Thermal Patents (Class 340/584)
  • Patent number: 11545014
    Abstract: A fire detection device includes a vented detector housing, with an opening defined in a mounting base. A substance exhaust channel in air flow communication with the opening extends upward from the mounting base. A pressure release turbine includes an impeller operatively disposed in the channel. A rotation sensor senses rotation of the impeller and generates an alert upon detection of a heat level indicated by rotation of the turbine rotor at a predetermined speed. A high pressure and/or heat louver disposed over the opening opens in response to a predetermined heat level. An actuator detects opening of the louver and generates an alert. A thermostatic device disposed in the housing senses, and generates an alert at, a predetermined heat level. A thermal imaging device disposed in the housing senses, and generates an alert at, a predetermined heat level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Archangel Fire Systems Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Archie Wayne Tignor
  • Patent number: 11543145
    Abstract: Performance mapping of equipment performance parameters by capturing, mapping, and/or structuralizing equipment performance data of a device for installation in a system. This includes generating performance maps which outline the expected feature performance parameter behavior of the equipment based on a set of operating parameters that capture the operating conditions. Each performance parameter on the map is representative of an operating point of specific operating conditions taken at a particular point in time. In one example, a performance parameter can be defined by an individualized set of parameter coefficients which in turn are dependent on instantaneous operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: S.A. Armstrong Limited
    Inventors: Olatunji Asiwaju, Peter Thomsen
  • Patent number: 11529881
    Abstract: A load contact module for a charging plug-in connection includes: a load contact, which is designed to electromechanically contact a load contact to be inserted and/or slid on; a mounting portion, which is designed to connect the load contact module to a support of a charging plug and/or of a charging socket; and a temperature sensor for the temperature monitoring of a charging process, wherein the temperature sensor has a distance from the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: PHOENIX CONTACT E-Mobility GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Moseke
  • Patent number: 11512890
    Abstract: A sensor device can be mounted on a pivotable door of a domestic refrigeration appliance. The sensor device includes an inertial sensor for supplying a motion signal as well as a processing device configured to determine a pivoting angle of the pivotable door on the basis of the motion signal and to output a signal when the pivoting angle has reached a predetermined threshold value. A household refrigeration appliance having a sensor device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Teresa Bechtle, Nick Flohrer, Daniel Johannisborg, Tobias Kuhn, Klaus Schmuecker, Michael Strosche, Wilhelmus J. F. Van Geffen
  • Patent number: 11449839
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an industry-wide and predictive approach to maintenance of commercial equipment. In one embodiment, multiple instances of a frontend infrastructure can be deployed to various sites where one or more physical parameters of industrial equipment are monitored with wireless sensors and routed to a backend infrastructure. The backend infrastructure can process the sensor data received from the multiple sites and generate predictive maintenance notifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Isaac McKelvy, Ryan Junee Chan, Ismail Ahmed Elshareef
  • Patent number: 11371499
    Abstract: A pump control system and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The pump control system includes a pump; a motor mechanically connected to the pump; a motor driving controller electrically coupled to the motor, the motor driving controller configured to control a speed of the motor; a current detection unit electrically coupled between the motor and the motor driving controller or electrically coupled to a power supply input interface of the pump control system; and a main controller electrically coupled to the motor driving controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: DARTPOINT TECH. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Lin Kang, Chao-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 11373490
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical module comprising a first end for insertion into a network device and a second end extending from the network device when the optical module is inserted into the network device, and a temperature indicator thermally coupled to the optical module and extending from said second end of the optical module. The temperature indicator provides an indication that a surface temperature of the optical module exceeds a predefined safe touch temperature limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rohit Dev Gupta, Joel Richard Goergen
  • Patent number: 11361271
    Abstract: A method of transmitting electricity including providing a shippable container configured to transport a liquid electrolyte solution to a first charging station. The first charging station is configured to apply electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The first charging station charges the liquid electrolyte solution by applying electricity to the liquid electrolyte solution. The charged liquid electrolyte solution is loaded into the shippable container and transported to a discharging station. The electrolyte solution is electrically discharged at the discharging station and subsequently transported to a second charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ALTERNATIVE TRANSMISSION INC.
    Inventors: Adam R. Rousselle, Sr., Steven Weber, Jeffrey Dana Watkiss
  • Patent number: 11328574
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for alarm and notification generation are described herein. One computing device for alarm and notification generation includes a processor configured to identify a plurality of alarm set points for a system, wherein the plurality of alarm set points are threshold values for the system, generate an alarm template for the system, wherein the alarm template includes additional threshold values (e.g., special points, etc.) for the system, generate a rule data structure that includes the plurality of alarm set points for the system and the additional threshold values for the system, generate a first notification when a value for the system meets or exceeds an alarm set point of the plurality of set points, and generate a second notification when the value for the system meets or exceeds the additional threshold values of the alarm template for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Weilin Zhang, Peng Jiang, Zhenjun Mei, Dapeng Li, Qiong Gao
  • Patent number: 11326960
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for determining the temperature of an object or surface near a user, such as a firefighter, in potentially dangerous conditions. A temperature sensor configured to be attached to a personal protection equipment may comprise a standoff temperature sensor element configured to detect the temperature of a nearby object or surface; a microcontroller configured to receive sensor data from the standoff temperature sensor element and determine the sensed temperature; an indicator configured to be activated by the microcontroller when the sensed temperature is higher than a predefined threshold; and an attachment element configured to attach the sensor to a personal protection equipment worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Larsen, Cleopatra Cabuz
  • Patent number: 11322146
    Abstract: There is provided an LED light with a replaceable module that is connected to an intelligent network. The replaceable module includes a driver element, communication element, and power storage such as a battery. The driver element has circuitry, such as printed circuit boards, which is uniform for mating with any connection component to provide electrical connection. The communication/control element includes communication with a voice orchestrated infrastructure and to Z-link capable systems, via a wireless network. The replaceable module fits inside the opening of a housing which includes a mount for electrical connection to standard electrical outlet. Zone control LED lighting is also provided which is likewise connected to the network for voice control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Melih Abdulhayoglu
  • Patent number: 11303321
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) front end for wireless communications, in particular for use in a half duplex (HD) and/or full duplex (FD) transceiver. The RF front end is based on a quadrature balanced power amplifier (QBPA). The RF front end includes an antenna port for outputting a transmit signal to and receiving a receive signal from an antenna, and a receive port for outputting the receive signal to a signal processing section. Further, the QBPA is configured to receive a transmit input signal at a first port, receive a cancellation input signal at a fourth port, and receive the receive signal at a second port coupled to the antenna port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dror Regev, Doron Ezri, Shimon Shilo
  • Patent number: 11302172
    Abstract: A method, system and devices assisting the detection of a cover/cap. A method includes monitoring a status of a button installed on a detector. If there is any change in status of the button, it is reported to a controller. The controller issues a notification regarding the change of the status and transmits an alert to a control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eranna Kybarshi, Ramana Babu Kalagani, SirishaDL Challa
  • Patent number: 11259441
    Abstract: Foreign matter is prevented from entering the inside of an electronic apparatus. An electronic apparatus (100) includes plural exhaust holes (E1, E2) formed in an armor member (20), an air flow path (S3) formed inside the armor member (20) and connected to the plural exhaust holes (E1, E2), a power source circuit (41) disposed in the air flow path (S3), and a foreign matter preventing member (70) located between the power source circuit (41) and the plural exhaust holes (E1, E2). The foreign matter preventing member (70) is formed with plural openings (Es). Each of the openings (Es) is smaller in size than each of the exhaust holes (E1, E2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Mito, Yasuhiro Ootori, Keiichi Aoki
  • Patent number: 11245990
    Abstract: A hearing aid device including sensors are disclosed. Specifically, a hearing aid with a temperature sensor and a reference sensor. Also disclosed is a method for estimating body core temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: OTICON A/S
    Inventors: Mathias Bruun Larsen, Mikkel Nielsen, Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Ole Andersen
  • Patent number: 11206929
    Abstract: A system for initializing home-automation device, the system can include server-hardware including a processor and computer memory, the serve-hardware configured to receive point-of-sale data specifying a specified bed-controller and specifying a specified peripheral-controller and transmit setup data to a computing device. The computing device including a processor and computer memory, the computing device configured to receive the setup data, and cause, based on the setup data, the specified bed-controller to pair with the specified peripheral-controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Wade Daniel Palashewski, Robert Erko, Robert Nunn, Gordan Redzic
  • Patent number: 11195399
    Abstract: A heat alarm unit includes a housing and a button assembly. The housing has a central axis and defines an opening disposed substantially normal to like housing. The button assembly is exposed through the opening and is constructed and arranged to move with respect to the housing. The button assembly has a support structure and a heat sensor supported by the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Mott, Narval Danvers
  • Patent number: 11151380
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for identifying a risk hazard vulnerability at a target environment and presenting a detected risk hazard. The method configures an evaluator mobile computing device to obtain, via the mobile device, a real-world view or image data of items/objects in a target real-world environment and, optionally, or in addition, obtain other context data associated with the target environment. The method invokes operations of a risk vulnerability model to detect a risk associated with the target object within the real-world view and based on any additional associated context data. The method causes the mobile device to further generate a visual, audible or haptics indication of the identified risk vulnerability and/or a calculated risk score of the target object for display on the mobile computing device and display the risk vulnerability indication on the real-world view displayed at the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11145187
    Abstract: An integrated fire alarm method includes receiving a preliminary detection signal from a preliminary detector, and comparing the preliminary detection signal with a predetermined corresponding threshold; controlling a notification device to issue an early-warning notification if the preliminary detection signal is greater than the corresponding threshold; receiving a primary detection signal from a primary detector after issuing the early-warning notification, and comparing the primary detection signal with predetermined corresponding threshold; and controlling the notification device to issue a formal notification if the primary detection signal is greater than the corresponding threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Climax Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 11126440
    Abstract: Techniques for identifying thermal critical conditions in devices with multiple SoCs, and coordinating the resetting and rebooting of the SoCs to recover from the thermal critical conditions are described herein. A device may include a first SoC that monitors a first temperature sensor, and a second SoC that monitors a second temperature sensor, to determine whether temperatures in the device indicate thermal critical conditions. The second SoC may determine that a temperature determined using the second temperature sensor is above a threshold indicating a thermal critical condition, and may provide an indication to the first SoC that the temperature is above the threshold. The first SoC may detect the indication, and the first SoC and second SoC may each reset to allow the device to cool down. The first SoC and second SoC may then coordinate rebooting once the thermal critical condition is no longer detected in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lalithkumar Rajendran, Jun woo Park, Garrick Chow, Austin Bryant, Yi Li, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 11092197
    Abstract: A rolling bearing device includes: a bearing portion; an oil supply unit that has a pump; a first detection portion that detects operation of the pump; a second detection portion that detects the rotational state of the bearing portion; and a processing portion that generates determination information related to the lubrication state of the bearing portion on the basis of a detection signal from the first detection portion and a detection signal from the second detection portion. The processing portion outputs, to the pump, an instruction signal for oil supply when it is determined that operation of the pump is appropriate and that the rotational state of the bearing portion is not appropriate, and re-determines, after the lapse of a predetermined time, whether or not the rotational state of the bearing portion is appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Higashiyama, Yusuke Ueda, Tsukasa Sakazaki
  • Patent number: 11051574
    Abstract: Presented are intelligent electronic footwear with controller automated features, methods for making/using such footwear, and control systems for executing automated features of intelligent electronic footwear. An intelligent electronic shoe includes an upper that attaches to a user's foot, and a sole structure attached to the upper for supporting thereon the user's foot. A collision threat warning system, a detection tag, a wireless communications device, and a footwear controller are all mounted to the sole structure/upper. The detection tag receives a prompt signal from a transmitter-detector module and responsively transmits thereto a response signal. The footwear controller receives, through the wireless communications device, a pedestrian collision warning signal generated by the remote computing node responsive to the response signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Andon
  • Patent number: 11037418
    Abstract: A distributed occupancy detection system includes plural networked node devices configured to be spatially distributed throughout a structure. Each node device includes an occupancy sensor that senses a presence characteristic indicative of an object being in a monitored area of the structure that is associated with the occupancy sensor. Each node device also includes one or more processors that determine a probability that the object is or was located in the structure based on the presence characteristic sensed by the occupancy sensor of a first node device and based on the presence characteristic sensed by the occupancy sensor of one or more neighboring node devices. The one or more processors determine whether the object is in the structure based on the probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: CURRENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tamas Varjasi, Gabor Szabo, Sandor Polyak, Balazs Bencze, Gergely Katz
  • Patent number: 10914653
    Abstract: A system for detecting an oil leak can include: at least one infrared imaging sensor; and an imaging analysis computer operably coupled with the at least one infrared imaging sensor. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to control any infrared imaging sensor and acquire infrared images therefrom at any rate and in any duration. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to analyze the infrared images in order to detect an oil leak. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to detect oil on a surface (e.g., solid surface or water surface) where oil should not be (or is not present in a baseline) in order to determine that there is an oil leak in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTUM IR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Israelsen
  • Patent number: 10883883
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wireless probe for food, including a circuit board, a temperature sensor connected to electrical signals of the circuit board, a super capacitor and a wireless transmitter. The temperature sensor is used for measuring a temperature of the food. The super capacitor is used for supplying power to the circuit board. The wireless transmitter is used for broadcasting temperature signals measured by the temperature sensor in the form of wireless signals. The present disclosure also relates to a wireless food temperature real-time monitoring system, including the wireless probe for food, a mobile device and/or a wireless range extender for receiving the temperature signals transmitted from the wireless probe. A wireless food temperature real-time monitoring method is also disclosed. The present disclosure can monitor temperature of the food being cooked in real-time in order to better assist users in cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MANFORD DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventor: Kam Wing Chiu
  • Patent number: 10875417
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for thermal feedback for power transfer optimization. Aspects include a wireless power-transfer system including a base power-transfer apparatus, a power supply unit, at least one temperature sensor, and a system controller. The base power-transfer apparatus includes a coil configured to generate a magnetic field based on an electric current. The power supply unit includes switching and power electronics configured to drive the electric current in the coil. The temperature sensor(s) are configured to measure a temperature of the base power-transfer apparatus or the power supply unit. The system controller is coupled to the base power-transfer apparatus, the power supply unit, and the temperature sensor(s) and is configured to control operation of at least one of the base power-transfer apparatus or the power supply unit based on the measured temperature to shift losses and dissipate heat in the base power-transfer apparatus or the power supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Islinger, Leandro Alberto Percebon, Stefan Raabe, Martin Pavlovsky
  • Patent number: 10839661
    Abstract: A detector base device may provide auxiliary functionality to a smoke detector or other detector device. The detector base device may be distinct and separate from the smoke detector, and configured for physical mounting between the smoke detector and a junction box or other conventional mounting interface configured for direct mounting of the smoke detector (in a conventional mounting arrangement without the detector base device). Thus, the detector base device may include a first mounting structure (e.g., on a top side) for mounting the detector base device to the junction box or other conventional detector mounting interface, and a second mounting structure (e.g., at a bottom side) for mounting the smoke detector to the detector based device. The detector base device may include an auxiliary function system configured to provide auxiliary audio, communication, sensor-based detection, and/or data recording functions, and may also including a battery backup for line power outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Arthur B. Eck
  • Patent number: 10825337
    Abstract: A method and system for testing a device in a fire control system is disclosed. A method includes a method and system for testing a device in a fire control system is disclosed. A method includes placing the device in a testing mode; isolating the device from other devices in the fire alarm system; testing the device; and removing the device from testing mode; wherein testing the device comprises using an unmanned inspection vehicle to remotely perform tests or other tasks on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marcin Piech, Tadeusz Pawel Witczak, Craig Drew Bogli, Stella M. Oggianu, Srinivasa Reddy Pilli, Vinay Kumar Vinnakota, Prasad Babu Lakshmipathy
  • Patent number: 10816412
    Abstract: A thermometer is provided that includes a main body having a first body including first and second regions and a second body mounted on the first body, the main body extending in a first direction; a rubber cap surrounding the second region and formed to be inserted into the ear; a temperature sensor disposed in the second region and having a specific temperature sensing range with respect to the first direction; and first and second circuit boards electrically connected to the temperature sensor and disposed in the second region in a second direction intersecting the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyungwoo Park, Hyunkyung Yoo, Sungwon Kim, Jeongsoo Park, Taehoon Yoo, Sehyun Han
  • Patent number: 10813497
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for controlling a fryer having a high limit module. The high limit module selectively decouples a heater of the fryer from an energy source in response to a signal received from a high limit temperature probe indicating a maximum allowable temperature has been exceeded at a hard trip condition. A controller monitors signals received from an operational temperature probe and the high limit temperature probe. Based on these signals, the controller determines if the high limit module is approaching the hard trip condition. If the controller determines the high limit module is approaching the hard trip condition, it preemptively adjusts the output of the heater to avoid the hard trip condition. The controller may thereby prevent the fryer from being completely deactivated by the high limit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Dean Fritz, Adrian Jason Pereira, Mark Gogel, Edward J. Florkey
  • Patent number: 10809780
    Abstract: A system and method for active disturbance rejection based thermal control is configured to receive, at a first active disturbance rejection thermal control (ADRC) controller, a first temperature measurement from a first thermal zone. The ADRC controller generates a first output control signal for controlling a first cooling element, wherein the first output control signal is generated according a first estimated temperature and a first estimated disturbance calculated by a first extended state observer (ESO) of the first ADRC controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhan Ping, Qinling Zheng
  • Patent number: 10803921
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards apparatuses and methods for temperature management of a non-volatile memory device, e.g., an open-channel solid state device (OCSSD). In embodiments, an apparatus includes a temperature manager operatively coupled to the processor to submit a request for a temperature of an individual die of a memory device and based at least in part on a response to the request that includes the received temperature of the individual die, control access to the individual die by selectively restricting access to the individual die, while permitting access to another individual die on the memory device. In embodiments, the request is submitted via an input/output (I/O) path or I/O queue and includes a physical address of the individual memory die. Additional embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. McVay
  • Patent number: 10779090
    Abstract: A hearing aid device including sensors are disclosed. Specifically a hearing aid with a temperature sensor and a reference sensor. Also disclosed is a method for estimating body core temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Oticon A/S
    Inventors: Mathias Bruun Larsen, Mikkel Nielsen, Kenneth Rueskov Møller, Ole Andersen
  • Patent number: 10754961
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus and a data processing method thereof for an Internet of Things (IoT) system are provided. The data processing apparatus generates a plurality of diagnosis rule data, diagnoses each of the device data received from at least one IoT apparatus to generate a plurality of diagnosis log data, packages the device data, the diagnosis log data and the diagnosis rule data respectively based on a preset data amount to generate a plurality of device files, a plurality of diagnosis log files and a plurality of diagnosis rule files individually, stores each device file, each diagnosis log file and each diagnosis rule file in an interplanetary file system individually, and stores hash values of each device file, each diagnosis log file and each diagnosis rule file in a blockchain system individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Institute For Information Industry
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Hsiao, Ying-Hsun Lai
  • Patent number: 10741051
    Abstract: A method for loose joint detection in medium voltage switchgears with busbar joints, circuit breaker upper and lower spouts, and cable connection joints, arranged in an air insulated housing, and medium voltage switchgear itself, in order to create an effective loose joint detection with lower operating expense, but with high performance and accuracy, involves measuring actual temperatures at a first phase as a first temperature (T1), at a second phase as a second temperature (T2), at a third phase as a third temperature (T3), at predefined critical points, such as at the busbar joints, and/or at the circuit breaker upper spouts, and/or at the circuit breaker lower spouts, and/or the cable connection; and comparing temperatures in a logical dependency Ti>(Tj+dT), with i?j, permuted with i from 1, 2, 3, and j from 1, 2, 3, and setting the alarm if the logical dependency is fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Marcel Stupak, Tomas Kozel, Massimo Scarpellini, Stefano Magoni
  • Patent number: 10681954
    Abstract: Presented are intelligent electronic footwear and apparel with controller-automated features, methods for making/operating such footwear and apparel, and control systems for executing automated features of such footwear and apparel. A method for automating a collaborative operation between an intelligent electronic shoe (IES) and an intelligent transportation management (ITM) system includes receiving, via a detection tag attached to the IES shoe structure, a prompt signal from a transmitter-detector module communicatively connected to a traffic system controller of the ITM system. In reaction to the received prompt signal, the detection tag transmits a response signal to the transmitter-detector module. The traffic system controller uses the response signal to determine a location of the IES's user, and the current operating state of a traffic signal proximate the user's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Andon, Jordan M. Rice
  • Patent number: 10655882
    Abstract: A remote management system includes an air conditioner, an information mediation device built in or connected to the air conditioner, an information management apparatus that acquires air conditioner information including items relating to the air conditioner via the information mediation device and a network, and a plurality of participant terminals. The terminals include one or more of a manager terminal, a manufacturer terminal, a seller terminal, a maintenance worker terminal, and a user terminal. The information mediation device transmits the air conditioner information to the information management apparatus at a certain transmission frequency. The information mediation device is able to change, according to a participant request input by each of the plurality of participant terminals, the items included in the air conditioner information to be transmitted or a transmission frequency relating to the transmission, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Erika Matsumoto, Hidehiko Hashimoto, Gou Nakatsuka
  • Patent number: 10657801
    Abstract: A method is provided for predicting occurrence of a temperature rise event caused by a fire within an environment. The method comprises receiving temperature data captured by at least one temperature sensor 6, 8 for sensing an ambient temperature in the environment, processing the temperature data captured by the at least one temperature sensor in a previous window of time using a trained machine learning model 16 to determine a risk indication indicating risk of the temperature rise event occurring in a future window of time, and outputting a warning indication in dependence on the risk indication determined using the machine learning model. This is useful for providing firefighters with advance warning of dangerous temperature rises such as flashover events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: STS Defence Limited
    Inventors: Syed Yusuf, David Garrity
  • Patent number: 10641660
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a first infrared measuring means, a second infrared measuring means, and a calculating unit. The first infrared measuring means measures infrared rays emitted from an object and outputs a first voltage. The second infrared measuring means measures infrared rays emitted from around the object and outputs a second voltage. The calculating unit calculates the output temperature of the object from the first voltage, calculates the ambient temperature of the object from the second voltage, and corrects the output temperature based on the ambient temperature to calculate the temperature of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 10601925
    Abstract: An architecture that can employ a control plane for managing communications with respect to a set of sensors is provided. By utilizing a control plane, a distinction between control messages and data messages can be provided in a standardized way and the set of sensors can benefit from additional functionality and configurability. For example, the control plane can be employed to modify parameters associated with the set of sensors, which can be effectuated in real time and in situ as opposed to at the time of fabrication or deployment. Moreover, such modifications can relate to both the sensing portions of a particular sensor as well as the communication portions of a particular sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I. L.P.
    Inventors: Lusheng Ji, Robert R. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 10513153
    Abstract: A tire includes a circumferential tread and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip disposed below the circumferential tread. The RFID chip includes a chip casing and a local antenna. The tire further includes an RFID antenna disposed radially between the RFID chip and a radially outer surface of the circumferential tread. The RFID antenna is operably connected to the local antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Terence Wei, Paul Wilson
  • Patent number: 10475046
    Abstract: A probe interface component for a probe that measures an environmental condition. The probe interface component may comprise a first interface configured to removably receive a probe, and a second interface configured to removably connect to an input interface of a mobile computer. The probe interface component may be configured to obtain a value from the probe based on the measurement of the environmental condition, and generate a signal representative of the value in a format compatible with the input interface of the mobile computer. The first interface, the second interface, and/or the input interface may comprise a wireless interface. The environmental condition may comprise a temperature, a humidity, a pressure, a water quality, a gas indication, a radiation level, an indication of contamination, and/or an appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Digi International, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry J. Schechter
  • Patent number: 10475324
    Abstract: A method of generating an alarm based on temperature conditions within an enclosed space. The method includes receiving, by a processor of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, operating-condition information of the HVAC system, determining, by the processor from the received operating-condition information, whether temperature within the enclosed space is approaching a setpoint temperature. Responsive to a determination that the temperature within the enclosed space has failed to approach the setpoint temperature, determining by the processor, whether anomaly conditions exist and responsive to a determination that the anomaly conditions do not exist, generating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh Gokhale, Jon Douglas
  • Patent number: 10448749
    Abstract: A system can include a bed having a mattress, a sensor, and the data processing device. The sensor is configured to sense a feature of the mattress and transmit readings to a data processing device. The data processing device includes a processor and is configured to receive the readings from the sensor and determine if the readings i) indicate a user presence on the mattress and ii) indicate the user intends to sleep. The data processing device is configured to transmit a command to a peripheral controller responsive to determining that the readings i) indicate user presence on the mattress and ii) indicate the user intends to sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Wade Daniel Palashewski, Robert Erko, Robert Nunn, Gordan Redzic
  • Patent number: 10401232
    Abstract: Visual and electronically readable temperature indicators and methods of making the same have an electric circuit with a microchip and a bridge within the circuit, and a facing material over the electric circuit. The bridge includes either a single layer or multiple layers that include a conductive material, a phase change material having a pre-selected melt temperature, a binder, a first colorant that is soluble in the phase change material and/or a second colorant that is a special effect pigment. In operation, at temperatures below the pre-selected melt temperature, the bridge is electrically conductive, and at a temperature at or above the pre-selected melt temperature, the phase change material melts and dilutes the conductive material, so that the bridge is electrically non-conductive, and a color change occurs that is visible to the user through the facing material such as through a transparent window or in an absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: KLT Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Yeager, Justine Gaston, Carl M. Lentz, Randall Lane
  • Patent number: 10360780
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to, in general, a fire detection device and notification system configured for generating alerts based on detected environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, presence of flame or smoke or combustion gas). In some embodiments, the fire detection device employs various sensor devices (e.g., temperature, humidity, flame, smoke, gas, and the like) to collect environmental data and determine whether the detected environmental conditions indicate the presence of or the increased possibility of a fire. In some embodiments, the invention further comprises a notification system for automatically generating and transmitting alerts to one or more computing devices (e.g., responder dispatch systems) based on the detection of hazardous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Nandita Chakravarthy Balaji, Shreyas Narayan Bhasin, Kevin James Kaspar, Zoe Paige Sherman
  • Patent number: 10298817
    Abstract: An optical system recycles heat from a cooler coupled with an image sensor across a heat transfer element in order to warm and de-ice a window. The optical system may be implemented in high altitude or space vehicles/platforms, regardless of whether manned or unmanned, and the window may be outwardly facing relative to the vehicle/platform so at to allow electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough onto the image sensor. The optical system enables the reduction of size, weight, and power by recycling heat exhausted from the cooler to warm the window, thus eliminating the need for a separate de-icing system or device for the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Schlupf, Michael N. Mercier
  • Patent number: 10288306
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system for a building includes an air handling unit (AHU) and a controller. The AHU is configured to provide mechanical cooling for a cooling load in the building when operating in a mechanical cooling state and provide free cooling for the cooling load in the building when operating in a free cooling state. The controller is configured to calculate a minimum free cooling time based on an estimated cost savings resulting from operating in the free cooling state relative to operating in the mechanical cooling state and transition the AHU from operating in the mechanical cooling state to operating in the free cooling state in response to predicting that outside air temperature will be less than a free cooling temperature threshold for at least the minimum free cooling time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Bradley J. Ridder, Graeme Willmott, Matthew J. Asmus
  • Patent number: 10240875
    Abstract: A data acquisition module is disclosed for use with electronic components such as superconductive magnets wherein the electronic components and the data acquisition module may reside inside a cryostat. The data acquisition module allows conventional electronic technologies to work inside cryostats at cryogenic temperatures as low as 4° K. This is achieved by management of heat inside the module to keep the module operating at a temperature above the cryogenic temperature. This approach avoids the difficulties that arise from changes in carrier mobility in semiconductors operating at deep cryogenic temperatures. A cryogenic system comprises a cryostat containing a cryogenic fluid and at least one sensor, and a data acquisition module located within the cryostat, the module in communication with the at least one sensor to acquire data, wherein the module comprises a thermal package, a conditioning and digitizing electronic module, a controller module, a power module, and a thermal management module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Marcos de Azambuja Turqueti, Robert Alan Albright, Soren O. Prestemon
  • Patent number: 10229563
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for indicating a status of an instrument via visible colored light is described. Status is preferably indicated according to which color is displayed on the apparatus, which is preferably configured to illuminate on or within the handle of the instrument. Statuses may be configured by the end user, or may be pre-established according to specific uses of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: LIGHTHOUSE WORLDWIDE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Salton, Paul Newman, Rocco D. Pochy