Abstract: An alarm system is disclosed for detecting and signaling that a human or an animal is in an enclosed space such as a motor vehicle which includes a monitoring device for monitoring temperature in an enclosed space. The monitoring device may specify a minimum and/or maximum temperature, or a range of temperatures in the enclosed space. A detection device detects the presence of a human or animal in the enclosed space when an unacceptable temperature is reached. In the system disclosed, the human or animal is unable to exit the enclosed space, and a signaling device is used to communicate a signal to a receiver outside the enclosed space indicating the presence of the human or the animal in the enclosed space.

Abstract: One or more sensors may be used to detect a user's presence at a listening device. Control logic may receive signals from the sensor(s) and may perform an audio related action based on the user's presence or non-presence.

Abstract: A temperature information management system for use in vehicles, particularly commercial airliners. The system provides a sensing section, a converter section, an operations section, an archival section, and a communications section that are all functionally integrated to monitor continuous operating temperatures for an airliner. The system provides a sensing a sensing section for continuously monitoring operating temperatures in designated areas of an airliner. The sensing section generates real-time outputs of information. The system provides a converter section that translates the real-time output information into a digital data format. The system also provides an operations section that has an interface for receiving the digital data and transmits an alert regarding the operating temperatures. An archival section is provided for storing the real-time output information from the sensing section, the digital data from the converter section and the information transmitted from the operations section.

Abstract: An infant remote monitoring system utilizes a heat detector to monitor the baby temperature from breath to prevent from the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Abstract: A portable computer and mobile phone are provided. The portable computer includes a data processing module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the data processing module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the data processing module. The screen is electrically connected to the data processing module to show the environment parameter. The mobile phone includes a control module, a communication module, an environment parameter sensor and a screen. The communication module is electrically connected to the control module. The environment parameter sensor is electrically connected to the control module to transmit a sensed environment parameter to the control module. The screen is electrically connected to the control module to show the environment parameter.

Abstract: Emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher stations, fire alarm pull stations, defibrillator stations, etc.) distributed throughout a facility monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., ambient air temperature near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station. The central station transmits information about the monitored conditions to emergency response personnel (e.g., the fire department) in the event of an actual or apparent emergency.

Abstract: A system and method for registering the temperature of a person, wherein a textile product, intended to abut against the person during use, is provided with a number of temperature sensors and a registration unit for registering measurement values from the sensors. The system may be used for monitoring the state of a person, wherein a predetermined threshold condition is monitored, and an alarm signal is emitted to activate an alarm unit when the condition is fulfilled. The system may also be used for controlling physical characteristics of a foundation, such as temperature and/or hardness, based on the state of a person being present thereon.

Abstract: A security tag for electronic designs implemented on integrated circuits uses a thermal transmitter to transmit tag data to an external sensor. The security tag is activated by an activation code sent to the security tag from an external transmitter. The security tag transmits data which indicates the presence of the electronic design to the external detector, for purposes of detecting and preventing unauthorized use of the electronic design. The security tag may use changes in temperature to receive the activation code from the external transmitter, and to send the security tag data to the external sensor. The security tag may use the electronic design associated with the security tag to generate the signals used to transmit the tag data. Alternatively, the security tag may use a dedicated heat generator, such as a collection of ring oscillators, to send these signals.

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes a battery cell and a cell monitor. The 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: Provided is a cooking appliance, such as a convection cooking appliance. The appliance includes a heating element, an annunciator, and a user interface for receiving a plurality of control settings from a user. The control settings include a time setting. The appliance further includes a controller operatively connected to the user interface for provision of the plurality of control settings to the controller. The controller includes an alarm point determination section for determining an alarm point based on the time setting, an annunciator control section for controlling the annunciator based on the alarm point, wherein the annunciator produces periodic annunciations, and a repeat period determination section for determining a repeat period for the periodic annunciations.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating that a water heater has ceased to produce water at a temperature useful for sanitizing procedures. A temperature sensor is deployed at or near the water heater, such as adjacent a water line extending from the water heater. The temperature sensor provides a signal having at least one parameter that relates to the temperature of the water exiting the water heater. In the event that the temperature falls below a level useful for sanitizing procedures, an alarm is activated. The alarm may be located locally or remote.

Abstract: A remote timer, thermometer and paging system includes a first unit having a radio frequency transmitter, a housing having a recess formed therein and a timer for selecting a time period. The system includes a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit for measuring temperature. The system also includes a second unit having a radio frequency receiver adapted to communicate with the radio frequency transmitter of the first unit. The first unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit an alert signal to the second unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor matches a pre-selected temperature or when the selected time period has expired. The second unit is insertible into the recess for storage inside the first unit and is removable from the first unit for moving the second unit to a remote location away from the first unit.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code are provided for changing functionality for an electronic device. A set of signals is received from a set of sensors in the electronic device. Each signal in the set of signals includes a type of sensor from which the signal originated in the set of sensors and information detected by the set of sensors. An action is identified to be issued for the electronic device. The action is identified using the type of sensor and the information. The action is automatically initiated in the electronic device. The automatically initiated action changes the functionality for the electronic device.

Abstract: First and second thermal sensors measure the respective temperatures of portions of a surface of a structure such as an aircraft component. An alert signal is emitted if the temperatures of the surface portions are substantially different. An energy source causes heat flow within the structure. Subsurface flaws such as disbonded areas between composite layers and foreign materials obstruct heat flow within the structure and cause proximate surface portions to exhibit different temperatures. A non-alert signal may be emitted if the temperatures of proximate surface portions are essentially the same.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a detection system may include at least one sensor located in an enclosable space, each sensor being configured to detect at least one environmental feature and provide a corresponding at least one environmental feature signal; means for processing the at least one environmental feature signal and providing at least one processed feature signal, the at least one processed feature signal corresponding to a transformed at least one environmental feature signal; a hosted function configured to provide instructions to the processing means, the hosted function comprising a computational algorithm adapted to perform numerical transformation operations based on the at least one environmental feature signal, the hosted function being configured to provide a map image based on the at least one processed feature signal; and a means for displaying the map image.

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: 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: A sensing device is provided. The sensing device includes two or more sensors for sensing one or more physical properties. A first sensor draws a first electrical signal, and similarly, a second sensor draws a second electrical signal. The first and second electrical signals correspond to values of the physical properties sensed by the respective first and second sensors. The sensing device further includes an electrical circuit connected to the first and second sensors. The electrical circuit draws a third electrical signal. The electrical circuit is configured such that the total electrical signal drawn by the sensing device is proportional to either the first or the second electrical signal, whichever has a higher value.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus usable with ambient condition detectors includes first and second mounting bases spaced apart axially along a common center line. Respective detectors can be coupled to the bases as required in a specific installation.

Abstract: A driving control device of a motor includes a temperature sensing circuit, a comparing circuit, a rotation speed control circuit and a driving circuit. The temperature sensing circuit detects an environmental temperature for generating a sensing signal. The comparing circuit is electrically connected to the temperature sensing circuit, and compares the sensing signal with a reference voltage signal for outputting a comparing signal. The rotation speed control circuit is electrically connected to the comparing circuit and has a first threshold voltage and a second threshold voltage, both of which are compared with the comparing signal for outputting a rotation speed control signal. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the rotation speed control circuit, and generates a driving signal to drive the motor in accordance with the rotation speed control signal.

Abstract: A climate control system having two or more stages of cooling operation or heating operation is provided for supplying conditioned air to a plurality of zones within a space, where the climate control system comprises a plurality of controllable zone dampers for controlling the supply of conditioned air to each of the plurality of zones, and a plurality of zone temperature sensors for periodically sensing temperature at preset intervals and transmitting sensed temperature information when the temperature of the zone has changed by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether a decrease in the temperature readings exceeds or is equal to a predetermined threshold in order to activate the backlight. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A control device of a fan system includes a temperature sensing module, a comparing module and a driving module. The temperature sensing module senses an external temperature and generates a sensing signal according to the external temperature. The comparing module receives the sensing signal and outputs a comparing signal according to the sensing signal and a reference voltage signal. The driving module, which is electrically connected with the temperature sensing module and the comparing module, supplies a working voltage to the temperature sensing module and the comparing module, and outputs a rotating speed control signal according to the sensing signal or the comparing signal.

Abstract: A digital thermometer is provided that gives audible feedback when the thermometer is properly positioned and can give audible directions to reposition the thermometer and start the process again when the thermometer ceases to be properly positioned. A probe has a temperature sensor at a first end adapted to be inserted into the mouth and under the tongue, and a housing portion at the second end. A display component displays the measured temperature. An audio component plays music while the probe is properly positioned and issues a command to try again when the probe ceases to be properly positioned. Electronic circuitry receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, translates the signal into a value representative of the measured temperature, and provides the translated value to the display for displaying the temperature. Electronic circuitry also detects improper positioning of the probe by detecting a rapid decrease in temperature at the temperature sensing end.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of verifying the proper working of a transponder mounted on a rotating mobile element of a vehicle, characterized in that it includes the steps of: a) measuring a temperature value by means of a temperature sensor connected to the transponder; b) detecting breach of a overheat threshold; c) a monitoring operation carried out by a reader arranged in the vehicle and provided for communicating with the transponder, consisting in executing a command on one of the temperature sensitive elements of the transponder; d) the reader determining the state of the transponder as a function of the response or absence of any response to the command to be executed: (i) if the response is correct, the transponder is operational; (ii) if the response is incorrect, or in the absence of any response, the transponder is not operational.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.

Abstract: A voice alarm system, coupled to a fire monitoring system responds to received wireless signals. The signals can be emitted by a portable wireless control unit that can be carried or worn by first responders.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an electronics system comprises obtaining temperature information via at least one component of the electronics system, and communicating the temperature information from the at least one component to a manager of the electronics system via a wireless communication pathway independent of the components of electronics system.

Abstract: A thermometer includes a circuit board disposed in a housing, a detector attached to the circuit board for detecting a temperature signal of a user, a processor device attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the detector for receiving the detected temperature signal of the user from the detector, and a displayer attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the processor device for displaying the detected temperature signal of the user. A warning device may be attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the processor device for generating a warning signal when the user is detected to be over-heated for allowing the user to be taken care of as early as possible.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus for generating a sensing signal for indicating whether the temperature is higher or lower than a first threshold includes a bipolar junction transistor and a resistor. The bipolar junction transistor has a base terminal receiving a first constant voltage, an emitter terminal receiving a second constant voltage, and a collector terminal connecting to a node. The resistor is coupled between the node and a supply voltage. The first threshold is a value corresponding to the difference between the first and second constant voltages. The signal at the node is outputted to generate the sensing signal, which indicates the temperature is higher than the first threshold if the sensing signal is lower than a second threshold, and indicates the temperature is lower than the first threshold if the sensing signal is higher than the second threshold.

Abstract: An RFID device includes an analog block configured to receive a radio frequency signal so as to output an operation command signal, a digital block configured to output an address, a temperature address, an operation control signal, and a temperature sensor activation signal in response to the operation command signal received from the analog block and to provide a corresponding response signal into the analog block. The device further includes a memory block configured to receive the address, the temperature address, and the operation control signal so as to generate an internal control signal for controlling the internal operation, and to read/write data in a cell array including a non-volatile ferroelectric capacitor in response to the internal control signal, and a temperature sensor processing unit configured to detect a temperature change state of an RFID tag in response to the temperature sensor activation signal.

Abstract: A method of regulating wireless sensor network energy use includes establishing a wireless sensor network having at least one access point node, and having a plurality of sensor nodes defining a sensing region; identifying at least one environment parameter related to an environment of the sensing region that is needed to make an operational decision; and adjusting data collection from the plurality of sensor nodes based on the at least one environment parameter to adjust a power consumption of at least one sensor node of the plurality of sensor nodes.

Abstract: The present invention is a battery powered, portable microprocessor based early warning alarming ashtray. It provides the smoker two different time limited unattended cigarette alarms, as well an alarm for a tipped ashtray; an alarm for a bumped ashtray; an alarm based on nearby or lower elevation smoke by either of the two smoke detection devices; and a low power alarm. It offers “full protection” for most of the likely scenarios encountered by smokers that could result in a fire. Emptying of the ashtray by tipping overrides and disables the tipping alarm momentarily. Since the apparatus is microprocessor controlled, the timing intervals and magnitude of the different alarm notifications can be preprogramed as well as the sensitivity of the smoke detector devices.

Abstract: A method for data connectivity in a room with a robotic device. In the method, at least one condition is detected with a plurality of sensors and the detected at least one condition is communicated from the sensors to associated access points. One or more of the access points are selected and the robotic device is maneuvered to a location in a vicinity of one or more of the selected access points. The detected at least one condition is communicated from one or more of the selected access points to the robotic device. In addition, the robotic device is maneuvered to a location in a vicinity of a base station and the detected at least one condition is communicated from the robotic device to the base station.

Abstract: The electronic thermometer of this invention includes a supporting portion which supports the vicinity of the periphery on one face of a vibration plate, and a buzzer cover having plasticity of pressing the vibration plate against the supporting portion by pressing the vicinity of the periphery of the other face of the vibration plate and further includes a mechanism which presses the vicinity of the center of the buzzer cover on an opposite side to a side provided with the vibration plate in the buzzer cover so as to flex the buzzer cover, thereby pressing the vicinity of the periphery on the other face of the vibration plate with elastic reaction force of the buzzer cover.

Abstract: A monitor can sense the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of an enclosure containing electrical power equipment. The monitor has a case adapted for mounting at the enclosure. Also included is a first and a second sensor for producing a first signal and a second signal, respectively. The first sensor is mounted at the case and is adapted for insertion through an opening in the enclosure. The second sensor is adapted to sense temperature at a location remote from the first sensor. Specifically, the case is mounted so that one of the sensors is inside the enclosure and the other is outside. The monitor also includes an alarm system mounted at the case and coupled to the first and the second sensor for producing a warning signal in response to the first and the second signals from the first and the second sensor signifying a temperature difference exceeding a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An advanced food and/or drink organization and/or handling system that greatly facilitates food management and handling to help streamline household operations as relate to foods and related functions and events.

Abstract: A method and corresponding software for automatically validating a computer platform thermal solution. An application program is employed to selectively execute thermal stress code to cause the platform's processor to dissipate an amount of power corresponding to a predetermined value, such as a thermal design power dissipation value specified by the processor's manufacturer. In one embodiment, tests are performed while operating at this power dissipation level to determine if a thermal overload condition exists, which may be determined by the processor's temperature, an indication that the processor is throttled, or a signal provided by the processor indicating the processor has detected a thermal overload condition. In another embodiment, a thermal resistance value is calculated based on the processor power dissipation, the temperature of the processor, and the ambient temperature of the test environment.

Abstract: A control unit for a microscope, a stereomicroscope, or an industrial image processing machine is described, to which at least three lighting units, e.g. for incident light-bright field illumination, incident light-dark field illumination, and for transmitted light illumination, are connected. Respective lighting units are simultaneously controlled according to user commands, e.g. for interval control to simulate a moving light source. The user commands can be input by function keys and/or a foot switch and/or stored in a memory provided in the control unit. Alternatively or in addition, the control unit can receive command statements from an external computer connected via an interface or control signals from an external camera. The control unit detects temperatures of the lighting units and shuts off a lighting unit or generates a warning signal when its temperature becomes excessive.

Abstract: A method of protecting a rotating device, loaded by temperature of a machine tool with one temperature sensor on that device and a temperature bloc, comprising the steps of inputting specific parameters in the temperature bloc, estimating a value for the device temperature increase caused by the activity of the device and measuring the temperature of the device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric connector module (C) is disclosed which comprises input (2) and output (1E) connectors and contains signal conditioning circuitry (1C). The input connectors (2) are interfaced with a hand-held detector (7), and the output connectors (1E) are connected to signal-utilising apparatus (11). The module does not contain a battery but receives its power supply for the conditioning circuitry from the signal-utilising apparatus supplied via the output connectors (1E). In this way, the module may be miniaturised, making it particularly suitable for mounting directly on a hand-held temperature detector or probe. Since the connector does not have to be opened for a battery replacement, it can be permanently hermetically sealed, providing resistance to dirt, dust, moisture, water and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a temperature of a structure, comprising: one or more electrically conductive loops adapted to be affixed to the structure, each including first and second elongate connection strips each made of a first metal composition having a first melting point, and a temperature sensitive band connected between the first and second connection strips and made of a second metal composition having a second melting point less than the first melting point. The apparatus further comprises a monitor, connected to respective ends of the first and second connection strips spaced-apart from the temperature sensitive band, configured to detect an open-circuit in the one or more electrically conductive loops caused when the temperature sensitive band separates from either of the connection strips.

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 indicator(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale.

Abstract: In a flammable vapor sensor-based shut-off system of a fuel-fired water heater the sensor resistance output signal degradation caused by aging of the sensor is automatically compensated for using an operational timer having an output signal indicative of the total life of the sensor subsequent to its installation on the water heater. In one embodiment of the system, a resistance adjustment signal having a magnitude related in a predetermined manner to the timer output signal is created and added to the sensor resistance output signal. In another embodiment, the timer output signal is used to appropriately adjust the minimum-maximum received sensor signal magnitude range, based on the installed age of the sensor, which will preclude combustion in the appliance. Additionally, in each embodiment thereof the system is provided with an improved initial minimum-maximum sensor signal magnitude range. Other types of shut-off gas sensors may be alternatively utilized.

Abstract: A serial communication system includes an integrated circuit having a master serial interface; and a processor having a slave serial interface coupled to the master serial interface through a clock signal line and a data signal line. The slave serial interface is responsive to a read temperature command issued by the master serial interface to return a first temperature value associated with the processor.

Abstract: A thermal sensor is provided, which is distinguished in that it includes means for removing a deposit on a sensing element of the sensor. In addition, means for detecting the deposit may be provided. The means for removing the deposit are realized by a trigger circuit for the sensing element, which brings about heating of the sensing element. In addition, a reference sensing element may be utilized as well, which is used both for indirect heating and for checking the sensing element. Due to the use of a catalytic layer on the sensing element, a deposit may be removed at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A system for detecting water leaks is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of sensors, selected from a moisture sensor, a water level sensor, and/or a water temperature sensor. A processor collects moisture readings from the sensors. In one embodiment, the processor reports a possible water leak when a moisture sensor detects moisture above a moisture threshold value. In one embodiment, the processor report a water leak when the water level reading exceeds a water threshold value and/or when the temperature reading exceeds a temperature threshold value.

Abstract: Determining cook-off time for a weapon is disclosed. A method determines a first barrel temperature next to a first energetic, such as a propellant charge, of ammunition within a gun barrel, and determines a second barrel temperature next to a second energetic, such as an explosive charge, of the ammunition. If the ammunition did not properly fire, the method determines a first cook-off time of the first energetic based on the first temperature next to the first energetic and the first energetic's type, and a second cook-off time of the second energetic based on the second temperature next to the second energetic and the second energetic's type. The first and second times may be determined by using one or more finite-difference heat transfer models. If either or both of the first and second times are less than a threshold, a warning-related action is performed to users of the weapon.

Abstract: The Alarm Shut Off System is an invention that will detect when there is smoke and shut off the supply of gas or electric power from the appliance to prevent the smoke from growing into a fire. This invention will save lives and property.

Abstract: An electronic system may comprise a variable speed fan, a first source coupled to the fan, and a second source coupled to the fan. Either of the first or second sources may control the speed of the fan.