Time-temperature Relationship (e.g., Overtemperature Exceeds Predetermined Interval Or Time-temperature Integral) Patents (Class 340/588)
  • Publication number: 20130002436
    Abstract: A system and a method for managing solder paste are disclosed. The storage information of solder paste cans stored in a storage room is established, production information is accessed from a production managing system for analyzing an amount of solder paste cans in need, the solder paste cans to be used are inquired and obtained from the storage room, and the solder paste cans are delivered to the warm up room for warm up treatment. The solder paste is thus systematically managed, such that the efficacy of management is improved and labor cost is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: Askey Computer Corporation, Askey Technology (Jiangsu) Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Chun CHANG, Ching-Feng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8305221
    Abstract: Provided are an abrupt MIT device with variable MIT temperature or voltage, an MIT sensor using the abrupt MIT device, and an alarm apparatus and a secondary battery anti-explosion circuit including the MIT sensor. The MIT device includes an abrupt MIT layer undergoing an abrupt MIT at a transition temperature or a transition voltage and at least two electrode layers contacting the abrupt MIT layer. The transition temperature or the transition voltage varies with at least one of factors including a voltage applied to the electrode layers, a temperature, an electromagnetic wave, a pressure, and a gas concentration that affect the abrupt MIT layer. The MIT sensor is a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, a pressure sensor, a gas-concentration sensor, or a switch. The alarm apparatus includes the MIT sensor and an alarm-signaling unit connected in series with the MIT sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyun-Tak Kim, Bong-Jun Kim, Byung-Gyu Chae, Sun-Jin Yun, Sung-Youl Choi, Yong-Wook Lee, JungWook Lim, Sang-Kuk Choi, Kwang-Yong Kang
  • Patent number: 8279072
    Abstract: A method for determining a maintenance interval for a consumable part and/or for equipment containing a consumable part obtains a plurality of measurements of temperature of the consumable part, receives each of the measurements at a totalizing unit, correlates each of the measurements to one of a plurality of temperature subranges, accumulates for each of the subranges an amount of time the measurements of temperature were correlated to each of the subranges, determines a total time by aggregating the accumulated time for each subrange with a weighting function, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when the total time equals or passes a runtime setpoint. In supplement to or in alternative to the above, the method also correlates a subrange of two sequential measurements, indexes a breakpoint register if the correlated subranges are different, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when a value of the breakpoint register equals or passes a breakpoint setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: MRL Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Peck, Bjorn W. Larsson
  • Patent number: 8248254
    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: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: EProvenance, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Vogt, Ruth Churchill
  • Patent number: 8242917
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and/or simulating weather related information, including temperature information are provided. Weather related data can be obtained from any convenient source. A temperature indication surface can be used to match a temperature value from the weather related data. Indications can also be provided regarding wind speed and general weather condition corresponding to the weather related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Blinn, Kenneth R. Steele, Sanjay K. Sharma, Brita A Horton
  • Patent number: 8242445
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: FLIR Sysems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Scanlon, James T. Woolaway, Robert P. Madding
  • Patent number: 8188872
    Abstract: A device for evaluating a temperature measurement signal of a temperature measurement facility has a modeling unit with a first input for picking up an input signal which is indicative for the temperature measurement signal, a second input for picking up a feedback signal, and an output for outputting an output signal. The output signal can be generated in dependence on the input signal and the feedback signal by using a computational model stored in the modeling unit. The feedback signal (slope) is directly or indirectly dependent on the output signal. Furthermore, an alarm indicator with an evaluation device of this type and a method for evaluating a temperature measurement signal are provided. Alongside this, a computer-readable storage medium and also a program element are described, which contain instructions for carrying out the evaluation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Fischer
  • 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: 8138909
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing assay information to a portable detection unit, by way of a remote server in communication with the portable detection unit or a consumable with stored information for use with the portable detection unit. Global Positioning System (GPS) information is provided to a portable detection unit having a GPS receiver, so that the unit can determine its current position, including altitude. Based on the determined position, assays and parameters, such as PCR melt temperatures, can be selected. Assays to be performed by the portable detection unit can be selected based on the results of a prior assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignees: Smiths Detection Inc., Smiths Detection—Watford Limited
    Inventors: Jay Lewington, John Walter Czajka, Douglas Jason Green, Carmelo Volpe
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8055478
    Abstract: The present invention includes a frame that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The frame may be used for supporting a portable forced air heater, or other similar equipment. Handles, supports, and optionally a wheel assembly is assembled to two core members using snap lock buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the portable forced air heater includes a maintenance clock for measuring and recording operational parameters of a portable forced air heater, and for notifying a user that maintenance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Pinnacle Products International, Inc., SP Elemech
    Inventors: Steve McCalley, Kyu Sam Hwang
  • Patent number: 8044812
    Abstract: A wireless sensor network including a receiver including a photodetector, and a sensor node that includes a sensor configured to sense a property, a transmitter configured to emit outgoing optical energy, the outgoing optical energy being indicative of the property, and a photodetector configured to harvest incoming optical energy and convert the incoming optical energy into electrical energy useful by the transmitter, wherein the photodetector of the receiver is positioned to receive the outgoing optical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel N. Harres
  • Patent number: 8044784
    Abstract: A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Howard E. Churchwell, Todd N. Clark, John W. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8035527
    Abstract: A fire detection system for monitoring a volume containing fluid, typically air, for the presence of smoke particles is disclosed. A conduit for receiving the fluid, and any smoke particles therein, and directing the fluid to a smoke detector has a plurality of inlets formed therein. A respective temperature sensor is associated with each of the inlets which generate a signal indicative of a change in temperature in the region of the inlet. In the embodiments, the temperature sensor comprises one or more fiber Bragg gratings. The fiber Bragg gratings preferably have different grating periods. The reflected light from each fiber Bragg grating is returned back down the fiber optic cable and redirected via a 2Ă—1 coupler to a wavelength detection system and a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kidde IP Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Brian David Powell
  • 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: 8018347
    Abstract: A device for integrating and indicating a parameter over, comprising: a first electrode (2), a second electrode (3), an electrolyte (5), which is in contact with the first electrode and in consuming contact with a consumption portion (6) of the second electrode, at least two indicators (I1, I2, I3), which are connected to the consumption portion (6) at a respective connecting point (P1, P2, P3). The electrolyte (5) and the consumption portion (6) are selected such that when a voltage is applied over the electrodes (2, 3), the consumption portion (6) is consumed at a predetermined rate, wherein the indicators (I1, I2, I3) are arranged to switch states in response to a consumption frontier (F1, F2) of the consumption portion reaching or passing a connecting point (P1, P2, P3) associated with the respective indicator (I1, I2, I3), wherein at least one of the indicators is a binary (on/off) indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Acreo AB
    Inventors: Payman Tehrani, Mats Robertsson, David Nilsson, Oscar Larsson, Nathaniel D. Robinson, Rune Groppfeldt
  • Publication number: 20110205071
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a temperature measurement section that measures a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat by consuming power or a temperature of an inner position of a casing of which the temperature changes due to the heat generation of the heat generation source; and an environmental temperature calculation section that calculates a temperature which is calculated using a predetermined relational equation that is different in accordance with a model from a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time when the heat generation source starts consuming a predetermined amount of power and a second temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time after the passage of a predetermined period from the start of consumption of a predetermined amount of power by the heat generation source as an environmental temperature in an environment where the casing is placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kimiyasu Namekawa, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7965178
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent, integrated facility and fireground management system which is efficient, assures first responder, pedestrian and appliance safety, as well as precise performance in extreme emergency situations, regulatory compliance, easy and flexible integration with building systems and add-on components, as well as advanced internal component monitoring and event logging. The present invention additionally provides systems and method for real-time first responder situational awareness and real-time fireground situational awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce E. Schmuttor, David B. McCauley
  • Publication number: 20110121978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld device (1) for infrared temperature measurement, comprising an infrared radiation detector (3) for measuring the temperature of a measuring spot (4) on an object under measurement (5), comprising an optical pickup device (2) for sensing the region containing the measuring spot (4) and comprising a display means (6) for presenting the measured temperature value. To provide a handheld device (1) which uses simple means to enable an operator to line up a measuring spot (4) on an object under measurement (5) and at the same time give the operator information on one or more ambient variables during this operation, it is proposed to design the display means (6) for continuously presenting the region of the object under measurement (5) that contains the measuring spot (4) and at least one item of temperature information that is correlated synchronously in time with the presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TESTO AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schwörer, Frank Eder, Kerstin Tetzlaff
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7902969
    Abstract: A control system is employed in a vehicle to assist a user to operate the vehicle effectively and safely. In accordance with the invention, the system provides driving assistance to the user by taking into account the user's physical condition, the vehicle condition and the surrounding conditions. The surrounding conditions include, e.g., road, weather and traffic conditions, external to the vehicle. The vehicle condition concerns the conditions of the brakes, steering, tires, radiator, etc. of the vehicle. Signs of fatigue, stress and illness of the user are monitored by the control system to assess the user's physical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Obradovich
  • Patent number: 7904254
    Abstract: For applications in a facility where a power conversion apparatus is frequently started and stopped, a power conversion apparatus and a power cycle longevity estimation method are provided which improve an ease of use of the facility. The power conversion apparatus comprises power conversion circuits to supply ac power of variable voltage and variable frequency, a detection circuit to detect a temperature of the power semiconductor in the power conversion circuits, and a computation device to calculate a power cycle longevity of the power semiconductor based on a maximum temperature rise detected by the detection circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Ibori, Tomoya Kamezawa, Jiangming Mao, Masayuki Hirota, Masahiro Hiraga
  • Patent number: 7880622
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing and a passive cooling system associated with the housing and being devoid of fans as operable to cool the Ethernet switch. Ethernet switch also includes software operable to perform at least one of the functions selected from the group consisting of multiple spanning, rapid spanning, cluster management and IGMP snooping and querying. According to another embodiment, a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing having a plurality of perforations formed therein for cooling the Ethernet switch. The switch also includes a passive cooling system be devoid of fans and that is operable to cool the Ethernet switch. A temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of the Ethernet switch is included as is an alarm software responsive to the temperature sensor and operable to initiate an alarm when a measured temperature of the Ethernet switch exceeds a particular limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen Teresa Nguyen, Manrique J. Brenes, James E. Collinge
  • Publication number: 20110004502
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a food safety management system, including a web portal for management and reporting and a handheld computing device for checklist completion. A checklist of tasks to be performed in a food service establishment is obtained and displayed on a touchscreen of the handheld computing device. Confirmation is obtained on the touchscreen whether a task has been completed. An identifier at a location in the food service establishment is inputted to verify that a task has been completed. Temperature and humidity readings are obtained from one or more stationary sensors monitoring a food storage environment. Task completion data, temperature data, and humidity data are sent to a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: ORDERITE, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Brown Dillard, Robert Bradford Gray, Thomas Paul Schmitt, David Alan Spencer, John Ashwell Raymond
  • Patent number: 7851758
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Scanlon, James T. Woolaway, Robert P. Madding
  • Publication number: 20100309004
    Abstract: An object, for example a building, is divided into different sections. Each section comprises a plurality of computers, each controlling an individual escape route display or a group of escape route displays. The computers are controlled by monitoring sensors of the object section. The blueprint of the object section and a control algorithm for the safest escape route from the object section is stored in the computers. The invention further relates to an escape route display that can be used for a device of said kind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Gottfried Grundler, Georg Franz Wagner, Ulrich Constantin Wagner
  • Patent number: 7846397
    Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor for use in monitoring the temperature of a fluid or gas in a mixing vessel. The wireless temperature sensor comprises a temperature probe for contacting the fluid or gas and generating a signal based on the gas/fluid temperature; a temperature reader for receiving the signal generated by the temperature probe and determining therefrom a temperature reading of the fluid or gas; and a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for transmitting the temperature reading determined by the temperature reader to a control apparatus external to the mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack T. Gregg, Soroush Amidi
  • Patent number: 7761197
    Abstract: A device and method for detecting air turbulence determine a theoretical height corresponding to the difference between an extrapolated height of an isentropic trajectory and the current height of an aircraft. This theoretical height is compared with a height threshold indicating a risk of turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Stephane Puig
  • Patent number: 7760084
    Abstract: Methods, mediums, systems, and devices for redundant monitoring are disclosed. One method of providing redundancy in an environmental monitoring device includes combining a first sensor, one or more redundant sensors, and a plurality of control logic components; monitoring a selected environmental condition using the plurality of sensors; measuring the selected environmental condition using the plurality of sensors each reporting to a particular control logic component among the plurality of control logic components, each of the plurality of control logic components monitoring a sequence of such measurements; and correlating corresponding monitored measurements from the sequence of measurements of each of the plurality of control logic components and determining whether a difference exists between the corresponding monitored measurements of each of the plurality of control logic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Paksense, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jensen, James Hatchett
  • Patent number: 7760102
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a hazardous condition includes an optical module for measuring scattered light caused by the hazardous condition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a processing unit coupled to receive signals from the optical module, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor. The processing unit processes the signals to determine criteria to distinguish deceptive phenomena from a hazardous condition in order to limit false alarms. The processing unit uses the criteria for adjusting an alarm threshold value that is a function of a reference function, a function based on temperature criteria, a function based on at least one of the temperature criteria and a ratio criterion, and a function based on humidity criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Gilles Chabanis, Philippe Mangon, Stephane Rivet
  • Patent number: 7746236
    Abstract: A fire detection system for detecting fires may include an infrared detector array. The fire detection system may use the infrared detector array to monitor the temperature of a target environment over time. In some cases, a positioning apparatus may be used to move the field of view of the infrared detector array, allowing the infrared detector array to scan a relatively large target environment while still achieving a given resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7733800
    Abstract: An exemplary method for managing a network includes accessing information associated with a managed switch in the network, querying an external data source, and identifying an unmanaged switch connected to the managed switch based on a reply to the query and the accessed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Huibregtse
  • Patent number: 7714731
    Abstract: A detection mechanism for monitoring airflow in an electronics enclosure includes a first thermal sensor positioned proximate the enclosure for measuring an ambient air temperature and a second thermal sensor positioned proximate an exit air stream for measuring the temperature of air that is heated by the electronics in the enclosure. A control circuit is coupled with the first and second thermal sensors and is configured for determining a temperature differential between the measured temperatures of the thermal sensors. The control circuit may initiate an alarm when the temperature differential exceeds a setpoint thereby indicating restricted airflow in the enclosure. The control circuit might also take other remedial steps prior to initiating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Andrew LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Palaszewski
  • Patent number: 7715979
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a curved swath path in a swath generation apparatus used in an automated vehicle guidance system to compensate for changes in vehicle position signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Peter J. Dix
  • Patent number: 7703389
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus with an information exchange system that involves an assembly featuring a cooking apparatus such as a smoker or an electric turkey fryer and an information exchange system that provides for local and/or remote monitoring of cooking characteristic that preferably includes food item temperature probing that is displayed externally on the cooking appliance as in a local remote cooking characteristic information conveyance device that are preferably either in unidirectional of bi-directional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: John D. McLemore, Don McLemore
  • Patent number: 7701358
    Abstract: A vehicle warning system uses a switch placed on a vehicle childseat to determine occupancy of the seat, and a temperature detector to determine if an unsafe temperature exists in the vehicle interior. The system alarms if both these conditions exist to warn of a hazard to a child. The system installation in the vehicle is simply to place the switch on the childseat connect it into the system and provide power to the system. The system also provides a reminder if the alarm is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: Donald Clyde White, Karen Marie White
  • Patent number: 7689356
    Abstract: A method for defining, using, and adjusting curved swath patterns and a swath generation apparatus implementing said method for use in an automated vehicle guidance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Dix, Bingcheng Ni, Kousha Moaveninejad
  • Patent number: 7683793
    Abstract: An adaptive evacuation system and method for providing a safety route to evacuees. Active smoke and heat detector information can be obtained from a fire panel. Routes and exits in proximity to the active detectors are assumed to be unsafe and closed for use in evacuation. Evacuation planning is accomplished with the remaining “safe” routes. The progression of fire and smoke and the time-dependent degradation of evacuation route safety associated with progression of fire and smoke can be predicted and initial classification and signaling of route safety can be performed. As the fire progresses, the initial time-dependent classifications are updated and initially safe routes are reclassified as unsafe and then evacuation directions are modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Qing Li, Thomas A. Plocher
  • Patent number: 7675424
    Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised, or spoiled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: PakSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne K. Debord, James Hatchett, Thomas P. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7671738
    Abstract: A driving control device of a motor includes a temperature sensing circuit, a comparing circuit, a rotation speed control circuit and a driving circuit. The temperature sensing circuit detects an environmental temperature for generating a sensing signal. The comparing circuit is electrically connected to the temperature sensing circuit, and compares the sensing signal with a reference voltage signal for outputting a comparing signal. The rotation speed control circuit is electrically connected to the comparing circuit and has a first threshold voltage and a second threshold voltage, both of which are compared with the comparing signal for outputting a rotation speed control signal. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the rotation speed control circuit, and generates a driving signal to drive the motor in accordance with the rotation speed control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Huang Wu, Yen-Hung Wu, Yi-Chieh Cho, Yueh-Lung Huang, Wen-Shi Huang
  • Patent number: 7668686
    Abstract: A method of controlling an initial external temperature display in a vehicle may include comparing an ignition-off time with a first threshold and displaying a current reading from an outside ambient temperature sensor when the ignition-off time equals or exceeds the first threshold. The method further includes comparing at least one secondary condition with at least one secondary parameter when the ignition-off time falls below the first threshold and selecting and displaying a reading based on the comparison of the at least one secondary condition with the at least one secondary parameter. This comparison can include comparing a previous ignition-on time with a second threshold and comparing a sum of the ignition-off time and a stored amount with a third threshold when the previous ignition-on time equals or falls below the second threshold. Alternatively, this comparison can include comparing an engine water temperature with a temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Conte, Akira Oga, Robert Wunsche
  • Patent number: 7664977
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cooling a CPU. The method includes the steps of: setting a passive cooling mode; setting a critical temperature and a reference temperature that is lower than the critical temperature; setting a plurality of temperature intervals between the reference temperature and the critical temperature; predetermining a duty cycle corresponding to each temperature interval; detecting a current temperature of the CPU; comparing the current temperature with the reference temperature and the critical temperature; entering into the passive cooling mode if the current temperature is between the reference temperature and the critical temperature; confirming which temperature interval the current temperature falls in; confirming a corresponding predetermined duty cycle according to the temperature interval; and switching the CPU between a working status and a sleeping status according to the confirmed predetermined duty cycle. A related system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fei-Zhou Wang
  • Publication number: 20100033335
    Abstract: The present invention includes a frame that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The frame may be used for supporting a portable forced air heater, or other similar equipment. Handles, supports, and optionally a wheel assembly is assembled to two core members using snap lock buttons. In a preferred embodiment, the portable forced air heater includes a maintenance clock for measuring and recording operational parameters of a portable forced air heater, and for notifying a user that maintenance is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicants: PINNACLE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL, INC., SP ELEMECH
    Inventors: Steve McCalley, K.S. Hwang
  • Patent number: 7646308
    Abstract: A system monitors electrical equipment and provides predictive diagnostics therefor. The system includes sensors located at or about the electrical equipment. The sensors sense information pertaining to operation of the electrical equipment. A first processor is located at or about the electrical equipment and receives the sensed information from the sensors as first information. A first transceiver cooperates with the first processor to transmit the first information as transmitted information. A second processor is located remote from the electrical equipment. A second transceiver cooperates with the first transceiver to receive the transmitted information as second information and communicate the same to the second processor. The second processor provides a notification pertaining to an immediate inspection and/or maintenance of the electrical equipment, and set points operatively associated with the sensed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel J. Paoletti, Thomas M. Nine, George M. Herman, Mark T. Stephens, Robert Yanniello
  • Publication number: 20090322542
    Abstract: A system and method for ambient monitoring temperature and humidity, includes a controller, a host and an alarm device. The controller includes a sensing module and a determining module. The sensing module senses temperature and humidity. The determining module determines whether the sensed environment temperature and humidity are abnormal according to predetermined standards, and determines howl long the environment continues to be abnormal, and outputs an abnormal signal if the abnormal environment continues to be abnormal beyond a preset time limit. The host is connected to the controller, to transmit an alarm signal according to the abnormal signal. The alarm device is connected to the host, to activate according to the alarm signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HONG-LIANG DING, LI-XIA PENG, XIAO-HUI CHANG, YONG-GANG ZHANG, KUANG-YUAN CHANG
  • Patent number: 7604398
    Abstract: Cumulative thermal exposures monitors and remote indicating cumulative thermal exposure monitors and system for reading the same are disclosed. The monitors have a thermally insulative housing with a cavity and a thermally-responsive member therein formed of shape memory material, which may be provided with a coating or sheath of insulative or shape memory polymer material, that gradually changes from a first shape to a second shape over a prescribed temperature range wherein the thermal capacity and insulative properties of the housing, cavity, and shape memory material transition temperature range are correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of the product being monitored. In remote indicating embodiments, the data can be retrieved remotely via RF transponder technology without directly viewing the monitor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Akers, Gerald A. Coles, James Michael Zerkus
  • Publication number: 20090231147
    Abstract: A method for determining a maintenance interval for a consumable part and/or for equipment containing a consumable part obtains a plurality of measurements of temperature of the consumable part, receives each of the measurements at a totalizing unit, correlates each of the measurements to one of a plurality of temperature subranges, accumulates for each of the subranges an amount of time the measurements of temperature were correlated to each of the subranges, determines a total time by aggregating the accumulated time for each subrange with a weighting function, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when the total time equals or passes a runtime setpoint. In supplement to or in alternative to the above, the method also correlates a subrange of two sequential measurements, indexes a breakpoint register if the correlated subranges are different, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when a value of the breakpoint register equals or passes a breakpoint setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: MRL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. PECK, Bjorn W. Larsson
  • Publication number: 20090207030
    Abstract: A device for evaluating a temperature measurement signal of a temperature measurement facility has a modeling unit with a first input for picking up an input signal which is indicative for the temperature measurement signal, a second input for picking up a feedback signal, and an output for outputting an output signal. The output signal can be generated in dependence on the input signal and the feedback signal by using a computational model stored in the modeling unit. The feedback signal (slope) is directly or indirectly dependent on the output signal. Furthermore, an alarm indicator with an evaluation device of this type and a method for evaluating a temperature measurement signal are provided. Alongside this, a computer-readable storage medium and also a program element are described, which contain instructions for carrying out the evaluation method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIEGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 7573391
    Abstract: A temperature sensing system (100) for use with a variable reluctance sensor such as found in vehicle wheel bearing applications, which utilizes existing sensors (12) such as the antilock braking system or traction control system sensors as a direct current resistive temperature gauge. The temperature sensing system (100) includes electrical components (R4, C1) configured to separate the DC voltage (VDC(t)) representative of sensor temperature from the original magnetically induced AC voltage output signal (VSN1(t)) representative of the rotation such as vehicle wheel speed, thereby permitting the temperature sensing system (100) to be retrofitted and installed in vehicles or other components without significant alteration to an existing wiring harness or electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Christian Adam
  • Patent number: 7564364
    Abstract: This invention covers improved electronic time-temperature indicators with an RFID output, and other devices and methods by which the thermal history of a complex material, which may not obey a simple exponential Arrhenius law degradation equation, may be monitored, and the subsequent fitness for use of the tracked material may be quickly ascertained. In particular, the invention discloses a rapidly reprogrammable electronic time-temperature RFID tag that may be easily customized with the thermal time-temperature stability profile of an arbitrary material, using electronic data transfer methods. Using this device, a single, low-cost, generic time-temperature tag may be mass-produced, and then subsequently programmed to mimic the stability characteristics of nearly any material of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen Eliot Zweig