Warning device for food storage appliances
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Abstract
A compact, self-contained, self-powered, autonomous, consumer alarm device within the appliance unit utilizing three visual indicator means and one audible indicator means for providing an indication of normal operation and 4 alarm conditions. The alarm device provides visual and/or audible indications in the event 1) the appliance air temperature is normal; thereby, below the maximum temperature as recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 2) the appliance door is open/ajar for more than five minutes, 3) the appliance air temperature is greater than 40 degrees F., the maximum temperature recommended by the USDA for storage of food, 4) the appliance air temperature has been greater than 40 degrees F. for a period of more than 2 hours, thereby surpassing the USDA guidelines for food which should be consumed by humans, 5) the appliance air temperature has been elevated for “X” amount of time, wherein “X” equals the quantity of hours. and 6) battery voltage is low. This device retains the temperature alerts until reset, thereby ensuring that the owner is aware of any divergences from safe storage temperatures. These alerts remain even in the event that the appliance unit returns to normal operation and lowers the temperature down to suitable levels, such as in the case of a temporary power outage. Internal batteries provide power to the device.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1-7. -7. (cancelled)
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8. A temperature monitoring system comprising:
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a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature;
a clock;
a memory; and
a first alarm mechanism, wherein said clock measures time during which said temperature is above approximately forty (40) degrees Celsius, wherein said memory stores a cumulative time measured by said clock, and wherein said first alarm mechanism is triggered when said memory store reaches a cumulative approximate time of two (2) hours. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of monitoring a temperature comprising the steps of:
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measuring a temperature;
storing a cumulative amount of time during which said temperature is above approximately forty (40) degrees Celsius; and
triggering a first alarm when said stored cumulative time reaches approximately two (2) hours. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification