Abstract: A fire detector incorporates a heatable gas sensor. The sensor is cycled through a plurality of different operating temperature ranges, and one or more outputs at each temperature range are acquired. A plurality of acquired outputs, corresponding to the plurality of temperature ranges, can be coupled in parallel to pattern recognition circuitry. The pattern recognition circuitry can process the acquired outputs and make a determination that the processed data samples are indicative of the presence of a fire condition.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: Multiple parameter fire detection uses outputs from one or more radiant energy sensors in combination with outputs from smoke or thermal sensors to shorten response times to alarm while minimizing nuisance alarms. The radiant energy related outputs can be used to alter parameters of the smoke or thermal sensors. The various sensors can be displaced from one another in an alarm system.

Abstract: A fire detection system comprises a detection unit (2A) able to measure an electrical quantity between a first (BOA) and a second (B1A) terminal, and a first detector (11A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) and able to form a first value of the electrical quantity in a determined state of the first detector, for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a first zone (Z). A second detector (12A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) is able to form a second value of the electrical quantity in said determined state, that is to say for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a second zone, and a third value of the electrical quantity in another state different from the determined state, that is to say for example during normal operation. The first value and the third value are different from the second value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer-usable program product for generating unique cohort groups using multimodal sensory device. Multimodal sensory data is received from a set of multimodal sensors in a public environment. The set of multimodal sensors are associated with a network. The multimodal sensory data is received from the set of multimodal sensors over the network. The multimodal sensory data is processed to generate a plurality of attributes to form cohort attributes. A plurality of unique cohort groups is generated using the cohort attributes and the multimodal sensory data. Each member of the cohort group shares at least one common attribute.

Abstract: The invention provides a hierarchically accessible monitoring system configured to be used with a standby generator, and a method of remotely accessing generator information from a standby generator. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system includes an interface unit configured to receive information from the standby generator and to communicate the generator information, and a remote data server in communication with the interface unit. The remote data server receives the generator information from the interface unit, stores the generator information, and controls access to the generator information based upon at least two hierarchical levels, each hierarchical level having different access privileges. The hierarchically accessible monitoring system also includes a user interface configured to display the generator information from the remote data server to at least one user. The user has access privileges to read the generator information based upon the user's assigned hierarchical level.

Abstract: A temperature sensing glove (101), comprising (a) a temperature sensor (131); (b) a plurality of memory locations; and (c) assigning means (121, 123) for assigning a temperature reading made by the temperature sensor to one of the plurality of memory locations.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus (100, 200, 300) for registration and warning of overtemperature, particularly in connection with harmful heat development in electric installations, as for example outlets, switches and fuse equipment. The apparatus provides for timely warning of heat development, so that overheating and damage is avoided, whereby the operation of electric installation equipment for mounting in electric installations, will have a significantly improved safety. The temperature registration is performed in a unit (100) by means of a sensor (1) which provides an electrical magnitude that is influenced by the temperature, for example a thermistor, which is a temperature-dependent resistor. When a low current is applied to such a component, it will result in a temperature-dependent voltage drop that is measured and gives a direct measure of the temperature.

Abstract: An advertising control method is described. The method includes receiving an advertisement identification message (AIM) (127) at a first mobile device (125), sending the AIM from the first mobile device to a content display unit (CDU) and storing the AIM in the CDU, selecting at least one content item from among a plurality of content items based, at least in part, on at least one stored AIM, the stored AIM being stored in the CDU, and displaying the selected content item on the CDU. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: A device for evaluating a temperature measurement signal of a temperature measurement facility has a modeling unit with a first input for picking up an input signal which is indicative for the temperature measurement signal, a second input for picking up a feedback signal, and an output for outputting an output signal. The output signal can be generated in dependence on the input signal and the feedback signal by using a computational model stored in the modeling unit. The feedback signal (slope) is directly or indirectly dependent on the output signal. Furthermore, an alarm indicator with an evaluation device of this type and a method for evaluating a temperature measurement signal are provided. Alongside this, a computer-readable storage medium and also a program element are described, which contain instructions for carrying out the evaluation method.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals and a control method thereof. The electronic device including a plurality of connection terminals, including: a light-emitting unit disposed adjacent to the plurality of connection terminals; a sensing unit sensing whether an external connection terminal is within a predetermined sensing range with respect to the connection terminal; and a control unit controlling the light-emitting unit to emit light when it is determined that the predetermined external connection terminal is within the predetermined sensing range according to the sensed result of the sensing unit. With this configuration, the connection convenience is provided by guiding an external connection terminal to the corresponding connection terminal of the electronic device under a low luminance condition, and a control method thereof.

Abstract: A backdraft detector incorporates at least one oxygen sensor in combination with a flow sensor. Both sensors are coupled to control circuitry which evaluates sensed oxygen levels of a flowing sample being monitored by the flow sensor.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system (100) for use with a variable reluctance sensor such as found in vehicle wheel bearing applications, which utilizes existing sensors (12) such as the antilock braking system or traction control system sensors as a direct current resistive temperature gauge. The temperature sensing system (100) includes electrical components (R4, C1) configured to separate the DC voltage (VDC(t)) representative of sensor temperature from the original magnetically induced AC voltage output signal (VSN1(t)) representative of the rotation such as vehicle wheel speed, thereby permitting the temperature sensing system (100) to be retrofitted and installed in vehicles or other components without significant alteration to an existing wiring harness or electrical components.

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether consumer abuse has occurred in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for detecting the occurrence of a consumer abuse event and storing a record thereof. In one embodiment, the system provides one or more sensors coupled to an abuse detection circuitry for detecting the occurrence of an abuse event. The system may further provide a memory, wherein upon detecting an abuse event, the abuse detection circuitry may store a record of the abuse event into the memory. The system may further provide an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory and analyze the abuse event records to determine if an abuse event occurred in the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of a sheet material arranged such that it forms at least one side of a cavity, so as to enhance the effective emissivity of the sheet material in the vicinity of the cavity comprises: generating a thermal image of at least part of the inside of the cavity, the thermal image comprising a plurality of pixels each having a pixel value representative of radiation emitted by a respective region of the cavity; identifying a first subset of the pixels whose pixel values meet predetermined criteria; using the identified first subset to determine a line on the thermal image representative of optimal emissivity enhancement in the cavity; and selecting a second subset of the pixels based on the determined line and generating a temperature profile along the determined line derived from the pixel values associated with each of the second subset of pixels.

Abstract: A fire-fighter turnout coat having an outer flame retardant shell with exterior and interior sides, the shell layer having a dual layer of first and second materials woven together in a manner which allows the formation of void spaces between the first and second materials when the turnout coat is exposed to increasing heat, the first material generally having a polyparaphenylene isophthalamide meta-aramid polymer and the second material generally having a para-aramid polymer; a second inner thermal insulating layer having an interior side and comprising a woven or nonwoven material; a moisture barrier layer positioned between the outer shell and the inner insulating layer; and a thermal detector system having a first heat sensor positioned on the shell exterior side, the first sensor having a thermistor and a thermocouple, a second heat sensor positioned on the thermal layer interior side and having a thermistor, a first display positioned adjacent the first sensor on the shell layer exterior side, a second

Abstract: The acoustic sound of water flowing to/from activated sprinkler heads is used to identify fire location in a region(s). Acoustic transducers, such as microphones, can be located in the vicinity of sprinkler heads. Active heads, spraying water, will produce sounds of flowing water to which the transducers respond. Alternately, acoustic flow sensors can be coupled to sprinkler head feed pipes.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and method for monitoring a thermal profile proximate a housing, the apparatus comprising at least one temperature sensor supportable by the housing and configured for monitoring a thermal profile proximate the housing, at least one thermoelectric generator in circuit with the at least one temperature sensor and configured to provide electrical energy sufficient to power the at least one temperature sensor, and an indicator device in circuit with the temperature sensor and configured to provide at least an indication where the thermal profile is outside a predetermined thermal profile range.

Abstract: This invention covers improved electronic time-temperature indicators with an RFID output, and other devices and methods by which the thermal history of a complex material, which may not obey a simple exponential Arrhenius law degradation equation, may be monitored, and the subsequent fitness for use of the tracked material may be quickly ascertained. In particular, the invention discloses a rapidly reprogrammable electronic time-temperature RFID tag that may be easily customized with the thermal time-temperature stability profile of an arbitrary material, using electronic data transfer methods. Using this device, a single, low-cost, generic time-temperature tag may be mass-produced, and then subsequently programmed to mimic the stability characteristics of nearly any material of interest.

Abstract: A method and a measuring arrangement for monitoring the condition of a grinder stone of a pulp grinder. A temperature profile for a grinding surface of the grinder stone is determined substantially along the entire length of the grinder stone, a variable representing at least one piece of temperature data of the grinding surface of the grinder stone is determined on the basis of said temperature profile, and the variable representing said temperature data is compared with a reference variable corresponding to said temperature data. If this variable differs from the reference variable in a predefined manner, the state relating to the condition of the grinder stone is identified as abnormal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer and a method of monitoring wind resistance changes. The computer comprises a wind resistance change monitoring device, the device comprising: one or more first temperature sensors, located at one or more positions inside the computer where an actual ambient temperature can be monitored, and configured to sense one or more ambient temperatures as first temperature; one or more heaters, located at the front end of a cooling duct of the computer, and configured to work at a rated power; one or more second temperature sensors, located corresponding to the one or more heaters, and configured to sense one or more temperatures of the one or more heaters as second temperature; and a control module configured to determine whether the wind resistance of the computer has changed or not based on a comparison of the relationship between the first and second temperature with the relationship between a predetermined ambient temperature and a predetermined heater temperature.

Abstract: The thermal detection and visual alarm unit includes a plurality of first expansion thermal detectors (17) with normally closed contacts that are connected in series with a first lamp (15) to form a first two-terminal circuit (21, 23), a plurality of second expansion thermal detectors (18) with normally open contacts connected in parallel, a second lamp (16) connected in series with the second thermal detectors to form a second two-terminal circuit (22, 24), the first and second thermal detectors forming a plurality of cells (19) each combining a first detector and a second detector having respective contact-opening or contact-closing temperatures that are substantially equal, each of the first and second two-terminal circuits being arranged for connection to the terminals of an electrical power supply (12).

Abstract: A device and system for monitoring the condition of an electrical outlet such as a 110 volt or 220 volt outlet to alert a user to a dangerous situation and to interrupt power to the circuit in the event of the dangerous condition. The device monitors the circuit for degradation to the electrical outlet. The system can include a temperature sensor voltage meter or particle detector (smoke detector) connected with a power outlet. When a parameter of a circuit exceed a predetermined level (indicating the outlet has degraded to an unsafe level) a warning can be reported and if necessary power to the device can be adjusted or interrupted.

Abstract: A technique is provided for monitoring and tracking inventories within one or more assets. The technique includes sensing a plurality of parameters associated with each of the one or more assets. The plurality of parameters includes a positional information of the asset. The technique further includes activating RFID tags attached to the inventories and generating a response based upon the responses received from the RFID tags, and monitoring and tracking inventories based on the sensed parameters and the generated response to ensure integrity and validate a chain of custody of the asset or the inventories during a supply chain process.

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: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and an RF cell monitor. The RF cell monitor is embedded in the battery cell and is operable for monitoring the battery cell and for generating an alert signal indicative of a predetermined condition of the battery cell.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an adhesive thermometer, comprising: a sense unit, a display unit and an attachment unit, where the display unit and the sense unit are combined into a rectangular parallelepiped, and the display unit is located at the top while the sense unit at the bottom. The attachment unit is formed by an adhesive pad and the rectangular parallelepiped, which makes the sense unit to be disposed for exposing downward. The bottom of the adhesive pad is provided with gluey substance, and a protective pad is stuck to the gluey substance for temporary attachment. When using, simply tear down the protective pad and stick the thermometer to both ends of a measured location by means of the exposed gluey substance, and adhere the sense unit to the measured location to sense the temperature, followed by exhibiting the sensed temperature at the display unit in terms of different message types: numeral, color, sound or odor.

Abstract: A multimode mobile terminal steers signals corresponding to different modes to different outputs of a quadrature combiner. For example, an EGPRS signal is steered to a first output port of the quadrature combiner and a WCDMA signal is steered to a second output port of the combiner. The combiner has a reasonably large degree of isolation between the output ports. The mobile terminal capitalizes on this isolation by reducing the isolation of a switch that facilitates switching between modes.

Abstract: A thermostat control system having remote devices and/or other internally powered devices provides transmissions at different power levels and at different data transfer rates to conserve power life. Thermostat control system components and devices may be powered by replaceable power supplies that are conserved by transmitting at a lower power level more often than at a higher power level. A higher power level transmission is provided at a lower data transfer rate, and a lower power level transmission is provided at a higher data transfer rate. A higher power transmission is provided periodically to ensure reliable communication of temperature information.

Abstract: Rail inspection is discussed that employs a monitor vehicle running on one or more tracks of a rail system that performs physical rail inspection in combination with monitoring and analysis of other system parameters that accompany the physical rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a downhole pump. The pump has a stator, a rotor and a pump drive. The temperature monitoring apparatus includes at least one temperature sensor positioned downhole in thermal communication with the downhole pump for measuring the downhole temperature of the downhole pump, and a pump controller connected to the temperature sensor by a wireless communication link for receiving measurements from the temperature sensor. The pump controller has controls for controlling the speed of the pump.

Abstract: A system for adjusting parameters of ambient condition detectors in a regional monitoring system is coupled to or includes fire modeling processing. Based on outputs from the processing, selected parameters of respective detectors can be adjusted to shorten detector time to alarm. As a fire condition develops, different detectors can be adjusted dynamically and in real-time.

Abstract: A novel fail-safe temperature monitoring system that can distinguish excessive chemical adsorbent temperature from temperature sensing component failure is provided. This system prevents the gas purifier from shutting down as a result of temperature sensing component failure, and thereby prevents a false shutdown of a high-purity gas production plant.

Abstract: A wireless human interface device (HID) includes an input interface module for accepting inputs from a user; a microprocessor for processing the accepted inputs; a wireless transmitter for transmitting the accepted inputs to a host; and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the wireless HID, wherein the microprocessor transmits the sensed temperature via the wireless transmitter to the host for displaying.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled.

Abstract: A hazard alarm includes: a detector for detecting a hazard parameter, trigger logic; and reset logic. The trigger logic triggers an alarm state when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined trigger threshold. The alarm state is maintained until a reset is successfully performed. The reset logic, upon a reset command, resets the alarm state if the measured parameter is below a predetermined reset threshold, and inhibits resetting of the alarm state if the measured parameter is above the predetermined reset threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a wireless sensor in conjunction with a host controller are described. An illustrative system can include a host controller, a wireless sensor device, and a decoder in communication with the wireless sensor device and the host controller. The host controller may include a remote sensor input that normally would be connected to a wired remote sensor having an expected sensor characteristic. The decoder may receive a wireless signal from the wireless sensor device, and may provide an output signal to the remote sensor input of the host controller that replicate or mimic signals that would be provided by a wired remote sensor having the expected sensor characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection and alarm systems for predicting and detecting the location of spills, leaks, emissions, and/or pollution sources, i.e., unwanted fluid (liquid/gas) flow/escape, at refineries, e.g., oil and gas refineries, and plants, e.g., petrochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants, and avoiding said unwanted flow/escape. According to one embodiment, said system comprises at least one detector, at least one battery powered radio frequency transmitter, preferably, according to one embodiment, a 900 megahertz spread spectrum transmitter, and a central processing location which, according to one embodiment, is preferably capable of handling up to 3000 points in a single cell site.

Abstract: A method and system are implemented for monitoring the thermal dissipation from a computer processing unit. The system comprises a temperature sensor, and a temperature controller. The temperature controller is configured to set a temperature observation window in a first temperature range, gradually narrow the observation window from the first temperature range after a monitored temperature of the processing unit has entered the observation window, and issue an alert signal when the monitored temperature exits the observation window.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed designed to monitor the thermal status of a quality control material. The apparatus has the ability, with visual and/or audible means, to alert the user when the quality control material has become thermally equal to the local, ambient environment by way of natural thermal entropy. The apparatus alerts the user by visual and/or audible indicators when the quality control material, after removal from the monitor, should be returned to cool storage after a pre-determined period to maintain its designed criteria, integrity and/or purpose.

Abstract: A process transmitter includes a temperature responsive indicator to indicate an operating condition of the process transmitter. The operating condition may represent a level of a sensed process variable or an operating temperature of the process transmitter.

Abstract: An automated engine starter system is described for a vehicle with an engine and a starter system for starting the engine. A temperature sensor provides an electronic temperature signal indicative of an ambient or engine temperature at the vehicle. A starter controller is responsive to an engine start signal to activate the starter system for a start duration, the starter system being deactivated after expiration of the start duration. The starter controller is responsive to the temperature signal to provide longer start durations for cold temperatures.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for use with a removable operator interface has a non-volatile memory and a latching component. The non-volatile memory stores device settings. The latching component prohibits changes to transmitter settings if the removable operator interface is absent. Circuitry in the transmitter detects the presence of the removable operator interface. The removable operator interface can include zero and span settings.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for the centralized control of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are described herein. An input event control embodiment operates by receiving a signal from a non-RFID input device and commanding an RFID reader associated with the non-RFID input device to begin reading. According to an alternative time coordination embodiment, non-overlapping time slots are assigned to a plurality of RFID readers, and the RFID readers read only during their respective non-overlapping time slots. According to an alternative combined input event control/time coordination embodiment, non-overlapping time slots are assigned to a plurality of RFID readers. A signal from a non-RFID input device is received, and an RFID reader associated with the non-RFID input device is commanded to begin reading. However, such RFID reader only begins to read at the beginning of its next assigned time slot.

Abstract: An exemplary warning method for reducing the risk of damage to a projection device is disclosed. The warning method includes: establishing a predetermined performance threshold and a warning message; detecting a current performance value from the projection device; judging whether the detected current performance value exceeds the predetermined performance threshold; projecting the warning message.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature of food in food serving equipment. The system includes a detection unit incorporating a sensor, a transmitter, and a probe. The system further includes a display unit having a receiver and an operator interface. The probe is at least partially inserted into the food so that the temperature of the food is detected by the sensor and wirelessly transmitted to the receiver to be displayed on the operator interface.

Abstract: An environmental sensor device for detecting environmental conditions within a pharmaceutical product package is described. The sensor device is a stand alone device that includes: a housing defining the outer dimensions of the sensor device, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a control circuit, a memory circuit, a power source and a communications interface. The housing has outer dimensions that allow it to fit inside a pharmaceutical product package. A system and method for evaluating best before date for pharmaceutical products are also described.

Abstract: A method for remote monitoring of real-time information is provided. In the method, a representation is displayed of each of a plurality of items configured to generate the real-time information. Also displayed is a representation of each of a plurality of destinations configured to receive the real-time information. The real-time information is received from the items. A command is received which selects one of the items and one of the destinations. After receiving the command, at least a portion of the real-time information received from the selected item is transmitted to the selected destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alarm device (1, 11), which identifies if the plate of a gas or electric range is on at idle or the grease filter of a range hood is excessively dirty. The device comprises at least one temperature sensor (6, 9) and identification electronics (4), which identifies a sensor message and on that basis effects the activation of an alarm or a control output. The identification electronics (4) identifies a rate of change in the temperature of the sensor or sensors (6, 9) and/or a temperature difference between the sensors (6, 9) and/or a rate of change in the temperature difference between the sensors (6, 9) and effects the activation of an alarm (5) or a control output (2) as the rate of change in temperature and/or the temperature difference and/or the rate of change in a temperature difference exceeds a given value.