Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a fibre optic cable for measuring in-ground vibration. The method comprises attaching the fibre optic cable to an external wall of a resilient support member having at least one cavity therein, and burying the fibre optic cable and the support member.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling boiling level in an electric cooking assembly (2). The assembly (2) includes an electric heater (12) incorporating an electric heating element (20) and a temperature-responsive device (30) adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking utensil (8) and including a temperature sensing element (38). The assembly further includes manual input selection means (106) whereby a plurality of predetermined boiling levels are user-selectable. Each predetermined boiling level is associated with a predetermined temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element (38), the predetermined temperature being offset relative to an actual temperature representative of each respective boiling level. The boiling level is controlled by energising of the heater (12) at a corresponding power level.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for detecting an abnormal rise in temperature associated with a combination of a cooking utensil (10) and a cooking zone (8) of a cooking surface (4) overlying an electric heater (6). The apparatus has a first temperature-responsive device (24) is provided within the heater and adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking surface (4). A second temperature-responsive device (26) is provided within the heater and adapted to monitor temperature of the cooking utensil (10) through the cooking surface (4) to provide an electrical output as a function of temperature of the cooking utensil. Means (28) is provided for calculating first and second derivatives (D1, D2) with time of the temperature sensed by the second temperature-responsive device (26) over an operating temperature range of the heater. Means (28) is provided to determine stabilisation of the first derivative (D1) within stabilising threshold limit values.

Abstract: A multilayered thermochromic display system is provided, wherein a thermochromic substance is applied to inert films in stacked layers with a non-invasive barrier between each layer of thermochromic substance. The thermochromic substance in each layer responds in a different temperature range so that as the temperature changes, the display exhibits repeated sequences of colors. The use of multiple layers with different temperature sensitivities enables the use of the displays over a broad range of temperatures.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to at least part of a body. A method for making the liquid crystal device and a method for using the liquid crystal device to detect and to indicate the temperature of a body.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) in the form of a particular pattern of thermochromic material and/or separate pattern device for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to a part.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (10) includes at least two layers of encapsulated thermochromic, e.g., liquid crystal, material (14, 16) for providing a color response with respect to temperature, the temperature ranges of color response of the at least two liquid crystal layers being different, a mechanism (18) for distinguishing the temperature range in which the device is operational, and a support (20) for supporting the at least two liquid crystal layers and distinguishing mechanism for positioning with respect to at least part of a body. A method for making the liquid crystal device and a method for using the liquid crystal device to detect and to indicate the temperature of a body.

Abstract: Thin stable, substantially uniform, liquid crystal containing films are provided by coating a liquid crystal containing ink onto an inert substrate, which may be transparent, or opaque, optionally pigmented, particularly black pigment. The liquid crystal ink comprises an oil in water latex, where the latex contains a film forming polymer, a minor amount of an organic solvent for the liquid crystals, particularly a moderately water soluble organic solvent, which may be an individual solvent or a combination of solvents, the liquid crystals, and normally a thickening agent. The liquid crystal ink may be coated onto a wide variety of substrates and may then be coated with a protective coating or a dark backing. The laminated products can be used as ornamental articles of manufacture, for photographic reproduction, for temperature determination, and the like.

Abstract: High temperature non-crystallizing cholesteric liquid crystal compositions are provided having at least about 50 weight percent of cholesteryl 3-chloropropionate, at least about 30 weight percent of a cholesteryl ester, wherein the acyl group has a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring, and not more than 20 weight percent of other cholesteryl compounds. The compositions are found to provide billiant colors and do not crystallize when stored for long periods of time at room temperature or below.

Abstract: Thin stable, substantially uniform, liquid crystal containing films are provided by coating onto an inert, normally darkened substrate, an ink comprising an oil in water latex, a small amount of an organic solvent, usually a polar moderately water soluble organic solvent, liquid crystals and a thickening agent. The film can be used as an ornamental article of manufacture, for photographic reproduction, for temperature determination, as well as other utilitarian applications.