Abstract: A dishwasher thermometer captures temperature data of temperature sensed within a dishwasher during a wash cycle. The dishwasher thermometer includes a wireless communication interface that transmits the captured temperature data to one or more of a server and a monitor device. When the captured temperature data indicates that the wash cycle did not achieve defined temperature threshold(s), an alert is generated at the server and/or the monitor device indicating that the wash cycle did not meet appropriate washing conditions. In embodiments, the temperature data may be accessible to a third party for certification of the dishwasher wash cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for fast temperature measurement during a cooking process uses a high temperature thermometer with a user settable memory feature. The thermometer includes a processor and a memory for storing recommended safe cooking temperatures for a plurality of food items, for example, different meats. A plurality of keys on the thermometer provide an input mechanism for a user of the thermometer to select a type of food item being cooked and display the recommended safe cooking temperature, or to change the stored cooking temperature for a food item.

Abstract: In an aspect, a dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe includes: a hollow tube formed with a first diameter at a first end and a second diameter at a second end; a first temperature sensor located within the hollow tube at the first end; a second temperature sensor located within the hollow tube at the second end; a temperature sensor holder configured to fit within the second diameter of the hollow tube and to position the second temperature sensor adjacent an inside surface of the hollow tube; one or more first electrical wires electrically coupled with the first temperature sensor; one or more second electrical wires electrically coupled with the second temperature sensor; and a handle permanently sealing the hollow tube at the second end and sealing around the first and second electrical wires. In another aspect, a dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe includes a primary hollow tube and an auxiliary hollow tube.

Abstract: In an aspect, a dual-sensor waterproof temperature monitoring probe includes a first hollow tube having a first end and a second end. A first temperature sensor is located within the first hollow tube proximate the first end. A second temperature sensor located within a second hollow tube having a first end and a second end. The second hollow tube has a shorter length than the first hollow tube. A rechargeable power source is located in the first hollow tube proximate the first end. A handle permanently seals the second end of each of the first and second hollow tubes.

Abstract: A pet monitoring system includes a pet activity server having a pet database defining preliminary schedule for a variety of pets. A pet owner can obtain the preliminary schedule via an owner device and customize configuration settings for one or more pet devices based on the preliminary schedule and one or more modifications made thereto by the owner. The modifications may be based on modifications made to the preliminary schedule by additional owners and stored within the pet activity server within a community database. In certain aspects, the pet devices may automatically control one another based on the pet's interaction with a given device.

Abstract: A waterproof food temperature probe includes a penetrating portion for inserting into food during cooking; a cable for coupling the penetrating portion to a display unit separated from the penetrating portion; and, a high temperature resistant seal portion permanently covering at least part of the penetrating portion and at least part of the cable. The seal portion prevents moisture from entering the penetrating portion thereby preventing the temperature probe from malfunctioning.

Abstract: A pet monitoring system includes a pet activity server having a pet database defining preliminary schedule for a variety of pets. A pet owner can obtain the preliminary schedule via an owner device and customize configuration settings for one or more pet devices based on the preliminary schedule and one or more modifications made thereto by the owner. The modifications may be based on modifications made to the preliminary schedule by additional owners and stored within the pet activity server within a community database. In certain aspects, the pet devices may automatically control one another based on the pet's interaction with a given device.

Abstract: A display device includes a light-transmissive block, typically made of plastics or glass material and has a number of light-reflective features located internally thereof. A number of LEDs illuminate the light-reflective features.

Abstract: A device such as a handheld calculator, mobile telephone or remote control unit having a number of input keys. Each key has an electrically conductive exposed surface to be touched by a user. The device includes a discrete oscillator circuit in each key generating an AC voltage. Capacitance of the key changes when touched by a user, changing the AC voltage. A switch circuit responds to the AC voltage change.