Abstract: A method and a device for temperature prediction or measurement are disclosed. The method comprises: acquiring temperature data outputted from a thermometer probe; selecting some temperature data within a valid time period from the acquired data; determining a first specific time point according to the slope change rate of the temperature curve within the valid time period and an initial temperature within the valid time period; determining a second specific time point according to the slope at or before the first specific time point; calculating a value of temperature y according to an hyperbolic formula; determining a final temperature of the object according to the maximum slope of the temperature curve in the valid time period, the initial temperature of the temperature curve in the valid time period, and the value of temperature y.

Abstract: An indicator composition for determining a thermal or chronological history during shipping or storage of a product. The composition includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed throughout a matrix. The nanoparticles turn color while dispersed in the matrix as a function at least one of time and temperature.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of providing a predicted completion time for heating and/or cooling of an item based on a manually entered length of time and/or a determination of the amount of time remaining before an item such as food reaches a desired temperature such as a cooking temperature or approximately room temperature. In at least one embodiment, determining the amount of time remaining is based at least on the elapsed time and the percentage of temperature range between a first temperature and the desired temperature completed or remaining to be covered.

Abstract: A method of determining air temperature outside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having an engine and an outside air temperature (OAT) sensor disposed outside the passenger compartment. The OAT sensor is located in a region which is exposed to heat after the engine is turned off. The method includes measuring a series of temperature values at the OAT sensor, using the measured OAT sensor values to develop a temperature-time function, and generating an adjusted OAT value using an observed time, the measured OAT sensor values, and the temperature-time function.

Abstract: An excess temperature indicator can provide a visual indication of past exposure of perishable, maturing and other host products to an elevated temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. The indicator can have an upper layer provided with a viewing window and a wick attached to the upper layer. A reservoir of heat-fusible indicator material can be disposed in contact with the wick, to fuse and move along the wick changing the visual appearance of a first portion of the wick viewable through the window, in response to an excess temperature event. Also, the indicator can have a region of fused upper layer material attaching the wick to the upper layer. Optionally, a window seal can extend around the viewing window to prevent migration of the indicator material. The indicator can be employed to monitor vaccines, foods and other products providing an enduring visual signal of exposure to potentially damaging temperature conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the expiration of goods includes a substrate, a coating of polydiacetylene, said coating having properties of (1) changing from a first color irreversibly to a second color immediately upon being subjected to a specified temperature and (2), upon activation upon contact by an activating agent, changing from said first color to said second color at a temperature lower than said specified temperature after a time delay of at least one hour and an activating agent on a portion but not all of said coating.

Abstract: A system for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection, such as an electrical meter socket connection, includes at least one deterioration sensing device that includes an apparatus for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection; at least one fixed or portable receiving communication device, each configured to receive temperature information from the at least one deterioration sensing device and to transmit the temperature information via a communication network; and a back end connected to the communication network and configured to receive temperature information from the at least one fixed or portable sensing communication device. Upon exceeding a predetermined condition, the back-end may forward an alarm warning to a utility.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a time-temperature history of an aftertreatment device. The apparatus includes an aftertreatment device comprising a substrate, and at least one thermal monitoring member (TMM) in thermal contact with the substrate. The TMMs may comprise a material that exhibits an electrical resistivity change at temperature over time. The apparatus may include a controller configured to measure the electrical resistivity of at least a portion of the TMMs, and to determine a thermal history based on the electrical resistivity measures.

Abstract: The invention provides an article (20) comprising a substrate (1) having a micro-structured surface that defines a plurality of channels (4) and a fluid that is separated from the substrate until activation of the article is desired, wherein the article is designed such that it can be activated at a desired point in time to allow contact of the fluid with at least one of the channels of the substrate, said article being adapted for providing a measurable variable electrical characteristic, said variability being in correspondence with the progress of the fluid as it migrates through the channels of the substrate.

Abstract: A fault diagnostic apparatus is provided that enables improving estimate accuracy of the temperature of an object to be examined and to improve fault diagnosis accuracy of a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the object to be examined. The fault diagnostic apparatus is for diagnosing a fault of a water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of cooling water and includes a fault diagnostic device for diagnosing a fault of the water temperature sensor based on a change in temperature detected by the water temperature sensor in a situation where a parameter to be a chief source of heating the cooling water (such as an engine temperature) decreases.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of scale on a water heating element (12), the method comprising comparing signals indicative of heating element temperature to determine whether the compared signals indicate a temperature decrease (44) greater than a predetermined value during a predetermined time interval and determining the presence of scale if the indicated temperature decrease is greater than said predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of providing a predicted completion time for heating and/or cooling of an item based on a manually entered length of time and/or a determination of the amount of time remaining before an item such as food reaches a desired temperature such as a cooking temperature or approximately room temperature. In at least one embodiment, determining the amount of time remaining is based at least on the elapsed time and the percentage of temperature range between a first temperature and the desired temperature completed or remaining to be covered.

Abstract: An assembly and method for testing the fire performance of sheet piling sections which includes: a first wall formed from sheet piling sections; a second wall substantially parallel to the first wall; a base plate; and a pair of end sections extending between the opposing ends of the two walls. The first and second walls and the end sections are attached to, and extend upwardly from, the base plate to form a cavity, which can be filled with materials. The assembly also includes two top sections, which are attached to the first and second walls and joined together by at least one connector. The sheet piling sections of the first wall are exposed to a heat source to certify compliance with fire codes and regulations.

Abstract: Taught is a residual lifetime indicator for perishable consumer products, comprising a material which displays a property variable with varying temperature in accordance with a given function, actuating means which act on the material so as to make it exhibit the aforesaid property, and indicator means linked to the material/actuating means combination, the indicator means indicating the residual lifetime relative to the expiry date of the product; the material is a fluid (102; 114) of viscosity variable as a function of the temperature, which flows in a pipe (2, 212; 4, 134) having a given cross-section, the actuating means comprising a device (311, 601, 411, 701; 313, 203, 113, 204) capable of applying an essentially constant pressure on said fluid (102, 114), the flow of said fluid being linked to said indicator means (701, 413).

Abstract: Time-temperature integrators (TTIs) are useful for providing a means to monitor safety of fresh foods, particularly foods packaged in reduced-oxygen environments. TTIs of the present invention utilize Arrhenius-type curves to offer safety margins that satisfy regulator and shelf-life requirements. One method of using TTIs of the present invention involves using duel TTIs, one as a reference and one as a safety.

Abstract: A wind velocity measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor and a processor operatively coupled to the thermal sensor. The processor is configured to receive a first temperature reading from the thermal sensor of a beginning temperature sensed by the thermal sensor and to receive a second temperature reading from the thermal sensor of an ending temperature sensed by the thermal sensor after a quantifiable amount of heat is applied to the thermal sensor for a quantifiable amount of time. The processor is further configured to determine a theoretical temperature based on the quantifiable amount of heat, the quantifiable amount of time, and the beginning temperature and to determine a wind velocity based on the difference between the theoretical temperature and the ending temperature.

Abstract: A function indicator for a dual temperature sensor, which indicates the falling off of the sensor from the skin surface (4) of a patient. An evaluating device (2) determines the body temperature from a first measured temperature value (TA) and determines the contact of the dual temperature sensor (1) with the skin surface (4) by comparison of the measured temperature values TA and TB.

Abstract: The present invention is generally in the field of measuring and indicating techniques and relates to a time-temperature indicating device and methods of manufacturing and reading this device. More specifically, the time-temperature indicator (TTI) device comprises at least one active reactant being at least a part of a component that is configured to be either an electrical component or transformable into an electrical component, said at least one active reactant being selected to be affectable by a chemical and/or physical reaction effecting a change in at least an electrical property of said electrical component at a rate that is time-temperature dependent.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally activated electrical switch for use in simulating human activity. The invention is features dual heat sources enclosed in a thermally isolated chamber within the invention. Since the activation of the switch is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the environment, it opens and closes at sufficiently random intervals to simulate human activity. This embodiment includes the use of a photoelectric sensor to further vary timing of the switch actuation.

Abstract: Exothermically-enhanced articles, such as those made of fabric, are provided. The enhancement allows for faster drying times. Enhancement may be provided by using activated particles exhibiting exothermic properties. The activated particles may be removably encapsulated with a protective substance that may be used to activate or deactivate the particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transmitting a waveform having a controllable attenuation and propagation velocity. An exemplary method comprises: generating an exponential waveform, the exponential waveform (a) being characterized by the equation Vin=De?ASD[x?vSDt], where D is a magnitude, Vin is a voltage, t is time, ASD is an attenuation coefficient, and vSD is a propagation velocity; and (b) being truncated at a maximum value. An exemplary apparatus comprises: an exponential waveform generator; an input recorder coupled to an output of the exponential waveform generator; a transmission line under test coupled to the output of the exponential waveform generator; an output recorder coupled to the transmission line under test; an additional transmission line coupled to the transmission line under test; and a termination impedance coupled to the additional transmission line and to a ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the continuous measurement (30) of the thermal conductivity of a multifunctional fluid.

Abstract: A thermometer system and method that rapidly predict body temperature based on the temperature signals received from a temperature sensing probe when it comes into contact with the body. A nonlinear, multi-parameter curve fitting process is performed and depending on the errors in the curve fit, parameters are changed or a prediction of the temperature is made. Criteria exist for the differences between the curve fit and the temperature data. The processor switches to a Continuous Monitor State if the curve fit over a limited number of time frames is unacceptable. Determining the start time on which the measurement time frame for prediction is based is performed by tissue contact threshold coupled with a prediction time delay.

Abstract: A temperature detector and method of detecting a shifted temperature provides multiple detected temperature points using a single branch. The temperature detector generates multiple detected temperature points in response to temperature control signals sequentially generated in a single branch. Since a shifted temperature for the single branch is found and a trimming operation in response to the shifted temperature is carried out, the test time is reduced. Various refresh periods can be set in response to various trip point temperatures and thus power consumption of a DRAM can be decreased.

Abstract: The electronic thermometer of this invention includes a supporting portion which supports the vicinity of the periphery on one face of a vibration plate, and a buzzer cover having plasticity of pressing the vibration plate against the supporting portion by pressing the vicinity of the periphery of the other face of the vibration plate and further includes a mechanism which presses the vicinity of the center of the buzzer cover on an opposite side to a side provided with the vibration plate in the buzzer cover so as to flex the buzzer cover, thereby pressing the vicinity of the periphery on the other face of the vibration plate with elastic reaction force of the buzzer cover.

Abstract: A digital thermometer; having an thermometer body comprises a processing unit serves to integrate the signals of the digital thermometer and sets some operations; the processing unit calculating temperature from the heating sensing unit and then transfers temperature signals; before a predetermined measured time, if a thermal balance has been achieved, the processing unit will conduct the backlight plate to emit light so as to alert the user that the measurement will complete; a heating sensing unit for sensing temperatures of an object to be measured; a display unit for receiving electronic signals from the heating sensing unit so as to display the measured temperature; and a backlight plate for receiving signals from the processing unit and emitting light to illuminate the display unit.

Abstract: Threshold calorimeter/shelf life monitors having a thermally moderating housing containing a liquid solution and one or more low melting point solids all having properties correlated relative to one another and calibrated to closely match a thermal decay profile (time-temperature profile) of a perishable product being monitored and indicate, by a change in color, electrical capacitance and/or impedance, transmitted RF signals, or combination thereof, the cumulative thermal history of the product while in transit or storage and whether its time-temperature profile has been violated to a detrimental extent or if a significant amount of shelf life has been consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the temperature of an integrated circuit device includes a conductive wiring pattern formed on the integrated circuit device, extending into areas of the device to be monitored. A deterministic signal source is configured to generate a deterministic signal along the conductive wiring pattern, with one or more return paths tapped from selected locations along the pattern. A temperature change determination circuit is coupled to the one or more return paths and to a reference signal taken from the deterministic signal source. The circuit is configured to determine a delay between the reference signal and a delay signal traveling through at least a portion of the wiring pattern and a corresponding one of the return paths.

Abstract: A method for determining integration initial value of PID controller is applied to obtain an integration initial value for temperature control and to fast eliminate stability error. This method uses a set temperature value and temperature error setting to perform on-off switching with the range of temperature error setting after an automatic tune is activated. An amplitude for the highest and the lowest temperature curve is obtained. An integration is calculated based on the amplitude, the temperature value and the lowest temperature to obtain an estimated control initiation value for PID controller performing temperature. A stabilizing integration value is added when temperature is near a preset value to reduce temperature reaction time. Therefore, the dilemma of temperature overshoot caused by fast reaction and low reaction to prevent temperature overshoot can be solved.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a first reservoir (13), a migration medium (11) and activating means for bringing liquid from the first reservoir (13) in contact with the migration medium (11) so that after activation the liquid migrates through the migration medium (11) producing a colour change therein. The activating means comprises a second reservoir (16) connected between the first reservoir (13) and the migration medium (11) whereby after activation the liquid travels relatively rapidly from the first reservoir (13) to the second reservoir (16) and then migrates relatively slowly along the length of the migration medium (11) over time.

Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A simple recording device using a stable electric resistance heater in thermal contact with an irreversible color changing time temperature material relatively insensitive to room temperatures to show and record the cumulative time an electrical appliance, battery, tool, instrument has been used. The device may use a plurality of thick film carbon printed resistive heater with a thermal gradient in contact with the time temperature material or a simple adhesive calibrated time temperature film on a surface mounted stable resistor. The indicator is in parallel or series with the power switch. The time temperature material is in thermal contact with a constant temperature heater when used in fluctuating ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a an effective thermal barrier between the thermistor and higher temperature solids or electrical components in a thermostat or its equivalent device. The invention thermal barrier substantially reduces or essentially eliminates undesired conductive heating of the thermistor from support means or other electrical components.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring system includes a device for monitoring temperature over a period of time, an adaptor in communication with the temperature monitoring device (TMD) and a data programming device (DPD) in communication with the adaptor. The TMD includes a temperature sensor, a central processing unit (CPU) electrically connected to the temperature sensor, and a power source for continuously supplying power to the CPU. The CPU includes volatile memory into which measurements made by the temperature sensor are stored, the volatile memory in the CPU serving as the sole memory device in the TMD. The TMD is free of means for suspending power from the power source to the CPU. In use, each successive measurement taken by the temperature sensor overwrites the previous measurement stored into the CPU volatile memory. In this manner, the TMD stores no historical data throughout its monitoring process.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple polymeric substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to an item subject to thermal stressors, each of the polymeric substrates react with a different rate of crystallization and thus yield a specific measure of infrared (IR) absorption spectra, for example. By comparing these measurements for each polymeric substrate, a thermal history fingerprint may be obtained. This thermal history fingerprint may then be compared to baseline data to yield information about the item, such as the expected remaining useful lifetime of the item.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for system- and/or process-monitoring in connection with a measurement apparatus that determines/monitors at least one process parameter of a medium. The method and device enable statements to be made regarding the present and future functionality of a measurement apparatus, or individual components of the measurement apparatus. The temperature values (T) of the medium are ascertained directly or indirectly and a trend analysis regarding the thermal loading of the measurement apparatus or the thermal loading of individual components of the measurement apparatus is carried out on the basis of the ascertained temperature values (T) of the medium or on the basis of the derivatives of the ascertained temperature values of the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barrier coating that shows decreased moisture sensitivity compared to conventional coatings, and provides high barrier properties, as well as a rapid method for producing the coating. These improvements are generated through use of a boric acid chelating agent in the composition and curing the composition with UV/NIR radiation.

Abstract: A temperature measurement apparatus allows for accurate temperature measurement in both the sun and the shade using two different thermal sensors. A black sensor has an infrared absorbent surface and a white sensor has an infrared reflecting surface. Using the measurements from these two sensors, a series of equations calculate the correct ambient temperature regardless of where the measurement device is located and ensures accurate readings using a performance check system.

Abstract: Temperature data representing transition of a temperature distribution of a coating target with time lapse is calculated Subsequently, the integrated value of the amount of heat applied to the coating is calculated on the basis of the temperature data. The dry state of the coating is estimated on the basis of the integrated value of the heat amount. In order to estimate the dry state of the coating, the integrated value of the amount of heat applied to the coating and the threshold values for the dry judgment of the coating are compared with each other.

Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A method (10) permits determining the temperature in a magnetic resonance check weighing system (24) of a sample in a container (22) on a production line at the time of magnetic resonance testing. Method (10) includes the steps of determining a time-temperature correction factor for the sample in the container (50), measuring the temperature of the composite sample and the container at a time other than the time of magnetic resonance testing (70), and applying the correction factor to the temperature of the composite sample and container at a time other than the time of magnetic resonance testing (80).

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting expiration dates displayed on consumer products, the system and method utilizing an LCD display for displaying an expiration date and messages, sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, a clock for counting back the expiration date, and a controller for determining messages and adjustments to the displayed expiration date based on monitored environmental conditions.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple glass ceramic substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to a component subject to thermal stressors, each of the glass ceramic substrates react with a different rate of nucleation and crystal growth and thus yield a specific measure of opacity. By comparing these values representing the opacity for each glass ceramic substrate, or thermal history fingerprint, to baseline data, information about the expected remaining useful lifetime of the component may be obtained.

Abstract: A temperature tag and system for sensing and reporting an internal temperature reading inside a container. The temperature tag mounts on an outside surface of the container, and a shaft with a temperature sensor extends through the side of the container and senses the internal temperature reading. A plurality of readings may be recorded at a predefined sampling rate and stored in a data memory. The temperature tag then sends the temperature readings to a reader device that presents the temperature readings to a user. The reader device may trigger the temperature tag to send the temperature readings with a signal such as an infrared (IR) signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, and the like. The temperature readings may be analyzed in the temperature tag, the reader device, or may be downloaded to a computer to determine if an alarm condition exists.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting wear in a liner. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrically conductive wire is placed on or near the outside surface of the liner and the electrical resistance in the electrically conductive wire is measured to determine whether the wire has worn through. In another embodiment of the present invention, the temperature measured by a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple, is monitored over time to estimate wear in the liner.

Abstract: A multiple measurement memory-type electronic thermometer includes an ear temperature measuring unit, a microprocessor, a keypad unit, a display unit, and a memory unit. The ear temperature measuring unit, the display unit, and the memory unit are controlled by the microprocessor. When the activation key of the keypad unit is pressed by the user, being controlled by the microprocessor, the ear temperature unit is activated to perform measurement. The measuring result of the ear temperature unit is sent back to the microprocessor, displayed by the display unit, and saved in the memory unit. The memory unit is partitioned into a plurality of independent memory sectors. Each sector includes a queue data structure, such that the ear temperature measured from each person and the measuring time can be stored in the corresponding memory sector. Therefore, measurement of multiple people can be performed, memorized and retrieved.

Abstract: A computer comprises a central processing unit, at least one fan disposed for providing cooling to the at least one central processing unit, and a thermal manager. The thermal manager monitors a temperature of the central processing unit and dynamically controls a throttling of the central processing unit and the at least one fan according to a thermal management algorithm.

Abstract: A product shelf life monitoring system comprising an active substituted diacetylenic monomer component indicator composition is responsive to an integral of varying temperature over time to effect a solid state polymerization in the active monomer which results in a visible change in color density or the like at a rate designed to closely approximate the degradation, or shelf life, of an associated foodstuff or medicament product. The reactivity of the monomer component upon which the time-temperature integral of the indicator composition, and thus the represented shelf life, primarily depends may be readily varied by refluxing a solution of the monomer in a selected solvent for a predetermined time prior to recrystallization of the monomer for incorporation into the indicator composition.

Abstract: Time or time-temperature indicating articles are described comprising a housing enclosing: (a) a first fluid reservoir at least partially filled with a first fluid; (b) a substrate comprising a plurality of channels; (c) a second fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one channel of the substrate; and (d) a barrier located between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. The article can be manipulated at a desired point in time by opening the barrier to allow at least a portion of the fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir and to contact at least one channel of the substrate. The article is designed to provide an indication of the progress of the fluid as it moves through the channels of the substrate.