Corkscrew with integral intelligent thermometer

• US 8,235,591 B2
• Filed: 10/01/2004
• Issued: 08/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Debra Fogel Harris
• Original Assignee: Debra Fogel Harris
• Inventors: Harris, Debra Fogel
• Primary Examiner(s): Verbitsky, Gail
• Application Number:
  US10/569,033
• Publication Number:
  US 20060233219A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,867 Days
• Field of Search: 374150-155, 374/121, 374/163, 374/183, 374/141, 374/120, 374/100, 374/109, 374/208, 250/338, 116/216, 99D/IG.10, 996/46.C, 81/30.9, 81/32.7, 81/34, 81/35.5
• US Class Current: 374/141
• 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, such as a thermistor or infrared detector on the end of the lever arm or other suitable location.

Claims

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

a cork removal screw pivotally attached to the corkscrew;

an infrared temperature sensor in the corkscrew to detect the temperature of the bottle;

means to output the detected temperature of the bottle prior to removal of the cork; and

a lift lever pivotally attached to the corkscrew, the lift lever having a lift lever extension, the infrared temperature sensor is mounted on the lift lever extension such that the infrared temperature sensor contacts the corked bottle when the lift lever is in contact with the corked bottle.

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

momentarily disposing an infrared temperature sensor in a proximate, spaced relation to the bottle, the infrared temperature sensor using infrared frequencies having wavelengths of approximately 0.7 to 0.4 microns such that the infrared frequencies passed through the exterior wall of the bottle and measure the temperature of the bottle'"'"'s contents;

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

incorporating the infrared temperature sensor into a lever arm of a corkscrew, such that the temperature of a corked bottle is automatically measured when the corkscrew is placed in position to remove the cork; and

outputting the measured temperature without unsealing the bottle.

3. A method, as in claim 2, including additional step of:

using a bottle containing wine.

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

incorporating an infrared temperature sensor into a lever arm of a corkscrew, such that the temperature of the bottle is measured when the corkscrew is placed in position to remove the cork; and

outputting the measured temperature.