Time-temperature Relationship (e.g., Integral, Deterioration, Change) Patents (Class 374/102)
  • Patent number: 11905822
    Abstract: An online measurement method for temperature stability of production layers in an oil and gas well includes: obtaining a plurality of temperature data at each position point of an optical fiber; according to the temperature data, calculating temperature standard deviations of each position point within a production layer at a plurality of time points; performing probability distribution statistics according to the temperature standard deviations at all position points of the production layer at a same time point, fitting a probability distribution curve according to normal distribution, and obtaining a probability density function; obtaining the temperature standard deviations corresponding to at least one value that integral values of the probability density function at all position points of the production layer at each time point is between (0, 1), generating a standard temperature deviation normal distribution probability time curve of each section of the production layer according to the temperature stan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: GUOXING HUIJIN SHENZHEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhihua Ge, Shuai Guan, Chuntao Song, Wuhua Zhou, Yuehua Chen
  • Patent number: 11837071
    Abstract: A system includes a bed zone boundary module and a user interface device (UID) control module. The bed zone boundary module is configured to detect when at least one of a first wearable dispenser assembly and an identification badge is within a boundary of a zone around a bed, and generate a sanitize reminder signal when at least one of the first wearable dispenser assembly and the identification badge is within the zone boundary. The UID control module is configured to, in response to the sanitize reminder signal, control a user interface device to generate a message reminding a person wearing at least one of the first wearable dispenser assembly and the identification badge to use hand sanitizer before approaching a patient in the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sterilogy Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Zaima, John Kreitz
  • Patent number: 11828685
    Abstract: Syntactic foams are materials including hollow microspheres distributed throughout a cured polymeric resin. Hollow microspheres within syntactic foams, including collapsible shells that enclose empty cavities, can serve as receptacles to capture environmental constituents upon applied temperature and pressure. An epoxy formulation including of EPON™ 828, HELOXY™ 61, and TETA was combined with hollow glass microspheres with isostatic crush strengths of 300, 3000, and 10,000 psi. Effects of pressure and temperature on the mechanical properties were evaluated via dynamic mechanical analysis. Storage modulus and glass transition temperature depended on formulation. Upon exposure to specific temperature and pressures, the hollow glass spheres embedded within the resin lose mechanical integrity and collapse, resulting in the generation of unencapsulated void spaces, primed to capture embedded liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Leah Marie Johnson, Nicolas Daniel Huffman
  • Patent number: 11715114
    Abstract: A probe interface component for a probe that measures an environmental condition. The probe interface component may comprise a first interface configured to removably receive a probe, and a second interface configured to removably connect to an input interface of a mobile computer. The probe interface component may be configured to obtain a value from the probe based on the measurement of the environmental condition, and generate a signal representative of the value in a format compatible with the input interface of the mobile computer. The first interface, the second interface, and/or the input interface may comprise a wireless interface. The environmental condition may comprise a temperature, a humidity, a pressure, a water quality, a gas indication, a radiation level, an indication of contamination, and/or an appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Digi International, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry J. Schechter
  • Patent number: 11668686
    Abstract: Recent progress related to energy harvesting solutions and printed electronics is opening the opportunity for a smart label to combine chemical/physical color change technology with an electronic based reader architecture, which can be achieved with printed electronics technologies and can be suitable for monitoring applications that are very cost sensitive. The smart label provides an innovative product architecture to achieve a very low cost solution to monitor packaged items during storage and shipment. Exemplary applications of the smart label include, but are not limited to, cold chain monitoring, food monitoring, and in-package control of sensitive devices, such as electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventor: Marco De Angeli
  • Patent number: 11639261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to time temperature indicator (TTI) systems for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and similar products. More particularly, the present invention provides a cap system, such as a screw cap system, featuring a TTI system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: KEEP-IT TECHNOLOGIES AS
    Inventors: Peder Oscar Andersen, David Brown
  • Patent number: 11573129
    Abstract: An intelligent meat thermometer with the possibility of performing temperature measurements at three or more points in the meat, where at least one is measured on the far side of the center of the meat opposite the point of insertion, so that the center is between two points of measurement after insertion, so that the center temperature can be estimated, the meat thermometer, furthermore, being designed to be cheap to manufacture, and it can include an external unit for doing calculations, possibly via wireless connection, on received measurement data, and displaying of these calculations, and setting of parameters for use with the calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: COOKPERFECT APS
    Inventors: Kasper Kristensen, Martin Kloster
  • Patent number: 11572486
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a temperature detection material that can be manufactured through a simple step and is excellent in handleability. In order to solve the above problem, the temperature detection material according to the present invention includes a temperature-indicating material including a leuco dye, a color developer, and a color eraser and a matrix material; and is characterized in that the matrix material is in a solid state, a melting point of the matrix material is higher than a melting point of the temperature-indicating material, and a phase separation structure in which the temperature-indicating material disperses in the matrix material is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohhei Aida, Shunsuke Mori, Masahiro Kawasaki, Kotaro Araya, Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 11478991
    Abstract: A system for determining a temperature of an object includes a three-dimensional (3D) printer configured to successively deposit a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and a third layer of material to form the object. The 3D printer is configured to form a recess in the second layer of material. The material is a metal. The system also includes a temperature sensor configured to be positioned at least partially with the recess and to have the third layer deposited thereon. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the first layer of material, the second layer of material, the third layer of material, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Douglas Atwood, Erwin Ruiz, David M. Kerxhalli, Douglas K. Herrmann, Linn C. Hoover, Derek A. Bryl, Ali R. Dergham
  • Patent number: 11244275
    Abstract: A logistics support device includes a deriver and an instruction controller. The deriver performs, when a storage configured to store an article is mounted in a moving body and stays in a work place at which work is performed on an article stored in the storage in a delivery business, statistics processing on environmental information on an environmental change inside the storage. The instruction controller outputs an instruction on the basis of a result of the statistics processing performed by the deriver when a storage configured to store an article is mounted in a moving body and a delivery of the article is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Sakai, Chizuko Shimamura
  • Patent number: 11241902
    Abstract: Environmental monitors for monitoring a predetermined environmental exposure, for example, an historical heat exposure such as a cumulative ambient heat exposure and/or a peak ambient heat exposure may include an environmental indicator material and a security material. The environmental monitor may be configured to attach to a host product for monitoring the predetermined environmental exposure of the host product, and additionally serve as an anti-counterfeiting indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marielle K. Smith, Mohannad Abdo, Thi N. Do, Brian S. Huffman
  • Patent number: 10921195
    Abstract: A temperature sensor and a temperature detection method are provided. The temperature sensor includes an oscillation circuitry, a switch circuitry, a first charge-discharge circuitry, a sensing transistor, a second charge-discharge circuitry and a compensation control circuitry. The compensation control circuitry is coupled to a second end of the second charge-discharge circuitry, an adjustment voltage input end and a first control signal input end, and configured to: control the adjustment voltage input end to be decoupled with the second end of the second charge-discharge circuitry under a control of the first control signal input end in a charging period of a temperature detection stage; control the adjustment voltage input end to be coupled to the second end of the second charge-discharge circuitry under the control of the first control signal input end in a discharging period of the temperature detection stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lijun Zhao
  • Patent number: 10788795
    Abstract: An elapsed time indicator comprises a reservoir of a fluid, a porous sheet element and a fluid port located between the reservoir and the porous sheet element. The porous sheet element defines a predetermined area which is separated from the fluid port by a predetermined lateral distance. The fluid is selectively provided from the reservoir to the porous sheet element through the fluid port whereupon the porous sheet element transmits the fluid laterally through the porous sheet element at a predetermined rate away from the fluid port until the fluid impregnates the predetermined area of the porous sheet element so as to cause the predetermined area of the porous sheet element to become transparent or more transparent after expiry of a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: UWI TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Higgins, Sergey Gordeyev, David McIlvenna
  • Patent number: 10671022
    Abstract: An indication device is provided which has an electrically conductive fluid driven by an MHD pump. The fluid has an indicator surface driven adjacent indices of an indicator so as to indicate a quantity. A position of the indicator surface is sensed and controlled to ensure accurate indication of the quantity. Optionally, the quantity indicated is time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Preciflex SA
    Inventors: Lucien Vouillamoz, Yves Ruffieux
  • Patent number: 10509061
    Abstract: A system (with corresponding methods) for responding to an electrical meter alarm. The system utilizes a processor at a meter or at a utility, and an alarm chronical encoded in memory of the processor. The alarm chronical includes an alarm level correlating to a degree of risk associated with a state of the meter, a time stamp including a date and a time of when the alarm level triggered, a meter identification, and performance data of the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Brown
  • Patent number: 10504807
    Abstract: A time temperature monitoring system and method for use with a microchip or similar structure. A disclosed system includes: an active region; a dopant source located proximate the active region; an activation system for activating a diffusion of the dopant source into the active region; and a set of electrodes embedded in the active region of the substrate, wherein the electrodes are configured to detect the diffusion in the active region at varying distances from the dopant source to provide time temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Taryn J. Davis, Jonathan R. Fry, Terence L. Kane, Christopher F. Klabes, Andrew J. Martin, Vincent J. McGahay, Kathryn E. Schlichting, Melissa A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10433391
    Abstract: A lighting control system includes: a storage which stores a plurality of parameters; a light emitter which emits light in a predetermined mode according to the plurality of parameters; a controller which selects two or more parameters from among the plurality of parameters stored in the storage to generate a group of parameters including the two or more parameters selected; and an obtainer which obtains an instruction from a user. The light emitter emits light at a predetermined time in a mode according to the group of parameters generated by the controller, and when the obtainer obtains a degree of comfort selected from among feeling options each indicating a feeling of the user, the controller generates a new group of parameters by changing, according to the degree of comfort, one or more parameters among the two or more parameters included in the group of parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Ikehara
  • Patent number: 10082308
    Abstract: A HVAC controller located within a building zone includes a housing, a wireless radio, a controller monitor, a temperature sensor, and a temperature compensation module. The wireless radio is contained within the housing and is configured to transmit data via a wireless HVAC network. The controller monitor is configured to detect wireless activity of the wireless radio, the wireless activity generating heat inside the housing and causing a temperature inside the housing to exceed a temperature of the building zone outside the housing. The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature inside the housing. The temperature compensation module is configured to determine a wireless heat rise resulting from the wireless activity, to calculate a temperature offset based on the wireless heat rise, and to determine the temperature of the building zone outside the housing by subtracting the temperature offset from the temperature measured inside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Christine R. Erickson, Michael J. Ajax, Christopher J. McCann, Daniel R. Hjortland, Justin J. Seifi
  • Patent number: 10012666
    Abstract: A sample distribution system having a transport surface on which sample container carriers can be moved is presented. The sample distribution system has ambient-condition influencing device in order to influence ambient conditions over a sub-region of the transport surface in such a way that samples can be kept there for a certain time without impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Riether
  • Patent number: 9714873
    Abstract: Method and equipment for measuring the heat flow (J) through a construction (K) having a thickness (D), where a temperature difference (?T) is formed transversely through the thickness of the construction. According to the invention, at least two temperature sensors (G1, G2) are placed against a first surface (S1) and at least one first temperature sensor (G1) is insulated thermally from the second temperature sensor (G2), so that the temperature (T1?) sensed by the thermally insulated sensor (G1) is affected by the heat flow through the construction (K) more than the temperature (T1?) detected by the second temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Stiftelsen Arcada
    Inventors: Mikael Paronen, Kim Skön
  • Patent number: 9689849
    Abstract: A colorimetric time indicator configured to indicate time specificity is provided. The colorimetric time indicator includes a colorimetric layer configured to be operatively coupled to a disposable medical device. The colorimetric time indicator is configured to indicate the time specificity via one or more visual indicators upon exposure to one or more external stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kwok Pong Chan, Sumeet Jain, Matthew Jeremiah Misner, Pekka Simeon Astola, Johannes Harri Eemeli Osterberg
  • Patent number: 9500566
    Abstract: A service method of gas appliances includes: Detecting the gas appliances at the client ends to generate detecting signals. Transmitting the detecting signals to a service end. Identifying which client end the detecting signals come from. Examining the detecting signals to find whether the gas appliance has an abnormal condition; and informing the client end when the abnormal condition is found. After all, the service end may monitor the gas appliances at the client end, and inform the client for repair when the gas appliance has detected an abnormal signal or has damaged parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Grand Mate Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang
  • Patent number: 9476083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code-type time-temperature indicator the color or shape of which changes in accordance with time and temperature conditions, and to a method for manufacturing the time-temperature indicator, to a quality guarantee system using the time-temperature indicator, and to a quality guarantee method using the quality guarantee system. The time-temperature indicator comprises: nanobeads containing a microorganism for generating lactic acids using nutrient components, an indicating agent for indicating the change in color by means of the generated lactic acids, an immobilization material for immobilizing the microorganism, the indicating agent, and the nutrient components; a base having a bonding layer; and a cover film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Dongguk University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Seung Ju Lee, Seung Won Jung
  • Patent number: 9476936
    Abstract: The IC test system provides a system and method for thermal management of test pins. A test pin array (22) in a pin guide (24) is mounted in a retainer (20) which is located between an IC wafer (12) which contains IC devices to be tested (DUT) and a load board (40) which provides pathways to test signals to the DUT. On the other side of the load board is a contact plate (50) which together with the retainer straddles the load board. Leg extensions (36) pass through the load board apertures (42) and provide a thermal circuit from the contact plate to the retainer and to the pin array. On the upper side of the contact plate is a cooling/heating system with a thermal electric peltier device (62) and a further heat exchanger (64) as needed. Holes (44) are provided in the legs (36) to provide a supply of dry air to the wafer and pin array to minimize condensation as a result of cooling effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Johnstech International Corporation
    Inventors: David Johnson, Jeffrey Sherry, Harlan Faller, Brian Warwick, Sarosh Patel, John Bucher, Jay Drescher
  • Patent number: 9476798
    Abstract: Systems and methods for on-line monitoring of hot gas path components of a gas turbine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a camera operable to monitor one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera. The processor is operable to receive realtime data from the camera monitoring the one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and compare the realtime data to reference data. Based on the comparison, the processor can determine that a difference between the realtime data and the reference data exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processor can notify operators of an anomaly in the one or more hot gas path components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Achalesh Kumar Pandey, Lucy Summerville Giametta
  • Patent number: 9459158
    Abstract: The invention includes a thermometer with a backlight and a method for lighting the backlight. The thermometer has temperature sensing tip, a processor taking temperature readings and determining a sensed temperature reading of the living being from the temperature sensing tip. The thermometer also includes a display and a backlight for lighting the display. The backlight is activated upon a command from the processor and the processor determines whether to activate the backlight based upon the temperature readings. The method embodiment can includes the steps of using the processor to monitor a temperature change indicated by a temperature sensing element. The processor then detects a temperature decrease and activates a first color light emitting element to backlight a display if the temperature decrease exceeds or equals a predetermined threshold. The thermometer is operable in one of a plurality of selectable operating modes, and the predetermined threshold is dependent upon the selected operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Aleksan Yildizyan, Rich Thrush, Kelly White, Amanda Jane Wilson, Ali Cem Yildirim, Richard McDuffie
  • Patent number: 9123611
    Abstract: A method for designing a completely passive bias compensation circuit to stabilize the gain of multiple pixel avalanche photo detector devices. The method includes determining circuitry design and component values to achieve a desired precision of gain stability. The method can be used with any temperature sensitive device with a nominally linear coefficient of voltage dependent parameter that must be stabilized. The circuitry design includes a negative temperature coefficient resistor in thermal contact with the photomultiplier device to provide a varying resistance and a second fixed resistor to form a voltage divider that can be chosen to set the desired slope and intercept for the characteristic with a specific voltage source value. The addition of a third resistor to the divider network provides a solution set for a set of SiPM devices that requires only a single stabilized voltage source value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Jefferson Science Associates, LLC
    Inventors: John E. McKisson, Fernando Barbosa
  • Patent number: 9121776
    Abstract: A welding accessory and a system for detecting thermal and/or UV radiation exposure during welding operations are disclosed. The welding accessory may have a surface exposed to thermal and/or UV radiation generated by electric arc welding, a first image visible without exposure to the thermal and/or UV radiation, and a second image formed from either a UV activated dye that is visible only after exposure to UV radiation generated by the electric welding arc or a thermochromic dye that is visible only after exposure to a predetermined level of thermal radiation generated by the welding arc. A system may include either a thermal or UV exposure indicator with a first state and at least a second state, and include either a thermochromic or UV activated dye adapted to provide a reversible or persistent visual indication upon exposure to radiation. The visual indication may include any combination of symbols, logos, images, text, or other decorative or informational designs as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce John Chantry, Mark David McDowell
  • Patent number: 9063521
    Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz S. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 8985849
    Abstract: Temperature is determined by measuring the time it takes to charge a capacitor with a resistive temperature sensor. A clock, time counter, a voltage comparator and voltage reference are used in determining a coarse time measurement. The time measurement resolution is enhanced with the addition of a constant current source charging another timing capacitor within a single clock pulse time to provide a fine time measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Darren Edward Noel Wenn, James E. Bartling
  • Patent number: 8968662
    Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicator and methods of manufacturing and use thereof. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator comprises at least one metal layer or metal containing layer, and in direct contact to the metal layer or to the metal containing layer at least one pad member affixed onto a pad carrier layer, wherein the pad member comprises a pad made of an absorbent material and a dopant medium, whereby the dopant medium comprises a liquid medium or a viscous medium or a viscoelastic medium which is doped with a dopant that destroys the metal/metal containing layers such as an acid, a base or a salt or a photolatent acid or a photolatent base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Freshpoint Quality Assurance Ltd.
    Inventors: Dietrich Haarer, Tal Gueta-Neyroud, Husein Salman
  • Patent number: 8931951
    Abstract: A time-temperature indication device includes a first reservoir having a fluid disposed therein, and a capillary tube. The capillary tube is disposed proximate to the first reservoir to receive fluid from the first reservoir responsive to changes in viscosity of the fluid based on changes in temperature. The capillary tube restricts flow of the fluid out of the first reservoir into the capillary tube to enable fluid flow only in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: John A. Thomas, Jason E. Tiffany, Lawrence W. Hunter, Terry E. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8920023
    Abstract: A non-destructive test using cryogenic temperatures is capable of detecting defects in materials that result from residual stress from manufacturing and from retained austenite. The subject materials or parts that are subjected to cryogenic temperatures approaching and below˜?300° F., ?184° C., 89° K, thereby causing permanent deformations or characteristic changes in the material if excessive residual stress, retained austenite or discontinuities exist. To determine the extent of changes, a first metric of the subject material is determined, the material is then subjected to cryogenic cooling thereby triggering any deformation or characteristic changes. Subsequent to the cryogenic cooling, the subject material may be returned to a second temperature whereby a second metric representing based on the same characteristic of the subject material is determined The comparison of the first and second metrics reveals the deformation or change resultant from the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Victor Sloan
  • Publication number: 20140369381
    Abstract: A circuit includes a comparator unit and a switching network. The comparator unit is configured to receive a first voltage value, a second voltage value and a third voltage value of a voltage node, and to provide a control signal. The switching network includes the voltage node and is configured to operate in a first condition or in a second condition based on the control signal. Based on the first condition, the voltage node is configured to have a voltage value increase to the first voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jaw-Juinn HORNG, Szu-Lin LIU, Chung-Hui CHEN
  • Patent number: 8899828
    Abstract: A heat sensor has the ability to correct for errors introduced during temperature changes of the hot junction of the thermopile for the heat sensor. For example, the effect of temperature changes at the hot junction of the heat sensor relative to the cold junction is mathematically modeled such that the effect on the temperature determination can be corrected given certain information relating to the thermopile, its electrical output, and the temperature history and current temperature of the cold junction. By accounting for these factors, a processing device can modify the temperature determination output for the heat sensor while correcting for error introduced by temperature changes at the hot junction as determined by the mathematical model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Habib Sami Karaki
  • Publication number: 20140348204
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jody Ann Tirinato, Michael P. Zelin, Paul Andrew Gibson, Lyudmila Zaltsman, Graham Davis
  • Patent number: 8894279
    Abstract: A non-destructive test using cryogenic temperatures is capable of detecting defects in materials that result from residual stress from manufacturing and from retained austenite. The subject materials or parts that are subjected to cryogenic temperatures approaching and below ˜?300° F., ?184° C., 89° K, thereby causing permanent deformations or characteristic changes in the material if excessive residual stress, retained austenite or discontinuities exist. To determine the extent of changes, a first metric of the subject material is determined, the material is then subjected to cryogenic cooling thereby triggering any deformation or characteristic changes. Subsequent to the cryogenic cooling, the subject material may be returned to a second temperature whereby a second metric representing based on the same characteristic of the subject material is determined. The comparison of the first and second metrics reveals the deformation or change resultant from the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Sloan Victor
  • Patent number: 8870453
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for monitoring temperature of an environment of a sensitive object is disclosed. The device includes a housing configured to be disposed within or affixed to a transport container for the object, a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to obtain a plurality of temperature readings, and monitor logic configured to compare the plurality of temperature readings to a temperature threshold. The device also includes counter logic configured to generate an excursion count indicating a quantity of time periods the temperature readings exceeded the temperature threshold, generate a consecutive count indicating a quantity of consecutive temperature readings exceeding the temperature threshold, and generate a cumulative count indicating a cumulative quantity of temperature readings exceeding the temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ShockWatch, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton A. Branch
  • Patent number: 8862354
    Abstract: A method for determining initial or starting temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up includes as determining a time lapse from shut-down to start-up. The method determines a housing air start temperature of the housing air within a bell housing case of the dry dual clutch mechanism at vehicle start-up, reads a first clutch stop temperature of a first clutch at vehicle shut-down, reads a housing air stop temperature of the housing air at vehicle shut-down, and determines a heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air. The method includes determining a first clutch start temperature from, at least: the heat transfer coefficient between the first clutch and the housing air; a temperature differential between the first clutch stop temperature and the housing air stop temperature; and the housing air start temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Farzad Samie
  • Patent number: 8858071
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring during dynamic processes that determines when effective measurements of thermal effusivity and/or thermal conductivity can be made during a portion of a cycle during a calibration phase, then measures thermal effusivity and/or thermal conductivity during a subsequent dynamic process in dependence upon the time delay value and the measurement duration value until a desired value is obtained. A sensor having a measurement period of between one to two seconds allows monitoring of materials during dynamic processes such as tumbling, blending, mixing, and rocking. For example, measurements can be made until a value indicative of a desired mixture condition is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: C-Therm Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Emanuel, Chongde Zhao, Biao Yu, Dimitri Vinnik, Chris Rendell
  • Publication number: 20140269823
    Abstract: An outside air temperature measurement device and method for vehicles derives a useable final value of the outside air temperature within seconds of the beginning of vehicle movement by developing a mathematical expression (i.e., model) for the exponential data series while discriminating against thermal noise components existing in the measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Gregory Hubert
  • Patent number: 8836517
    Abstract: A method and system are implemented for monitoring the thermal dissipation from a computer processing unit. The system comprises a temperature sensor, and a temperature controller. The temperature controller is configured to set a temperature observation window in a first temperature range, gradually narrow the observation window from the first temperature range after a monitored temperature of the processing unit has entered the observation window, and issue an alert signal when the monitored temperature exits the observation window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Peng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140251214
    Abstract: Embodiments of heated substrate supports are provided herein, In some embodiments, a heated substrate support includes a support plate having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; and a first heater disposed within the support plate, wherein the first heater is disposed beneath a mid-plane of the support plate, and wherein the first heater is disposed proximate a central zone of the support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: OLKAN CUVALCI, GWO-CHUAN TZU, XIAOXIONG YUAN
  • Patent number: 8800472
    Abstract: A precise critical temperature indicator is applied to small products requiring refrigeration or freezing to control the operation of a temperature sensor built into an integrated structure of a single body. A method for manufacturing said precise critical temperature indicator, wherein a plurality of development medium members and a plurality of development material members are opposed to each other, and blocking members are interposed therebetween to support the development medium members and the development material members separately from each other, the development medium members are provided with paths for moving development materials, or paths for movement of development materials can be shortened to adjust speed, and an indication unit is arranged to indicate the state of the development materials at an end or central portion of the development medium when the development materials are exposed to a critical temperature for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery, Inc.
    Inventor: Ji Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 8801274
    Abstract: A transducer for transducing time-related temperature variations into a difference in potentials includes an upper conductive electrode designed to be exposed to a time-related temperature variation to be measured, a lower conductive electrode, and at least one layer of pyroelectric material based on a III-V nitride directly interposed between the upper and lower conductive electrodes to generate, between the upper and lower conductive electrodes, a difference in potentials corresponding to the temperature variation even in the absence of external mechanical stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Mainguet, Alain Chambron, Bruno Charrat, Emmanuel Defay, Guy-Michel Parat
  • Publication number: 20140211827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a time-temperature indicator system useful for monitoring the time and temperature exposure of foods, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals and other products. The system provides improved time-temperature sensitivity, time-temperature sensitivity control and a response which better reflects that of the reactions leading to quality loss of the monitored product. Further, the invention also relates to a combination comprising a time-temperature indicator system and a product storage container or a bag closure device. A method for producing said time-temperature indicator system is also part of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Keep-It Technologies AS
    Inventors: Åsmund K. Røhr, Peder Oscar Andersen, Brit Salbu, Eggert F. Gudjonsson, Marit Nandrup Pettersen, Christian Salbu Aasland
  • Patent number: 8762097
    Abstract: In one aspect, a data processing system includes a virtual temperature sensor to provide system temperature for different system configurations, and a controller coupled to the sensor to control operations of the data processing system according to the virtual temperature. The virtual temperature sensor typically derives the temperature of a particular configuration of the data processing system using mathematical models or one or more operating parameters of the data processing system. In one example, the mathematical models include a characterization table which provides the measured temperature data from various system configurations. These measurements are performed with temperature sensors positioned in ideal locations for different configuration, and are preprocessed to provide the virtual temperature computation. The characterization table also includes thermal characteristics, such as thermal time constant and thermal resistance, of the critical components at multiple thermal control states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy John Millet
  • Patent number: 8757503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying a time-sensitive and/or temperature-sensitive indicator for marking perishable products. According to said method, the time at which the indicator is activated is detected and stored, the time difference between the stored activation time and a verification time is determined, and verification is made as to whether the change of the indicator occurring during the determined time difference exceeds or falls short of a desired value that depends on the determined time difference. The invention further relates to an indicator for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dieter Conzelmann
  • Patent number: 8746969
    Abstract: A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sensor Coating Systems Limited
    Inventors: Jörg Peter Feist, John Rayment Nicholls, Andrew Lawrence Heyes
  • Patent number: 8740454
    Abstract: An optical fiber is provided with a first measurement portion and a second measurement portion provided with covering layers different at least in any one of heat capacity and heat conductivity. Then, the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located in the same measurement position and light is inputted from a temperature measurement device into the optical fiber. Thereafter, the temperature measurement device receives backscattered light generated inside the optical fiber to measure temperature distribution in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. An analyzer analyzes a variation over time of the temperature distribution outputted from the temperature measurement device to calculate a temperature and a wind velocity in a measurement position where the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitus Limited
    Inventors: Fumio Takei, Kazushi Uno, Takeo Kasajima