Abstract: A method for determining a state of at least one component of a control unit, in which a temperature of the at least one component is determined, a type of temperature change being detected and recorded for a number of temperatures which are determined over a time period, recorded temperature changes being used to determine the state. Also described is a system for determining a state of at least one component of the control unit, a control unit, a computer program and a computer program product.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting abnormal operation of a hydrocracker includes a model to model the hydrocracker. The model may be configurable to include one or more regression models corresponding to different operating regions of the portion of the hydrocracker. The system and method may also determine if a monitored temperature difference variable deviates significantly from the temperature difference variable predicted by the model. If there is a significant deviation, this may indicate an abnormal operation.

Abstract: A measured value for a PMV within a living space is sent to a comfort efficacy evaluating device. Occupancy information (the current number of occupants N) in the living space is sent to the comfort efficacy evaluating device. The comfort efficacy evaluating device calculates a comfort index P as P=1.0?|PMV|/3, and this comfort index P is weighted by the number of occupants N at the time that the comfort index P was taken. In this case, if the number of occupants is relatively high, the weighting is high, and if the number of occupants is relatively low, then the weighting is low. Additionally, the weighted comfort index P is integrated over an evaluation interval, and thus integrated value, or a weighted average based on this integrated value, is used as a comfort efficacy index TP. An evaluation of the efficacy of energy conservation can be performed in the same way, taking into account the current occupancy of the living space.

Abstract: A high-resolution, non-contact sensor that measures the temperature of an elongated roll comprises an array of low-mass air temperature elements positioned adjacent the cylindrical surface. As the roll rotates a boundary layer of air is formed along the contour of the roll. Each air temperature element can be housed in a chamber into which a portion of the boundary layer air directed. The temperature of the air temperature element eventually stabilizes and is a function of the roll surface temperature. Associated air compensator elements detect ambient air temperatures and the actual surface temperature profile is extracted from calibration curves based on measurements from both the air temperature and compensator elements.

Abstract: An isotherm sensor tracks space vehicle temperatures by a thermal protection system (TPS) material during vehicle re-entry as a function of time, and surface recession through calibration, calculation, analysis and exposed surface modeling. Sensor design includes: two resistive conductors, wound around a tube, with a first end of each conductor connected to a constant current source, and second ends electrically insulated from each other by a selected material that becomes an electrically conductive char at higher temperatures to thereby complete an electrical circuit. The sensor conductors become shorter as ablation proceeds and reduced resistance in the completed electrical circuit (proportional to conductor length) is continually monitored, using measured end-to-end voltage change or current in the circuit. Thermocouple and/or piezoelectric measurements provide consistency checks on local temperatures.

Abstract: A multi-core microprocessor provides an indication of the power management state of each of the cores on output terminals. Cooling of the cores is adjusted responsive to the indication of the power management state of the respective cores with additional cooling being provided to those cores in a more active state and less cooling provided to those cores in a less active state.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a solar thermal energy system including a solar thermal loop and a heat consumption loop thermally coupled by a heat exchanger, the solar thermal loop including a solar collector device fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and a primary heat transfer fluid disposed in the solar thermal loop and flowing through the solar collector device and the heat exchanger, the heat consumption loop including a heat consuming apparatus fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and a secondary heat transfer fluid disposed in the heat consumption loop and flowing through the heat consuming apparatus and the heat exchanger, includes: detecting an inlet temperature of the secondary heat transfer fluid upstream of the heat consuming apparatus or the heat exchanger, and generating corresponding inlet temperature data; detecting an outlet temperature of the secondary heat transfer fluid downstream of the heat consuming apparatus or the heat exchanger, and generating corresponding outlet temperature data;

Abstract: A temperature measurement device in combination with a furnace heat exchanger is disclosed and claimed. An instrumented heat tracer sensor is launched into the heat exchanger which records the temperature of the fluid and performance at data points along the length of the heat exchanger. If a spike in the temperature as measured and recorded, since the speed of the heat tracer sensor is known, the location of the temperature increase is known which infers a burn through in the furnace. A three way valve includes a retrieve port, a chamber port, and a launch port. A small sensor control pump and a large heat exchanger flow pump propel the heat tracer sensor through the system. A plastic chamber retains the heat tracer sensor for interrogation and downloading information when the sensor is not in use in the heat exchanger. A control station communicates with the heat tracer sensor and extracts the stored temperature data therefrom.

Abstract: A power semiconductor module with temperature measurement is disclosed. One embodiment provides a conductor having a first end and a second end. The second end is thermally coupled at a substrate. A device including temperature sensor is thermally coupled at the first end and configured to determine a temperature at the second end using the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An aircraft Ice Detection pitot-static tube is described which uses sensors integrated into the pitot-static tube to determine when and where the pitot-static tube is icing up. Temperature, thermal conductivity and impedance sensor measurements are combined with a mathematical transfer of the impedance sensor output into the complex dielectric plane to identify that the material accreating on the exterior and interior of the pitot-static tube is ice and only ice. Identification of ice realized when the trace in complex dielectric space has a distinctive semi-circular form, which only ice exhibits, with measured values in agreement with reference laboratory data stored in the onboard computer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic devices such as mobile devices, and methods of operating such devices. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device includes first and second temperature sensors positioned at different respective locations on the electronic device and at least one processing device. The first and second temperature sensors respectively output first and second signals indicative of the respective temperatures experienced at those respective sensors. The at least one processing device (i) receives the first and second signals respectively from the first and second temperature sensors respectively and generates based thereon an indication of a difference or a relationship between the first and second temperatures, and (ii) determines an operational context of the electronic device based at least in part upon the difference. In an additional embodiment, other sensor information from one or more other sensors is taken into account in determining the operational context.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring and inspecting food safety is disclosed. The system adopts insert and use concept that only requires an initial push on a button to begin its function. The system provides visual alert for different conditions if food products are in unsafe status. The system is pre-calibrated during manufacture without complicated or multi-step calibration or recalibration procedures during application. The system relies on modern surface-mount microprocessor technology that enables long-term calibration stability along with very low power consumption for extended battery life.

Abstract: A controller comprises a first input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a compressor, a second input that receives a signal indicating an energy consumption value of a condenser fan, and an output that provides a control signal to the condenser fan. The controller also comprises a memory that stores a condenser set point, and a processor in communication with the input, output and memory and that modulates the condenser set-point to minimize energy consumption and controls the condenser fan based on the condenser set-point.

Abstract: An electronic instrument having in its circuitry a specific solid state switch that exhibits detrimental current leakage at elevated temperatures, a variable voltage device in the instrument connected to the specific switch, the variable voltage device being capable, at an experimentally determined voltage setting, of zeroing out the leakage current in the specific switch, the variable voltage device being set at a voltage setting determined experimentally using said specific switch at an elevated temperature thereby temperature compensating said specific switch.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for predicting the steady state temperature of solid state devices, preferably under transient conditions. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a thermocouple for detecting temperature of the solid state system; a processor in communication with the thermocouple and programmed with instructions to: construct an initial curve for the solid state system, the initial curve having a shape; obtain a plurality of theoretical temperature curves for the solid state system; select one of the plurality of theoretical temperature curves having a shape closest to the shape of the initial curve; and superimposing the selected theoretical temperature curve on the initial curve to predict the steady state temperature.

Abstract: A combined pressure and temperature sensor, the sensor comprising at least one first optical sensing element of a first type and at least one second optical sensing element of a second type, wherein the sensor is adapted to compensate for temperature and/or pressure effects in the first or second optical sensing element using a response of the other of the second or first optical sensing elements.

Abstract: A method of monitoring HVAC usage includes: maintaining a data structure in an on board memory of a programmable usage monitoring HVAC thermostat; receiving an initiation signal from a relay; receiving a termination signal from the relay; and updating the data structure by adding a duration in units of time to an accumulated time associated with the relay to keep a log of the elapsed time a function associated with the relay was operative. A programmable usage monitoring HVAC thermostat comprising, a user interface; a microprocessor coupled to the user interface; and a firmware upgradeable memory coupled to the microprocessor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls temperature variations in a computer system. During operation, a telemetry variable of the computer system is monitored. Next, a future temperature of the computer system is predicted based on the telemetry variable. A signal is then generated in response to the future temperature. Then, the signal is sent to a cooling device in the computer system to control temperature variations of the computer system.

Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.

Abstract: A number of parameters related to the operation of a fluid delivery device are determined based on a pressure within the device sensed using a pressure sensor. In one example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from a reservoir of a fluid delivery device is determined based on a sensed pressure of the reservoir. In another example, the volume of therapeutic fluid added to or removed from the reservoir is determined based on a sensed pressure of a refill port assembly of the device. In another example, an initial temperature of the reservoir as a therapeutic fluid is removed from the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device. In another example, a temperature of a therapeutic fluid added to the reservoir is estimated based on a sensed pressure within the device.

Abstract: A self-monitoring transformer is disclosed. The transformer uses sensors embedded in the coils to determine the expected lifespan of the insulation, as well as other operating parameters, and communicates that information to an external system.

Abstract: A virtual heat metering system (10), includes sensors (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), adapted to be associated with a supply circuit of a central thermal installation (I) and arranged for supplying main signals (Qman., Tman., Trit., Pman., Prit., s) indicative of physical quantities representing the operation of the supply circuit (C) in a predetermined period of time (?tTOT). A control apparatus (22), includes a memory module (23) arranged for storing a thermal and fluid dynamic model (M) defined initially and representing the central thermal installation (I), identified on the basis of physical quantities representing the operation of the supply circuit (C) and the heat exchanger devices (H1,1, . . . , H1,n1; H2,1, . . . , H2,n2; . . . ; Hm,1, . . . , Hm,nm), detected in specified conditions of operation and stimulation of the installation (I); and data representing the variation of said main signals (Qman., Tman., Trit., Pman., Prit., s) in the period of time (?TOT).

Abstract: A method of supplying disk drives to a disk drive testing system includes placing a disk drive tote, carrying multiple disk drives, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the disk drive testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the disk drives from the disk drive tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved disk drive to a test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert the disk drive in the test slot.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit comprises a temperature sensing unit for generating a reference voltage having a constant level, regardless of a temperature fluctuation, and a variable voltage to be changed according to the temperature fluctuation, and a comparison unit for comparing the reference voltage to the variable voltage, detecting an ambient temperature and generating a temperature detecting signal.

Abstract: A temperature sensor circuit is provided that facilitates preventing a too-high overshooting voltage from occurring at an output terminal when a power supply is connected to the temperature sensor circuit. The temperature sensor circuit includes a short-circuiting device, disposed in parallel to depletion mode NMOS, that short-circuits the drain and source of depletion mode NMOS when a power supply is connected; and delay device that transmits a signal for short-circuiting the drain and source of depletion mode NMOS for a certain period from the time point of power supply connection to short-circuiting device for preventing the voltage at output terminal of temperature sensor circuit from overshooting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer and a method of monitoring wind resistance changes. The computer comprises a wind resistance change monitoring device, the device comprising: one or more first temperature sensors, located at one or more positions inside the computer where an actual ambient temperature can be monitored, and configured to sense one or more ambient temperatures as first temperature; one or more heaters, located at the front end of a cooling duct of the computer, and configured to work at a rated power; one or more second temperature sensors, located corresponding to the one or more heaters, and configured to sense one or more temperatures of the one or more heaters as second temperature; and a control module configured to determine whether the wind resistance of the computer has changed or not based on a comparison of the relationship between the first and second temperature with the relationship between a predetermined ambient temperature and a predetermined heater temperature.

Abstract: A temperature measuring and identification (TMID) device obtains identification information and temperature information of a connected device having a temperature sensing circuit (TSC). The TSC includes a temperature sensing element (TSE) connected in parallel with a voltage clamping network (VCN) that limits the voltage across the TSE to an identification voltage within an identification voltage range when the voltage is greater than or equal to a lower voltage of the identification voltage range. When a voltage below the lower range is applied to the TSC, the VCN appears as an open circuit and the resistance of the TSC corresponds to temperature. A translation circuit within the TMID shifts TSC voltages within the identification voltage range to a normalization voltage range. Accordingly, voltages corresponding to temperature as well as voltages corresponding to identification are within the normalization voltage range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method measure a temperature of a temperature sensing element having a temperature dependent resistance based on a ratio of discharge times of a capacitor through a reference resistance and through the combination of the reference resistance in parallel with the temperature sensing element is disclosed. A reference discharge time is determined by measuring the discharge time of the capacitor from a first voltage to a second voltage through a reference resistance. A temperature evaluation discharge time is determined by measuring the time to discharge the capacitor from the first voltage to the second voltage through the reference resistance in parallel with the temperature sensing element. The ratio of the temperature evaluation discharge time to the reference discharge time is used to determine the temperature and produce a digital representation of the temperature.

Abstract: A method of thermal inspection of a component defining at least one internal passageway. The method includes receiving a continuous sequence of thermal images of at least an exit hole defined by the at least one internal passageway at a surface of the component. The method also includes delivering a pressurized airflow pulse into the at least one internal passageway, receiving a temperature response signal as function of time based on the received thermal images, determining a first derivative of the temperature response signal, and determining a level of blockage of the at least one internal passageway based on the first derivative of the temperature response signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software for energy management; for negotiations and/or auctions between energy aggregators and utility companies.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed designed to monitor the thermal status of a quality control material. The apparatus has the ability, with visual and/or audible means, to alert the user when the quality control material has become thermally equal to the local, ambient environment by way of natural thermal entropy. The apparatus alerts the user by visual and/or audible indicators when the quality control material, after removal from the monitor, should be returned to cool storage after a pre-determined period to maintain its designed criteria, integrity and/or purpose.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for preventing the failure of a system, which includes one or more pipes, or one or more cooling jackets, or one or more fluid cooled system components carrying a fluid, involves detecting one or more pressure levels of the fluid in the one or more pipes at one or more points, then comparing the detected pressure levels to a corresponding one or more predetermined limitation values. If the detected pressure levels exceed the corresponding limitation values, a shut-down signal is generated. The shut-down signal triggers the adjusting of one or more systems responsible for causing thermal variations of the fluid, preventing the system from failing while allowing the system to continue operation shortly thereafter.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for predicting a physical quality such as temperature, the measurement of which tends to be hindered by a time-related impediment. A single sensor is configured to detect, in real time, the physical quality Qdetect, and one or more infinite impulse response filters are configured with time constants correlated to the time-related impediment. The infinite impulse filter(a) are configured to filter Qdetect to output a filtered quality measurement (Qfiltered). A processor is configured to calculate, in real time, the estimated or predicted quality Qestimate using Qdetect and Qfiltered.

Abstract: A compact motion powered thermometer includes a body member and a tip member with a thermal contact surface secured to the body member. A thermal sensor mounted on the inside of the tip member is adapted for sensing a thermal contact surface and producing a temperature signal. A set of lead wires is coupled to the thermal sensor for transmission of the temperature signal. A display module is disposed in the body member. A motion electric power generator supplies a power to a capacitor. A processor is electrically connected to both the capacitor to obtain electric power and the set of lead wires to receive the temperature signal such that it can drive the display module for display of a corresponding temperature reading. The display module, the processor and the capacitor are disposed on a substrate. The substrate, the tubular cylinder and the body member are parallel to each other.

Abstract: Method and systems of powering on an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a region in the IC including functional logic, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature in the region when the IC is powered up and a heating element therefor; a processing unit including: a comparator for comparing the temperature against a predetermined temperature value, a controller, which in the case that the temperature is below the predetermined temperature value, delays functional operation of the IC and controls heating of the region of the IC, and a monitor for monitoring the temperature in the region; and wherein the controller, in the case that the temperature rises above the predetermined temperature value, ceases the heating and initiates functional operation of the IC.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the temperature and slope of a wafer is presented, and the steps of the method comprises: (a) providing a cooling machine, a monitoring system, a sensing module, and a wafer; (b) cooling the wafer by the cooling machine; (c) sensing all regions of the wafer by the sensing module, and detecting the temperature and slope of the wafer relative to the cooling machine; (d) if the wafer's temperature is higher than a set temperature, the monitoring system outputs a first alarm signal, if the wafer's slope is greater than a set slope, the monitoring system outputs a second alarm signal.

Abstract: A personal computer and methods of reconfiguration are described. An implementation of a personal computer may comprise a processor portion running a diagnostic application. A field programmable gate array in communication with the processor portion may be provided. A configurable non-volatile computer memory in communication with the field programmable gate array and wherein the field programmable gate array is programmed to reconfigure the non-volatile computer memory may be provided. Methods of reconfiguration of a personal computer are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for remote sensing and/or monitoring utilizing a sensing device, such as may be implemented in a patch that can be placed on or affixed to a subject, where the sensing device includes multiple sensors. For example, one embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless human temperature skin patch providing accurate measurement of human temperature from a sensing device applied to the skin and even in the presence of differing ambient temperature. In such an embodiment, the patch can include, for example, a flexible, breathable bandage or adhesive strip or pad to affix the sensing device to a patient. The sensing device can include multiple sensors such as two or more temperature sensors that can be used to accurately determine the patient's core body temperature from the measured temperature at the skin.

Abstract: In order to derive the temperature in the mesopause region from hydroxyl (OH*) airglow, in which intensities of three lines of OH* emission and a basic position are measured during the night using ground-based IR spectrometers, a noisy OH* spectrum is smoothed by filtering out white noise superimposed on the measured OH* intensities, by means of a spectral analysis method in the form of a harmonic analysis and by means of adaptation using the Voigt function which is carried out in the form of a combination of a Lorentz distribution and a Doppler distribution. A decision is made on the quality of the adaptation of the smoothed spectrum obtained to the original spectrum using statistical characteristic variables and by selecting one of the two methods, harmonic analysis function or Voigt function, and the temperature is thus accurately determined.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting abnormal operation of a hydrocracker includes a hydrocracker model. The model may be configurable to include one or more regression models corresponding to different operating regions of the portion of the hydrocracker. The system and method may also determine if a monitored temperature difference variable deviates significantly from the temperature difference variable predicted by the model. If there is a significant deviation, this may indicate an abnormal operation.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a temperature measurement section that measures a temperature of a heat generation source generating heat by consuming power or a temperature of an inner position of a casing of which the temperature changes due to the heat generation of the heat generation source; and an environmental temperature calculation section that calculates a temperature which is calculated using a predetermined relational equation that is different in accordance with a model from a difference between a first temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time when the heat generation source starts consuming a predetermined amount of power and a second temperature measured by the temperature measurement section at a point in time after the passage of a predetermined period from the start of consumption of a predetermined amount of power by the heat generation source as an environmental temperature in an environment where the casing is placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a thermal response test to determine thermo-physical properties of a geothermal heat exchange resource. The apparatus includes a geothermal heat exchanger adapted to circulate a fluid through a loop in a sample borehole in the geothermal heat exchange resource and a variable speed pumping system capable of time-dynamic control of a fluid flow rate of the fluid. A multi-stage heating system is capable of applying a series of time-dynamic heat pulses to the fluid. The apparatus further includes a fluid temperature sensor and one or more fluid pressure, fluid density and/or fluid flow rate sensors, the sensors measuring data on the properties of the fluid that are predictive of the thermo-physical properties of the geothermal heat exchange resource.

Abstract: An instrumented component (18, 19) for use in various operating environments such as the hot gas path section of a combustion turbine engine (10). The component (18, 19) may have a substrate, a sensor (50, 204, 210) connected with the substrate for sensing a condition of the component (18, 19) within the casing during operation of the combustion turbine (10) and a connector (52, 202) attached to the substrate and in communication with the sensor (50, 204, 210) for routing a data signal from the sensor (50, 204, 210) to a termination location (53). The component (18, 19) may include a wireless telemetry device (54, 202) in communication with the connector (52, 202) for wirelessly transmitting the data signal outside the casing. A transceiver (56) may be located outside the casing for receiving the data signal and transmitting it to a processing module (30) for developing information with respect to a condition of the component (18, 19) or a coating (26) deposited on the component (18, 19).

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensing light-emitting device, applicable for use in electronic devices, and is structured from a temperature sensing element, a processing unit, a display element, and a voice unit. The temperature sensing element is used to sense the temperature of the area under measurement, after which the electrically connected processing unit determines the measured temperature. The present invention is characterized in that the processing unit is connected to the display element, thereby enabling the measured temperature to be visually displayed for the user; and the temperature sensing element is used to sense the temperature of the area under measurement after which the processing unit determines the temperature range of the area under measurement to adjust the display element to display different color lights, thereby enabling the user to easily determine the temperature of the area under measurement.

Abstract: Locating and/or marking equipment, such as a locate transmitter or locate receiver, a marking device, or a combined locate and marking device, may be communicatively coupled to and/or equipped with a mobile/portable device (e.g., a mobile phone, personal digital assistant or other portable computing device) that provides processing, electronic storage, electronic display, user interface, communication facilities and/or other functionality (e.g., GPS-enabled functionality) for the equipment. A mobile/portable device may be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to the equipment, and may be programmed so as to log and generate electronic records of various information germane to a locate and/or marking operation (e.g., locate information, marking information, and/or landmark information). Such records may be formatted in various manners, processed and/or analyzed on the mobile/portable device, and/or transmitted to another device (e.g., a remote computer/server) for storage, processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: A system for a meter configured to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample includes a housing and a temperature sensor disposed within the housing. The system also includes a processor configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor upon the meter entering one of a charge state and a discharge state. The processor is further configured to predict a temperature value that approximates the ambient temperature outside of the housing. The predicted temperature value is based on historical temperature data received from the temperature sensor such that the predicted temperature value remains constant if a recently received temperature value remains within predetermined upper and lower temperature thresholds and the recently received temperature value exceeds the at least one predicted temperature value.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to systems and methods for designing and analyzing data centers. One aspect is directed to a method of determining cooling characteristics of a data center. The method includes receiving data related to a configuration of equipment in the data center, identifying rack clusters in the configuration of equipment, and determining a capture index for at least one equipment rack of at least one rack cluster.

Abstract: An apparatus for level measuring in a flexible tank with a level sensor for non-contact detection of the level of the liquid in the tank, which detects the surface of the liquid across a flexible wall of the tank, and means for holding the level sensor in a position above the flexible wall of the tank.