Abstract: An improved data output retrieval communication method and apparatus for reading portable miniaturized temperature and related sensors by novel radio-frequency capactively coupled communication paths established at a common readout station to which the sensors are brought for such readout to a common computer or the like.

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 sensor element is secured in a housing by a sealing packing, for example, and has a measurement area and a lead wire area. At least one lead wire having a first electric resistance with a positive temperature coefficient to a measurement device arranged in the measurement area is provided in the lead wire area of the sensor element. The lead wire area has at least one second electric resistance having a negative temperature coefficient. The first resistance and the second resistance as well as a third resistance of the measurement device enter into a total resistance. The temperature coefficients of the first and second resistances are coordinated so that the total resistance remains at least approximately constant when there is a change in the temperature distribution in the lead wire area of the sensor element.

Abstract: A cordless machine operation detector including a vibration sensor, a location detector, a data logger, and a transceiver. The vibration sensor detects when a machine is operating by sensing the vibrations that are caused by the machine during operation. The location detector provides a geographical location and includes a time clock for providing time. The data logger uses time from the time clock and an operation indication from the vibration sensor for logging the time for operation of the machine. The data logger also logs a geographical location associated with the machine operation. The transceiver communicates the times and locations of the operation of the machine through an interchange to a tracking monitor. The machine operation detector, the interchange, or the tracking monitor includes an engine time monitor and an alarm sensor. The engine time monitor tracks an accumulated time of operation of the machine.

Abstract: An incipient failure indication apparatus for an environmental control system which includes a heat exchanger through which air flows and a temperature control thermostat. The indication apparatus includes an indicator having an alarm in communication with a control board, the control board in communication with the thermostat. The alarm has a visual indicator and/or an aural indicator, whereby the attention of a person is attracted to the indicator upon activation of the alarm. A first temperature sensor is disposed on the upstream side of the heat exchanger and a second temperature sensor is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, whereby the temperature sensors respectively sense the temperature of the air upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger. The first and second temperature sensors are in communication with the control board, and the control board has means for comparing the temperatures sensed thereby.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for alerting safety personnel of unsafe air temperature conditions. The system includes a temperature sensor exposed to the ambient environment, a temperature indicator disposed in a field of view of safety gear such as a face mask, and a control unit. The temperature indicator and the control unit may be disposed in a protected location, such as within the face mask. The control unit may produce warnings based on detected temperatures and exposure time thresholds. Detected temperatures may also be recorded, along with positioning information, such as GPS data, to facilitate mapping of temperature gradients. At startup, the system may automatically execute a battery check and produce a warning if insufficient charge remains to provide a predetermined operating time. Various embodiments may use an arm to keep the temperature indicator within the field of view or a single screw attachment to a face piece.

Abstract: A general abnormal heating detection method in an electronic device is limited to an object to be monitored, and cannot cope with heating of an object of which overheating is unexpected. To correct this problem, temperature data are acquired from a plurality of temperature sensors distributed in the device to be protected, the parameter indicating temperature distribution pattern in the device is calculated on the basis of the acquired temperature data, and an alarm signal is output when the calculated parameter indicating temperature distribution pattern deviates from a predetermined reference.

Abstract: A non-contact temperature measuring apparatus is provided with spherical semiconductors mounted on a measurement object and a data collector disposed out of contact with the measurement object. Each spherical semiconductor has an electronic circuit which is operable using internal power created from electromagnetic energy supplied from the data collector, to thereby obtain temperature information. The data collector contactlessly determines a temperature of or a temperature distribution across the measurement object based on pieces of temperature information transmitted from the spherical semiconductors specified by pieces of identification information sequentially transmitted from the data collector.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the resonant frequency of a passive sensor, for example a saw device, comprises: means (5,7, 3) for transmnitting signals of a plurality of frequencies to said passive sensor (2); means (3, 7) for receiving signals from said passive sensor simultaneously with said transmitting of signals; means (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. Typically, 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 win change. By identifying this change of phase and/or amplitude the point at which resonance occurs can be detected.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, e.g., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by a single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit is located in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence.

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: Environmental sensors and other bodies, together with associated lead wires, are mounted to a oxidizable substrate for high temperature applications by means of a reacted borosilicate mixture (RBM) that secures the body relative to the substrate via of an oxide interface formed between the RBM and substrate during a high temperature reaction process. An oxide interface is also formed with oxidizable bodies to provide further mounting strength. The RBM is a B2O3—SiO2 mixture, with the B2O3 portion a function of the reaction temperature and desired bonding strength and viscosity.

Abstract: A battery protection circuit includes a moisture detection circuit, a temperature sensing circuit, and a high-temperature battery discharge circuit. The moisture detection circuit includes a pair of conductive traces closely spaced on a substrate such that a resistive path is formed between the traces when moisture forms on the substrate. The traces are connected between the positive battery terminal and a pull-down current source. When moisture forms on the substrate, pull-up current flows between the traces, and a resulting voltage change on one of the traces is detected by circuit element such as a logic inverter. The temperature sensing circuit includes a voltage reference circuit that generates a proportional-to-temperature voltage and temperature-independent voltage reference signals corresponding to various predetermined temperatures.

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: An apparatus for time-multiplexing a thermal sensor includes a digital-to-analog converter. The digital-to-analog converter provides an output to a comparator. The thermal sensor also provides an output to the comparator. A sequencer selects one of several input values to be applied to the digital-to-analog converter input. The sequencer further selects one of several latching devices to latch the output of the comparator. Once the result of the compare operation between the output of the thermal diode and the output of the digital-to-analog converter is latched, then the sequencer selects another one of the several input values and also selects another one of the several latching devices and another comparison is made between the output of the digital-to-analog converter and the output of the thermal sensor. The sequencer continues to select from among the several input values and corresponding latching devices in a rotating fashion.

Abstract: An oven analyzer for profiling a conveyor oven is disclosed that accurately and precisely determines the physical characteristics of an oven and stores such information so that it can be outputted to a computer for analysis. In one embodiment, the oven analyzer includes a pallet that moves through the conveyor oven. The pallet houses an electronic data logger that is coupled to multiple sensors. The electronic data logger has memory for storing information obtained from the sensors. A first sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature within the oven. A second sensor is mounted within a metal mass of known thermal characteristics and detects the ovens ability to heat an object. A third sensor detects the position of the pallet within the oven. The electronic data logger stores the data received from the sensors in the memory for selective output to a computer for analysis or printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching one or more transponders to medical and non-medical products to tag respective ones of the products with identifying data contained in a memory of the transponders. The one or more transponders each include a memory containing the corresponding identifying data which is emitted by the respective transponder in response to an electromagnetic signal emitted externally of the transponder. The identifying data corresponds to at least one of the respective one or more transponders and a respective product for tagging. The one or more transponders are attached to respective ones of the products to tag the products with the corresponding identifying data.

Abstract: In a device for detecting the abnormality of a wire harness or a power supply device for a motor vehicle, a temperature fuse which blows out when a temperature exceeds a certain value is arranged within or adjacently to a wire harness. By detecting the presence or absence of break of the temperature fuse, abnormality of the wire harness is detected. Thus, deterioration of the wire harness due to rare short can be avoided.

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 system for monitoring the operational status of a plurality of mechanical components, such as various bearings, speed reducers and the like. Each of the mechanical devices includes a respective local transmitter in electrical communication with various local sensors. Among the sensors which may be utilized are a temperature sensor and a shaft speed sensor, as well and an accelerometer for detecting vibration. The local transmitter receives information from the sensors and provides status information in a predetermined output format, such as a serial digital format. Unique electronic identifiers are assigned to respective of the local transmitters to facilitate selective communication with a central monitoring processor. As a result, the status information will be supplied to the central monitoring processor at predetermined times.

Abstract: This invention provides a remote monitoring system for air conditioners installed respectively in a plurality of buildings for concentrically monitoring the operating state of the air conditioners from a distance. The system comprises data collectors 3 installed in the respective buildings, and a remote monitor 4 connected to the data collectors 3 of all the buildings via a communication network. Each of the data collectors 3 collects state data representing the operating state of the air conditioner installed in each building and transmits the collected state data to the remote monitor 4. The remote monitor 4 receives the state data collected by each data collector 3, diagnoses the operating state of the air conditioner installed in each building based on the received state data, and outputs the result of diagnosis. In this way, the air conditioners can be optimally adjusted within a short period of time.

Abstract: The display accuracy of an outside air temperature detected by a temperature sensor is to be enhanced. A CPU generates a signal for displaying an outside air temperature on a display panel P wherein the temperature is detected by an outside air temperature sensor. At this time, temperature information Tr is detected by the sensor and is corrected taking into account the vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor and an engine temperature detected by an engine temperature sensor. The CPU has a memory member for storing a correction function corresponding to the vehicle speed or the engine temperature and makes the above correction on the basis of a correction function corresponding to the vehicle speed or the engine temperature.

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 device for product monitoring and management is applicable in or on a product and includes transmitter/receiver means wherein data relating to the product may be stored, wherein the data relating to the product may be written into and read from the transmitter/receiver means free of contact with the aid of external write-read means. The device moreover includes sensor means for monitoring a temporally variable condition parameter of the product and transmitting data corresponding to a currently prevailing condition to the transmitter/receiver means in dependence on a detected value of the temporally variable condition parameter. The data corresponding to the currently prevailing condition are written into the transmitter/receiver means in response to transmission from the sensor means. Furthermore a method for product monitoring and management is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for continuously monitoring temperature at multiple locations within a controlled temperature unit (CTU) using RTDs that can be removed and reinserted. The key to the method is the collection of data using an RTD fixed in a phenolic thermowell, which in turn is inserted through a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated sleeve in the wall of the CTU. The temperature information is transmitted from a data module to an interfaced computer system where it may be presented to the operator in a graphical, tabular or text format or stored in memory. The temperature probes are easily removable so as to facilitate calibration without disruption of the contents of the CTU and can be consistently replaced in the same location within the CTU.

Abstract: Several sensors are provided for determining one of a number of physical roperties including pressure, temperature, chemical species, and other physical conditions. In general, the sensors feature a resonant circuit with an inductor coil which is electromagnetically coupled to a transmitting antenna. When an excitation signal is applied to the antenna, a current is induced in the sensor circuit. This current oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor circuit. The resonant frequency and bandwidth of the sensor circuit is determined using an impedance analyzer, a transmitting and receiving antenna system, or a chirp interrogation system. The resonant frequency may further be determined using a simple analog circuit with a transmitter. The sensors are constructed so that either the resonant frequency or bandwidth of the sensor circuit, or both, are made to depend upon the physical properties such as pressure, temperature, presence of a chemical species, or other condition of a specific environment.

Abstract: A temperature pickup for an oil-filled transformer or tap changer has within a resistance thermometer standard housing, the circuitry for duty-factor-modulated output of a measurement signal, interference circuitry which can slur the resulting wave form and an interface circuit which subjects the output signal to polarity reversal to produce an output symmetrical with respect to ground potential. This enables zero crossings to be detected and the time lapse between zero crossings or passages to be ascertained and the temperature calculated from the duty-factor ratio.

Abstract: A temperature measuring and monitoring arrangement, in particular for leak detection on pipelines. A number of temperature sensors (30) are arranged in a distributed array along the item to be monitored and are connected to one or more computers (15, 19) by way of communication units (10) and at least one serial connecting line (11). The temperature sensors (30) have a measuring member and a reference member which are included as a frequency-determining member in a measuring oscillator and a reference oscillator respectively. The temperature can be corrected and in particular drifts can be substantially eliminated by suitable mathematical treatment of the frequency values. Anomalies in respect of temperature distribution can be interpreted as a leak in a pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a body temperature warning and alarming device comprising an emitter and a receiver. The emitter can be set at a displaying value or a warning and alarming value. A detected body temperature is emitted to the receiver to display a warning signal or to emit a warning signal, such that person wearing the receiver is informed, and a suitable or an appropriate treatment can be provided to the person wearing the emitter.

Abstract: The present invention is a system of wireless, battery operated temperature sensing devices which transmit ambient or other sensed temperature information to a programmable thermostat. The compact construction and multi-level programming of the temperature sensing devices for only periodic transmission of temperature information to the programmable thermostat permits years of operation with power supplied by small, inexpensive batteries. The temperature sensing devices are therefore easily installed at any location within about 100-200 feet from the programmable thermostat. The present invention also comprises a method of retrofit for the programmable thermostat of U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: Temperature sensing through observable, temperature-dependent effects on an interrogating magnetic field is facilitating by a sensing module having, first, a signal element that interacts with the interrogation field to produce a remotely readable magnetic response; and disposed proximate to the signal element, a temperature-sensitive component. This latter component may include a modulation element having a magnetic permeability varying with temperature in the operating range and/or a bias element comprising a magnet having a Curie temperature in the operating range. The temperature-sensitive component interacts magnetically with the signal element such that the remotely readable magnetic response is indicative of a temperature in the operating range.

Abstract: A biotelemetry tracking and locating system uses a person's own physical or biological measurement as an identification code used by a tracked unit, e.g., a bracelet worn by a child, to track and/or locate the person from a tracking/locating unit, e.g., worn or carried by a parent. The tracking/locating unit includes a transmitter and optionally a receiver. The tracking/locating unit detects a combination of encoded biological measurements (e.g. body temperature, and/or heart rate) and combines the biological measurements into a substantially unique ID code. The tracking/locating unit may be carried, e.g., by a parent to track the continued presence within a reception range of, e.g., a child wearing the tracked unit. A directional antenna, e.g., a YAGI type antenna, in the tracking/locating unit allows the tracking/locating unit to determine which direction the tracked unit is in, e.g., with respect to the tracking/locating unit.