Tag assembly for radio frequency identification controlled heatable objects

• US 20050285735A1
• Filed: 06/09/2005
• Published: 12/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Imura International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Imura International USA Incorporated (Imura International)
• Inventors: Johnson, Michael F., Imura, Mamoru
• Granted Patent: US 7,875,836 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.27
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/321 the electronic control being performed over a network, e.g. by means of a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 45/068 Handles having indicating means, e.g. for temperature A47J45/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0269 For heating of fluids

Abstract

Components for use in a temperature controlled heatable object are provided in which a temperature sensor is connected to a transmitter such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is encased in a protective overmolding and connected to the temperature sensor via a mineral insulated cable. An end cap containing a potting material (such as silicone or ceramic) is placed over the temperature sensor and laser welded to a sheathing of the mineral insulated cable. A potting material for use in a heatable object is also provided comprising a silicone-based material that is modified by adding bauxite to increase thermal conductivity.

Claims

1. A component for radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor with a heating device; and

a shell at least partially surrounding said tag.

2. The component as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an encasing material in said shell.

3. The component as claimed in claim 2 wherein said encasing material comprises an epoxy-based material.

4. The component as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shell comprises an encasing material.

5. The component as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a mineral insulated cabling connecting said tag to said temperature sensor.

6. The component as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a cap surrounding said temperature sensor.

7. The component as claimed in claim 6 further comprising a potting material within said cap.

8. A component for a heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device; and

a shell at least partially surrounding said transmitter.

9. A component for a radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor with a heating device; and

a mineral insulated cabling connecting said tag to said temperature sensor.

10. The component as claimed in claim 9 wherein said mineral insulated cabling comprises a conductor and a magnesium oxide covering surrounding said conductor.

11. The component as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a sheath surrounding said magnesium oxide covering.

12. The component as claimed in claim 11 wherein said sheath is stainless steel.

13. The component as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a cap surrounding said temperature sensor.

14. The component as claimed in claim 13 further comprising a potting material within said cap.

15. A component for a radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor with a heating device;

a cabling connecting said tag to said temperature sensor; and

a generally rigid sheath surrounding said cabling.

16. The component as claimed in claim 15 wherein said sheath comprises stainless steel.

17. A component for a heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device; and

a mineral insulated cabling connecting said transmitter to said temperature sensor.

18. A component for a heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device;

a cabling connecting said tag to said temperature sensor; and

a generally rigid sheath surrounding said cabling.

19. A component for a radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor with a heating device; and

a cap surrounding said temperature sensor.

20. The component as claimed in claim 19 further comprising a potting material within said cap.

21. The component as claimed in claim 20 wherein said potting material comprises a silicone material or a ceramic material.

22. A component for a heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor;

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device; and

a cap surrounding said temperature sensor.

23. A protective overmolding for a radio frequency identification tag comprising:

a shell at least partially surrounding the tag.

24. The overmolding as claimed in claim 23 further comprising an encasing material in said shell.

25. The overmolding as claimed in claim 24 wherein said encasing material comprises an epoxy-based material.

26. A cable for connecting a radio frequency identification tag to a sensor, said cable comprising:

a conductor; and

a mineral insulation covering surrounding said conductor.

27. The cable as claimed in claim 26 wherein said mineral insulation covering comprises magnesium oxide.

28. The cable as claimed in claim 26 further comprising a generally rigid sheath surrounding said mineral insulation covering.

29. The cable as claimed in claim 27 wherein said sheath comprises stainless steel.

30. A cable for connecting a radio frequency identification tag to a sensor, said cable comprising:

a conductor; and

a generally rigid sheath surrounding said conductor.

31. A sensor assembly for a heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor; and

a cap surrounding said temperature sensor.

32. The sensor assembly as claimed in claim 31 further comprising a potting material within said cap.

33. The sensor assembly as claimed in claim 32 wherein said potting material comprises a silicone material or a ceramic material.

34. A potting material for use in a heatable object, said potting material comprising:

a base material having generally low or no conductivity; and

a generally conductive material combined with said base material.

35. The potting material as claimed in claim 34 wherein said base material comprises a silicone-based material.

36. The potting material as claimed in claim 34 wherein said conductive material comprises bauxite.