Thermal Patents (Class 340/584)
  • Publication number: 20110175738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system (1) for detecting and/or tracking at least one moving monitoring object (4) in a monitoring area (2), having a plurality of monitoring sensors (6) which are and/or can be spatially distributed in the monitoring area (2) and which are designed to detect the monitoring object (4) and to output detected object information, having a signature lock (8a, b, c, d) having at least one signature sensor (9) which is designed and/or arranged to detect the monitoring object (4) and to output object signature information, having an evaluation device (10) which is designed to create and/or add to an object signature (16) of the monitoring object (4) based on the object signature information and to detect and/or track the monitoring object (4) by comparing detected object information to the object signature (16) of the monitoring object (4), wherein the signature lock (8a, b, c, d) comprises at least two signature sensors (9) and is designed in such a way that the object signatur
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Axel Baumann, Hartmut Loos, Jan Karl Warzelhan
  • Publication number: 20110175737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heated liquid bath heated by a heating device, particularly an electric resistance heater, particularly for monitoring overheating and/or a decrease in the liquid level, wherein by means of a temperature sensor an actual temperature is determined and, as a function of the actual temperature measured with the temperature sensor, an alarm and/or control signal is emitted, wherein by means of the temperature sensor the actual temperature of the heating device or in the region of the heating device is determined. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Peter Huber Kaltemaschinenbau GMBH
    Inventors: Dieter Pforte, Frank Rieger
  • Publication number: 20110175739
    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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth McFeeters
  • Patent number: 7982621
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling power of an electronic device, controlled by a touch input. To this end, a power control apparatus for an electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed including a touch sensor for sensing a user's touch by a user's finger or the like, and a temperature sensor for sensing a body temperature detected through the touch. Through such a touch sensor and such a temperature sensor, the power control apparatus senses the touch and body temperature of a user, and controls the power of the electronic device. As a result, even without a separate power button installed on the outside of the electronic device, it becomes possible to control the power of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Dong-Ik Park, Soon-Youl Kwon
  • Publication number: 20110169630
    Abstract: A foreign material exclusion device adapted for use in a cavity of a system or construction, for example a tube, pipe, or the like, the device having a body that is adapted to seal a first side of the cavity from a second side of the cavity and prevent passage of debris past the body, the device further including a sensor operatively connected to the body and adapted to measure a property of the environment adjacent at least one surface of the device. Methods for utilizing the device to seal a portion of the cavity and to record, and preferably distribute, the data are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Advanced F.M.E. Products
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Nolfi, Mario Michael Nolfi
  • Publication number: 20110160919
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering fluid to a site using a mobile fluid delivery machine are disclosed. The method includes determining a value of a parameter associated with the site using a sensor, and determining a fluid delivery rate based on the value of the site parameter. The method further includes delivering the fluid to a surface of the site at the location of the mobile fluid delivery machine, at the determined fluid delivery rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: David C. Orr, James D. Humphrey, Peter W. Anderton, Adam J. Gudat, Kenneth L. Stratton
  • Publication number: 20110140898
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart Allen Berke, Shawn P. Hoss
  • Publication number: 20110140899
    Abstract: The combination is that of a temperature measuring device with a built-in variable audio signal output to quickly differentiate between and locate cold or hot spots and zones in applications for temperature measurements. Temperature measurements may be performed by means of solid state temperature measuring devices, thermocouples, infrared sensors, thermistors, RTD's, or any heat sensing or temperature measuring device. The audio signal output in the device will vary in tone or modulation in order to signal a cold or hot spot or zone being detected on the object undergoing temperature measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel E. Flandin
  • Patent number: 7962306
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for detecting an increase in thermal resistance of a heat sink in a computer system, the heat sink dissipating heat for a component of the computer system, the computer system including a fan controlling airflow across the heat sink, the computer system also including a temperature monitoring device, including: measuring, by a monitoring module through use of the temperature monitoring device during operation of the computer system, thermal resistance of the heat sink; determining whether the measured thermal resistance of the heat sink is greater than a threshold thermal resistance, the threshold thermal resistance stored in a thermal profile in non-volatile memory, and if the measured thermal resistance of the heat sink is greater than the threshold thermal resistance, notifying a system administrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Justin P. Bandholz, Zachary B. Durham, Clifton E. Kerr, Joseph E. Maxwell, Kevin M. Reinberg, Kevin S. D. Vernon, Philip L. Weinstein, Christopher C. West
  • Publication number: 20110133940
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for a multi-sheet glazing unit including two or more sheets oriented by a spacer in a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship. The sheets may include a peripheral edge and an air space or gap therebetween. A sensing device may be inside or in air communication with the air space. The sensing device may be used to sense an environmental condition data in the air space or gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Yonatan Z. MARGALIT
  • Publication number: 20110133939
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for non-invasive monitoring thermal stress of a user. The device is capable of monitoring the internal body temperature and changes in the internal body temperature of a user. Also, the device is capable of alerting a user when the user is in danger of thermal stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Andrew Thomas Baker, Jeffrey Heller
  • Patent number: 7956758
    Abstract: A thermal stimulation apparatus for vehicles capable of exerting an effect of, for example, reducing fatigue and improving the physical condition of a vehicle occupant. In a vehicle thermal stimulation apparatus 10, the piezoelectric sensor 26 detects a biorhythm accompanying a periodic change in an occupant, a control circuit 16 switches on and off heater elements 22, 24 on the basis of the detection result of the biorhythm detector such that by the heater elements 22, 24 being switched on and off, thermal stimulus to the occupant is synchronized with the biorhythm of the occupant. It is thereby possible to exert effects of, for example, reducing fatigue and improving the physical condition of a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Hattori
  • Patent number: 7956759
    Abstract: A humidity-sensitive 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 humidity conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined humidity levels, 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 humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide humidity information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple humidity conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a predetermined storage humidity limit has been reached with a passive humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag are provided. Since it does not require power to operate, the cutoff fuse is suitable for monitoring e long-term storage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Yoonkee Kim
  • Patent number: 7954334
    Abstract: An inverter system having a semiconductor device, and a railway vehicle using this inverter, provide a more accurate determination of whether an abnormal heat generation from the inverter is associated with an error of the inverter system or is due to other causes, by use of a plurality of temperature detecting elements at a plurality of sites associated with the semiconductor device. An error detection section applies inputs from the temperature detecting elements, captures a trend of the differential value based on the plurality of temperature inputs using period sampling wherein an error associated with the semiconductor device, and not from some other condition such as outside environment temperature, is determined based on differences from, or a change in, the initial trend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Sasaki, Hideki Miyazaki, Katsumi Ishikawa, Keiji Maekawa
  • Patent number: 7952485
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, architected to allow each remote monitoring unit to be simple and low cost. Similarly, the system may be architected to allow monitoring and control information to be communicated reliably, but at low cost. The server, however, can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support using a variety of analytical methods to process the monitoring information, including analyzing the rate of temperature change at a monitored facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Schechter Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Harry J. Schechter, Kevin Felichko
  • Publication number: 20110121956
    Abstract: A security system which comprises temperature and movement sensors, and two timers. One of them for controlling a relay and the second timer. The relay, upon activation, triggers the theft alarm system. The second timer switches activate the power window motors to open the windows and to make a phone call. All this allows outside air to cool down the vehicle cabin, provides easy access/exit, alert nearby people for help, and also sends a remote alert to the person called. So, the present invention accomplishes its primary function of preserving life left in hot vehicles by taking measures to directly prevent life loss inside hot vehicles and alert nearby and remote people for assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: David Falcon Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20110121977
    Abstract: A pneumatic fire detector is disclosed having a switch module comprising a manifold operatively connected to a sensor tube, the switch module incorporating respective forming tubes for applying a sufficient pressure to the outer surface of an installed diaphragm to deform it and thereafter the diaphragm is exposed to a pre-determined pressure through the manifold to deform the diaphragm outwards and into contact with a respective switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Surendhar Reddy Nalla, John Navarro, Ron Sayers, Michael Warfel, William Philip Matchock
  • Publication number: 20110115635
    Abstract: A climate-conditioned bed includes an upper portion having at least a first climate zone and at least one fluid module associated with such a first climate zone. The fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device for selectively moving a fluid and a thermoelectric device for selectively heating or cooling a fluid. The bed additionally includes one or more control modules configured to regulate the operation of the fluid module, at least one input device configured to allow an occupant to select a setting or mode associated with the first climate zone and at least a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature associated with the first climate zone of the thermally-conditioned bed. In some embodiments, the fluid module is operatively connected to the control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Dusko Petrovski, Barry Steele, Michael Brykalski, John Terech, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20110115636
    Abstract: A wireless temperature measuring system, including multiple wireless temperature sensors, and multiple communication terminals; the wireless temperature sensors communicate with the communication terminals via RF, the wireless temperature sensor operates to obtain temperature signals from a temperature detection point, to perform cyclic-interleave and error-correction coding on the temperature signals whereby obtaining coded temperature signals, and to transmit the coded temperature signals to the communication terminals via RF; the communication terminal operates to receive and decode the coded temperature signals from the wireless temperature sensor, and to obtain decoded temperature signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Changhuan ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7944360
    Abstract: Provided are a temperature sensor using a metal-insulator transition (MIT) device subject to abrupt MIT at a specific temperature and an alarm including the temperature sensor. The abrupt MIT device includes an abrupt MIT thin film and at least two electrode thin films that contacts the abrupt MIT thin film. The abrupt MIT device generates abrupt metal-insulator transition at a specific transition temperature. The alarm includes a temperature sensor comprising an abrupt MIT device, and an alarm signaling device serially connected to the temperature sensor. Accordingly, the alarm can be manufactured to have a simple circuit and be of a small size by including the temperature sensor using an abrupt MIT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyun-Tak Kim, Kwang-Yong Kang, Yong-Wook Lee, Byung-Gyu Chae, Bong-Jun Kim, Sang-Kuk Choi, Sun-Jin Yun
  • Publication number: 20110102183
    Abstract: A device and a method enable a spatially resolved measurement of a temperature inside a spatially linear detection region. The device includes a measuring body having a first electric conductor, a second electric conductor, and an insulating material, which extends between the two electric conductors. The insulating material has a temperature-dependent specific electric resistance. The device further includes a measuring unit, which is connected to the first electric conductor and to the second electric conductor. The measuring unit has a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is equipped to apply a time-dependent electric input signal to the two electric conductors. The receiving unit is equipped to detect a time-dependent electric response signal of the measuring body to the input signal. Furthermore, an alarm system is described, which in addition to a central unit has at least one temperature measuring device of the type described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Georges A. Tenchio
  • Publication number: 20110090087
    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: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventors: Stuart Allen Berke, Dominick Lovicott, Hasnain Shabbir, William Coxe
  • Patent number: 7928853
    Abstract: An alarm unit, for sounding an alarm on detection of a fire emergency condition, which comprises a smoke detector, an alarm indicator and a heat detector wherein the smoke detector is capable of receiving power from a first power source and the heat detector is capable of receiving power from a second power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Frost-Gaskin
  • Patent number: 7919733
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly is provided that includes a heat trace section, an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section, and a plurality of standoffs disposed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket. A corresponding plurality of passageways are formed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket and between the plurality of standoffs. The standoffs can be a part of the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section, and the standoffs can furthermore be integrally formed with or separately attached to the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric E. Ellis, Shawn L. Leininger, Peggy Gruenloh, Steve Brncic, Louis P. Steinhauser, Allen Boldt
  • Publication number: 20110074587
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for tracking one or more items. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method for tracking one or more items. The method may include periodically detecting, by a sensor device, sensor information of the one or more items, and periodically transmitting, by the sensor device, the sensor information. The method may also include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information. The method may also include transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties. The method may further include determining if the one or more parties is authorized to receive the sensor information and the periodically transmitting the sensor information to the one or more authorized parties based on a set of one or more permissions that grants or restricts access of the one or more parties to the sensor information based on the set of one or more permissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Mark D. Hamm, James B. Greer, Daniel A. Ost, Miley E. Ainsworth, William S. Murphy, Zachary S. Perry, Ole Petter Skaaksrud, Kenneth L. Milman, Michael R. West, James Randy Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20110074959
    Abstract: An IR camera comprises: a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and a IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The IR camera is characterized in that the processing unit is further arranged to: determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventors: Katrin STRANDEMAR, Henrik JÖNSSON, Torbjörn HAMRELIUS, Gunnar PALM
  • Patent number: 7914202
    Abstract: A first thermometry system for measuring a temperature of an object under test includes a first detecting sheet having crystal oscillators arranged on a first sheet-like object formed of resin, and a first measuring device for measuring the temperature based on frequencies acquired from the crystal oscillators and corresponding to natural frequencies of the crystal oscillators. In this system, the first detecting sheet is placed in contact with the object under test, whereupon the crystal oscillators provide the natural frequencies corresponding to the temperature of the object under test. The first measuring device measures the temperature of the object under test accurately based on the frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sokudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kamei
  • Publication number: 20110068936
    Abstract: A sensor having a detecting part for detecting an environmental value representing change in physical amount of circumference environment by a fluid flowing into externally and a controlling part for discriminating abnormality in circumference environment based on the environmental value detected by the detecting part. A separating plate is provided inside a housing so as to separate two spaces in the height direction. A detection unit is provided in one space and a sounding body is provided in the other space. Apertures are provided in a side wall, thereby opening one space to the outside environment and letting the fluid to be measured flow into the space. Then, a flow path is formed inside the space in the housing, from the side wall forming the housing toward the detection unit, thereby proactively channeling the fluid to the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Yoshitake Shimada, Mikio Komatsu, Koji Sakamoto, Hirohisa Okuno, Akiko Honda, Koji Yamato
  • Patent number: 7907054
    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 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Thu H. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110059337
    Abstract: A protection circuit for protecting a secondary battery includes a temperature detector unit detecting a secondary battery temperature to output a detected signal indicating the detected temperature, an overcharge alarm determination unit determining whether the temperature is equal to or above an upper limit of a standard-temperature range based on the detected signal, and subsequently selecting a first overcharge alarm voltage when the temperature is below the upper limit thereof, or a second overcharge alarm voltage when the temperature is equal to or above the upper limit thereof to output a signal indicating whether a secondary battery voltage is equal to or above the selected one of the first and second overcharge alarm voltages, and an alarm signal generator unit generating, when the secondary battery voltage is equal to or above the selected one of the first and second overcharge alarm voltages, an alarm signal based on the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Hideharu YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20110057803
    Abstract: A temperature predicting apparatus for predicting possible abnormal temperature of air for cooling at least one of electronic devices mounted on a rack, the temperature predicting apparatus includes a storing section for storing temperature information related to at least one temperature measured by a temperature sensor provided on an intake side of the electronic device, and a controller for estimating a change tendency in the temperature on the intake side of the electronic device on the basis of the temperature information stored in the storing section, and predicting the possible abnormal temperature on the basis of the estimated change tendency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Yamaoka, Junichi Ishimine, Ikuro Nagamatsu, Masahiro Suzuki, Tadashi Katsui, Yuji Ohba, Seiichi Saito, Akira Ueda, Yasushi Uraki
  • Publication number: 20110057802
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the state of calibration of a digital x-ray detector having a solid state sensor with a plurality of pixels, a scintillating screen and at least one embedded microprocessor, the system having means for capturing a digital image and a computer operable during normal diagnostic use of the detector, in cooperation with at least one embedded microprocessor, for performing pixelwise computations on the image and calculating a misregistration metric indicative of movement of the solid state sensor relative to the scintillating screen. A defect metric indicative of abnormal properties of pixels in the solid state sensor is calculated. It is then determined whether one or both of the misregistration metric and the defect metric exceeds a respective, preselected threshold value. The user of the system is alerted to conduct a calibration of the detector when either one or both of the respective threshold values have been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Karin Topfer, Richard T. Scott, Timothy J. Wojcik
  • Publication number: 20110057801
    Abstract: An enclosed space monitoring system includes a controller and a plurality of sensors located within the enclosed space. The sensors may include a humidity sensor, a water presence sensor, a water pump operation sensor, a temperature sensor, a radon gas detector, a propane or natural gas detector, a smoke sensor, a carbon monoxide detector and a motion sensor. Environmental parameter data obtained by the sensors is stored within a memory connected to the controller. The controller sends the stored data to a remote facility when the data indicates a potential condition within the space needing attention or remediation. Further, the controller sends the data to the remote facility periodically. The sent data is stored at the remote facility and may be accessed by a technician or an owner of the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: James A.C. LOGAN, Alvin C. West
  • Publication number: 20110050430
    Abstract: The performance of a PCA unit associated with an airport gate is monitored by a temperature sensor in the stream of output air leaving the PCA unit, to produce a signal indicative of the temperature of the output air that may be compared to an acceptable range of values, or to the temperature of air input to the PCA unit (as measured by a second temperature sensor). An alert is generated to a human operator if the temperature measured does not compare favorably with the desired range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TWIST, INC.
    Inventors: Joe W. Wright, James Dillon, Dave McIntire
  • Patent number: 7886836
    Abstract: Fires may be detected and suppressed by placing fire detectors proximate natural flow paths from inlets to outlets of a fire zone. The fire detectors may be placed adjacent, and preferably downstream, of regions, along the flow paths, likely to become flame holding regions during fire in the fire zone. The fire may be suppressed, when detected, by catalytic reaction with species released by a reactive fire suppression agent which may be injected into the fire zone, preferably upstream of the potential flame holding regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Eclipse Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Haaland, Ken Harness
  • Patent number: 7885610
    Abstract: A transceiver for wirelessly transmitting process variables with a radio interface and a field device interface is provided. The transceiver has two operating states. The transceiver is designed to receive a field device signal at the field device interface and relay the field device signal via the radio interface in the first operating state. In the second operating state, the transceiver receives a field device signal via the radio interface, and makes the field device signal available at the field device interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Vega Grieshaber KG
    Inventors: Andreas Isenmann, Thomas Deck
  • Patent number: 7885048
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and an electronic apparatus incorporating the semiconductor device are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a power circuit that further includes a power transistor for providing current to a load (load current), a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the power transistor, and a current detector for detecting the load current. If the detected temperature of the power transistor reaches a first predetermined temperature, and if the detected load current exceeds a first predetermined load current, a signal is output through an external terminal of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Morino
  • Patent number: 7884717
    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 array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Icove & Associates, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Publication number: 20110016910
    Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Su Re Bak
  • Publication number: 20110018721
    Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of a sheet material in which the sheet material is arranged such that it forms at least one side of a cavity so as to enhance the effective emissivity of the sheet material in the vicinity of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LAND INSTRUMENTS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Geoffrey Ronald BEYNON, Ian Hamilton RIDLEY, Stuart Francis METCALFE, Andrew MELLOR, Ben WILEMAN
  • Patent number: 7876230
    Abstract: A system for detecting and suppressing a fire condition in a storage unit may include a transmitter associated with the storage unit and configured to transmit a first signal upon detection of the fire condition, at least one receiver configured to detect the first signal and configured to provide a second signal indicating detection of the fire condition, and a fire suppression device configured to discharge a fire suppressant material into the storage unit upon detection of the fire condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Popp, Arthur J. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 7872379
    Abstract: An electrical distribution control system for a vehicle such as an aircraft may be provided fire-suppression protection without requiring that all control elements are located in a fire-containment enclosure. A primary electric load center (ECL) may be located in a fire-containment equipment bay. Secondary power control centers (SPC's) may be located away from the equipment bay and close to set of loads which are controlled by the SPC's. Each SPC may be provided with a fire detecting sensor that may signal the ECL to interrupt input power to the SPC in the event of a fire in the SPC. The SPC may be constructed from self-extinguishing material. In an absence of input power to the SPC, a fire may self extinguish, thus preventing flame propagation or production of excessive external heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Fuller, Don Tegart, Spiros Sideris
  • Publication number: 20110006897
    Abstract: An infrared motion sensor system has an infrared (IR) sensor having a predetermined field of view, a target positioned within the field of view of the sensor which emits a spatially or temporally non-uniform pattern of IR radiation, and a processor which receives an output signal from the IR sensor, compares the received output signal to a signature temperature profile signal corresponding to the non-uniform pattern of IR radiation emitted by the target, and detects deviation of the sensor output signal from the signature temperature profile signal, indicating intervention of an object in a monitored volume between the target and sensor. The size of the target may be of the order of human size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: SUREN SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Eric Scott Micko
  • Publication number: 20110005258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to sense the strength of ambient light and manage the internal light strength of a cooling device accordingly. If the ambient light is low the interior light is soft. In contrast, if the ambient light is high the interior light is strong. The method and the apparatus is further adapted to further manage the interior light variation and color in respect of predetermined criterion. The method and the apparatus is even further adapted to send a message or a signal to a remote computer or mobile phone in case of a predetermined criterion is not respected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Mathieu Audet
  • Publication number: 20110007280
    Abstract: A lighting device (10) for a route guidance system comprises a body (12) adapted to be mounted to a surface; at least one light source (18) housed within the body; a corresponding at least one outlet (14, 16) in the body from which light may be emitted; and focusing means (20) operable to focus the light into a beam projecting from the outlet. In one embodiment the device comprises a pair of outlets (14, 16) in the body, the focusing means being operable to focus light from the at least one light source into a pair of beams, one beam projecting from each outlet. In a second embodiment, the focusing means of the device is operable to focus the beam onto an adjacent surface. The device may be adapted to project static and/or moving images onto said adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kieran Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100328080
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for temperature warnings, the system comprising: a computer (100); a temperature measuring device (110) disposed on or adjacent the computer; and logic (120) configured in the computer for causing a warning indication to a user when the temperature measuring device measures a temperature outside an operating range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Jeffrey S. Lev
  • Publication number: 20100328079
    Abstract: A protecting system is to protect a camera. When the protecting system detects heat which reaches a predetermined value, the protecting system outputs a first signal. The protecting system further magnifies the first signal to output a second signal. A controlling circuit starts a buzzer when the controlling circuit receives the second signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YANG-YUAN CHEN, MING-CHIH HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20100330950
    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 and a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to an energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range and the unrestricted operation temperature range; periodically entering (530) the restricted mode when in the restricted operation temperature range and entering the unrestricted mode when in the unrestricted operation temperature range; and entering (540) the unrestricted mode when a user attempts to make an emergency call. Advantageously, this method allows safe battery operation, while allowing a user to make emergency calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew K. Wells, David M. Boldt, Gregory R. Black
  • Publication number: 20100328082
    Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Michael DANZ, Sebastian Schnepel, Gerhard Niederfeld
  • Patent number: 7859419
    Abstract: A smoke detecting method and device are provided. The smoke detecting method and device capture a plurality of images; determine one of the plurality of images as an analyzable image when the one of the plurality of images is identified to have a moving object; analyze a chrominance variation of the analyzable image; analyze at least one of an edge blur and a flickering frequency of the analyzable image; compare at least one of analyzed results from the analyzing steps with a corresponding predetermined feature; and determine the moving object is a smoke when at least one of the analyzed results conforms to the corresponding predetermined feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chang Shen-Kuen, Lu Chung-Hsien, Chao Hao-Ting, Chang Shih-Hua, Hsu Yu-Ren, Huang Kun-Lin, Wang Cheng-Wei