Temperature monitoring for electrical wires and electrical connection apparatus

• US 8,242,918 B2
• Filed: 01/05/2007
• Issued: 08/14/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Etim AS
• Original Assignee: Anders Sande, Stig Werner Brusveen
• Inventors: Brusveen, Stig Werner, Sande, Anders
• Primary Examiner(s): HOFSASS, JEFFERY A
• Application Number:
  US12/160,076
• Publication Number:
  US 20090224926A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,048 Days
• Field of Search: 340/577, 340584-599, 3405391-5393, 340/635
• US Class Current: 340/595
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/024 for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/14 Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/005 Circuits arrangements for indicating a predetermined temperature fire detection G08B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/06 Electric actuation of the alarm, e.g. using a thermally-operated switch

Abstract

Monitoring apparatus (100, 200, 300) for registration and warning of overtemperature, particularly in connection with harmful heat development in electric installations, as for example outlets, switches and fuse equipment. The apparatus provides for timely warning of heat development, so that overheating and damage is avoided, whereby the operation of electric installation equipment for mounting in electric installations, will have a significantly improved safety. The temperature registration is performed in a unit (100) by means of a sensor (1) which provides an electrical magnitude that is influenced by the temperature, for example a thermistor, which is a temperature-dependent resistor. When a low current is applied to such a component, it will result in a temperature-dependent voltage drop that is measured and gives a direct measure of the temperature. If the temperature exceeds a given value, an alarm unit (200) is activated, and this is turn can provide for remote warning of a central block or plant (300).

Claims

1. An electric installation apparatus with means for temperature monitoring and warning in the case of overtemperatures in the electric installation apparatus, and comprising:

a temperature detection unit comprising at least one temperature sensor, a wake-up trigger, and a power switch, wherein the wake-up trigger is configured to be activated by the temperature detection unit to control the power switch in the case of an overtemperature, and wherein the power switch is configured to energize a warning unit;

means for converting a temperature detection signal generated by said temperature detection unit, into a digital signal for processing in a microcontroller, which is adapted to control an RF transmitter for wireless signalling to a remote central block; and

said central block serving for registration of the activity of the warning unit and for activation of mechanisms for preventing further temperature increase or consequences of the temperature already detected or registered,

wherein said temperature detection unit, said converting means, said microcontroller and said RF transmitter being all located within the confines of the apparatus.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is a temperature-dependent resistor to which there is applied a current from a supply circuit and the voltage drop of which is measured and at a value exceeding a threshold value leads to activation of an activation circuit.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit comprises said transmitter and in addition circuits for activation of an alarm system.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit comprises units for warning at the location with lights and/or sounds with a stepwise increasing intensity as the detected or registered temperature increases.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit comprises units for warning via a direct message to the house owner, an electrician or a security firm.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising two temperature sensors being connected differentially for activating an alarm if their temperature difference exceeds a given threshold value.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said direct message is a SMS or a MMS.