Temperature Measuring System Patents (Class 702/130)
  • Patent number: 8170724
    Abstract: Computer systems and associated methods for cooling computer components are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a computer system includes a computer cabinet having an air inlet spaced apart from an air outlet. The computer system also includes heat exchangers positioned in the computer cabinet, and a heat removal system in fluid communication with the heat exchangers. The computer system additionally includes at least one sensor for monitoring heat transfer between the computer cabinet and the room. The computer system further includes a control system operatively coupled to the at least one sensor, the control system including a computer-readable medium holding instructions for determining whether heat transfer between the computer cabinet and the room is balanced based on information from the sensor, and if not, adjusting a parameter to balance the heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Cray Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. Kelley, Wade J. Doll, Alexander I. Yatskov
  • Publication number: 20120101767
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a carbon dioxide separation recovery system includes an absorption tower that allows carbon dioxide to be absorbed to an absorption liquid, a regeneration tower that regenerates the absorption liquid, a reboiler that heats the absorption liquid of the regeneration tower, using a heating medium, and a measuring device that measures an amount of heat supplied to the absorption liquid from the heating medium. The measuring device includes a cooler that cools the heating medium discharged from the reboiler, and obtains the amount of heat that is supplied to the absorption liquid from the heating medium by subtracting an amount of heat that is retained by the heating medium cooled by the cooler and an amount of heat, which is removed from the heating medium in the cooler, from an amount of heat that is retained by the heating medium supplied to the reboiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yukio OHASHI, Takashi OGAWA, Hideo KITAMURA, Haruhiko HIRATA
  • Patent number: 8164434
    Abstract: A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny C. Gross, Kalyanaraman Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 8165725
    Abstract: A kind of temperature controlling device of heating element and method thereof detect the actual temperature of heating body of the heating element, and calculate the descending gradient and frequency of temperature based on the detected actual temperature. The norm signal is formed based on the actual temperature, descending gradient and frequency of the temperature to control the switch power as to achieve the split second control for the electric power of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: L Lab Corporation
    Inventor: Xiaogang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120095720
    Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Qualex Manufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Russell S. Garland
  • Publication number: 20120095719
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a mother board, a memory slot on the motherboard, a thermal sensor, and an embedded controller. The thermal sensor may detect temperature of a memory module on the memory slot. The embedded controller may monitor temperature from the detector. A memory controller may be adapted to receive data from the embedded controller. A computing device comprises a mother board, a basic input/output system (BIOS), and a memory controller. The basic input/output system may be disposed on the mother board. The memory controller may be adapted to receive data from the BIOS regarding a quantity and a quality of memory installed in the computing device. The memory controller may be adapted to regulate bandwidth of memory access of a memory module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: NAOYUKI ARAKI, SHINJI MATSUSHIMA, TAKUROH KAMIMURA
  • Patent number: 8160836
    Abstract: A user obtains an individual's body temperature data and transmits the data to a medical monitor (e.g., a medical device) for display. Additional data includes a timestamp and location of the body temperature data. Once the data is transmitted, a user may view the medical monitor for a temperature reading. For example, a doctor may take a patient's temperature and the temperature reading is displayed on a medical monitor. The body temperature data of each patient is detected using a preferred temperature detector, such as a temporal artery thermometer using an arterial heat balance approach. After collecting an individual's body temperature data, the body temperature data can be transferred to a processor. By sending body temperature data for many individuals for a geographic region, the processor can identify a pattern (e.g., a pandemic) in the body temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Exergen Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Pompei, Janette H. Lee, Jason N. Jarboe
  • Publication number: 20120089361
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for remote monitoring that includes immersing a first temperature sensor at least partially into a heat transfer material situated in a thermo-well of a mobile container housing a material for transport, wherein the first temperature sensor includes a conductor routed through a first passage of a fitting, while providing access to the thermo-well for the insertion of a second temperature sensor through a second passage of the fitting, and receiving a signal from the first temperature sensor at a remote communication unit secured at least indirectly to the mobile container, wherein the signal is representative of the temperature of the material being transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Dave Douglas, Jim Trippett
  • Patent number: 8152366
    Abstract: A method of determining a subsurface temperature in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes obtaining surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data of the body of water for a region of interest, and also obtaining subsurface temperature anomaly data for the region of interest at a plurality of depths. The method further includes regressing the obtained surface temperature anomaly data and surface height anomaly data for the region of interest with the obtained subsurface temperature anomaly data for the plurality of depths to generate regression coefficients, estimating a subsurface temperature at one or more other depths for the region of interest based on the generated regression coefficients and outputting the estimated subsurface temperature at the one or more other depths. Using the estimated subsurface temperature, signal propagation times and trajectories of marine life in the body of water are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Yong Q. Kang, Young-Heon Jo, Xiao-Hai Yan
  • Patent number: 8155915
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining the temperature of the delivery fluid of a centrifugal pump driven by a permanent magnet motor, whose rotor runs within a fluid-filled can. The rotor temperature is evaluated by way of electrical variables of the motor, and the temperature of the delivery fluid is determined by way of the rotor. This method permits sensor-free temperature measurement of the delivery fluid with a circulation pump which is driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Grundfos Management a/s
    Inventors: Carsten Skovmose Kallesøe, Henrik Kragh
  • Patent number: 8150564
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) comprising means (6A, 6B, 6n) which determine for each of the engines of the aircraft, an individual minimum flexible temperature and means (8) which determine a global minimum flexible temperature based on said individual minimum temperatures, enabling a maximum available thrust to be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus
    Inventor: Sébastien Remy
  • Publication number: 20120078567
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and program products for improved accuracy in estimating a combustion reference temperature (CRT) are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of estimating a combustion reference temperature (CRT) in a gas turbine, the method comprising: obtaining a measurement of at least one dynamic operating condition of the gas turbine selected from a group consisting of: an ambient condition, a compressor condition, a fuel condition, and a turbine condition; inputting a measurement of the at least one operating condition into a physics-based model; calculating at least one estimated internal state for the gas turbine using the physics-based model; and calculating an estimated CRT based on the at least one gas turbine internal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: David Spencer Ewens, Mark William Pinson
  • Publication number: 20120072162
    Abstract: A Method is provided for estimating a temperature of an exhaust gas in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust line is provided with a NOx sensor that includes, but is not limited to a heater. The method includes, but is not limited to determining a value of a parameter indicative of a heat released by the heater of the NOx sensor, and of calculating a value of the temperature of the exhaust gas as a function of the determined value of this parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Federico Luigi Guglielmone, Luca Giuseppe Pairolero
  • Publication number: 20120072161
    Abstract: A thermal analysis apparatus calculates an area of a predetermined range including an electronic component mounted on a printed-circuit board. The thermal analysis apparatus counts the number of via holes included in the predetermined range of which the area is calculated. The thermal analysis apparatus calculates a first physical property value using the area calculated, the number of via holes counted, and a preset physical property value of a conductor. The thermal analysis apparatus generates a thermal analysis model subject to thermal analysis in which a preset physical property value is set in the electronic component and a heat release path having the first physical property value calculated is provided in the printed-circuit board so as to extend from the electronic component in a layer direction of the printed-circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Hideharu MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20120072091
    Abstract: In a temperature estimation apparatus for an aeroplane gas turbine engine, there are provided with a calculator that calculates a low-pressure turbine outlet temperature change (dEGT) based on low-pressure turbine rotational speed (N1) and ambient temperature (T1), a calculator that calculates a model outlet temperature (MODEL-EGTC) based on corrected high-pressure turbine rotational speed (N2C) and atmospheric pressure (P0) to calculate a model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) by subtracting the calculated temperature (MODEL-EGTC) from a corrected low-pressure turbine outlet temperature (EGTC), a calculator that calculates a correction amount (dEGTad) relative to the model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) based on the model outlet temperature difference (dEGTC) and low-pressure turbine rotational speed (N1), and a calculator that calculates an estimation value of the low-pressure turbine inlet temperature (ITT) based on the low-pressure turbine outlet temperature (EGT), etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hironori Muramatsu, Tomohisa Saita
  • Patent number: 8138931
    Abstract: Diagnostic and response systems and methods for a fluid power system acquire data from pressure and temperature sensors disposed in the fluid power system, analyze the data in a failure algorithm to build a history of cumulative damage to hoses in the fluid power system, communicates an indication of potential imminent hose failure to a central location when a level of the cumulative damage indicates imminent failure of a hose, analyze the information at the central location to determine an appropriate response, and transmit information about the fluid power system, including location, and identification of the hose about to fail to a response unit. The response unit responds to the location and replaces the component prior to failure, or the communication might include information that the hose has failed, such that the response unit replaces the failed hose to return the fluid power system to normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey Richard Keast, Michael H. Ellis, Jonathan Clark Swift, Layne Railsback, Donald R. Gilbreath
  • Patent number: 8140293
    Abstract: An on die thermal sensor (ODTS) for use in a semiconductor device includes a temperature information output unit for measuring an internal temperature of the semiconductor device to generate a temperature information code having temperature information, and updating the temperature information code according to a refresh period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Seok Jeong, Kee-Teok Park
  • Patent number: 8140764
    Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a cache memory is provided. The method in one aspect may include analyzing one or more characteristics of an execution entity accessing a cache memory and reconfiguring the cache based on the one or more characteristics analyzed. Examples of analyzed characteristic may include but are not limited to data structure used by the execution entity, expected reference pattern of the execution entity, type of an execution entity, heat and power consumption of an execution entity, etc. Examples of cache attributes that may be reconfigured may include but are not limited to associativity of the cache memory, amount of the cache memory available to store data, coherence granularity of the cache memory, line size of the cache memory, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaowei Shen, Balaram Sinharoy, Robert B. Tremaine, Robert W. Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20120065923
    Abstract: An integrated cold junction compensation system for a thermocouple connection is disclosed. The system includes a temperature sensor integrated with a terminal at which the thermocouple wires terminate. The temperature sensor is integrated with the terminal proximal to a cold junction of a thermocouple, such that the temperature at the sensor location is substantially equal to that at the cold junction. The temperature sensor is further in electrical signal isolation from a circuit carrying voltage output by the thermocouple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph Lee Whiteley
  • Patent number: 8135559
    Abstract: A method for managing thermal condition of a thermal zone that includes multiple thermally controllable components include determining thermal relationship between the components and reducing temperature of a first component by reducing thermal dissipation of a second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Guy M. Therien, Robert T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8131495
    Abstract: A system includes a filter, a sensor, a processor, and a memory. The filter can be coupled to an engine exhaust and can operate in an accumulating mode during which particulate matter (PM) from the engine is trapped and also operate in a regenerating mode during which PM in the filter is emitted. The sensor is coupled to a discharge port of the filter and has an output to provide a sensor signal based on a concentration of PM in the filtered exhaust. The processor is coupled to receive the sensor signal and operable to determine at least one of a base level for the sensor signal during the accumulating mode and a regenerate level for the sensor signal during the regenerating mode, and operable to determine a calibration value for the sensor using at least one of the base level and the regenerate level. The memory stores the calibration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Krafthefer, Gregory J. Hampson
  • Patent number: 8131497
    Abstract: The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: EcoFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Steinberg, Scott Douglas Hublou
  • Patent number: 8129873
    Abstract: A coolant flow reduction monitoring system for a rotary electric machine having stator coils within a plurality of slots of a stator thereof is provided. The stator coils are cooled by a coolant flowing in a plurality of passages provided in the stator coils. The system includes an outlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant outlet temperature of the coolant in an outlet of at least one of the plurality of passages, a slot temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in at least one slot at a location along a length of each slot and outside of the stator coils, and an inlet temperature sensor for measuring a coolant inlet temperature of the coolant. A coolant flow reduction monitor generates an alarm indicating a coolant flow reduction based on the at least one coolant outlet temperature, the at least one slot temperature and the coolant inlet temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electronic Company
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Rai, Nicola Piccirillo, Subrat Kumar Sahoo, Ravikumar Sandrana
  • Publication number: 20120046899
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer usable program product for discovering thermal relationships in a data processing environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An output temperature of a cooling unit operating in the data processing environment is changed from a previous output temperature to a new output temperature. The difference between the previous and the new output temperatures is a change in the output temperature. A change in an ambient temperature proximate to a data processing system is measured. The change in the ambient temperature is a difference between a previous ambient temperature and a new ambient temperature. An expression that represents a relationship between the change in the output temperature and corresponding change in the ambient temperature is determined. The expression is used to determine a cooling correspondence between the cooling unit and the data processing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd Dickson Gatts, Denilson Nastacio, Preethi C. Mohan
  • Patent number: 8117012
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method is used for determining cooling requirements of a computer system enclosure, where the enclosure includes a number of installed modules, the modules including fan modules. The method includes the steps of determining an individual impedance curve of each installed module; determining fan curves for the installed fan modules; based on the individual impedance curves, determining an overall system impedance curve for the computer system; determining desired performance requirements for the computer system; based on the desired performance requirements, determining corresponding fan curves; and choosing a fan curve that intersects the system impedance curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wade D. Vinson, Paul R. Culley, Thomas D. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8115645
    Abstract: A thermal detection method comprises steps of providing a rotation device, disposing a thermal sensor on the rotation device, rotating the rotation device, and using the thermal sensor to detect a temperature of an object without contacting the object. A thermal detecting system comprises a rotation device and a thermal sensor disposed on the rotation device for detecting a temperature of an object without contacting the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chung-Hsien Lu, Hsin-Dar Tang, Shih-Min Tzeng, Wu-Chi Ho, Huei-Shyang You
  • Publication number: 20120035880
    Abstract: A portable temperature sensing probe having a plurality of thermocouples is inserted into a tank mounted on a truck or other receptacle at the time of loading a hot liquid, e.g., molten sulfur. The probe and at least a portion of the associated wiring or leads are attached to the loading pipe and/or discharge nozzle, and the probe is inserted into the interior of the tank before the molten sulfur is discharged. The signals from the plurality of thermocouples are amplified and the corresponding temperature information is transmitted to a display and control device. Due to the significant differential between the temperature of the rising molten sulfur and the vapors in the tank overhead space, the signals generated indicate which of the thermocouple are in contact with molten sulfur or the vapor zone. The generated signals adjust the shut-off valve that controls the flow of molten sulfur into the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Adel S. AL-MISFER
  • Patent number: 8109669
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a radial differential metrology profile of a substrate heated in a process chamber is provided. Methods and systems for determining an angular or azimuthal differential metrology profile of a rotating substrate in a processing chamber are also provided. The radial and azimuthal differential metrology profiles are applied to adjust a reference metrology profile to provide a Virtual metrology of the process chamber. The virtual metrology is applied to control the performance of the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Aderhold, Jallepally Ravi, Balasubramanian Ramachandran, Aaron M. Hunter, Ilias Iliopoulos
  • Patent number: 8112243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the temperature of the P-N junction within the light-emitting region of a quasi-continuous-wave or pulsed semiconductor laser diode device. A series of relatively short and low current monitor pulses are applied to the laser diode in the period between the main drive current pulses necessary to cause the semiconductor to lase. At the sufficiently low current level of the monitor pulses, the laser diode device does not lase and behaves similar to an electronic diode. The voltage across the laser diode resulting from each of these low current monitor pulses is measured with a high degree of precision. The junction temperature is then determined from the measured junction voltage using their known linear relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Byron L. Meadows, Frazin Amzajerdian, Bruce W. Barnes, Nathaniel R. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120024653
    Abstract: A clutch unit (47) comprises a wet friction clutch for controllable transmission of a torque from an input element (41) to an output element (45), housing that contains the friction clutch and oil for cooling the friction clutch, and an actuator (51) for actuating the friction clutch. The actuator is attached to the housing in a thermally conductive way and has a temperature sensor (108) for sensing a temperature of the actuator. In order to computationally determine the oil temperature (TÖI) in the clutch unit (47), a thermal input power to the clutch unit is determined as a function of at least a speed of the input element and/or of the output element. The difference between the thermal input power and the thermal output power is determined, and the oil temperature is determined as a function of the difference that was determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTAIN AG & CO KG
    Inventors: Ender Ergun, Manfred Gollner, Martin Parigger
  • Patent number: 8108156
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and computer systems for estimating a stress of a toughened structural adhesive polymer are provided. One method comprises selecting a strain, a strain rate, a temperature, or a combination thereof at which the stress is to be estimated. A value of a strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the strain-hardening stress is dependent on the temperature and the strain. A value of a non-strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the non-strain-hardening stress is dependent on the strain, the strain rate, and the temperature. The value of the strain-hardening stress is added to the value of the non-strain-hardening stress to obtain an estimated total stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kangping Wang, Pei-Chung Wang, John D. Fickes, Yih-Charng Deng
  • Patent number: 8108175
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for determining a self-heating free drain current in a transistor corresponding to a channel temperature not affected by a drain DC current includes measuring at least three unique drain currents of a transistor corresponding to at least three unique ambient temperatures. The method further includes determining at least three unique channel temperatures of the transistor corresponding to the at least three unique drain currents, thereby establishing a current-temperature relationship for the transistor. The method further includes determining the self-heating free drain current of the transistor utilizing the current-temperature relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Oiang Chen, Zhi-Yuan Wu, Richard Yu-Kuwan Su
  • Publication number: 20120022822
    Abstract: A method for modeling of an overhead electrical conductor, includes: collecting 3-dimensional location data of the conductor; substantially simultaneous with said collecting, acquiring a thermal measurement of the conductor with a local thermal sensor; and generating a CAD model of the conductor using the collected 3-dimensional location data of the conductor and the thermal measurement of the conductor. The CAD model facilitates thermal line analysis of the conductor, thermal rating of a power line that includes the conductor, clearance analysis relative to the conductor, and vegetation management relative to the conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: UTILITY RISK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adam Robert Rousselle
  • Patent number: 8103304
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for determining a presence status associated with a user of a mobile communications device. Heat and motion information is collected by heat detectors and accelerometers within the device. The heat and motion information is referenced to determine whether the information suggests that the user is available via the mobile communications device, and a presence status is assigned based on that determination. Presence status information is communicated to a presence server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Kristen E. Miller, Harry H. Lai
  • Publication number: 20120016622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of measurement technology, and offers a method for calculating an inner wall temperature from a measurement result of an outer wall temperature of a tube in relation to a problem of a two-dimensional, unsteady heat flow in tube. The evaluation method includes the steps of measuring outer wall temperatures at a plurality of points under a two-dimensional unsteady flow in the tube; and estimating inner wall temperatures on the basis of the measured values of the outer-wall temperatures. The approach of the present invention makes it possible to correctly estimate change over time of the inner wall temperature of the tube from the outer wall temperature of the tube with high accuracy, and requires a relatively short calculation time. For these reasons, the present invention is applicable to the problem in that the inner wall temperature of a tube is difficult to measure, in relation to flow in the tube in the industrial production and the scientific research.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Peixue Jiang, Youwei Zhang, Hui Li
  • Publication number: 20120013471
    Abstract: A system for detecting an improperly secured busway joint in an electrical distribution busway includes a busway joint parameter sensor, a transmission circuit and a remote computer. The busway joint parameter sensor is disposed so as to sense a selected parameter of the busway joint. The transmission circuit is in data communication with the busway joint parameter sensor and is configured to transmit real time busway joint parameter data. The remote computer is in data communication with the transmission circuit and is configured to present an indication upon detection of abnormal real time busway joint parameter data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: JONES GROUP FORENSIC ENGINEERS
    Inventor: David L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8096706
    Abstract: A temperature detector includes a plurality of comparators, an electronic component and a controller. Each of the comparators is responsible for detecting different temperature ranges. The electronic component has a temperature-dependent threshold voltage and an output connected to inputs of the plurality of comparators. The controller is configured to enable only one of the comparators at one time and to generate a value to the other inputs of the plurality of comparators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Nanya Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Wen Ming Lee
  • Publication number: 20120010839
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may comprise an integrated circuit comprising a memory, a temperature sensor, a crystal, and a communication module. Data stored in the memory may indicate a frequency of the crystal as a function of temperature and/or time. The memory may be writable via the communication module. Data stored in the memory of the integrated circuit may be updated based on an age and/or time of use of the integrated circuit. The time of use may be one or both of: how long the crystal has been oscillating since its most-recent start up, and how long the crystal has been in use over its lifetime. An electronic device may calculate a frequency of an oscillating signal output by the crystal based on a temperature indication from the temperature sensor and data read from the memory of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Evan McCarthy, John Walley, Jeon Hyung-Gyu, Amir Ibrahim, Sunil Kanekal, Jared Welz
  • Publication number: 20120010845
    Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having one or more detectors, comprising a plurality of temperature detectors operable to measure a temperature of an object or a medium, a presence detector operable to detect the presence of the object or medium, and a pressure detector operable to measure a pressure of the medium. The multi-sensor component also comprises a sensor monitor operably coupled to the detectors of the sensor assembly and configured to use a detection algorithm operable to detect one or more of the temperature, pressure and presence of the object or medium, the sensor monitor configured to verify a health of the one or more detectors of the sensor assembly, and also comprises a sensor housing or thermo-well or combination thereof having the sensor assembly and the sensor monitor affixed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: R.W. Beckett Corporation
    Inventors: John Bohan, Christopher Fildes, Tim Beight
  • Patent number: 8092084
    Abstract: A method for precision thermal measurement and control, especially for bioreactors, as well as the correction of temperature sensitive probes such as pH and dissolved oxygen. Typical control requirements are +/?0.1° C. The thermal measurement circuit converts a sensor output to a high level voltage or current with great accuracy and provides noise immunity and sensor isolation. While digital outputs from sensor converters can have the greatest noise immunity, the noise associated with digital circuitry may contaminate low level sensor signals so in many cases an analog sensor converter is preferred because of low noise generation, especially if the converter is near the sensor. The circuit is low cost, reliable, generates minimal heat is immune to, and does not generate noise, and requires minimal calibration effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Finesse Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Riddle, Anthony Sproul
  • Patent number: 8095332
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for pre-heating a hard disk drive of a computer device, wherein a temperature sensor and a heater are arranged at preset locations outside the computer device. The temperature sensor detects an external temperature of the hard disk drive, which is compared with an activation temperature threshold stored in a data memory unit of the computer device. The activation temperature threshold is calibrated by a preset compensation value stored in the data memory unit. When the external temperature of the hard disk drive subtracting the preset compensation value is less than the activation temperature threshold of the hard disk drive, the activation of the hard disk drive is prohibited and the heater carries out heating on the hard disk drive until the activation temperature threshold of the hard disk drive is reached; thereafter, the hard disk drive is activated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Getac Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yi-Chung Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120004880
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: a temperature sensing unit for sensing a temperature and outputting a temperature sensing signal; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), coupled to the temperature sensing unit, for converting the temperature sensing signal to a digital value, having an ADC output range; a calibration unit, coupled to the ADC, for correlating the ADC output range with at least one temperature range; a memory unit, coupled to the calibration unit, recording the ADC output range, and the at least one temperature range, and the correlation therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Chen-Ming Hsu, Yaw-Guang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120005469
    Abstract: An electronic device capable of starting up in a low-temperature environment and a startup method for starting up the electronic device in the low-temperature environment and provide a stable operation temperature. The electronic device includes a temperature detection unit, a plurality of electronic elements, a storage unit, and a control unit. The electronic elements connects to the temperature detection unit. The storage unit stores a temperature monitoring process and an operating system. The control unit electrically connects to the temperature detection unit, the electronic elements, and the storage unit. The control unit acquires an operation temperature of the electronic elements through the temperature detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Alex W. Jeng, Chien Ming Huang
  • Publication number: 20110316706
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cash, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 8083481
    Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Daryl G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8081532
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first temperature sensing circuit, a multiplexer, and an output circuit. The first temperature sensing circuit can be configured to provide a first temperature indication based on a first temperature threshold value. The first temperature indication can include a first temperature indication logic level. The multiplexer can include a first multiplexer input configured to receive the first temperature indication, a second multiplexer input configured to receive a data signal, and a third multiplexer input configured to receive a temperature read enable signal. The multiplexer can be configured to provide a first multiplexer output. The output circuit can include a first output terminal. The output circuit can be configured to receive the first multiplexer output. The multiplexer and the output circuit can be configured to provide the first temperature indication to the first output terminal when the temperature read enable is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Holding 83 LLC
    Inventor: Darryl G. Walker
  • Patent number: 8082105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring in-situ stress in rock using a thermal crack. The method involves forming a borehole, cooling a wall of the borehole, applying tensile thermal stress, forming a crack in the borehole wall, and measuring temperature and cracking point. Afterwards, the borehole wall is heated to close the formed crack, the borehole wall is cooled again to re-open the crack, and temperature is measured when the crack is re-opened. The in-situ stress of the rock is calculated using a first cracking temperature at which the crack is formed and a second cracking temperature at which the crack is re-opened. Further, the apparatus cools, heats and re-cools the borehole wall, thereby measuring the first cracking temperature, the second cracking temperature, and the cracking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Chang-Ha Ryu, Dong-Woo Ryu, Byung-Hee Choi, Loui Porathur John, Jung-Ho Synn
  • Patent number: 8078864
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable computer. When a power input terminal of the portable computer is connected to a power source, a sensor senses the temperature of electronic components of the portable computer to provide a sensed temperature value. When the sensed temperature value is lower than a preset temperature value, a microprocessor controls an indication device to operate and controls the heating unit to heat the electronic components. When the sensed temperature value is higher than the preset temperature value, the microprocessor controls the indication device not to operate and controls the heating unit stop heating the electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiung Lin, Jing-Rung Wang
  • Publication number: 20110301908
    Abstract: A detection device for an internal combustion engine is preferably applied to the internal combustion engine which includes a temperature varying member, which is provided in an exhaust system, and whose temperature varies due to gas flow in the exhaust system. A temperature correlation value detection unit detects a correlation value which correlates with the temperature of the temperature varying member. The term correlation value herein includes impedance of the temperature varying member, a signal output value such as current and voltage output sent from the temperature varying member, and/or the temperature varying member's own temperature. A variation calculating unit calculates a variation of the correlation value, in a time period when the gas flow arises, detected by the temperature correlation value detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naofumi Magarida
  • Publication number: 20110301909
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system is provided for a light emitting diode (LED) assembly that includes an LED having two semiconductors joined together at an LED junction. The system includes a temperature sensor operatively connected to the LED assembly at a remote location that is remote from the LED junction. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the LED assembly at the remote location. A temperature calculation module is operatively connected to the temperature sensor for receiving the measured temperature at the remote location from the temperature sensor. The temperature calculation module is configured to determine a junction temperature at the LED junction based on the measured temperature a the remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Jackson, Robert Rix, Bruce Pelton, Mohammad S. Ahmed, Ronald Martin Weber, Matthew E. Mostoller