Thermal Patents (Class 340/584)
  • Patent number: 8558707
    Abstract: A temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage temperature conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined temperatures, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide high and low temperature information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple temperature conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a required storage temperature has been reached with a passive temperature-sensitive thermal cutoff fuse RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represeted by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Yoonkee Kim
  • Patent number: 8558686
    Abstract: A remote control device is disclosed and may include a memory, at least one processor, and an illumination device. The at least one processor may enable two-way communication between the remote control device and an appliance. The illumination device may cause an appearance of the remote control device to change as a function of received information. The at least one processor may receive temperature related information associated with the appliance. The illumination device may cause the appearance of the remote control device to change as a function of the received temperature related information. The memory may include a library of commands for commanding functional operations of the appliance. The remote control device may include a user interface operable to cause the at least one processor to transmit one or more of the commands to the appliance. Appearance of the remote control may change when the illumination device changes illumination colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Ellen Tave Glassman, David Farrage
  • Patent number: 8558705
    Abstract: A RF resonator for sensing a physical or an environmental parameter includes a substrate having a substrate surface. A polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) element is positioned on or within the substrate surface. The RF resonator has a resonant frequency that changes as a function of the physical or environmental parameter. A system for wirelessly sensing at least one physical or environmental parameter includes at least one RF resonator and a wireless RF reader located remotely from the RF resonator for transmitting a wide-band RF interrogation signal that excites the RF resonator. The wireless RF reader detects a sensing signal retransmitted by the RF resonator and includes a processor for determining the physical or environmental parameter at the location of the RF resonator from the sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Xun Gong, Linan An
  • Patent number: 8558706
    Abstract: A wireless electronic intercom system with integrated smoke alarm and over-temperature detection capabilities with the capability of providing audio communication between a plurality of systems is herein described. Each system is provided with a smoke detector. The alarm signal is alerted at the detecting system and at other systems connected wirelessly to it. An LCD display on the front of each system will provide information as to which building or area in which smoke has been detected. Additionally, each system is provided with a temperature sensor that can be set to alarm at specific under- and over-temperature limits that are set locally at each system. Other features include a wall mounting bracket, a power supply, a user changeable channel or frequency system, a push-to-talk (PTT) button, and a unit identification placard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jaime Yoder
  • Patent number: 8519856
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable detection and/or monitoring and/or control of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure of target body-related portions of a user operating a telecommunication device. In some embodiments a risk-assessment output is provided based on a safety threshold or predetermined intrusion level of EMR exposure. A further aspect may include interaction with external EMR sources regarding possible modification of emissions as well as possible arrangements for other types of remedial action. Some embodiments may provide travel route mapping data indicative of EMR source locations and/or irradiation values in a given locale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8519855
    Abstract: An electric receptacle apparatus with a replaceable protection module is disclosed. The electric receptacle apparatus includes a receptacle module and a protection module. The receptacle module has a body, am accommodation portion, a power input interface and a power output interface. The accommodation portion is installed inside the body and has a plurality of conductive jacks, wherein the conductive jacks are electrically connected with power input interface and the power output interface respectively. The protection module has a casing, a switch unit, a protection circuit and a plurality of conductive terminals, wherein the switch unit connects with protection circuit and the conductive terminals. Whereby, when the protection module is recessed in the accommodation portion, the conductive terminals are plugged in the conductive jacks and the switch unit controls the power input interface to be electrically connected with or electrically disconnected from the power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8519850
    Abstract: A method to analyze the spread of viral or bacterial infections in a population using remote thermal sensor data is disclosed. The method includes determining a body temperature of passengers traveling through a public transportation facility using a remote thermal sensor, storing the body temperatures of the passengers in a database, assigning at least one geographic characteristic to the stored body temperatures in the database, and comparing the body temperatures to a known normal body temperature of humans. In addition, the method includes generating an alert when the body temperatures of the passengers are above the normal body temperature to indicate an illness. The at least one geographic characteristic may be an origination location, destination location, or any combination thereof. The method also includes accessing flight information stored on a remote server, and correlating the flight information to the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Thermal Matrix USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Reinpoldt
  • Patent number: 8514088
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a temperature control switch. The temperature control switch includes a bistable resistance element. The bistable resistance element includes a low-conductivity matrix; and a number of high conductivity particles dispersed in the matrix. The bistable resistance element switches from a low resistance state to a high resistance state by receiving a temperature change applied to the bistable resistance element. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the temperature control switch and an alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Hua Hu, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8514089
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring circuit includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor, a zener diode, an alarm, a silicon controlled rectifier. A first terminal of the NTC resistor is connected to a power supply through a first resistor. A second terminal of the NTC resistor is grounded. A cathode of the zener diode is connected to a node between the NTC resistor and the first resistor. An anode is grounded through a second resistor. A first terminal of the alarm is connected to the cathode of the zener diode, and is grounded through a third and fourth resistors in series. A cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to the anode of the zener diode. An anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a second terminal of the alarm. A control terminal of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a node between the third and fourth resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8508331
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that comprises a communication unit; an output unit; and a controller configured to output at least one of a first user interface and a second user interface through the output unit, in a case of entering a high rate time slot determined based on electricity rate information received through the communication unit while outputting contents through the output unit, wherein the first user interface queries whether to continuously output the contents through the output unit and wherein the second user interface is to receive a selection associated with a replacement electronic device for outputting the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Haesoo Lee, Jaehong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130201022
    Abstract: An optical smoke detector (110) is provided that comprises a housing (112) having a base (114) for attaching the detector to a surface and a cover (116) having a side wall (124) and a bottom wall (126) defining the interior of said cover. An optical sensor (131) is provided for generating a signal representative of the detected light and a control circuit (130) is provided for controlling operation of the detector. The control circuit (130) includes a plurality of temperature sensors (D1, D2) for sensing a rise in ambient temperature and generating a signal representative thereof. The temperature sensors (D1, D2) are located above an internal surface of said bottom wall (126) within the housing and are substantially equally spaced. The control circuit (30) is operable to compare said representative signal with a reference signal and generate an alarm signal in dependence thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SPRUE SAFETY PRODUCTS LTD.
    Inventors: Peter Brigham, Stuart Hart
  • Patent number: 8502685
    Abstract: An anti-theft alarm for a liquid storage tank, said alarm comprising a housing having means for securing the housing to the storage tank, said housing containing a motion and/or vibration sensor for detecting tampering with the liquid storage tank, an alarm means and a control means for activating the alarm means in response to a signal from the motion/vibration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth McFeeters
  • Publication number: 20130194100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transponder comprising an antenna structure (31) configured to receive an incoming signal with RF power of a first frequency f1 and to retransmit the incoming signal as a transparent output signal with RF power of a second frequency f2 when hit by the incoming signal. The transponder further comprises: an amplifier (39) configured to provide an amplified transparent output signal based on the incoming signal; a frequency converter (35) configured to frequency convert the incoming signal into the transparent output signal; and a first frequency filter (33) connected to the antenna structure. The first frequency filter is tuned to the first frequency f1 to avoid amplifying incoming signals with RF power of frequencies other than the first frequency f1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: RECCO SYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Magnus Granhed, Karl-Gösta Forssén
  • Publication number: 20130194089
    Abstract: A wireless alarm for an automobile comprising a wireless carbon dioxide/smoke sensor, a wireless temperature sensor, a wireless movement sensor, at least one wireless warning electronic display, at least one wireless alarm buckle adapter, and a processor, said processor further comprising a wireless transmitter, said transmitter emitting at least one signal to the internet; wherein, said processor identifies that one of said wireless sensors is tripped and submits at least one signal to alert that a person or child is left inside the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: CESAR AUGUSTO ESTRADA
  • Publication number: 20130187781
    Abstract: A range hood with features for monitoring the temperature of a cook top located below it is provided. In one example, the range hood includes one or more temperature sensors positioned over the cook top for measuring temperature of the heating elements below. If the measured temperatures(s) exceeds one or more predetermined temperature levels, either with or without a time delay, a notification and/or other remedial response is provided to a user of the appliance. The notification can be, for example, a visual warning projected onto the cook top and/or an audible alarm. Different warnings can be provided based on different temperature levels as measured by the temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: James Carter Bach
  • Patent number: 8493212
    Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system used to provide protection of window glass and other structural elements in aircraft terminals which are exposed to exterior fires caused by natural, accidental, or intentional events comprises a directional passive microwave receiver, a central processor for processing received microwave signals over time and comparing the received signals over time with thermal event signatures stored in memory to selectively actuate a sprinkler system for protecting the window glass in the vicinity of an identified fire event. The memory may further store a model of the aircraft terminal, and the processor utilizes a fire dynamics simulator to simulate a thermal event at the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Icore and Associates, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster, David M. Banwarth
  • Patent number: 8493221
    Abstract: One embodiment involves detecting the fouling of an air filter used to filter airflow entering a computer system. An expected airflow rate is obtained from a current fan speed. An expected temperature rise between two positions is computed as a function of the expected airflow rate and the power consumption of heat-generating components, such as servers. An actual temperature rise is obtained from temperature sensors. An electronic alert is automatically generated in response to the actual temperature rise exceeding the expected temperature rise by a setpoint. Different setpoints may be used to trigger distinct electronic alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cash, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
  • Publication number: 20130169443
    Abstract: Configuring a user interface by which a user can view information regarding one or more conditions of an environment collected by an environmental monitoring system. An environmental monitoring system comprises one or more sensor units disposed in an environment and one or more servers. The servers may receive from an operator of the environment a visual representation of the environment and may identify a position in the visual representation corresponding to the location and configure a user interface to present information regarding the environment based at least in part on the positions. The user interface can be configured to display the visual representation and display information related to the first sensor unit so as to indicate a relationship between the information and the position corresponding to the location of the first sensor unit. Information identifying a location of one or more sensor units may be determined through an automated process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Schechter Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Harry J. Schechter
  • Patent number: 8477024
    Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cars-N-Kids LLC
    Inventors: Gregory B. Schoenberg, Robert S. Steffan
  • Patent number: 8477041
    Abstract: A wireless communication device and method adapted for temperature monitoring and warning is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: providing (510) a multi-mode communication device including an unrestricted mode having an unrestricted operation temperature range, a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range and a warning mode having a warning operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to the energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range, the unrestricted operation temperature range and a warning operation temperature range; and entering (540) the warning mode when in the warning operation temperature range. The warning mode can include a notification, banner or the like, to a user, to suggest that at least one active application be shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Ya-Hai Hu, Tian-Shu Hui, Dai-Ping Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130162435
    Abstract: An alarm system for a fan includes a first obtaining unit, a second obtaining unit, a storage unit, a control unit, and an alarm unit. The first obtaining unit is configured to obtain a temperature of a chip at a regular time interval. When the temperature of the chip is greater than a first predetermined value, the control unit obtains a standard speed of the fan corresponding to the temperature through the second obtaining unit, and obtains a standard speed of the fan corresponding to the temperature from the storage unit. When the number of times the speed of the fan is not in synchronization with the temperature of the CPU reaches a third predetermined value, the alarm unit sends alarm information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130154839
    Abstract: An HVAC controller may be programmed to monitor a current delta T of an HVAC system and to determine a performance level of the HVAC system based, at least in part, on one or more delta T limits stored in the memory of the HVAC controller. The HVAC controller may be further programmed to display or provide a user alert if the performance level falls outside of a normal operating range for the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Eric Barton
  • Publication number: 20130147627
    Abstract: A fire monitoring system having a first fire detector including a first passive sensor and first electronic circuitry, wherein the first passive sensor is arranged in a first fire cell and the first electronic circuitry is arranged outside the first fire cell and coupled to the first passive sensor. A method for monitoring a fire by means of a first fire detector having a first passive sensor and first electronic circuitry, the method including providing first data from the first passive sensor arranged in a first fire cell to the electronic circuitry arranged outside the first fire cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: VCFIRE SYSTEM AB
    Inventor: Conny Svenning
  • Patent number: 8462001
    Abstract: An environmental alarm sensor panel for a telecommunication cable station (TCS) is provided. The sensor panel can includes a plurality of alert sensors for measuring environmental conditions and other conditions in an equipment room of the TCS. The sensors are hard wired to an equipment interface panel for telecommunication equipment in the equipment room. The equipment interface panel is connected to the telecommunication equipment and is in communication with a network operation center (NOC), which is located remotely from the TCS and monitors the status of the TCS. According to an embodiment, the alarm sensor panel includes one or more dry contact temperature alert sensors, a humidity alert sensor, a smoke alert sensor and a power alert sensor. The sensors are configured to generate respective alert signals when selected conditions exist (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Great Eastern Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Morris
  • Publication number: 20130141243
    Abstract: A server comprises a holding chassis. The holding chassis comprises a front open end and a back open end. A cable interface area is disposed in the back open end. A fan is disposed in the front open end. The fan is configured to force air form the front open end to the back open end. The holding chassis also comprises a computer rack mounting system being configured to hold a plurality of computers. The server also comprises a blade tray being configured to be removably joined to the rack mounting system. The blade tray comprises a computer and a DC to DC power converter. The server also comprises a power supply shelf being configured to hold a power supply for the blade tray and a power supply for the fan. For alternate off-grid operation, the server may also comprises a DC power distribution box being configured to distribute DC power from external sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Watts
  • Patent number: 8451132
    Abstract: The portable heat and smoke detection system includes a detecting means that is portable and remotely located with respect to an alarming means. The alarming means informs the end user to the detection of smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide via the detecting means. The detecting means may or may not include a light and audible alarm; whereas the alarming means may include a light, audible alarm, cellular telephoning capability, text messaging capability, and/or an e-mail capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: William Van Vleet
  • Patent number: 8452323
    Abstract: A method and system for selecting a thermally optimal airlink for a portable computing device includes monitoring a temperature of the portable computing device as well as determining if the portable computing device has reached a threshold temperature range. Next, an estimated volume of data to be sent over one or more airlinks may be calculated in addition to determining an estimated duration for the data using one or more airlinks. A quality of service needed for the data in connection with the one or more airlinks may be determined. With this estimated data, one or more available airlinks for the data to be transmitted may be compared. After this comparison, one or more thermally optimal airlinks may be selected based on the estimated volume, estimated data rate, and estimated duration. Determining if the portable computing device is proximate to an operator may be used when considering airlinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jon J. Anderson, Bohuslav Rychlik
  • Publication number: 20130120149
    Abstract: Systems and methods for safe handling of information handling resources are provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided. The method may include detecting occurrence of a power down sequence and in response to detecting of the power down sequence, controlling operation of a cooling fan coupled to information handling resources based at least on a first criteria of a predetermined policy. The method may include receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal indicating a thermal property of a particular information handling resource coupled to the sensor. The method may include determining if the thermal property satisfies a second criteria of the predetermined policy, the second criteria comprising a safe temperature range for handling the particular information handling resource. If the thermal property meets the second criteria, the method may provide an alert via an indicator to a user indicating the particular information handling resource is safe for handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Stuart Allen Berke, Dominick Lovicott, Hasnain Shabbir, William K. Coxe, III
  • Patent number: 8441358
    Abstract: Temperature monitoring system for power transformers submerged in oil applied preferentially in transformers submerged in oil and it presents several facilities in the sense of becoming temperature monitoring more reliable and safe, with highlight for the redundant measurement of temperature of the top of the oil; self-calibration of the temperature measurement entrances by means of internal references and specific electronic circuits; timing between successive activation of the groups of forced cooling when the deactivation of monitoring system on screen; internal watches with auxiliary alimentation without battery; safety reinforced in the alarms signaling for elevated temperature and finally automatic adjustment of the alarm values of the temperature differential of the commuter of derivations in load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eduardo Pedrosa Santos
  • Patent number: 8441359
    Abstract: A fire distinguishing device includes: a detection device which detects an outbreak of a fire; a fire presence/absence distinguishing device which distinguishes the presence or absence of the fire; and a cumulative time determining device which determines the cumulative time required for distinguishing the presence or absence of the fire, in the fire presence/absence distinguishing device. The cumulative time determining device distinguishes an environment type of an environment where the detection device is installed, or a phenomenon type of a phenomenon being detected by the detection device, and further determines the cumulative time according to the distinguished environment type or phenomenon type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventors: Kumiko Ando, Atsushi Mammoto, Isao Asano, Hiroshi Nishizaki, Takashi Shimokawa, Sadataka Yuchi
  • Patent number: 8436736
    Abstract: A microcontroller receives color codes of pixel points in an image captured by an infrared camera. If there is a color code falling within a color code range corresponding to a warning temperature range, the microcontroller determines a location of the pixel point of the image corresponding to the color code. A block of a monitored area of the image corresponding to the location is determined. An alarm is activated and an LED (light-emitting diode) is controlled to point at the determined block to let monitoring people know which person object has an inappropriately high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8432288
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for communication. In certain aspects, an apparatus for communication includes one or more sensors configured to measure a condition external to the apparatus, a circuit configured to determine when to transmit data based on the measurement to another apparatus, wherein the determination is based on at least one parameter configurable by the another apparatus, and a transmitter configured to transmit the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory T. Bullard, Desiree D. Brake, Christopher J. Pruetting, Raymond S. Stits, Jason Tory Ryberg, Jason C. Thomas, Diane M. Winchell
  • Patent number: 8427309
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for managing other apparatuses. In certain aspects, an apparatus for managing other apparatuses includes a processing system configured to receive one or more reports from the other apparatuses, and to send a message to at least one of the other apparatuses, wherein the message instructs the at least one of the other apparatuses to configure at least one parameter that controls when the at least one of the other apparatus sends a report to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory T. Bullard, Desiree D. Brake, Christopher J. Pruetting, Raymond S. Stits, Jason Tory Ryberg, Jason C. Thomas, Diane M. Winchell
  • Publication number: 20130093580
    Abstract: A flow monitor for monitoring application of a matter through a first flow path having a first outlet and a second flow path having a second outlet. The flow monitor includes a first temperature sensing device positioned adjacent the first outlet. The first temperature sensing device produces a first temperature signal. A second temperature sensing device is positioned adjacent the second outlet. The second temperature sensing device produces a second temperature signal. A signaling device that is remote from the first outlet and remote from the second outlet is activated when the first temperature signal differs from the second temperature signal by a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: NATHAN A. CHANEY
  • Patent number: 8410944
    Abstract: A radiator detecting device of the present invention includes a radiator cap, a sensing unit, a circuit device, a warning device, and an adjusting means. One end of the sensing unit connects to the radiator cap, and another end extends toward a direction away from the radiator cap. The circuit device has a circuit board. The circuit board includes a control circuit for detecting a state of the sensing unit, and the sensing unit selectively makes the control circuit generate a suggestion signal. Once receiving the suggestion signal generated by the control circuit, the warning device generates a warning signal. The adjusting means is used for adjusting a length of the sensing unit received in the radiator. Said sensing unit can be moved with respect to the radiator between a first position and a second position. Thereby, the sensing unit can fit different depths of different radiators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Hui Hung
  • Patent number: 8405512
    Abstract: A technique is provided for accessing diagnostic information in an electronic device. In accordance with this technique, a system is provided for determining diagnostic information about a power source. In one embodiment, the system provides an interface to provide access to the diagnostic information. The system may further provide a memory, wherein the diagnostic information may be stored. The system may further be configured to provide access to the diagnostic information when the electronic device is non-operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 8400315
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a process temperature anomaly during a power outage comprising employing a power source separate from that powering the process, setting a temperature set point; sensing presence and absence of power powering the process, sensing process temperature; and indicating to users that an absence of power was sensed and that the temperature sensed during the absence of power was below (or above) the temperature set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: William Sherman
  • Patent number: 8401588
    Abstract: A dual mode human interface device (HID) includes a wireless interface for wireless communication with a host computer; a wired interface for wired communication with the host computer; and a processor coupled with the wireless interface and the wired interface for transferring data between the HID and the host computer, wherein the processor initiates establishing wireless communication with the host computer, when the HID is connected to the host computer via the wired interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Muhammad Farooq Hameed, Brian Jason Tietz, Robert William Hulvey
  • Patent number: 8400316
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer has a probe having a temperature measuring unit at its end, a temperature sensor arranged in the temperature measuring unit of the probe, a contact sensor arranged in a position shifter from the temperature measuring unit of the probe toward a thermometer body, a determining unit for determining whether a state of contact between the temperature measuring unit and a measurement target portion of a user is good or not, based on outputs of both the temperature sensor and the contact sensor, and a notifying unit for providing a notification according to a result of the determination by the determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiramatsu, Yoshihide Onishi, Masaki Tomioka, Atsuko Fukui, Daisuke Ishihara, Katsuyoshi Morita
  • Publication number: 20130063260
    Abstract: A personal thermal monitor, comprising a thermally activated circuit configured to provide a first signal when an ambient temperature is greater than a first temperature, a switch in communication with said thermally activated circuit, a controller in communication with said switch and comprising an audible alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: David M. Davis, Debra A. Davis, Kyle S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20130063269
    Abstract: A real time monitoring system of a spent fuel pool includes a detection unit configured to detect condition information using a sensor installed in the spent fuel pool; an input storage unit configured to receive and store configuration information of a spent fuel, history information related to burnup, and a normal value and a limit value of current condition information; an operation and determination unit configured to calculate the current condition information of the spent fuel by using the condition information detected by the detection unit and the configuration information and the history information stored in the input storage unit and configured to determine a risk level by comparing the current condition information with the limit value corresponding to the risk level; and a display unit configured to display the current condition information calculated by the operation and determination unit and configured to display the determined risk level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Jong LEE, Jae Don Choi, Young Baek Kim, Tae Je Kwon, Hae Chan Lee, Young Ho Park, Jae II Lee, Jung Seon An, Seoung Eun Chun, Song Kee Sung
  • Patent number: 8386102
    Abstract: In an electrically powered vehicle, a computer-controlled switching system activates relays to switch additional discrete batteries into a circuit in response to throttle level, where a processor is configured to decide what specific batteries should be present in the circuit at any given time, in response to both throttle level and a battery load balancing optimization scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Gullichsen
  • Patent number: 8381689
    Abstract: A method for examining water heater safety includes the steps of: setting a desired temperature and sensing a cold water temperature and a flow rate of water to calculate a theoretical gas consumption, and then supplying a combustor the theoretical gas consumption to heat water; sensing a hot water temperature, and calculating a temperature ratio by the desired temperature, the cold water temperature and the hot water temperature. Examining the temperature ratio may find that the water heater is abnormal or malfunctioning. An efficiency ratio may also be calculated by the theoretical gas consumption and the actual gas consumption. Examining the efficiency ratio may find that the water heater is abnormal or malfunctioning as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Kuan-Chou Lin
  • Publication number: 20130038454
    Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring change in condition. A condition indication device can include an indication area and an identification area. The indication area can include one or more of a freeze/thaw indicator, heat temperature marker or high temperature indicator. A reader reads information from the indication area and the identification area. Information is forwarded from the reader using a remote network to a remote recognition device. In one embodiment, the reader takes a picture of the indicator device and the picture is forwarded as information to the remote recognition device. A conductivity changes to solutions and/or emulsions together with color changes in the remote indicating device can remotely monitor the change in condition. The information obtained at the remote recognition device can be used to determine a status, location and time for a point in transit or storage of the condition indication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Isadore Cooperman, Robert Geissler
  • Patent number: 8373561
    Abstract: An infrared detector comprising a plurality of bolometer detectors, bias circuitry for applying a bias to the bolometer detectors, and connectors for connecting the bolometer detectors together to form a network, wherein the bolometer detectors are arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure. A method for increasing the sensitivity of an infrared detector, having a plurality of bolometer detectors arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure so as to at least partly compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the infrared detector due to conduction of thermal energy from the bolometer detectors through the environment, the method comprising at least one of the steps of connecting the bolometer detectors together in at least one of series and parallel, and operating the bolometer detectors at a DC bias current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Paul A Manning
  • Publication number: 20130033377
    Abstract: A fire detector monitors a room and triggers a fire alarm. The fire detector has a smoke sensor and a temperature sensor for measuring a smoke density and a temperature. When a temperature threshold value and/or a smoke density threshold value is exceeded an alarm is triggered. The temperature threshold value is dependent on the smoke density and/or the smoke density threshold value is dependent on the temperature. The fire detector contains a memory. A complicated evaluation as to whether the temperature or smoke density threshold value has been exceeded is avoided and the risk of false alarms is reduced due to a stored matrix. The matrix contains combination values, and one of the combination values is assigned to the measured temperature and the measured smoke density. The combination value indicates whether the temperature threshold value and/or the smoke density threshold value has been exceeded or fallen below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Winrich Hoseit
  • Patent number: 8368547
    Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the unsafe service handling temperature of an information handling system component are disclosed. A method may include sensing a surface temperature of the component and comparing the surface temperature to a first and second threshold temperatures. The method may further include displaying various temperature warning by multiple temperature indicators if the surface temperature is above or below the threshold temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart Allen Berke, Shawn P. Hoss
  • Publication number: 20130027204
    Abstract: Data center equipment location systems include hardware and software to provide information on the location, monitoring, and security of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The systems provide a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to an equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers link to a central control computer that provides an operator interface and communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags, and receives information from the tags to monitor the status of each piece of equipment. Further, the computer can activate a sensory indicator to enable a technician(s) to locate a piece of equipment that is in need of repair or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Noah Groth, Jan P. Warhuus, Krassimir Anastassov Bovadijiev
  • Patent number: 8362906
    Abstract: A remote control device includes a memory having a library of commands for commanding functional operations of an appliance and a user interface having activatable keys for causing a transmission of one or more commands to thereby command functional operations of the appliance. An illumination device is provided which causes an appearance of the remote control device to change as a function of at least one of a timing operation and temperature related functional operation of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Ellen Tave Glassman, David Farrage
  • Patent number: 8362905
    Abstract: A retractable assembly, including an assembly housing and a tubular holder for a sensor guided in the assembly housing via a stroke movement linearly between a first position and a second position, wherein the sensor ascertains a physical and/or chemical process variable in a process, wherein an on-site electronics is provided, which ascertains as an actual value, or values, information concerning at least one other state variable of the retractable assembly, the process and/or the sensor, and wherein associated with the on-site electronics is a memory unit, in which the ascertained actual value, or values, is/are stored and/or predetermined desired values are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Lohmann, Rainer Schlereth