Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and systems for adjusting a communication channel between a control unit and a remote sensor. A system may include a control unit that controls an environmental unit and a remote sensor that provides data about an environmental factor as measured at the remote sensor. The remote sensor transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal that conveys the data to control unit through a directional antenna. The RF signal is received by the control unit through an omnidirectional antenna, and a signal strength parameter is determined from the received RF signal. A signal strength indication unit provides an indication from the signal strength parameter as a user adjusts the position of the directional antenna. With embodiments of the invention, a signal strength module generates an audio signal in accordance with an audio characteristic, which is indicative of the signal strength of the received RF signal.

Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for use with a vehicle having a tire sealant-containing temporary mobility kit is provided. The system includes a signal provided for viewing by the operator which indicates that the temporary mobility kit requires servicing. The need for servicing can be based on certain variables, including the passage of a pre-determined period of time or on changes in temperature which may impact the effective life of the sealing compound. In addition, the need for servicing can be based on a sensed of the temporary mobility kit from the vehicle.

Abstract: A dining implement includes a dining implement body, and a warning device fitted to the dining implement body; the warning device includes a power source, a temperature measuring device to measure temperature of foods, a vibrator, a sound giving-off device, and several power sources, which include blue, yellow, and red ones; the vibrator will start vibrating, the sound giving-off device will give off warning sound, and the light sources will emit warning light accordingly if the temperature of the foods is higher than a predetermined value; thus, even if the user is a person with disabilities, he can be aware of the high temperature of the foods, thus preventing himself from getting hurt.

Abstract: A miniature modular wireless sensor unit. The unit includes three separate easily assembled and disassembled modules: a processor-communications module, a battery pack module, and a swappable sensor module. Preferred embodiments utilize Bluetooth radio communication technology to communicate sensor data. The total size of preferred embodiments is 1.380 inch×0.940 inch×0.540 inch. Preferred embodiments are easily programmed and calibrated by lay people to automatically communicate sensor information via Bluetooth techniques to a personal computer, laptop or similar equipment. A wide variety of sensors can be utilized with the standard sensor unit. Various battery pack modules are provided to match battery power with needs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling power of an electronic device, controlled by a touch input. To this end, a power control apparatus for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch by a user's finger or the like, and a temperature sensor for sensing a body temperature detected through the touch. Through such a touch sensor and such a temperature sensor, the power control apparatus senses the touch and body temperature of a user, and controls the power of the electronic device. As a result, even without a separate power button installed on the outside of the electronic device, it becomes possible to control the power of the electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a hazardous condition includes an optical module for measuring scattered light caused by the hazardous condition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a processing unit coupled to receive signals from the optical module, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. The processing unit processes the signals to determine criteria to distinguish deceptive phenomena from a hazardous condition in order to limit false alarm. The processing unit is uses the criteria for adjusting an alarm threshold value that is a function of a reference function, a function based on temperature criteria, a function based on at least one of the temperature criteria and a ratio criterion, and a function based on humidity criteria.

Abstract: System and method for recording temperature on an RFID tag. A first RFID tag is attached to a container. The first RFID tag includes a temperature sensor. The container contains a multiplicity of packages. A multiplicity of second RFID tags are attached to the multiplicity of packages, respectively. The first RFID tag transmits temperature information to the multiplicity of second RFID tags. In response, the multiplicity of second RFID tags record the temperature information. Consequently, there is no need for expensive temperature sensors on the multiplicity of RFID tags on the packages. According to features of the present invention, the first RFID tag is an active RFID tag, and the multiplicity of second RFID tags are passive RFID tags. The first RFID tag also transmits other information to the multiplicity of second RFID tags to enable the second RFID tags to authenticate the temperature information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audible alarm system that utilizes air-conveying ductwork to transport the audible alarm signal from the point of origination to a distant location. This system is low cost and improves the safety of individuals and reduces the potential loss of property by providing early and better hazard communication.

Abstract: An illumination system including an image capture unit, a light emitting diode (LED) light source, an alarm unit, and a control platform is provided. The control platform is electrically connected to the image capture unit, the LED light source and the alarm unit. The above-mentioned illumination system integrates the LED light source and other units via the control platform, so as to provide multiple functions, such as illumination, image capture, alarm and precaution to natural disaster.

Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for monitoring pre-prepared meals which can be assembled as a plurality of portions. Assembled pre-prepared meals can be monitored starting from their assembly up to the ultimate consumption. Pre-prepared meals are arranged on tray-like containers and a data carrier is fastened which contains meal-specific data. These meal-specific data can be read out at at least two reading stations to be able to keep a record of the conditions of manufacture, storage and/or cooling.

Abstract: A control system for disabling the fan of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system upon the detection of an audible alarm, such as a smoke alarm. The preferred embodiment utilizes a tunable band pass filter/decibel level detector in conjunction with a microphone to detect an audible alarm. When an alarm is detected, the fan is disabled whether the HVAC is operating in heating, cooling, or manual fan “on” mode.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to an electronic device and methods for cooling an object within the electronic device. In one example, an electronic device includes a cooling fan for cooling an object. An air-quantity measuring device measures a quantity of cooling air sent by the cooling fan. An ambient-temperature measuring device measures an ambient temperature around the electronic device. A control unit is configured to control the electronic device. The control unit includes an object-temperature calculating section configured to calculate a temperature of the object from the measured air quantity and the measured ambient temperature. An operation control section is configured to control the cooling fan according to the calculated temperature of the object.

Abstract: The disclosed climate zone control system separates a building into separate climate zones, which allows a user to select the desired temperature of each zone. In a single zone, the climate zone controlling system controls the temperature of the single zone where an existing thermostat controls the temperature of air exiting an air handler and the remote thermostat controls the temperature of the designated zone of the building by controlling airflow from the vents. In a multiple zone system, there is a master thermostat that controls the air handler and multiple remote thermostats for multiple designated zones where the remote thermostat controls both the temperature and the airflow.

Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure that has an interior space cooled with forced ambient air, includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature. A second thermal sensor is positioned proximate an exit air stream of the enclosure for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for receiving output signals from the thermal sensors and determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures. The control circuit initiates an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. Other remedial steps might also be taken prior to initiating the alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a fire in a wooded area. Some trees in the area are provided with a fire sensor having a radiofrequency emitter able to emit information for identifying and/or locating each sensor, according to a grid of the area to be monitored. At each fire sensor, the fire absent or fire present state is detected A fire sensor emits an alert signal to a monitoring post if a fire is present in the vicinity of the sensor. The alert signal contains information for identifying and/or locating the sensor. The alert signal is transmitted from the monitoring post to a fire brigade by means of a long-range radiofrequency link.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for selecting at which processing unit of a plurality of processing units positioned at a data center that a processing task is to be performed. Temperature sensors are positioned throughout the data center and associated with the individual ones of the processing units. Indications of sensed temperature levels are collected and monitored by a collector and monitor. The indications of the sensed temperatures are used both pursuant to cooling operations, controlled by a cooling controller, and pursuant to processing-task placement, determined by a workload placement controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for identifying a defect and/or an operating characteristic of a system being monitored (and/or one or more of the system's components) are described. In an embodiment, orthogonally related data monitored by two or more detectors may be fused to determine whether a component of a system is defective and/or malfunctioning. Additionally or alternatively, data from a first detector may be determined to be accurate using non-orthogonally related data outputted by a second detector. Both types of determinations may be made with minimal or no false indications, which lowers the cost of operating the system being monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a castable, aerogel-based, ultra-low thermal conductivity opacified insulation to suppress sublimation. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerogel opacified with various opacifying or reflecting constituents to suppress sublimation and provide thermal insulation in thermoelectric modules. The opacifying constituent can be graded within the aerogel for increased sublimation suppression, and the density of the aerogel can similarly be graded to achieve optimal thermal insulation and sublimation suppression.

Abstract: A method for monitoring environmental conditions within a shipping package includes generating a package shipment route and entering an environmental parameter corresponding to an exposure level beyond which a product, contained in the package, will perish. A wireless data monitor is inserted within the package, configured to monitor the environmental condition within the package along the shipment route, such that during shipment, the environmental data at the wireless data monitor; and during shipment, the collected environmental data is periodically transmitted to one or more wireless access points.

Abstract: A keyboard frame with induction light source is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, a light guide plate, a signal line, a thermal sensor, a light source, a control circuit and a switch. As the light guide plate having the signal line disposed thereon is received in the frame while the thermal sensor and the light source is further disposed on the signal line and connected thereto, temperatures of a hand detected by the thermal sensor is transmitted to the control circuit where it is converted into electric signals and then send to the light source for directing the same to perform a color changing operation accordingly and thus cause the keyboard frame to display various coloring/lighting effects. With the aforesaid structure, not only the keyboard frame is fun to play for its ability to display various lighting/coloring effects, but also it is able to act as a thermometer for measuring human body's temperature.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first heat-generating member provided in the housing, a heat-radiating member thermally connected to the first heat-generating member, a first fan module guiding air to the heat-radiating member, a second heat-generating member provided in the housing, a second fan module discharging air out of the housing, and a wall section provided in the housing, located between the first fan module and the second fan module.

Abstract: A system for detecting and suppressing a fire condition in a storage unit. The system comprises a transmitter associated with the storage unit and configured to transmit a first signal upon detection of the fire condition, at least one receiver configured to detect the first signal and configured to provide a second signal indicating detection of the fire condition, and a fire suppression device configured to discharge a fire suppressant material into the storage unit upon detection of the fire condition. There may also be a plurality of storage units, a plurality of transmitters, and a plurality of receivers. An individual transmitter and an individual receiver may be associated with each of the plurality of storage units. Each of the storage units may be located at a predetermined position relative to the individual receiver associated with the storage unit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a on-chip thermal sensing circuit that generates a temperature signal based on a temperature of the integrated circuit. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and to generate inbound data from an inbound RF signal, based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: For a firefighter or for an emergency rescue worker, an earpiece comprising a speaker, a microphone, and a temperature sensor comprises a programmable chip, which is programmed to sound an alarm via the speaker if and only if a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor equals or exceeds a preset temperature. The speaker and the microphone provide for audible communication between a wearer and another.

Abstract: An over temperature alarming display apparatus. The apparatus includes a first sealed transparent container which has a constant containment and a second sealed transparent container which has a variable containment. The first and second container is communicated each other by a thin guide pipe in a section of which there is liquid. There is some alarming display material in the first and second container respectively which receives the liquid flowing from the thin guide pipe and then occurs a color changing effect. The air in the first and second container occurs dilation by heating and shrinking by cooling due to the change of the ambient temperature, thus pushes the liquid to move in the thin guide pipe. Then the moving liquid flows to the alarming display material in the first container at the lower limit temperature value and/or flows to the alarming display material in the second container at the upper limit temperature value.

Abstract: A device for displaying measuring values is provided, comprising a device for displaying measuring values having a control unit (22) and having a digital display unit (21), which is controlled by the control unit (22), wherein the control unit (22) is embodied in such a manner that a measuring value detected by the measuring value detection unit are displayed on the display unit (21) as actual value (I) and as a preset set value (S) in such a manner that the position of the actual value (I) relative to the set value (S) is a function of the difference between the set value and the actual value.

Abstract: The system 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a sensor 12 to detect temperature; a user interface 14 that includes a display 16 to output the detected temperature, controls 18 to receive a target temperature, and an alert 20 to signal the user when an event occurs; and a base 22. The system 10 of the preferred embodiment has been specifically designed to grasp the neck of a wine bottle of any various size, detect the temperature of the wine, compare the detected temperature to the target temperature, and signal the user when the detected temperature is equivalent to the target temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.

Abstract: An emergency notification and directional signaling apparatus includes an alarm remotely mountable from and responsive to an emergency event detector. The remote alarm activates one of supplementary visual, audible and/or voice message alarms which may include a pulsed strobe, and an audible sound, and/or a recorded voice message. A temperature sensor coupled to the remote alarm initiates another notification and signaling event when the ambient temperature proximate the remote alarm reaches a preset threshold. Emergency event detectors and/or mass notification devices may also activate the remote alarms throughout a building or exterior area in the event of an impending storm, tornado, earthquake, hurricane, etc., to provide localized area support and guidance.

Abstract: A fire alarm system is disclosed where the unit detectors are addressable and in communication with other unit detectors located within a particular unit and are in communication with building detectors such that when one unit detector activates, all the other unit detectors in that unit also activate causing communication with the building core detectors and alerting the control room as to the exact location of the alarm condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of monitoring at least one operating characteristic of a hand power tool. In one embodiment, a hand power tool includes a housing, a motor within the housing and a tag mounted on the housing. The tag includes a first antenna for harvesting energy from an electromagnetic field associated with the motor, a microprocessor configured to operate using the harvested energy, a memory including stored commands which, when executed by the microprocessor, cause data associated with a sensed condition of the hand power tool to be stored within the memory, and a second antenna for coupling with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and for transmitting the data stored within the memory to the RFID reader.

Abstract: The failure of a data center liquid cooling system can result in a rapid temperature rise in electronic components that may either damage a component, result in the loss of data housed within the component, or both. A supplemental liquid cooling system is placed within each rack serviced by a data center cooling system to mitigate such a failure. Coolant flow is monitored to determine whether the data center liquid cooling system has, for a particular rack, failed. Upon determination of failure, the supplemental liquid cooling system is initiated to reduce the thermal rise of the electronic components within the rack allowing them to conduct an organized and complete shutdown.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an explosive device detection system includes a thermal imaging camera and at least one radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a signal processing circuit. The thermal imaging camera is operable to produce a first electrical signal indicative of thermal energy radiated by an explosive device. The at least one radio frequency receiver is operable to produce at least one second electrical signal indicative of electro-magnetic energy emitted by the explosive device. The signal processing circuit is configured to combine the first electrical signal and the at least one second electrical signal on a display such that the explosive device is aligned on the display.

Abstract: A circuit for overdriving an LCD panel according to an image data and a temperature, and the corresponding are disclosed. The circuit includes: a memory for storing a previous image data; a plurality of LUTs, each coupled to receive the previous image data from the memory and a present image data, for storing overdrive values; a first temperature sensor, for sensing the temperature of a first area of the LCD panel to generate a first temperature data; a control circuit, for generating a selection signal and a temperature correction coefficient according to the first temperature data; a selection circuit, coupled to the plurality of LUTs, for selecting one LUT from the plurality of LUTs according to the selection signal and outputting the overdrive value of the selected LUT; and an overdrive processor, for generating adjusted image data according to the overdrive value and the temperature correction coefficient.

Abstract: A tag testing device uses an infrared camera to take an image of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, compares the image with a stored standard tag pattern image storage, and detects defective tags based on the comparison. A radio wave transceiver bulk reads the tags using anti-collision, a tag response counter counts a number of tag responses, and a defective tag detector compares a number of heat emitting tags based upon the image processing with a number of tag responses counted by the tag response counter. If the number of heat emitting tags does not match a number of responsive tags, a number of the tags tested are changed by partially shielding the tags and the radio wave transceiver repeatedly bulk reads the tags using the anti-collision function while a shielding range is gradually changed, thereby narrowing down other possible defective but heat emitting tags.

Abstract: A process and system of energy signal detection, which improves sensitivity, performance and reliability thereof and reduces false alarms by distinguishing between noise and real signals, includes the steps of receiving a plurality of data samples and generating a predetermined number of constructed sample windows of constructed samples in time, determining a control range for each of said constructed sample windows, determining whether there is an alarm pre-condition by comparing relationship between successive constructed sample windows, and generating an output signal when the alarm pre-condition is qualified, and detecting white light for preventing false alarm created by the white light.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus transmitting/receiving data to and from other transmission apparatuses through a network includes a temperature rise detector detecting a temperature rise of the transmission apparatus and a communication controller restricting transmission from the other transmission apparatuses to the transmission apparatus when the temperature rise of the transmission apparatus is detected.

Abstract: A heat sensor activated detector having a housing, which accommodates a heat sensor, a logic device that compares the heat signal read by the heat sensor to a predetermined level and transmits an enable signal to an audible signal generator where the heat signal is outside of the predetermined level, an audible signal generator, and a power source. The heat sensor may be tuned to the body heat of the user. Also, the predetermined level may be set to a specific distance, such as three meters. Further, the detector may be attached, temporarily or permanently, to an object the user wants to protect against loss or misplacement.

Abstract: Two devices for preventing internal combustion of equipment from spreading outwards includes a sampling circuit, a detecting and monitoring circuit, and a low-voltage datum power supply. The sampling circuit includes two thermal detectors. The detecting and monitoring circuit includes a first monitoring output end and a second monitoring output end. When two thermal detectors are both normal, the first monitoring output is inactive and the second monitoring output is inactive. When one of the thermal detectors is abnormal, the first monitoring output is inactive and the second monitoring output is active. When the two thermal detectors are both abnormal, the first monitoring output is active and the second monitoring output is active. The first monitoring output is configured to turn off the power supply of a fan and the second monitoring output is configured to drive an alarm unit.

Abstract: A system for certifying provenance of an alcoholic beverage includes a radio-frequency identification tag and a server. The radio-frequency identification tag, associated with a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, periodically measures a plurality of values of an environmental condition of the bottle. The radio-frequency identification tag stores the plurality of measured values. The server receives the plurality of measured values for analysis. The server provides, via a user interface, a description of a provenance of the alcoholic beverage, the description generated responsive to an analysis of the plurality of measured values.

Abstract: A wireless-controlled detecting device includes a one-way waterproof-ventilating outer layer installed therein with a signal detector provided with a programmable IC and a sensor module. The programmable IC and the sensor module are connected and fixed in position by a soft PCB that is connected with a thin power supply unit. The wirelessly controlled detecting device is further installed with a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver for receiving the result of detection, and the wireless signal receiver is connected with a signal-indicating device for indicating the result of detection by means of lamplight, sounds, characters and vibration. The detection data can be stored in a storage device for a user to be controlled and managed.

Abstract: A mobile device (102) and method (200) is provided for reliably sending data at an increased power level which exceeds a nominal transmitter rating.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally activated electrical switch for use in simulating human activity. The invention is features dual heat sources enclosed in a thermally isolated chamber within the invention. Since the activation of the switch is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the environment, it opens and closes at sufficiently random intervals to simulate human activity. This embodiment includes the use of a photoelectric sensor to further vary timing of the switch actuation.

Abstract: Regional physical information can be entered along with automatically sensed ambient condition information into regional monitoring system. Alarm decision processing can be adjusted in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A technique for quickly determining the type of liquid in a container externally regardless of the material of the container, preferably contactlessly. A halogen heater 102 and an infrared thermopile 103 are disposed outside an electrically conductive container 101 made of aluminum, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is measured when the halogen heater 102 is off, followed by the turning-on of the halogen heater 102 for two seconds, for example. The surface temperature of the container 101 is then measured, and a difference from the previous result of measurement is calculated. If the difference is smaller than a threshold value, the liquid in the container is determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a blue lamp is activated. If the difference is greater than the threshold value, the liquid in the container cannot be determined to be a safe liquid consisting primarily of water, and a red lamp is activated, indicating abnormality.

Abstract: Two sensor units are mounted on opposite sides of a transom of a boat and directed to a common location behind the boat. The field of view of the two sensors overlaps behind the marine propulsion unit of the boat to detect the presence of a heat emitting object, such as a mammal. Housing structures contain infrared sensing elements, lenses, and light shields. Signals from four infrared sensing elements are received by a controller which reacts, with an alarm signal, when at least two of the four sensors detect a heat emitting object within their individual fields of view. False triggering can be reduced by not providing an alarm signal if only the two most inboard sensors detect the heat emitting object.

Abstract: The present invention provides very small low cost apparatus and method for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of optically monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photocurrent from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculated the CO concentration.

Abstract: A sound control system with an automatic sound receiving function is provided. The sound control system includes a sensor sensing a trigger signal; a sound receiving apparatus coupled with the sensor to initiate a receiving of a sound according to the trigger signal, and a sound control unit coupled with the sound receiving apparatus and operating according to the sound received from the sound receiving apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for establishing smoke flow paths and times of flow between a plurality of ambient condition detectors. Such information can be used in establishing, in real time, dynamically changing evacuation flow routes.