Abstract: A refrigerated storage unit 1 includes: a refrigeration chamber S2, a refrigeration part 3 for cooling air inside the refrigeration chamber S2, a fan 4 for sending cold air cooled by the refrigeration part 3 into the refrigeration chamber S2, a temperature sensor 5 for detecting a temperature inside the refrigeration chamber S2, an infrared sensor 8 for detecting a temperature of a content provided inside the refrigeration chamber S2, and a control part 7 for controlling driving of the fan based on a result detected by at least one of the temperature sensor 5 and the infrared sensor 8.

Abstract: The present invention not only forms an electric field environment that can be controlled to differentiate between preservation of food freshness and promotion of ripening but also promotes fermentation by fermentative microbes, propagates plankton and inhibits bacterial reproduction. An electrode plate 2 is set inside a refrigerator 1 or an adjustable temperature box 6. Food 3 or a yogurt container 9 is place thereon. The electrode plate 2, 10 is connected to a power source 4, 11. Selection between food freshness preservation and promotion of ripening, and promotion of fermentation of fermented foods such as yogurt are performed by rectification, and voltage and frequency control of the power source. Additionally, propagation of phytoplankton and inhibition of bacterial reproduction are performed by controlling the frequency, voltage and ON/OFF timing of the power source.

Abstract: Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology includes communication apparatus comprising a transmitter associated with an antenna wherein the transmitter is in communication with a utility meter installed in an underground enclosure. The communication apparatus includes a housing comprising a top-section and a depending base. The top-section at least partially houses the transmitter and the antenna with the depending base housing a power source operatively connected to the transmitter. The top-section is adjacent to an exterior side surface the underground enclosure. The depending base extends from the top-section, through an opening in said exterior side surface, and into the underground enclosure.

Abstract: A reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety different communication protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5), a trigger switch (6), a handle (7), a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: The present inventions relate to a method and apparatus for adding Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) capabilities to utility meters that generate a magnetic field comprising magnetic flux that varies proportionally with the rate of resource consumption. The apparatus comprises a dual magnetic field sensor unit for detecting variations in the magnetic flux density for the magnetic field. The sensor unit may be compact in size so that it can be positioned within a utility meter. The sensor unit may be operatively connected to a data-unit located outside the utility meter. The data unit may be further configured for storing processed or unprocessed sensor signals and is connected to a transmitter. To minimize power consumption, the magnetic field sensors may be configured to have sensor on times and sensor off times. The on/off state of the magnetic field sensors may be controlled by either a dedicated sensor controller or the data unit.