Corkscrew with intergral intelligent thermometer

• US 20060233219A1
• Filed: 10/01/2004
• Published: 10/19/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Debra Fogel Harris
• Original Assignee: Debra Fogel Harris
• Inventors: Harris, Debra Fogel
• Granted Patent: US 8,235,591 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 374/155
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0037 for sensing the heat emitted by liquids
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/02 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/025 Interfacing a pyrometer to an external device or network; User interface
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/0265 Handheld, portable ear thermometers G01J5/049
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 5/04 Casings
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/14 Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 13/00 Thermometers specially adapted for specific purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2207/04 for conservation purposes

Abstract

An intelligent corkscrew device which determines the temperature of the bottle and informs the consumer as to what type of wine is suitable for that temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the corkscrew provides a temperature readout. Alternative embodiments provide entertainment features such as voice or other audio indications related to the temperature. Still other embodiments include visual indication such as lamps which indicate what type of wine would be proper for the temperature of the bottle being measured. The corkscrew uses thermal measurement of the exterior of the wine bottle to measure the temperature. The measurement is made by a temperature sensing device on the end of the lever arm. Alternatively, an infrared temperature sensor can be used to measure the contents of a bottle without coming in contact with the bottle. Specific infrared frequencies are used to penetrate the class used in the bottle to allow measurement of the liquid inside.

Claims

1. An intelligent corkscrew for use with corked bottles, comprising:

means to remove a cork from a bottle;

a temperature sensor in the corkscrew to detect the temperature of a bottle; and

means to output the detected temperature of the bottle;

whereby the corkscrew outputs information related to the temperature of the bottle prior to removal of the cork.

2. A corkscrew, as in claim 1, further comprising:

a lever arm pivotally attached to the corkscrew, and

the temperature sensor is mounted on the end of the lever arm.

3. A corkscrew, as in claim 2, wherein:

the temperature sensor is a thermistor.

4. A corkscrew, as in claim 2, wherein:

the temperature sensor is an infrared sensor.

5. A corkscrew, as in claim 4, wherein:

the infrared sensor operates in a frequency wavelength range between 0.4 to 0.7 microns.

6. A corkscrew, as in claim 1, wherein:

the temperature sensor is a thermistor.

7. A corkscrew, as in claim 1, wherein:

the temperature sensor is an infrared sensor.

8. A corkscrew, as in claim 7, wherein:

infrared sensor operates in a frequency wavelength range between 0.4 to 0.7 microns.

9. A method of measuring liquid temperature inside a bottle prior to unsealing the bottle, including the steps of:

pointing an infrared temperature sensor at the bottle and using the infrared temperature sensor to measure temperature of liquids inside the bottle; and

outputting the measured temperature;

whereby the temperature of the liquid inside the bottle can be measured without unsealing the bottle.

10. A method, as in claim 9, including additional step of:

using a bottle containing wine.

11. A method, as in claim 9, including the additional steps of:

incorporating the temperature sensor into the lever arm of a corkscrew, such that the temperature is automatically measured when the corkscrew is placed in position to remove the cork.

12. A method, as in claim 10, including the additional step of:

using an infrared sensor as the temperature sensor.

13. A method, as in claim 12, including the additional steps of:

using an infrared wavelength frequency wavelength range between 0.4 to 0.7 microns for the infrared sensor;

whereby the selected wavelength is able to penetrate the bottle to reach the liquid inside.

14. A method, as in claim 9, including the additional step of:

using an infrared sensor as the temperature sensor.

15. A method, as in claim 14, including the additional step of:

using an infrared wavelength frequency wavelength range between 0.4 to 0.7 microns for the infrared sensor;

whereby the selected wavelength is able to penetrate the bottle to reach the liquid inside.

16. A method, as in claim 14, including the additional step of:

incorporating infrared sensor into a corkscrew.

17. A method, as in claim 16, including the additional step up:

using an infrared wavelength frequency wavelength range between 0.4 to 0.7 microns for the infrared sensor;

whereby the selected wavelength is able to penetrate the bottle to reach the liquid inside.

18. A method, as in claim 16, including the additional step of:

placing the infrared sensor in the corkscrew such that it can be activated to measure internal bottle temperature without coming in contact with the bottle.

19. A method, as in claim 9, including the additional step of:

using a thermistor as the temperature sensor.

20. A method, as in claim 19, including the additional steps of:

incorporating the temperature sensor into a corkscrew, such that the thermistor contacts the surface of the wine bottle to measure its temperature when the corkscrew is used to open the wine bottle.