Device and methods for monitoring environmental conditions

• US 9,299,239 B1
• Filed: 09/17/2014
• Issued: 03/29/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Travis John Gieck
• Original Assignee: Travis John Gieck
• Inventors: Gieck, Travis John
• Primary Examiner(s): Previl, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US14/489,375
• Publication Number:
  US 20160078744A1
• Time in Patent Office: 559 Days
• Field of Search: 340/585, 340/870.01, 340/870.16, 340/500, 340/657, 340/521, 340/601, 340/693.3, 340/5.52, 340/539.26, 340/568.2, 340/691.6
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/00 Control inputs relating to air properties
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/008 Alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 17/113 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 19/00 Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a monitoring device comprising a sensor or probe for measuring an environmental condition inside a building, a display unit for displaying the level of the environmental condition, and a communication device that transmits text messages if the level of the environmental condition passes a predetermined threshold level.

Claims

1. A monitoring device comprising:

one or more probes for measuring an environmental condition inside a building, wherein at least one probe is/are each extendable and retractable and hidden from view when retracted;

a display unit for displaying the level of the environmental condition; and

a communication unit that transmits information if the level of the environmental condition passes a predetermined threshold level, wherein the communication unit operates as a mobile phone to send an automated text message notification, an automated phone call message notification and/or an email notification to one or more recipients.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the environmental condition is selected from the group consisting of temperature, moisture in the air, and water on the floor.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a control unit for programming the threshold level of the environmental condition.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one extendable probe is/are pulled close to the floor to detect the presence of water.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein multiple probes are connected to the device, wherein one such probe is placed inside a refrigerator or freezer to monitor the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the automated phone call is to the emergency services, the fire department, the insurance company, or any other specified phone number.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises an LCD display for displaying the temperature.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a power outlet in the front of the device so that other utilities can occupy the power outlet at the same time.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises sending a notification when backup battery life is low.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device connects to a wireless programmable thermostat, allowing the user to monitor and adjust the thermostat remotely using a mobile application.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a microphone and a recording device to record a message.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a set of pre-recorded messages.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is in electronic communication with a smoke detector, wherein the device issues a notification through the communication device if smoke is detected.