Thermal Patents (Class 340/584)
  • Publication number: 20120119914
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a power supply unit configured to supply power by a resonance frequency for magnetic resonance; a power transmission resonance coil capable of magnetic resonance with a power reception resonance coil in the resonance frequency, the power transmission resonance coil being configured to supply the power from the power supply unit as magnetic field energy caused by the magnetic resonance; a temperature detector provided in the power transmission resonance coil; and a control unit configured to refer to a table stored in a memory expressing an allowable temperature range, determine whether a detected temperature detected by the temperature detector at an elapsed time is within the allowable temperature range at the elapsed time, and stop an operation of the power supply unit when the detected temperature is not within the allowable temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Uchida
  • Publication number: 20120119913
    Abstract: A control circuit includes a temperature detection circuit, a comparison circuit, and an alarm circuit. The temperature detection circuit detects the temperature of a first socket and outputs a first temperature signal correspondingly. The comparison circuit compares the temperature signal with a reference temperature signal corresponding to a reference temperature, and outputs a control signal according to the comparison result. The alarm circuit alerts the users according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SONG YU, ZUO-LIN HOU
  • Patent number: 8174396
    Abstract: An apparatus for visually communicating to a pilot in the cockpit of a parked aircraft the status of a preconditioned air (PCA) unit associated with the gate has an electrically controlled PCA indicator box positioned so that it is visible to the pilot in the cockpit. The PCA indicator box has a first appearance when the preconditioned air unit is not operating and a second appearance when the preconditioned air unit is operating. A method of assisting aircraft operators to reduce fuel costs and emissions of an aircraft parked at a gate includes mounting to the gate an electrical PCA indicator and electrically coupling it to a preconditioned air unit at the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Twist, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Schrinner, David K. McIntire, James Dillon
  • Patent number: 8164434
    Abstract: A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Kalyanaraman Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 8159341
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to a set of current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: THORAD Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Jay Waugh
  • Publication number: 20120086572
    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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YING-CHUAN TSAI
  • Patent number: 8155922
    Abstract: Changes in equipment cooling performance may be detected by indirectly measuring cooling performance by way of a cooling efficiency indicator. An operating cooling efficiency indicator is calculated as a ratio between equipment electrical power consumption and a temperature differential between the equipment and an ambient temperature. The operating cooling efficiency indicator is compared to a baseline cooling efficiency indicator to detect changes in cooling performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David Glenn Loucks
  • Patent number: 8138929
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for protecting data in a non-volatile storage device and a computer thereof. The computer includes a non-volatile storage device, a temperature sensing unit, and a controller. The temperature sensing unit is disposed at the non-volatile storage device to sense a sensed temperature of the non-volatile storage device and to compare the sensed temperature with a predetermined temperature. The controller is coupled with the temperature sensing unit. When the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the controller makes the computer enter into a hibernation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Wei Yen, Chih-Hsiung Lin, Jing-Rung Wang
  • Publication number: 20120056748
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing sensory feedback to users of microwave oven or other thermal process stream device indicating operation in an interpretive language architecture mode. An indication is received through a device data entry mechanism that the interpretive language architecture mode of the device is to be initiated. Sensory feedback is provided indicating that the device is operating in the interpretive language architecture mode and that input data comprising a predetermined code for interpretation by the interpretive language architecture is expected. The sensory feedback may comprise flashing or illumination of specific keys on a keypad of the device data entry mechanism and may continue through entry of the input data comprising the predetermined code until completion of the resulting thermal process in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: MICROWAVE SCIENCE JV, LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. Drucker
  • Patent number: 8129873
    Abstract: A coolant flow reduction monitoring system for a rotary electric machine having stator coils within a plurality of slots of a stator thereof is provided. The stator coils are cooled by a coolant flowing in a plurality of passages provided in the stator coils. The system includes an outlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant outlet temperature of the coolant in an outlet of at least one of the plurality of passages, a slot temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in at least one slot at a location along a length of each slot and outside of the stator coils, and an inlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant inlet temperature of the coolant. A coolant flow reduction monitor generates an alarm indicating a coolant flow reduction based on the at least one coolant outlet temperature, the at least one slot temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electronic Company
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Rai, Nicola Piccirillo, Subrat Kumar Sahoo, Ravikumar Sandrana
  • Patent number: 8130102
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thu Hien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120038482
    Abstract: A temperature displaying device for faucets includes a pipe, a control unit, a temperature sensing unit coupled to the pipe, a display unit, a sound alert unit, and a power supply module. The pipe is connected to a water outlet end of a faucet or disposed inside a tube of the faucet. The temperature sensing unit senses temperature of water running through the pipe and feeds back a sensing signal to the control unit, allowing the control unit to drive the display unit to display water temperature and drive the sound alert unit to give a sound alert. Accordingly, the temperature displaying device for faucets displays water temperature and gives an alert in response to high water temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SAYDOEASY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kai-Hsi Lee
  • Patent number: 8115645
    Abstract: A thermal detection method comprises steps of providing a rotation device, disposing a thermal sensor on the rotation device, rotating the rotation device, and using the thermal sensor to detect a temperature of an object without contacting the object. A thermal detecting system comprises a rotation device and a thermal sensor disposed on the rotation device for detecting a temperature of an object without contacting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lu, Hsin-Dar Tang, Shih-Min Tzeng, Wu-Chi Ho, Huei-Shyang You
  • Patent number: 8117009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: L-3 Communications
    Inventors: Marc Worthington, Noah Desch, David Lawson, Scott Colegrove
  • Publication number: 20120036461
    Abstract: A communications system for emergency services personnel can include portable devices to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each may have at least a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and the portable devices are configured to communicate with one another. The system may also include a portable gateway apparatus. The portable gateway apparatus may have a portable computer having a graphical user interface (GUI) and a PCMCIA or smaller card that itself includes at least a first radio. The first radio is configured to communicate over the first network to obtain status information from the portable devices carried by the emergency services personnel. The GUI is configured to communicate with the PCMCIA card to display a node map indicating communication links between the portable devices carried by the emergency services personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Craig Michael Parkulo, Julie Marshall
  • Publication number: 20120025994
    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: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Morris
  • Patent number: 8106784
    Abstract: A combination smoke and heat detector which allows, in spite of a simple structure, light emitted from an indication lamp to be visually confirmed from a wide range of directions. The combination smoke and heat detector (100) includes a body base (10), a printed circuit board (1), a thermosensitive element (2), a dark chamber (3), an indication lamp (4) mounted to the printed circuit board (1), a protective cover (30), and a bar-like light guide (5) for guiding light emitted from the indication lamp (4) to the outside of the protective cover (30). The light guide (5) passes through a light guide through-hole (35) formed in the protective cover (30) so as to be mounted therein, with one end surface thereof facing the indication lamp (4), and another end surface thereof protruding to the outside of the protective cover (30) by a height substantially equal to or larger than a protruding height of the dark chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Katou, Takashi Itou, Kenichi Katou
  • Publication number: 20120013471
    Abstract: A system for detecting an improperly secured busway joint in an electrical distribution busway includes a busway joint parameter sensor, a transmission circuit and a remote computer. The busway joint parameter sensor is disposed so as to sense a selected parameter of the busway joint. The transmission circuit is in data communication with the busway joint parameter sensor and is configured to transmit real time busway joint parameter data. The remote computer is in data communication with the transmission circuit and is configured to present an indication upon detection of abnormal real time busway joint parameter data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: JONES GROUP FORENSIC ENGINEERS
    Inventor: David L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8098167
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed is provided with detection components for determining meteorological conditions. The detection components comprise sensors for determining temperature, air velocity, gas, analysis, light, air pressure, and air humidity. The detection sensors are disposed at different heights on the vehicle and on a telescopic carrier for providing determinations at variable altitudes. The vehicle includes a data processing unit for storing and analyzing data. The vehicle also includes a transmitting unit and signaling device for transfer of data and for alerting an operator of threatening meteorological conditions and when they become hostile. Composition and quantity of feed which is provided to animals in the stable is varied dependent on changes in climate detected by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lely Enterprises AG
    Inventor: Franciscus Theodorus Cornelis Geerts
  • Publication number: 20120010845
    Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having one or more detectors, comprising a plurality of temperature detectors operable to measure a temperature of an object or a medium, a presence detector operable to detect the presence of the object or medium, and a pressure detector operable to measure a pressure of the medium. The multi-sensor component also comprises a sensor monitor operably coupled to the detectors of the sensor assembly and configured to use a detection algorithm operable to detect one or more of the temperature, pressure and presence of the object or medium, the sensor monitor configured to verify a health of the one or more detectors of the sensor assembly, and also comprises a sensor housing or thermo-well or combination thereof having the sensor assembly and the sensor monitor affixed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: R.W. Beckett Corporation
    Inventors: John Bohan, Christopher Fildes, Tim Beight
  • Publication number: 20120007742
    Abstract: A consumer electronics device can be thermally managed using forced convection. In one embodiment, the present invention includes such a consumer electronics device having a heat sink thermally coupled to a heat source. The device also includes a power supply configured to power an ion wind fan, and an ion wind fan electrically coupled to the power supply. In one embodiment, the electric coupling is temporary using a non-permanent electrical connector, and electrical contact occurs when the ion wind fan is removably retained by a retention mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Ventiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott L. GOOCH, Brian D. Sawyer, Wei-Min Jeff Wang
  • Patent number: 8094030
    Abstract: A fire detection system comprises a detection unit (2A) able to measure an electrical quantity between a first (BOA) and a second (B1A) terminal, and a first detector (11A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) and able to form a first value of the electrical quantity in a determined state of the first detector, for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a first zone (Z). A second detector (12A) connected to the first and second terminals (BOA, B1A) is able to form a second value of the electrical quantity in said determined state, that is to say for example in the event of the detecting of a fire in a second zone, and a third value of the electrical quantity in another state different from the determined state, that is to say for example during normal operation. The first value and the third value are different from the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Laurent Escaich
  • Publication number: 20110316706
    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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cash, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
  • Publication number: 20110309938
    Abstract: A method of providing an electronic monitoring or controlling device with a uniform and comprehensive programming interface as a means for accessing, either individually or in subgroups, various parameters, for the purposes of programming device operation, performing system diagnostics, or for activation, deactivation, selection or changing of other device functions. Said monitoring or controlling device includes user input means such as an individual switch or a plurality of switches, user output means such as a single or multi-digit digital readout, a microcontroller, and various electronic devices and sensors necessary for the device to perform its desired function. Said uniform and comprehensive programming interface provides a means for utilization of the aforementioned user input and output means for selecting, changing and displaying parameter choices, while at the same time, because of its architecture, being inherently secure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Olsen, Henry B. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110309939
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a monitoring unit and method for monitoring and/or signaling or visualizing a plurality of operating parameters of a gas-insulated switchgear system, where a current and voltage supply unit are located in the housing of the monitoring unit. At least one measurement cell capturing the density or the pressure of a protective gas present in the gas chamber of the gas-insulated switchgear system is also included in the monitoring unit. A processing unit processing the parameters captured by the measurement cell. The monitoring unit also includes a unit for measuring partial discharge and/or a unit for capturing an arc fault arising in the gas chamber of the switchgear system, and an interface for transferring analog and/or digital values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Jürgen GLOCK, Klaus Hendrichs, Lothar Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20110291843
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for detecting a fire, which apparatus includes at least one alarm signalling device and at least one detecting unit, and wherein the apparatus interacts with a switchboard. The invention is designed to achieve early warning when abnormal condition occurs in a switchboard, and where an alarm unit can be detached without access to the switchboard power supply. This can be achieved if the apparatus is located in a recess in the cover where the apparatus is connected to the switchboard with at least one connector, and where the connector at least provides power to the apparatus. Hereby it is achieved that the Fire alarm apparatus can be directly removed from the switchboard front without in any way interfering with the electrical installation. Especially when the apparatus is supplied with low voltage through the connector, it will be easy to remove and possibly replace the fire alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Keld Gade Andersen
  • Patent number: 8062575
    Abstract: A computer based detecting system that detects a defective tire assembly during the curing process is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected to a processor of the computer system and further connected to each hose that is connected between a tire assembly inside an autoclave, and an external manifold of the autoclave. The processor receives data input from each of the temperature sensors and decodes the data to determine the current temperature of each sensor and simultaneously calculates the average temperature of all the temperature sensors connected. The processor compares the temperature reading of each station with the average temperature and notifies should the difference between the temperature average and temperature sensor reading equal or is greater than a selected temperature deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Tom Raben
  • Patent number: 8065098
    Abstract: A method, via a processor, of forecasting energy usage including selecting a plurality of reference days with at least one feature matching a corresponding feature of a day to be forecasted and filtering the plurality of reference days with a humidity filter to identify at least one matching reference day. The at least one matching reference day is associated with a correlation coefficient greater than or equal to a minimum correlation coefficient, and a minimum number of humidity values within a range of corresponding humidity values of the day to be forecasted. The method also includes retrieving energy load values and corresponding temperature values corresponding to the at least one matching reference day, calculating a plurality of regression coefficients of a polynomial equation linking the temperature values to the energy load values, and calculating and storing a forecasted load value of the day to be forecasted according to the polynomial equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Shruti Gautam
  • Publication number: 20110279278
    Abstract: The monitoring and early warning alarm system for high voltage insulator failure provides an early predictor for high voltage insulator failure, allowing repairmen to either already be on site when a high voltage insulator fails in order to expedite repair time, or allowing repair and/or replacement of a faulty insulator before the failure actually occurs. The monitoring and early warning alarm system includes a housing adapted for mounting on a high-voltage power line in proximity to a high voltage insulator associated therewith. A temperature sensor, a contamination sensor, a humidity sensor, or combinations thereof are mounted on the housing and the measured ambient temperature, pollutant contamination and humidity are compared with pre-selected threshold values of temperature, humidity and pollutant contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Munir A. Al-Absi, Salam A. Zummo, Uthman A. Baroudi
  • Publication number: 20110279352
    Abstract: For use in an imaging system having a plurality of adjacent display units, the improvement comprising a thermal actuator in at least one of the display units for moving a screen thereof away from a chassis thereof when the said display unit exceeds a predetermined temperature, so as to prevent mechanical interference between the adjacent display units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Dan Adema, Bryan Hemphill, Les Hirst
  • Publication number: 20110276297
    Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring and inspecting food safety is disclosed. The system adopts insert and use concept that only requires an initial push on a button to begin its function. The system provides visual alert for different conditions if food products are in unsafe status. The system is pre-calibrated during manufacture without complicated or multi-step calibration or recalibration procedures during application. The system relies on modern surface-mount microprocessor technology that enables long-term calibration stability along with very low power consumption for extended battery life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Benjamin Brock, David Conn
  • Publication number: 20110267197
    Abstract: In a distributed computing system including a nodes organized for collective operations: initiating, by a root node through an active message to all other nodes, a collective operation, the active message including an instruction to each node to store operating parameter data in each node's send buffer; and, responsive to the active message: storing, by each node, the node's operating parameter data in the node's send buffer and returning, by the node, the operating parameter data as a result of the collective operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles J. Archer, James E. Carey, Matthew W. Markland, Philip J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8049620
    Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver arrays can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver arrays can be placed inside a wall made of non-metallic substance and capable of passively receiving frequencies at less than 3 GHz. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Publication number: 20110260874
    Abstract: An apparatus (30, 50, 60) for protection against fire in an electrical system (10) at connection points for electrical cables (510) comprises at least one thermal element (50) which is operable to register and warn in response to increased temperature in the electrical cables (510) or in one or more electrical elements (30) whereat the cables (510) are coupled. A fire warning unit (60) is coupled in operation to the at least one thermal element (50) for sending a warning in an event that the thermal element (50) measures an increase in temperature above a temperature threshold. Use of the thermal element (60) makes in possible to detect early melting or fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Gassmann
  • Patent number: 8029189
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer and a method of monitoring wind resistance changes. The computer comprises a wind resistance change monitoring device, the device comprising: one or more first temperature sensors, located at one or more positions inside the computer where an actual ambient temperature can be monitored, and configured to sense one or more ambient temperatures as first temperature; one or more heaters, located at the front end of a cooling duct of the computer, and configured to work at a rated power; one or more second temperature sensors, located corresponding to the one or more heaters, and configured to sense one or more temperatures of the one or more heaters as second temperature; and a control module configured to determine whether the wind resistance of the computer has changed or not based on a comparison of the relationship between the first and second temperature with the relationship between a predetermined ambient temperature and a predetermined heater temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Beijing Lenovo Software Ltd., Lenovo (Beijing) Limited
    Inventors: Boyong Xin, Jun Wang
  • Patent number: 8024077
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and computer program product for implementing a smart transformer, comprising a processor, and a balancing algorithm residing on the processor, wherein the balancing algorithm is stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer executable program code embodied thereon, the computer executable program code configured to cause the system to monitor and control an electric customer load and generation in order to optimize the performance of a distribution transform wherein the processor receives a plurality of system inputs and uses the balancing algorithm to determine a rating of the transformer and an amount of customer load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: San Diego Gas & Electric Company
    Inventors: William Vincent Torre, Amanda Louise Myers, Michael James Colburn
  • Patent number: 8022832
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: EProvenance, LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Vogt, Ruth Churchill
  • Patent number: 8018337
    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. Here a human operator may listen to the signals in the audio file and take appropriate action, such as calling the location of the alarm for verification or contacting a professional first responder(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fireear Inc.
    Inventors: Russell K. Jones, Jean-Marc Patenaude
  • Publication number: 20110215919
    Abstract: A power monitor for an electrically powered device provides audible and/or visual alarms in the event of a power failure in a particular branch circuit. A timer records the duration of the power outage and reports the result on a built-in display. Optional performance sensors may monitor and report the condition of the electrically powered device being monitored. A representative embodiment is a monitor for a refrigerator/freezer. A temperature sensor in each of the two compartments triggers an alarm if pre-set temperature limits are exceeded. The power monitor comprises an internal, rechargeable battery which powers the device during a power outage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Ray Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20110215936
    Abstract: A system includes a controller configured to receive a signal from a thermal radiation sensor indicative of a temperature of a region including at least one fluid passage. The controller is also configured to detect a leak within the at least one fluid passage based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adil Ansari, Rahul Jaikaran Chillar
  • Patent number: 8013748
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the temperature and slope of a wafer is presented, and the steps of the method comprises: (a) providing a cooling machine, a monitoring system, a sensing module, and a wafer; (b) cooling the wafer by the cooling machine; (c) sensing all regions of the wafer by the sensing module, and detecting the temperature and slope of the wafer relative to the cooling machine; (d) if the wafer's temperature is higher than a set temperature, the monitoring system outputs a first alarm signal, if the wafer's slope is greater than a set slope, the monitoring system outputs a second alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Inotera Memories, Inc.
    Inventors: Chi-Fen Chen, Jen Jui Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110210843
    Abstract: The sensor network may include a location capture processing unit; and a plurality of sensors in communication with the location capture processing unit. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors includes a controller and a RF receiver configured to receive RF signals. The RF receiver is in communication with the controller. A localization engine is configured to receive beacon signals transmitted by other sensors in the sensor network. The localization engine is in communication with the controller. The controller of each of the plurality of sensors is further configured to determine a position of its respective sensor using either RF receiver or localization engine or both. The plurality of sensors communicates their position to the location capture processing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ANDREW LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Kummetz
  • Publication number: 20110210844
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring an electrical cable, wherein a sensor, which is mounted in contact with the electrical cable, monitors at least one characteristic of the electrical cable, and reports an alert when a monitored level of the at least one characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition. A termination unit, which is located within a predetermined distance from the sensor, receives a reported alert from the sensor and transmits the reported alert to a remote user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: NSTAR Electric & Gas Corporation
    Inventor: Swapan Kumar Dey
  • Publication number: 20110210854
    Abstract: A building alarm system detector arrangement, comprising a system detector base, at least one detector, and at least one interface, wherein the interface is adapted to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between the system detector base and the at least one detector a plurality of the detector and between a plurality of the at least one detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Chris Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110197580
    Abstract: A control system for an engine that includes a turbocharger includes a restriction estimation module and an engine protection module. The restriction estimation module estimates restriction of airflow through an air filter of the engine based on a comparison between measured and modeled temperatures at an outlet of a compressor of the turbocharger. The engine protection module, based on the estimated airflow restriction, at least one of controls turbocharger boost, controls turbocharger airflow, controls a fueling rate of the engine, and generates a warning signal for a driver of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Yun Xiao, Brent T. Deep
  • Publication number: 20110193700
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator controls access to a secured area which houses vehicles. The movable barrier operator is operable to move a movable barrier from an open to a closed position. A sensor controls the operation of a service-providing device through the controller of a movable barrier operator or by direct communication to a controller for the service-providing device. The sensing device senses whether a vehicle is present in the secured area. The sensor is operatively connected to the moveable barrier operator and is used to control the operation of at least one service-providing device without necessarily effecting movement of a barrier by the movable barrier operator. Operation of the service-providing device is effected upon sensing whether a vehicle is present in the secured area to effect an operation of the service-providing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Jeremy E. Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20110193709
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a temperature sensing module, a determination module, and a warning module. The temperature sensing module detects a body temperature. The determination module determines whether the body temperature is beyond a predetermined temperature. The warning module sends a warning when the body temperature is beyond a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: ZHI-PENG MA
  • Publication number: 20110187539
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interaction device (1), comprising a) a first input unit (20) with a first sensitive surface, especially a touch display, and a first sensor unit, b) a second input unit (2-12) with a second sensitive surface and a second sensor unit, c) wherein the second input unit (2-12) is used for protection of the first input unit (20), especially against overheating and/or mechanical damaging. Furthermore, the invention relates to a glass ceramic hob (22), especially induction cooking hob, with an interaction device (1) according to the invention a) wherein preferably the interaction device (1) is arranged in a side and/or edge area of the glass ceramic hob and/or arranged at the lower surface of the glass ceramic hob (22) and/or b) wherein preferably the glass ceramic hob comprises a fan for ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Laurent Jeanneteau, Thibaut Rigolle, Massimo Nostro, Arturo Negretti, Andrea Rossi, Andrea Zangoli
  • Publication number: 20110181424
    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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHUN-HUA HU, CHANG-HONG LIU, SHOU-SHAN FAN
  • Patent number: 7986244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Jokele, Konrad Mossnang