Abstract: An electric appliance monitoring system that can report an operational state of an electric appliance includes a monitoring part and a transmission part. The monitoring part monitors the operational state of the electric appliance and outputs a detection signal to the transmission part. The transmission part transmits a signal corresponding to the detection signal output from the monitoring part.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, self-powered, autonomous, consumer alarm device within the appliance unit utilizing three visual indicator means and one audible indicator means for providing an indication of normal operation and 4 alarm conditions. The alarm device provides visual and/or audible indications in the event 1) the appliance air temperature is normal; thereby, below the maximum temperature as recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 2) the appliance door is open/ajar for more than five minutes, 3) the appliance air temperature is greater than 40 degrees F., the maximum temperature recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 4) the appliance air temperature has been greater than 40 degrees F. for a period of more than 2 hours, thereby surpassing the USDA guidelines for food which should be consumed by humans, 5) the appliance air temperature has been elevated for “X” amount of time, wherein “X” equals the quantity of hours and 6) battery voltage is low.

Abstract: A battery operated refrigerator alarm having a light sensor for sensing light, a timer, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature, and an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator may have an audio and/or visual indicator. The refrigerator alarm can placed in the refrigerator or mounted to an interior surface or onto a shelf.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the food product and refrigeration system performance of a remote location. The system includes a management center in communication with a remote location through a communications network. The management center receives performance information of the remote location with respect to operational parameters of components of a refrigeration system of the remote location, and temperature data, at which food product has been stored. The management center utilizes software modules to analyze the performance information and provide alarms for scenarios such as food safety and quality issues, failure of a component of the refrigeration system or preventative maintenance for components of the refrigeration system. A third party computer may also communicate with the management center and the remote location for reviewing performance information.

Abstract: A water dispensing station includes a source of water a water temperature adjustment system connected to the source of water and adapted to adjust water obtained from the source of water, a temperature sensor positioned to sense water temperature of water in the temperature adjusting system, and a dispensing system connected to the water temperature adjusting system and adapted to selectively dispense water. A controller has processing and memory means and is connected to the water temperature adjusting system and the temperature sensor. The controller is adapted to receive and store water temperature information from the temperature sensor. The station preferably includes a display screen to display information from the controller and input means for the user to input information to the controller. The station can further include a modem so that the controller can communicate with a remote service center.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and an apparatus for registering and supervision of the positions and time of storage of articles entered into a cabinet or other delimited space. A preferred fields of application is refrigerators in which one or several cameras (3) at selected occasions take pictures of the interior of the refrigerator (1). These pictures are treated in an image analyser (6) which transfers clear pictures of all articles stored on each shelf (4) in the refrigerator (1) to a computer (5) for registration. In the computer (5) there is stored for each article information on the time of entry in a list containing article denominations. For distance communication the computer (5) can be connected to a central computer (9) having information about all articles marketed on a national basis and including both pictures and denominations.

Abstract: In a constant temperature liquid circulating apparatus, in order to determine parts and locations requiring maintenance work and maintenance time intervals before the occurrence of an irregular operation, so that any downtime in operation of a constant temperature liquid circulating apparatus is made as short as possible, a system is provided in which respective components of the apparatus are provided with sensors for use in monitoring various kinds of condition amounts in a continuous manner. Especially, among such components, a three-way proportional valve is provided between the outlet of a heat exchanger and an inlet to a holding tank, in a cooling liquid circulating circuit which supplies a constant temperature cooling liquid to a load, and a sensor is provided which detects a degree of valve opening of the three-way proportional valve.

Abstract: Discloses is a method and a corresponding apparatus for monitoring operation of electrical household appliances (such as a freezer). The method includes checking the temperature inside the freezer on a periodical basis and comparing with a de-frosting temperature. A critical condition is detected and recorded when the temperature inside the freezer stays over the de-frosting temperature for a period longer than a threshold value. In this way, when a user returns home after several days of absence, he or she is informed whether the food has been de-frozen and then frozen again because of a outage in the power supply network.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, self-powered, autonomous, consumer alarm device within the appliance unit utilizing three visual indicator means and one audible indicator means for providing an indication of normal operation and 4 alarm conditions. The alarm device provides visual and/or audible indications in the event 1) the appliance air temperature is normal; thereby, below the maximum temperature as recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 2) the appliance door is open/ajar for more than five minutes, 3) the appliance air temperature is greater than 40 degrees F., the maximum temperature recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 4) the appliance air temperature has been greater than 40 degrees F. for a period of more than 2 hours, thereby surpassing the USDA guidelines for food which should be consumed by humans, 5) the appliance air temperature has been elevated for “X” amount of time, wherein “X” equals the quantity of hours. and 6) battery voltage is low.

Abstract: To provide a self-diagnosing apparatus for a refrigerator which self-diagnoses an operation condition and advises a user of an appropriate improvement action if there is an abnormal. First, a detector such as an internal temperature sensor detects a plurality of condition-indicative quantities with respect to the refrigerator, and the condition-indicative quantities are stored in a memory part for a predetermined period. A diagnostic device such as a diagnosis calculation value judging part compares the condition-indicative quantities or a diagnosis calculation value which is calculated based on the condition-indicative quantities with a predetermined threshold value, and judges whether the operation condition of the refrigerator is normal or abnormal based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the food product of a remote food product retailer. The system includes a management center in communication with the remote food product retailer via a communication network. The communication network is accessible via a user interface that may be located at any of the management center, the remote location or some other location. The management center gathers food product temperature information and uses that information to determine whether the shelved food product is within acceptable food safety and quality limits. If the food product exceeds these limits, an alarm is sounded at either the management center and the remote location. The user interface is operable to monitor the status of the food product via a selection of screens and remotely respond to the alarms.

Abstract: A repository including: an input unit (3) for setting the temperature of the interior (2) of a repository (1); a measuring unit (5,6) for measuring the temperature of the interior of the repository (1); a controller (4) for holding ID data to specify the repository itself and communicatively outputting the measurement data to the external; and an auxiliary power source (13) for communicating the measurement data to the external even during interruption of power supply. A central controller 11 for collecting the measured data from each repository and judging whether abnormality occurs or not is connected to plural repositories to fabricate a monitoring system. When abnormality is detected, the measured data as well as ID data and time data are transmitted to a user through the Internet.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the food product of a remote food product retailer. The system includes a management center in communication with the remote food product retailer via a communication network. The communication network is accessible via a user interface that may be located at any of the management center, the remote location or some other location. The management center gathers food product temperature information and uses that information to determine whether the shelved food product is within acceptable food safety and quality limits. If the food product exceeds these limits, an alarm is sounded at either the management center and the remote location. The user interface is operable to monitor the status of the food product via a selection of screens and remotely respond to the alarms.

Abstract: A temperature management apparatus for foodstuffs stored in a storage cabinet, wherein a temperature sensor is placed in the storage cabinet to detect an inside temperature of the cabinet thereby to calculate an ambient temperature of the foodstuffs based on the detected inside temperature, and wherein an internal temperature of the foodstuffs is presumed on a basis of the calculated ambient temperature. The temperature management apparatus is provided with a foodstuff temperature indicator for indicating the presumed internal temperature of the foodstuffs and an alarm device for issuing an alarm sound when the presumed internal temperature of the foodstuffs becomes lower than a lower limit temperature or higher than an upper limit temperature.

Abstract: An incipient failure indication apparatus for an environmental control system which includes a heat exchanger through which air flows and a temperature control thermostat. The indication apparatus includes an indicator having an alarm in communication with a control board, the control board in communication with the thermostat. The alarm has a visual indicator and/or an aural indicator, whereby the attention of a person is attracted to the indicator upon activation of the alarm. A first temperature sensor is disposed on the upstream side of the heat exchanger and a second temperature sensor is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, whereby the temperature sensors respectively sense the temperature of the air upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger. The first and second temperature sensors are in communication with the control board, and the control board has means for comparing the temperatures sensed thereby.

Abstract: A water dispensing station includes a source of water a water temperature adjustment system connected to the source of water and adapted to adjust water obtained from the source of water, a temperature sensor positioned to sense water temperature of water in the temperature adjusting system, and a dispensing system connected to the water temperature adjusting system and adapted to selectively dispense water. A controller has processing and memory means and is connected to the water temperature adjusting system and the temperature sensor. The controller is adapted to receive and store water temperature information from the temperature sensor. The station preferably includes a display screen to display information from the controller and input means for the user to input information to the controller. The station can further include a modem so that the controller can communicate with a remote service center.

Abstract: A system for arming and disarming a central intrusion alarm system control utilizing the activation status of a particular appliance. The system employs a detector for determining the position of an on-off switch associated with a particular appliance. The regulator prevents the operation of the arming control in a central intrusion alarm system when the detector determines that the appliance is “on”. The system of the present invention may be employed with multiple appliance switches. In addition, transmission of the disarming signal to the central intrusion alarm arming control may be accomplished through hard wires or by radio transmission.

Abstract: System and methodology for providing real-time call processing services received at a switch in an intelligent network having one or more service nodes having originating switches for receiving a call event. The system includes a platform-independent communication system for enabling communication between object instances executing at service nodes in the intelligent network. An operating system agent object instance executing in an execution environment associated with an originating switch communicates call origination information corresponding to a call event received at the switch to one or more object instances executing in an execution environment provided at a service node in the network; the object instances including a line object instance for maintaining the state of a communications line associated with a call origination, and, a service object implementing methods for performing a service according to a customer request.

Abstract: An adapter automatically controlling a power supply for an air conditioning apparatus by a sensor and individually formed outside of a power supply unit and an air conditioning apparatus, including a single or plural output terminals switching with an input power plug by a gas detecting control circuit installed in the adapter; a composite gas sensor operating the gas detecting control circuit; and a detection reference value preset volume controlling an operating range of this composite gas sensor.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled appliance control system in which a compressor runtime is stored in a memory. If the runtime reaches a critical point an error message is displayed. The service technician can display this information by the monitor on the appliance, downloading it to a computer, relaying by modem, or any other conceivable way. The information displayed will go back in different intervals (runtime for day, week, and numbers of cycles). The memory eliminates the effect of defrost from the given compressor runtime.

Abstract: A repository including: an input unit (3) for setting the temperature of the interior (2) of a repository (1); a measuring unit (5,6) for measuring the temperature of the interior of the repository (1); a controller (4) for holding ID data to specify the repository itself and communicatively outputting the measurement data to the external; and an auxiliary power source (13) for communicating the measurement data to the external even during interruption of power supply. A central controller 11 for collecting the measured data from each repository and judging whether abnormality occurs or not is connected to plural repositories to fabricate a monitoring system. When abnormality is detected, the measured data as well as ID data and time data are transmitted to a user through the Internet.

Abstract: An incipient failure indication apparatus for an environmental control system which includes a heat exchanger through which air flows and a temperature control thermostat. The indication apparatus includes an indicator having an alarm in communication with a control board, the control board in communication with the thermostat. The alarm has a visual indicator and/or an aural indicator, whereby the attention of a person is attracted to the indicator upon activation of the alarm. A first temperature sensor is disposed on the upstream side of the heat exchanger and a second temperature sensor is disposed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, whereby the temperature sensors respectively sense the temperature of the air upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger. The first and second temperature sensors are in communication with the control board, and the control board has means for comparing the temperatures sensed thereby.

Abstract: A beverage chilling monitoring and alarm device. The temperature sensing, beverage temperature estimating, and remote alarm device is adapted for use in quick chilling beverages in containers, and thus enables one who attempts to quick chill a beverage to avoid a freeze-ruptured container that messily or catastrophically loses some or all of its contents in the freezer. The device senses the temperature of a beverage container, uses a method which estimates the beverage temperature against a predetermined temperature profile, and provides multi-level alarms based on the temperature of the beverage. The apparatus includes a flexible thermal sensor support that is adapted for being detachably and non-invasively affixed to a container. The sensor support is provided in a stretch type or adjustable length material, such as elastic, or a narrow strip which is adjustably fastened around a container via detachably affixible fasteners, preferably via Velcro.RTM.

Abstract: Cooling operation is performed so as to keep a freezer at a selected temperature. Moreover, if the cooling operation enters a phase where the freezer temperature is higher than the selected temperature by a predetermined deviation or more, not only the deviation temperature but also an accumulated time obtained by accumulating the time periods during which the cooling operation is performed at the deviation temperature or higher are stored. In addition, when an instruction signal to indicate an accumulation is input, the stored accumulated time and deviation temperature are read out and indicated on a segment indicating section (7S).

Abstract: The performance of an HVAC system in a building is monitored by connecting a thermostat to an alarm system which is equipped to provide notification of alarm conditions through telecommunication or other direct means to some responsible entity. The alarm system access to telecommunications is employed to forward indicators of HVAC fault to predetermined offsite locations from where corrective action can be provided. The system includes a presumed fault condition processor which employs data from the thermostat to indicate to the alarm system that notification should take place.

Abstract: A device that is retrofittably adapted to a refrigerator warns of a refrigerator door ajar condition. The normal refrigerator internal light is removed and the device is fitted into the light fixture. The light may then be affixed to the device. The device thus receives AC potential each time the refrigerator door is ajar. A time interval counter measures how long the door is ajar, and if a predetermined time interval is exceeded, a alarm is given. The device may also monitor internal refrigerator storage space temperature and sound an alarm when the refrigerator door is ajar if internal temperature is high, to alert of perhaps impending failure. The alarm may include audible, visual, and wirelessly transmitted signals.

Abstract: An electronic freezer thermometer alarm computes an estimation of contents temperature in a freezer from the freezer air temperature. The calculated contents temperature is displayed by a LCD display and is used to trigger a sound alarm, by use of a piezoelectric buzzer, in case of too high a value. Alternatively, the freezer air temperature is used to start a timer that triggers the alarm several minutes after the freezer air temperature have risen above the limit value. In this case, the displayed temperature is the freezer air temperature. In both cases, freezer air temperature acquisition is done by the resistance measurement of a thermoresistor placed into a small case constituting the temperature probe. The thermometer housing has two magnets to keep on freezer external surface. The temperature probe is connected to the housing by a small thickness of wire going under the freezer door gasket. The thermometer is energized by a lithium battery placed into the case.

Abstract: An integral ground connection is provided in a sealed compressor housing. The ground connection includes a pin which receives a connection from a power supply to provide a ground for the power supply at the compressor. The pin is electrically communicated to the compressor housing. A visual indication is made internal to the compressor of which of the four connections is associated with the ground and which of the other three are supplying the three phase power.

Abstract: A food storage apparatus (22) comprises a container (26) to contain a food item (20), a humidity sensor (34) to sense a humidity within the container (26), and a transmitter (66) responsive to the humidity sensor (34) to transmit a signal based upon the humidity. A system for monitoring at least one food item within a storage place (24) comprises a receiver (88) to receive the signal, and an indicator (40) responsive to the receiver (88). Methods for monitoring at least one food item are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature alarm system includes a temperature sensing module and an alarm circuit that are powered by a photocell and a battery that is charged by the photocell. The photocell normally provides enough power to operate the system and charge the battery. When the temperature sensing module senses a temperature that exceeds a predetermined alarm limit, it generates an alarm signal which activates an alarm circuit that generates a visual and/or audible alarm either immediately after the alarm signal is generated, or after the alarm signal has been generated for a period of time. The generation of the alarm signal and/or the alarm causes the system power consumption to increase, so the system begins to draw power from the battery. After the alarm condition is corrected, the system returns to normal power consumption, and the photocell provides enough power to operate the system and charge the battery.

Abstract: A refrigerator door alarm system that includes a message circuit having a playback function that is triggered by a trigger circuit that detects movement of the magnetic gasket of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door alarm system includes an alarm housing and an alarm circuit including a trigger circuit, a timer circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, a message circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, and a buzzer responsive to the timer circuit. The alarm housing includes an outwardly extended magnetic attachment side strip secured to an attachment strip support, a speaker grate, a buzzer grate, a message record button opening, a message play button opening, a battery compartment, and a magnetically actuated reed switch assembly member; the trigger circuit including a magnetically actuated reed switch that is activatable by the magnetic field oat a magnetic refrigerator door gasket.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant climate-controlled enclosure is provided for the outdoor housing of electronic equipment. The box-like structure provides a sealed environment for electronic equipment. The enclosure includes an intrusion alarm, a high temperature alarm and a low temperature alarm. A heater and an air conditioner are provided to maintain the temperature inside the enclosure between 60.degree. F. and 75.degree. F. to ensure that the electronic equipment housed therein works properly. The enclosure is especially useful for housing microcells used to transmit cellular telephone calls.

Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before a useful storage lifetime for the items has elapsed. A base unit is mounted near, removably attached to, or on a food storage location such as a refrigerator, and allows identification and timing of the stored food items. When an item is placed into the storage location, its name and storage lifetime are recorded and displayed on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted magnetic labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically. A list, prestored in memory, of the most commonly stored food items and their approximate lifetimes is provided with the list configured for at least three food storage locations: a refrigerator, a freezer and a pantry. A numeric display is provided so that the length of time an item has been stored can be readily determined and compared with the useful storage lifetime.

Abstract: An electronic refrigeration and air conditioner monitor and alarm system monitors air conditioning and refrigeration systems for inefficiencies that waste energy. The device monitors and analyzes the temperatures of the suction line of such systems for variances that indicate malfunctions or abnormal operation of the system. The device provides both an audible and visual alert to warn the end user that the equipment is in need of maintenance and/or repair.

Abstract: The difference between the temperature of a heat exchange medium leaving the evaporator unit of a chiller and the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator unit is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this temperature difference. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.

Abstract: A method of adding asynchronous logging of data relative to events into a time based data logger which stores operator initiated headers in a data array, as well as synchronously storing data relative to variables of a transport refrigeration unit at predetermined constant time intervals. The operator associated headers include a preamble having a predetermined number of data bytes which include a header designator and a digital code which identifies the specific type of header being entered. An event header is provided having a preamble which includes the same number of data bytes as the preamble of the operator associated headers, for each type of event to be asynchronously stored in the data array. The header designator associated with the operator associated headers is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers. A digital code is provided which identifies each event header, and the digital code is inserted into the preamble of each of the event headers.

Abstract: The electrical current drawn by a drive motor for the compressor unit of a chiller is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for this electrical current. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.

Abstract: Refrigerant pressure in the condenser unit of a chiller is monitored relative to a real time alarm limit for the refrigerant pressure. The real time alarm limit is computed from time to time by a microprocessor. The value of the computed alarm limit will vary with the cooling load being experienced by the chiller's evaporator unit.

Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before a safe storage lifetime for the items has elapsed. A base unit is mounted near or removably attached to a food storage location such as a refrigerator and allows identification and timing of the stored food items. When an item is placed into the storage location, its name and storage lifetime are recorded on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically through a microprocessor-controlled base unit. For ease of later location the item may be optionally stored inside of food storage containers that are color coded to the base unit. A numeric display is provided so that the length of time an item has been stored can be readily determined and compared with the safe storage lifetime. The base unit also provides an electronic warning display for each stored item.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a plurality of food storage apparatuses each of which includes a food storage cabinet for storing foodstuffs therein, a cooling device for cooling the interior of the storage cabinet, a setting device for determining a temperature condition of the storage cabinet, a detection device for detecting an internal temperature of the storage cabinet and control means for applying a control signal based on the predetermined temperature and the detected internal temperature to the cooling device for controlling operation of the cooling device in such a manner that the storage cabinet is maintained at the predetermined temperature, wherein the food storage apparatuses each are provided with output means for issuing electric signals respectively indicative of the predeteremined temperature condition and the detected internal temperature outwardly, and wherein the monitoring system includes a signal receiver for monitoring each operating condition of the food storage apparatuses on a basis of the

Abstract: A combination appliance door ajar, occupant emergency and abnormal temperature condition alarm system, in a single unit utilizing three visual indicators, one for each of the emergency conditions, and an audio alarm with multi-tone operation, for each of the emergency conditions. The alarm system incorporates a first light indicator and audio alarm that are triggered in response to a door ajar condition. The time period before the alarm is triggered may be adjusted by means of timer circuitry. The alarm system also incorporates a manually operated switch installed on the interior of the appliance that allows an occupant of the appliance to indicate an emergency condition that requires outside assistance. The occupant emergency system uses a visual indicator and an audible alarm signal that are distinctive from those used for the door ajar system.

Abstract: A refrigerated vehicle system is particularly adapted for use with refrigerated tractor/trailer and rail car vehicles to provide data on the operation of the vehicle and to monitor and provide a record of the operation of ancillary equipment important in the proper refrigeration of the vehicle. With refrigerated vehicles, the system can provide records of the temperatures of articles when loaded into the refrigerated vehicle, throughout their transportation and upon delivery from the vehicle and can monitor refrigerated vehicles, store information on the refrigeration of the vehicles, including time/temperature records and information of the operation and status of refrigeration system components, and output such information to remote and distant locations.

Abstract: A portable insulated container is provided including a plurality of panels which define a formed body having a mouth opening opposite the bottom of the body. A cover member is also provided for selectively opening and closing the mouth opening. A temperature indicating assembly including a visually perceptible indicator in direct communication with a heat source/cold source disposed within the container is also provided to allow an individual to determine the relative temperature of the contents of the container without the necessity for opening the cover member.

Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before the safe storage lifetime of the items has elapsed. A base unit which is mounted near or removably attached to a food storage location such as a refrigerator and allows identification and timing of the stored food items. When an item is placed into the storage location, its name and storage lifetime are recorded on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically through a microprocessor-controlled base unit. For ease of later location the item may be optionally stored inside of food storage containers that are color coded to the base unit. The base unit also provides an electronic timing display for each stored item.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system comprises a sensor for measuring the surrounding temperature, a timer for generating clock data, a controller for reading temperatures at predetermined intervals and storing selected temperature data and corresponding time data in memory, input switches for entering commands and data, a data display, and first and second alarm indicators. The controller operates in predetermined steps to activate the first alarm to indicate a current alarm condition and to activate the second alarm to indicate a past alarm condition. The controller selectively switches the display between normal and alarm modes to show differing time and temperature data depending on the temperature conditions monitored. The user may review alarm histories, including total alarm time and, for each past alarm period, maximum temperature, starting time and alarm duration, which have been calculated and stored.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the coolant level in a cooling system, in particular in a motor vehicle in which the relative pressure and the temperature of the coolant are measured on the high-pressure side of the coolant circuit, using the measured pressure value. A temperature assigned to the pressure value is established on the basis of a coolant specific function (temperature=f (pressure)) and the undercooling of the coolant is then determined by subtracting the measured temperature from the assigned temperature, which undercooling is analyzed as a measure for the coolant level.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a transport refrigeration system which is effective regardless of the temperature of a served space relative to a selected set point temperature. Different "windows" of acceptable and marginal performance are provided in the form of different minimum magnitudes of .DELTA.T, i.e., the algebraic difference between the return and discharge air temperatures, as a function of ambient and return air temperatures. The transport refrigeration system is thus monitored at all times, during both cooling and hot gas heating modes, and also including during initial temperature pull down of the cargo space, enabling an early warning to be generated for a marginal performance, and an early shut down to be initiated for unacceptable performance. In a preferred embodiment, a maximum value of .DELTA.T is also provided, which, if exceeded by the actual .DELTA.T, indicates a restricted air flow in the cargo space.

Abstract: A freezer alarm system is energized by a battery (2) or an AC power adapter (3) to drive a piezo alert pulsing buzzer (4) when activated by one of two sensor modules. An electrolyte freezer alarm sensor (13) has a non-conducting wall (9) and two conducting elements (9), and it contains electrolyte solution (10) and a small air expansion space (11). Alternatively, a modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor has non-conducting walls (9) which form a tube that is square in cross-section; two conducting elements (12) that are placed at separate points in the vertex of one angle; and contains mercury (15), freezable liquid (14) and an air expansion space (11). The modified mercury switch freezer alarm sensor can also be used as a sensor component of home burglar alarm systems which are activated by breaking a closed electrical circuit.

Abstract: Device for detecting the exceeding of a temperature threshold incorporating a first mobile part (5) in a sealed chamber (4) containing a material melting at the temperature of the threshold and a second mobile part (8) outside the chamber. In the armed position, the two parts exert forces on one another tending to move them apart, but the first part is blocked by the solidified material and the second is immobilized by the combination of shapes (12, 13) in case (9). The melting of the material frees the first part, whose displacement frees the second part, which then operates an alarm system (18). This displacement leads to the return of the first part to the initial position, which permits rearming when the material has resolidified.

Abstract: In refrigerator tractor/trailer vehicles, a data acquisition module is connected with one or more temperature sensors adapted for measurement of the temperatures within the trailer and may be connected with one or more distance sensors and "door open" sensors located in the trailer. Such a data acquisition module preferably comprises a microprocessor and random access memory connected with a plurality of sensors and adapted to acquire stored data on temperatures within the trailer and further connected with clock means to provide time data associated with the temperature data. In such systems, a control and display module, which comprises a separate portable control and display unit, can provide temperature data and distance data to the vehicle operator, warnings to the vehicle operator if the temperature of the trailer approaches unacceptable limits, warnings during backing of the trailer of impending collision with an object and warnings if the trailer doors are opened without authority.