Wireless temperature sensor for concrete delivery vehicle
First Claim
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1. A wireless temperature sensor apparatus for measuring and transmitting temperature readings of concrete contained in a mixer drum mounted on a concrete delivery mixing truck, comprising:
- a processor mounted on the truck configured to receive signals from a temperature sensor via a wireless transmitter, and receive signals from a vibration sensor, the signals relating to a concrete load mixed in the concrete delivery mixing truck drum;
a temperature sensor mounted to the mixer drum on the truck, the mixer drum-mounted temperature sensor being effective to measure temperature of the concrete load within the truck-mounted concrete mixer drum;
a wireless transmitter mounted to the mixer drum on the truck and communicative with the processor and temperature sensor, the wireless transmitter being effective for transmitting to the processor a signal corresponding to the temperature of the concrete in the mixer drum as detected by the temperature sensor;
the vibration sensor mounted to the drum or truck and communicative with the processor to deliver signals indicative of vibration in response to truck, truck engine or drum motion;
the processor periodically receiving vibration signals from the vibration sensor, and, during periods of detected vibration, obtaining a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and causing the transmitter to transmit the temperature reading, and in the absence of detected vibration, the processor entering a power consumption mode to conserve energy.
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Abstract
A wireless temperature sensor for a concrete delivery vehicle senses temperatures of the drum, and wirelessly transmits this data to a central processor. The sensor implements power management methods to reduce power consumption and increase battery life, permitting the use of battery power in the sensor. Temperature readings from the sensor may be used qualify or evaluate a load.
118 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A wireless temperature sensor apparatus for measuring and transmitting temperature readings of concrete contained in a mixer drum mounted on a concrete delivery mixing truck, comprising:
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a processor mounted on the truck configured to receive signals from a temperature sensor via a wireless transmitter, and receive signals from a vibration sensor, the signals relating to a concrete load mixed in the concrete delivery mixing truck drum; a temperature sensor mounted to the mixer drum on the truck, the mixer drum-mounted temperature sensor being effective to measure temperature of the concrete load within the truck-mounted concrete mixer drum; a wireless transmitter mounted to the mixer drum on the truck and communicative with the processor and temperature sensor, the wireless transmitter being effective for transmitting to the processor a signal corresponding to the temperature of the concrete in the mixer drum as detected by the temperature sensor; the vibration sensor mounted to the drum or truck and communicative with the processor to deliver signals indicative of vibration in response to truck, truck engine or drum motion; the processor periodically receiving vibration signals from the vibration sensor, and, during periods of detected vibration, obtaining a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and causing the transmitter to transmit the temperature reading, and in the absence of detected vibration, the processor entering a power consumption mode to conserve energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A wireless temperature sensor apparatus for measuring and transmitting temperature readings of concrete contained in a mixer drum mounted on a concrete delivery mixing truck, comprising:
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a processor mounted on the truck configured to receive signals from a temperature sensor via a wireless transmitter, and receive signals from an accelerometer, the signals relating to a concrete load mixed in the concrete delivery mixing truck drum; a temperature sensor mounted to the mixer drum on the truck, the mixer drum-mounted temperature sensor being effective to measure temperature of the concrete load within the truck-mounted concrete mixer drum; a wireless transmitter mounted to the mixer drum on the truck and communicative with the processor and temperature sensor, the wireless transmitter being effective for transmitting to the processor a signal corresponding to the temperature of the concrete in the mixer drum as detected by the temperature sensor; the accelerometer coupled to the drum or truck to detect vibration caused by motion of the drum, and communicative with the processor, the processor determining a rotational speed and direction of the concrete mixer drum using data from the accelerometer; the processor periodically receiving motion signals from the accelerometer, and, during periods of detected motion, obtaining a temperature reading from the temperature sensor and causing the transmitter to transmit the temperature reading, and in the absence of detected vibration, the processor entering a power consumption mode to conserve energy. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification