Temperature Patents (Class 340/870.17)
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Patent number: 8770835Abstract: The disclosure provides a system, tools and methods for estimating a property or characteristic of a fluid downhole. In one aspect, the method may include: heating the fluid at a selected or first location during a first time phase, taking temperature measurements of the fluid substantially at the selected location during a second time phase, and estimating the property of the downhole fluid using temperature measurements. Temperature measurements may also be taken at a location spaced apart from the first location and used to estimate the property of the fluid. The tool may include a device that heats the fluid during a first time phase and takes temperature measurements of the fluid during a second time phase. A processor uses the temperature measurements and a model to estimate a property of interest of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Stefan Sroka, Peter Schaefer
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Patent number: 8767903Abstract: An in-core neutron monitor that employs vacuum microelectronic devices to configure an in-core instrument thimble assembly that monitors and wirelessly transmits a number of reactor parameters directly from the core of a nuclear reactor without the use of external cabling. The in-core instrument thimble assembly is substantially wholly contained within an instrument guide tube within a nuclear fuel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: John G. Seidel, Robert W. Flammang, Jorge V. Carvajal, Michael A. James, Nicola G. Arlia
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Patent number: 8754780Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Sipco, LLCInventors: Thomas David Petite, Richard M. Huff
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Patent number: 8696198Abstract: A temperature recorder mainly includes a micro control unit (MCU), a temperature sensing circuit, a memory with RF transmission function, and at least one antenna unit. The MCU electrically connects to the temperature sensing circuit and the memory, and the antenna unit electrically connects to the memory. The temperature sensing circuit senses external temperature variations surrounding the temperature recorder, and the sensed temperature variations are progressed by the MCU and then stored into the memory in accordance with scheduled parameters. The temperature recorder can be connected externally through wired serial transmitting interface or wireless radio frequency (RF) transmitting interface when internal temperature data needs to be retrieved, or a new parameter needs to be written into the memory. Thus, the memory in the temperature recorder can be retrieved and written via both wired connection and wireless connection, the usage of the temperature recorder is more flexible.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Jogtek Corp.Inventors: Wei-Chun Huang, Tsung-Hsing Hsieh
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Patent number: 8681920Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a parameter in an irradiated environment and communicating a signal representative of the monitored parameter to a less caustic environment that employs a wireless transmitter that is powered by the irradiated environment. The power for the wireless transmitter is derived from a self-powered radiation detector disposed within the radioactive environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Michael D. Heibel, Daniel P. Kistler, Michael C. Prible, Jorge V. Carvajal, Jason Palmer
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Patent number: 8649913Abstract: An electrical equipment management system includes: a total electrical energy information acquiring unit disposed in a building having a plurality of sections, the unit to acquire total electrical energy information indicative of total electrical energy consumed in a whole of the sections; an individual electrical energy acquiring unit to acquire individual electrical energy information indicative of electrical energy consumption in each section depending on the total electrical energy; and a control information output unit to output control information for controlling operation of electrical equipment disposed in the sections so that electrical energy consumption thereof does not exceed an upper limit, in accordance with difference between the individual electrical energy information and upper limit information indicative of an upper limit of electrical energy consumption for each predetermined period for each of the sections as well as remaining period information indicative of a remaining period before a lType: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuji Yoshii, Shigeo Tera
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Publication number: 20140015689Abstract: Individual agricultural assets at a remote location are each equipped with at least one condition sensor in communication with a location-based controlling transceiver, which in turn communicates with a central monitoring system. The transceiver will monitor data received from the condition sensors and in accordance with predetermined notification parameters will send a signal to the central monitoring system only when a notification condition, for example an elevated temperature reading in the instance of a grain bin, is detected. By only communicating when a transmission bandwidth requirements between the transceiver and the central monitoring system are minimized. Further transmission bandwidth reduction can be achieved by limiting the notification condition parameters limiting transceiver packet. Various conditions including temperature, gas levels or presence, volume or other conditions of various types of assets could be monitored remotely in this way.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Kyle Ronald Folk
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Patent number: 8629378Abstract: A heating control device for a heating apparatus comprises a power control unit connected between an external power source and a heating unit of the heating apparatus to transfer power therebetween; a first temperature sensor provided near the heating unit for detecting the temperature thereof; a second temperature sensor provided at a portion of the heating apparatus for containing an object to be heated and for detecting the temperature of the object; a storage unit for storing temperature reference values; a micro controller unit electrically connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the power control unit and the storage unit, which is used to receive temperature signals from the sensors, compare the detected temperatures to the temperature reference values, and command the power control unit to supply the heating unit with different powers. A heating control method therefore is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventor: Kevin Lin
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Patent number: 8624527Abstract: An illumination system in accordance with an embodiment hereof includes a plurality of LED units, a system controller, at least one sensing unit, and a plurality of local controllers each associated with at least one LED unit. Each LED unit includes a plurality of differently colored, independently controllable LEDs forming a color gamut. The system controller generates control signals for each of the LED units consistent with a desired system-level output. The sensing unit(s) senses an operating state of the LEDs during operation thereof, and each local controller includes a memory and a compensator. The memory includes calibration data for use over a short time period, and the compensator updates the calibration data based on measurements from a sensing unit over a long time period. Based at least in part on the calibration data, the local controller operates the LEDs of the LED unit to maintain output intensities consistent with commands issued by the system controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Oree, Inc.Inventors: Noam Meir, Ilan Landsmann, Ori Spier, Tania Kosburd, Eran Fine
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Patent number: 8611831Abstract: Numeric values “a” representing a respective order of transmission by a plurality of transmitting units, and a numeric value N representing the total number of transmitting units, are set for each of the transmitting units. At startup, a transmitting unit for which the value “a” representing the order of transmission of the unit has been set to 1 sets a trigger value to N and transmits information about the value “a” of the unit and detection information from a sensor, and, when the value N is detected from a received signal, transmits the value “a” of the unit and detection information. When a value of a?1 is detected from a received signal, the transmitting unit for which the value “a” representing the order of transmission of the unit has been set to other than 1 transmits the information of the value “a” of the unit and detection information.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Nakatani, Shu Yamada, Sigeki Sakakibara, Michito Kaneko
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Patent number: 8610036Abstract: A device for monitoring a heating apparatus that includes a default deactivated motion detector for determining whether a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The device includes a default deactivated heat sensor for determining whether the heating apparatus has a temperature that is above a threshold. The device includes an internal timer for cyclically repeating a first countdown. The heat sensor is temporarily activated once during each of the repeated first countdowns. The internal timer performs a second countdown when the activated heat sensor determines that the heating apparatus has the temperature that is above the threshold. The second countdown is reset each time the motion detector determines that a person is proximate the heating apparatus. The device includes an alarm configured to notify a user when the internal timer reaches the end of the second countdown.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventors: Robert C. Ewell, Jr., Douglas L. Garmany, Charles T. Kelly, Charles Philip Wasilewski
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Patent number: 8602654Abstract: A bearing temperature monitoring device and bearing device provided with the monitoring device composed so that occurrence of scratch on the rotation shaft supported by the bearing caused by a bearing temperature carrying member integrated in the bearing such that its top end surface faces the rotation shaft, are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takaaki Kaikogi, Kazuhiko Yamashita, Takashi Nakano, Yuichiro Waki, Motohisa Uesato, Yutaka Yamada
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Patent number: 8599008Abstract: A method and system for monitoring an appliance is disclosed. The method includes establishing a wireless communication connection between a communication module in an appliance and a communication network, transmitting operational data in real-time from the appliance to an external monitoring system over the communication network, determining a status of a component of the appliance from the real-time operational data, and if a failure mode of the component is detected, initiating a service protocol corresponding to the component.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric K. Watson, Timothy A. Hamel, Richard DeVos, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Charles Dawes, Michael Kello, Rajendra Prasad Gottipati, Donald Ganiere, Steven Keith Root
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Patent number: 8573840Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated temperature sensor (1) comprising: means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) at an oscillation frequency, means (3000) for counting the number of pulses during a fixed period of time independent of a temperature to be measured (T) and for generating a plurality of bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0) indicating the number of pulses in the pulse train (DATA_IN), and means (4000) for generating a serial digital signal (DATA_OUT) from said bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0), in which the means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) include a plurality of logic gates (2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450) which can introduce a delay dependent on the temperature to be measured (T), said means (2000) generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) the oscillation frequency of which is dependent on said temperature to be measured (T). The invention also relates to a temperature measurement method and to a transponder for a wireless system.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2006Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Incide, S.A.Inventors: Aritz Ubarretxena Belandia, Roc Berenguer—Pérez, César Matinez Antón, Daniel Egurrola López, Javier Hernández de Miguel
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Publication number: 20130249710Abstract: A refrigerated container system is described that includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) including a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a coordinator node through which the sensors provide sensor data to a controller for the refrigerated container system. The wireless sensors and the coordinator incorporate a variety of features that ensure efficient utilization of battery life by preventing unintended pairing of sensors with other WPANs and excessive sensor signal processing arising from door chatter. Finally, pairing is performed without pressing a button on the wireless door sensor. Instead, the sensor's magnetic reed switch is enlisted to detect swiping of a magnet by a user to enter a pairing mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Stephen Michael Pasek, Kimble Allyn Vitkus, Russell Lee Sanders, Mark Daniel Leasure
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Patent number: 8525036Abstract: A circuit assembly (34) resistant to high-temperature and high g centrifugal force is disclosed. A printed circuit board (42) is first fabricated from alumina and has conductive traces of said circuit formed thereon by the use of a thick film gold paste. Active and passive components of the circuit assembly are attached to the printed circuit board by means of gold powder diffused under high temperature. Gold wire is used for bonding between the circuit traces and the active components in order to complete the circuit assembly (34). Also, a method for manufacturing a circuit assembly resistant to elevated temperature is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: David J. Mitchell, Anand A. Kulkarni, Ramesh Subramanian, Edward R. Roesch, Rod Waits, Roberto Schupbach, John R. Fraley, Alexander B. Lostetter, Brice McPherson, Bryon Western
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Patent number: 8505831Abstract: An energy control system, helping to reduce energy consumption from an energy grid, includes a power meter which receives first power-save signal and generates a second power-save signal for receipt by a control device. The target temperature of a thermostat is changed for a period of time in response to the second power-save signal. The control device can create a third power-save signal for receipt by a power-save adapter for an associated energy-consuming unit to permit only limited operation of the energy-consuming unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. Simon, Blaine M. Smith, Matthew T. Fisher
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Patent number: 8493221Abstract: One embodiment involves detecting the fouling of an air filter used to filter airflow entering a computer system. An expected airflow rate is obtained from a current fan speed. An expected temperature rise between two positions is computed as a function of the expected airflow rate and the power consumption of heat-generating components, such as servers. An actual temperature rise is obtained from temperature sensors. An electronic alert is automatically generated in response to the actual temperature rise exceeding the expected temperature rise by a setpoint. Different setpoints may be used to trigger distinct electronic alerts.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kevin M. Cash, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
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Patent number: 8474279Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John K. Besore, Richard DeVos, Jeff Donald Drake, Michael F. Finch, Ronald Gary Foster, Darin Franks, William Newton, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Timothy Dale Worthington
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Patent number: 8452323Abstract: A method and system for selecting a thermally optimal airlink for a portable computing device includes monitoring a temperature of the portable computing device as well as determining if the portable computing device has reached a threshold temperature range. Next, an estimated volume of data to be sent over one or more airlinks may be calculated in addition to determining an estimated duration for the data using one or more airlinks. A quality of service needed for the data in connection with the one or more airlinks may be determined. With this estimated data, one or more available airlinks for the data to be transmitted may be compared. After this comparison, one or more thermally optimal airlinks may be selected based on the estimated volume, estimated data rate, and estimated duration. Determining if the portable computing device is proximate to an operator may be used when considering airlinks.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Jon J. Anderson, Bohuslav Rychlik
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Patent number: 8424322Abstract: An air conditioner that can present information on a predicted value of stored energy usage per unit time, a predicted value of the electricity charge per unit time, and a predicted value of the amount of CO2 emission per unit time, at the start of operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Tatsuo Seki
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Patent number: 8410931Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to mobile inventory unit monitoring systems and methods. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile inventory unit monitoring system comprising a computer configured to execute at least one computer program, at least one wireless transmitter located proximate to a mobile inventory unit, a plurality of radio-frequency transceivers dispersed geographically at defined locations, and a gateway connected to a wide area network. Select information can be transmitted from the transmitter proximate to the mobile inventory unit, through a transceiver in the plurality of transceivers, through the gateway, and to the wide area network. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: SIPCO, LLCInventors: Thomas David Petite, Richard M Huff
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Patent number: 8400315Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a process temperature anomaly during a power outage comprising employing a power source separate from that powering the process, setting a temperature set point; sensing presence and absence of power powering the process, sensing process temperature; and indicating to users that an absence of power was sensed and that the temperature sensed during the absence of power was below (or above) the temperature set point.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: William Sherman
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Publication number: 20130038471Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely monitoring the temperature of acrolein in a storage tank has a temperature sensor in communication with the acrolein in the tank and with a temperature transmitter. A global positioning receiver/transmitter communicates with the temperature transmitter and sends the temperature data to a remote base station via a linking satellite while also providing location data about the storage tank. At the base station, the temperature data related to the actual temperature of the acrolein in the tank is compared to predetermined temperature set points. These predetermined set points correlate to polymerization reaction of the acrolein. When the set points are reached, a response processor initiates a response t control the polymerization reaction of the acrolein in the storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: MULTI-CHEM GROUP, LLCInventor: Michael L. Harless
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Patent number: 8330583Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Horizon Hobby, Inc.Inventors: Paul Beard, John Adams, Mathew Lee, Eric Meyers
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Patent number: 8325048Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Sridhar Ranganathan, Andrew Thomas Baker, Jeffrey Heller
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Patent number: 8321080Abstract: In engine temperature display device for a watercraft, an engine temperature data value is calculated based on a detection signal of a temperature of an engine of an outboard motor. The engine temperature data value is sent to an engine state display device installed in a watercraft by a LAN. A control portion of the engine state display device computes the engine temperature data value based on a plurality of threshold temperatures of a standard engine model stored in a nonvolatile memory, and converts the data value into a display data for indicating a temperature level among a plurality of temperature levels. The display data is displayed on a display device on the watercraft. An engine temperature data value calculating and sending device computes using a plurality of threshold values on an engine block wall temperature specific to an engine, and sends the appropriately converted engine temperature data value.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takaaki Bamba
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Patent number: 8258928Abstract: An RFID tag is provided. The RFID tag includes an emitting module, a temperature detecting circuit and a tag chip. The temperature detecting circuit produces a time signal according to a surrounding temperature, wherein the time signal changes with the surrounding temperature. The tag chip is electrically connected to the temperature detecting circuit and the emitting module, wherein the time signal is transmitted via the emitting module.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventor: Yao-Yi Tseng
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Patent number: 8253588Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the computer system and validates the telemetric signals using a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique. Next, the system assesses the integrity of a power supply unit (PSU) in the computer system by comparing the telemetric signals to one or more reference telemetric signals associated with the computer system. If the assessed integrity falls below a threshold, the system performs a remedial action for the computer system.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.Inventors: Kalyanaraman Vaidyanathan, Kenny C. Gross
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Publication number: 20120206272Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical fluid meter, for liquid or gas, comprising an electronic device (E) that has means for metering, and generally also displaying, consumption, said fluid meter including: at least one fluid temperature sensor (3) near the meter and at least one ambient temperature sensor (4) where the meter is installed; a connection means between the temperature sensors (3, 4) and the electronic device (E); and analysis means (5) for establishing the temperature difference (??) between the fluid temperature and the ambient temperature and for taking into account the fluid flow rate value supplied by the meter, said analysis means being programmed so as to display and/or transmit information indicating a meter blockage when the temperature difference (??) is higher than a predetermined limit and the flow rate value supplied by the meter is zero.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2010Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENTInventor: Jean-Paul Borlee
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Patent number: 8240914Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit a temperature signal associated with temperature readings of the food being cooked. The system also includes at least one microprocessor operative to calibrate taste and choice preferences. The system also includes a temperature probe and a second unit that includes a noise generator or visual indicator and a radio frequency receiver for reception of the signal from the transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Maverick Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter A. Chapman, Chee-Ann Chang
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Patent number: 8229605Abstract: An antenna array for use in an aviation application setting comprises an external covering and at least four radio frequency antennas that are disposed underneath and that are protected by the external covering. A deposit of phosphor material is also disposed beneath this covering. This external covering is at least partially permeable to radio frequency signals and will provide at least a substantial barrier against external moisture and objects that might otherwise harm the antennas. This external covering can be fixed to an exterior surface of an aircraft. The four radio frequency antennas are electrically discrete from one another though also being configured as an integral mechanical structure. The phosphor material, in turn, can serve to facilitate detection of a parameter of interest, such as temperature or airspeed.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Embedded Control Systems Inc.Inventor: Ovidiu Gabriel Vlad
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Patent number: 8220990Abstract: A circuit assembly (34) affixed to a moving part (20) of a turbine for receiving information about a condition of the part and transmitting this information external to the engine. The circuit assembly includes a high-temperature resistant package (34A) that attaches to the part. A high temperature resistant PC board (42) supports both active and passive components of the circuit, wherein a first group of the passive components are fabricated with zero temperature coefficient of resistance and a second group of the passive components are fabricated with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The active components are fabricated with high temperature metallization. Connectors (40) attached to the PC board pass through a wall of the package (34A) for communication with sensors (30) on the part and with an antenna (26) for transmitting data about the condition of the part to outside the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: Siemens Energy, Inc., Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc.Inventors: David J. Mitchell, Anand A. Kulkarni, Ramesh Subramanian, Edward R. Roesch, Rod Waits, Roberto Schupbach, John R. Fraley, Alexander B. Lostetter, Brice McPherson, Bryon Western
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Patent number: 8217779Abstract: An RFID device includes an analog block, a digital block, and a memory block. The analog block receives a radio frequency signal in order to output an operating command signal. The digital block outputs an address, an operating control signal, a temperature sensor activating signal, and a temperature compensating signal in response to the operating command signal. The memory block reads/writes data in a cell array having a plurality of nonvolatile ferroelectric capacitors. The memory block also has a temperature treating unit that sets a parameter value for temperature compensation in response to the temperature compensating signal, detects a temperature change state in an RFID tag in response to the temperature sensor activating signal, and compares the temperature change state with the parameter value. The parameter value is changed according to the comparison result and outputs a digital code value corresponding to the temperature change state.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.Inventors: Hee Bok Kang, Suk Kyoung Hong
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Patent number: 8203451Abstract: A tag detects a condition, and selectively operates a portion of its circuitry in first and second modes as a function of information regarding the selected condition, the portion consuming less power in the second mode than the first mode, and being capable of wireless communication according to one of a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol. According to a different aspect, a tag carries out geofencing analysis, and selectively operates a portion of its circuitry in first and second modes as a function of results of the geofencing analysis, the portion consuming less power in the second mode than in the first mode, and being capable of wireless communication according to one of a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Savi Technology, Inc.Inventors: Allan M. Evans, Nikola Cargonja, Albert Nardelli, Timothy K. Brand, Reiner G. Mim, Robert Zmrzli
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Patent number: 8192080Abstract: Improved treatment apparatus (120, 152) is provided for the treatment (e.g., molding, heating and/or curing) of objects such as parts or part precursors (148, 170) including wireless detection of a temperature parameter related to the objects during treatment thereof. The objects include associated microwire-type sensors (150, 174) which have characteristic re-magnetization responses under the influence of applied, alternating magnetic fields. The apparatus (120, 152) have treatment chambers (122, 153) sized to hold the objects to be treated, with one or more antennas (132, 124, 166) proximal to such objects and operable to generate interrogating alternating magnetic fields and to detect the responses of the sensors (150, 174). The detected temperature parameter information is used by an apparatus controller (146) to maintain desired ambient conditions within the treatment chamber (122, 153).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: TSI Technologies LLCInventor: Brian L. Clothier
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Patent number: 8152367Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)Inventors: William Peyton Roberts, Thomas D. Kennedy, Tom Windisch, David W. Hagood
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Patent number: 8154421Abstract: A shipper having an outer housing with a temperature sensitive payload and a temperature/location tracker disposed therein. The outer housing has a body having an interior surface bounding a compartment that is accessed through an opening. A first panel is coupled with the body and configured to extend over at least a portion of the opening, with a first access port extending through the first panel. The payload and temperature/location tracker are disposed within the compartment of the body. The temperature/location tracker includes a first temperature probe, a GPS receiver, a cellular modem, and a GPS antenna. The GPS antenna is disposed so as to be aligned with the first access port when the shipper is in a fully assembled state such that the GPS antenna is directly accessible through the first access port. The temperature/location tracker monitors and periodically transmits temperature and location values of the shipper over a cellular communication network.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Fisher Clinical Services Inc.Inventors: Greg D. Saltzman, Nancy H. Troutman, Scott A. Sheetz, Vladimir N. Lebedev
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Patent number: 8155809Abstract: A system and method for data logging, collection, and analysis techniques. Logging, collection, and analysis of data relating to the condition of a structure, such as a railway rail. Monitoring the neutral temperature of a railway rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: James R. Bilodeau, William A. Rhodes
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Patent number: 8117009Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: L-3 CommunicationsInventors: Marc Worthington, Noah Desch, David Lawson, Scott Colegrove
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Patent number: 8091795Abstract: An Intelligent Thermostat (IT) device and method of use for the retrieval and display of real-time energy demand and energy pricing. The IT device is configured to perform automatic adaptation of energy conservation based on real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing from a Utility Company. The IT device controls a multicolor backlight to immediately notify the user of real-time fluctuations in the energy pricing.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Home Automation, Inc.Inventors: John R. McLellan, Ronald J. Gumina, Ryan L. Arbour, David A. Hatty
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Patent number: 8089032Abstract: An electronic controller that is adapted to cooperate with a decorative wall plate is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic controller may be adapted to be mounted in a junction box, with a user interface having a shape and size to fit within one or more apertures in a wall plate. The wall plate may be secured relative to the electronic controller and/or junction box such that the user interface extends at least partially through the one or more aperture in the wall plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Stephane Beland, Francois Houde
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Patent number: 8050006Abstract: A method of providing overload and short-circuit protection for a Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS). The method may rely upon sensing a temperature change rate for a component of the SMPS and implementing a protection scheme when the temperature change rate exceeds a desired temperature change rate. The implementation scheme may include permanently or temporarily shutting-off the component.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Lear Corporation GmbHInventors: Matthias Doppel, Gunther Grabner
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Patent number: 8043002Abstract: A body-temperature measuring device is provided. The device includes: a pad which is attachable to and detachable from a human body; a battery which is provided to the pad and includes a pair of battery terminals for supplying power; and a temperature sensing block which is attached to and detached from the pad and comprises units for contacting the human body to sense temperature and wirelessly transmitting a temperature sensing signal corresponding to the sensed temperature and a pair of connecting terminals which are electrically connected to the battery terminals only when attached to the pad, and a body-temperature measuring system including one or more of the body-temperature measuring devices and a receiver which receives the wirelessly transmitted temperature sensing signal, measures the temperature by using the received signal, and informs of a result of measuring the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-pal Kim, Kun-soo Shin
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Patent number: 8031053Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for radio frequency identification (RFID) label time synchronization. A method includes, in a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator having an antenna, transceiver, a clock, a memory and a central processing unit (CPU), initializing a RFID tag with a label start time and a time to record data, the label start time representing an actual start time indicated by the clock, receiving a label stop time, a label time and logged data from an interrogation of the RFID tag, and compensating the label time for a drift between the label stop time and an actual stop time.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLCInventor: Roy Edgar Greeff
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Patent number: 8013732Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Sipco, LLCInventors: Thomas David Petite, Richard M Huff
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Patent number: 8009060Abstract: Remote monitoring of the munition assets is directed to providing a munitions monitoring system and method for monitoring the environment approximate to a munition and transferring data of the environment to a location remote from the munition for storage or processing. A local monitoring device communicates directly with a remote device at a location remote from the munition, the monitoring device being proximate to a munition with a plurality of sensors that monitor the environment of the munition. The local monitoring device can communicate directly with a centralized relay system that is located in the general proximity to a munitions stock pile and/or with a mobile remote device, such as mounted on a vehicle or a hand-held device. The data can be correlated with the operability of the munition.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Leslie Kramer, Keith Fosen
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Patent number: 8004423Abstract: An instrumented component (18, 19) for use in various operating environments such as the hot gas path section of a combustion turbine engine (10). The component (18, 19) may have a substrate, a sensor (50, 204, 210) connected with the substrate for sensing a condition of the component (18, 19) within the casing during operation of the combustion turbine (10) and a connector (52, 202) attached to the substrate and in communication with the sensor (50, 204, 210) for routing a data signal from the sensor (50, 204, 210) to a termination location (53). The component (18, 19) may include a wireless telemetry device (54, 202) in communication with the connector (52, 202) for wirelessly transmitting the data signal outside the casing. A transceiver (56) may be located outside the casing for receiving the data signal and transmitting it to a processing module (30) for developing information with respect to a condition of the component (18, 19) or a coating (26) deposited on the component (18, 19).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: David J. Mitchell, Anand A. Kulkarni, Ramesh Subramanian, Edward R. Roesch
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Patent number: 7978059Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Hunt Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thomas D. Petite, Richard M. Huff
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Patent number: 7969323Abstract: An instrumented component (18, 19) for use in various operating environments such as within a combustion turbine engine (10). The component (18, 19) may have a substrate, a sensor (50, 94, 134) connected with the substrate for sensing a condition of the component (18, 19) during operation of the combustion turbine (10) and a connector (52, 92, 140) attached to the substrate and in communication with the sensor (50, 94, 134) for routing a data signal from the sensor (50, 94, 134) to a termination location (53). The component (18, 19) may include a wireless telemetry device (54, 76, 96) in communication with the connector (52, 92, 140) for wirelessly transmitting the data signal. Recesses (114, 116) may be formed with a root portion (112, 132) of components (18, 19) within which wireless telemetry device (54, 76, 96) may be affixed.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: David J. Mitchell, Anand A. Kulkarni, Ramesh Subramanian, Edward R. Roesch