory. A program control reads the status byte from the memory and outputs a program enable signal in response thereto causing the clock generator to output the address latch in response to the program enable signal. The memory may further include a user lock region, where in the data stores characters therein and the user lock having a plurality of bits, each bit corresponding to a respective character. A lock status being stored in each bit of the user lock region to indicate whether the corresponding character may be reprogrammed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a consignment of goods including measuring a predetermined parameter or parameters of said consignment using a disposable device (7) attachable to said consignment; transmitting a signal containing data representative of the measured parameter to a central location (14) and maintaining a database (11) relating to said consignment at said central location (14), said database (11) including the data representative of said measured parameters. The database (11) may include temperature, time and location data associated with a consignment. The database (11) may be accessed remotely via a secure access link (15).

Abstract: An air conditioner control system and method uses a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The system allows a remote control operator to control a plurality of air conditioners through the PSTN by providing receiving modules connected to the air conditioners which have unique IDs assigned thereto and which all use same telephone line. In an electronic device, a control program is driven to control and monitor the air conditioners. A transmitting module connected to the electronic device converts and codes a control command signal into a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal, and transmits the DTMF signal through the PSTN to a receiving module connected to a corresponding air conditioner, so that the air conditioner can be remotely controlled.

Abstract: An electric power meter (102) includes a temperature sensor (114) and a controller (112). The controller (112) is operable, based on the temperature reported from the temperature sensor (114), to generate alarm(s) when the temperature exceeds certain alarm threshold(s) (307, 507, 508) and to activate a power disconnect switch (104), thereby shutting off power to a customer premises, when the temperature exceeds a shut off threshold (309, 509). The controller (112) is operable to activate the power disconnect switch (104) for non-payment of electricity cost, subject to secondary criteria based on regulatory requirements. A customer terminal (103) may be used to notify a customer of an alarm condition, to provide information regarding electrical power usage or to provide information regarding disconnection of electrical power.

Abstract: A remote communication device, that receives temperature indicia concerning a container and/or its contents and communicates such temperature indicia along with an identification indicia to a reader. The remote communication device can measure and communicate temperature indicia associated with a container in a periodic manner. The remote communication device can also measure and communicate temperature indicia associated with a container when such temperature indicia exceed a certain minimum or maximum threshold temperature. The remote communication device can also include power circuitry to store energy when energized in the range of an interrogation reader so that the remote communication device can be powered for temperature indicia measurements when not in the range of an interrogation reader.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring food information in a food service facility. Each of a plurality of remote sensor units may be installed at a food receptacle. Each remote sensor unit gathers temperature or other food data from at least two sources, which may be built-in or auxiliary temperature sensors, intelligent food receptacles, or other external food data sources. The collected data may be transmitted, witlessly or not, to a central computer.

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 temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit.

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: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

Abstract: A system for gauging, measuring or recording data. The system includes a detection mechanism external of a premises which is connected to transmit data to a device within the premises for processing or display of the data. The internal device includes a receiver for receiving and broadcasting broadcast data transmitted to a receiving device external of the premises and wherein data from the detection mechanism is carried to the internal device along the connection between the receiving device and the internal mechanism and wherein the data is processed and is accessible by at least one further control mechanism.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a radio-frequency (RF) identification tag configured to transmit at least one dynamic electronic product code (EPC) associated with at least one item, the at least one dynamic EPC configured to include at least one portion that is variable based at least in part on at least one detectable condition associated with the at least one item.

Abstract: A network, sensor and method are provided that utilize the capabilities of impulse radio technology to help monitor and/or control the environment within a building. In particular, the network includes a sensor attached to a first impulse radio unit that is capable of transmitting an impulse radio signal containing sensor related information to a second impulse radio unit. The second impulse radio unit is attached to a control station that uses the sensor related information (e.g., environmental related information, safety related information or surveillance related information) to monitor and/or control the environment within a building. In one aspect of the present invention, the control system can better control and monitor the environment within the building because the sensor may be moved around within the building and reference impulse radio units may interact with the first impulse radio unit to enable the determination of the current position of the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the resonant frequency of a passive sensor, for example a saw device, includes a device (5, 7, 3) for transmitting signals of a plurality of frequencies to the passive sensor (2); a device (3, 7) for receiving signals from the passive sensor simultaneously with the transmitting of signals; a device (7) for comparing the received signals with the transmitted signals to identify a characteristic change in the relationship between the received signals and the transmitted signals which occurs when the sensor is being driven at its resonant frequency. As the frequency at which the passive sensor is driven passes through the resonant frequency of the sensor the phase and/or amplitude of the signal generated by the passive sensor will change. By identifying this change of phase and/or amplitude the point at which resonance occurs can be detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor the inventory of a food storage unit are disclosed. According to one example, an apparatus to represent the contents of a food storage device includes a housing and an informational area associated with the housing, wherein the informational area includes a number of fields in which information related to food items in the food storage device may be recorded. The apparatus may also include a food storage guideline informational item associated with the housing and representing time durations for which particular food items may be stored without spoiling.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operating temperature within a card shelf having a plurality of discrete electronic cards includes receiving a first temperature indicative of an operating temperature of an item on one of the electronic cards. A second temperature indicative of an ambient temperature in which the electronic card is operating is also received. Based on the first and second temperatures, a temperature controller determines whether the item is operating within specified limits.

Abstract: A vertical series of electrical heat sensors adhered to the outer surface of a water heater tank. The sensors are electrically connected to a corresponding vertical series of display lights in reverse order. Heated water fills the tank from the top down. The sensors are activated from the top down based on the amount of hot water in the tank. The lights are correspondingly activated from the bottom up, showing the tank “filling-up” with hot water. The lights can be labeled such as “Full”, “Half Full”, etc. The sensors can be provided in sequence on a rod with magnets. Thus, the rod can be quickly attached to the tank, holding the sensors in a vertical line in the correct order. Displays can be remote from the tank via wiring or radio signaling, allowing them to be mounted in each bathroom or elsewhere.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system (30) that providing at least one detect signal related to temperature in an integrated circuit is presented. This system uses one thermal sensing circuit (40) to detect two or more temperature thresholds (t2, t3) and differentiates the temperature thresholds using time multiplexed logic control. The system (80) capable of detecting more than two temperatures includes the thermal sensing circuit (90) and a decode circuit (92) with at least one detect latch (100). Optionally, the system may include a hysteresis circuit (60). The thermal sensing circuit (40), connected to the integrated circuit, generates a detect signal (D4) in response to the a temperature selection signal (T1). This flexible on-board temperature monitoring solution reduces the cost of thermal feedback sensing by reducing die area and improves the correlation of detected temperatures. In addition, this solution reduces the possibility of mismatch and tracking errors between two or more sense elements.

Abstract: A telemetry system is described including a remote unit having a remote input unit coupled to a remote transmit unit. The remote input unit receives one or more sensor output signals and produces a sensor status signal dependent upon the sensor output signals. The sensor status signal alternates between a first state and a second state, wherein an amount of time the sensor status signal remains in the first state is dependent upon one of the sensor output signals. An amount of time the sensor status signal remains in the second state may depend upon sensor output signals from other sensors. The remote transmit unit receives the sensor status signal and transmits a transmit signal each time the sensor status signal transitions between the first and second states. The transmit signal may be a frequency modulated radio frequency carrier signal including a status portion having direction information indicating a direction of the transition between the first and second states.

Abstract: A method of remotely monitoring the cooking of meat includes providing a first hand-held unit having a first liquid crystal display and a radio frequency transmitter, providing a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe and a substantially flexible communication line extending, positioning the first unit adjacent a heating compartment, providing a second hand-held unit having a second liquid crystal display and a radio frequency receiver for receiving the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter, selecting a meat for temperature monitoring, selecting a taste preference associated with the selected meat, placing the meat in thermal communication with the heating compartment, inserting the probe into the meat for obtaining temperature readings for the meat, communicating the temperature readings from the probe to the first unit, moving the second unit to a second location spaced from the first uni

Abstract: A remote communication device, that receives temperature indicia concerning a container and/or its contents and communicates such temperature indicia along with an identification indicia to a reader. The remote communication device can measure and communicate temperature indicia associated with a container in a periodic manner. The remote communication device can also measure and communicate temperature indicia associated with a container when such temperature indicia exceed a certain minimum or maximum threshold temperature. The remote communication device can also include power circuitry to store energy when energized in the range of an interrogation reader so that the remote communication device can be powered for temperature indicia measurements when not in the range of an interrogation reader.

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: A sensor system includes a housing that houses a thermally sensitive sensor, a transmitter portion and a power source. Preferably, the sensor device is encapsulated to protect the components from the environment. When the temperature in a component mounting the sensor system exceeds a preselected threshold, the thermostat sensor closes and the transmitter portion is energized by the power source to transmit a signal to a receiver unit.

Abstract: A wireless telematic thermometer for remote measurement of a human or animal body on the basis of information transmitted by a transmitting module and received by a receiving module, in which the temperature evaluation is carried out in the receiving module, the transmitting module having a probe that is permanently in contact with the body, for obtaining digital sequences which are periodically sent to the receiver, with the cooperation of a transistor controlled by a microprocessor. The receiver has receiving means associated with a microprocessor, which controls movement recorders for displaying the information on a viewing screen; it also has acoustic and luminous warning means.

Abstract: A wireless sensor assembly for circumferential monitoring of gas stream properties comprises a drive system attachable to a hot gas path housing. A rake is movably coupled to the drive system for unrestricted circumferential movement. At least one RF sensor is disposed on the rake for generating a signal responsive to the gas stream properties. Circuitry is provided for remotely powering the at least one RF sensor and for remotely detecting the signal.

Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.

Abstract: A sensor concentrating system centralizes communication between multiple parameter sensing devices and an application host. As a peripheral device, the sensor concentrating unit establishes a temporal correspondence between range data acquired from multiple optical range sensors with position data acquired from a shaft encoder. The parameter data are read and sampled according to a user specified criteria such as the time division multiplexing technique. The sampled data is correlated with a data tag generated by the sensor concentrating unit. The correlated data is packeted transmitted from the sensor concentrating unit to a downstream application host for subsequent analysis. The sensor concentrating unit also provides operating parameters for individual parameter sensing devices.

Abstract: A security system and method includes a control panel, a security RF receiver connected to the control panel, an air temperature controller unit (e.g. a furnace and/or an air conditioner) including an air temperature controller RF receiver for receiving RF signals to control its operation, and a wireless thermostat having a unique thermostat identification indicia associated therewith. The thermostat has a thermostat RF transmitter configured to transmit air temperature control signals to the air temperature controller unit via the air temperature controller RF receiver to control its operation in accordance with a preprogrammed air temperature profile. The security system control panel is adapted to receive and monitor signals transmitted from the thermostat RF transmitter and generate a thermostat warning signal under certain preprogrammed conditions.

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 temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit.

Abstract: A monitor of measurable environmental conditions, contained in a thin, watertight envelope with an electronic processing circuit, liquid crystal display, operating in the positive or negative mode and a two way r/f or infrared spectrum communication system. The monitor collects, stores and provides a readout of the information collected. The processing circuit has a programmable memory and the ability to monitor simultaneously multiple conditions.

Abstract: A two-wire temperature transmitter performs thermocouple diagnostics on a thermocouple attached to the transmitter to determine if, and the extent to which, the thermocouple has degraded. Various methods of obtaining thermocouple resistance are also provided.

Abstract: A sealed container is provided with a sensor capable of monitoring the physical and/or chemical condition of materials stored in the container. The sensor may or may not have its own power source. In the embodiment where the sensor does not have a power source, a communicator induces a signal in the sensor and receives a return signal with the desired data. The container may be a metal or a nonmetal.