Wireless sensing of properties of enclosed environment and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A wireless sensor measures a property of a substance and sends the property to a remote wireless receiver. The wireless sensor can be completely enclosed in a container containing a substance, and the property of the substance can be remotely monitored without affecting the integrity of the enclosed system.

Description

[0001] The present invention is a divisional application of the invention patent with application number 2017800440164, application date July 17, 2017, and invention name “Wireless sensing of properties of a closed environment and device thereof”. Technical Field

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 362,737, filed on July 15, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates to measuring and regulating properties of the contents of a closed environment. Technical Background

[0005] Many processes rely on observing the contents of a closed environment in order to monitor and control the process. For example, in a laboratory setting, substances may be heated in closed containers to promote a desired chemical reaction or physical change. These closed containers may be heated using a hot plate stirrer that can mix the substances or keep them homogenous while keeping them at a certain temperature. Maintaining the temperature of these substances while they are mixing can be complicated by factors such as inconsistent heat transfer from the hot plate to the substances and fluctuations in room temperature or hot plate power. Therefore, users of hot plates may use external temperature probes to monitor the temperature of the substances. Some hot plates have temperature probes built into the plate that can measure the temperature of the surface of the hot plate. However, built-in temperature probes generally have low accuracy due to inconsistent thermal contact between the plate and the container, as well as inconsistent heat transfer to the substance within the container. Other methods for measuring temperature include lowering a temperature probe into the sample using a support structure external to the container to directly measure the temperature of the substance. However, ensuring that the probe remains in contact with the substance can be difficult, especially when the substance is being mixed or stirred. In addition, if the container holding the substance needs to be closed during the heating and mixing process, lowering an external probe into the container can compromise the integrity of the process.

[0006] Other closed systems can also complicate the measurement of system properties. Therefore, methods are needed for detecting properties of closed systems without compromising the integrity of the system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Wireless sensors measure properties of a substance and transmit the properties to a remote wireless receiver. Wireless sensors can be completely enclosed within the container holding the substance, allowing the properties of the substance to be monitored remotely without compromising the integrity of the closed system.

[0009] Wireless sensors can be incorporated into a stir bar device that can be manipulated magnetically by the instrument to stir a fluid in a container. The instrument can also heat the fluid in the container. As the stir bar device stirs the fluid, the device can measure the properties of the fluid and transmit the properties to the instrument's control system. The control system can adjust the output of the instrument, such as the amount of heating or the rotation rate of the stir bar device, based on feedback received from the wireless sensors in the stir bar device. Because the stir bar device transmits data wirelessly to the control system, the container can be sealed.

[0010] Wireless sensors can be used in systems to remotely monitor and control the properties of matter.

[0011] An apparatus is disclosed that may have an agitator, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The agitator may be configured to agitate a liquid in a container. The temperature sensor may be immersed in the liquid. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the liquid. The temperature sensor may wirelessly transmit feedback indicating a temperature of the liquid to a wireless receiver. The controller may be configured to adjust the temperature of the liquid based on the feedback.

[0012] An apparatus is disclosed that may have a wireless sensor and a wireless receiver. The wireless sensor may be enclosed in a closed container containing a substance. The wireless sensor may have a wireless transmitter. The wireless sensor may have a sensor configured to measure a property of the substance. The wireless receiver may be in electronic communication with the wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter may send data describing the property of the substance to the wireless receiver.

[0013] A wireless temperature measurement device is disclosed. The wireless temperature measurement device can be configured to function as a stirrer that can be placed in a liquid. The liquid can be heated or cooled by the device. The device can wirelessly communicate with the measurement device and provide power to it. The device can measure the temperature of the liquid.

[0014] The wireless temperature measurement device may have a wireless temperature sensor device configured to communicate with a receiver via wireless communication. The sensor device may have at least one of the following properties: a) the sensor device is powered by wireless energy; b) the sensor device stirs the liquid using magnetic force; c) the sensor device has at least 2 different temperature measurement elements that can be compared, and if they do not track, the device is considered broken or uncalibrated; d) at least one temperature measurement element is configured to operate by measuring a change in resistance in a thermistor; and / or e) at least one temperature measurement element is configured to operate by measuring a change in voltage of a semiconductor device.

[0015] The device may be completely immersed in the liquid. The measuring device may not require any wires to function. The wireless temperature measuring device may have at least one of the following properties: a) the measuring device communicates with the instrument via wireless signals and the measuring device is powered by wireless energy; b) the liquid to be heated is contained in a separate container that can be placed on or at the instrument; c) the measuring device also acts as a stirrer for the liquid to be heated and the instrument activates the stirrer function via a magnetic field; and / or d) the measuring device also measures at least one other liquid characteristic, the at least one other characteristic being any one of pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemistry, conductivity, chemiluminescence, level, rotation, acceleration or velocity.

[0016] The measuring device may be completely immersed in the liquid. The measuring device may measure the temperature of the liquid. The wireless measuring device may have at least one of the following properties: a) the measuring device communicates with the instrument via radio waves and the measuring device is powered by radio waves; b) the liquid to be stirred is contained in a separate container that can be placed on or at the instrument; c) the measuring device also acts as a stirrer for the liquid to be heated and the instrument can activate the stirrer function via a magnetic field; d) the measuring device also measures other liquid characteristics, such as any pH value or any one of the fluid velocity; and / or e) the measuring device also measures at least one other characteristic of the fluid, the at least one other characteristic being any one of pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemistry, conductivity, chemiluminescence, level, rotation or velocity.

[0017] A system is disclosed in which a fluid disposed inside a sealed container is remotely and automatically measured for at least one measurement without direct electrical connection. The system may have at least one of the following: a) using wireless communication and wireless powering of a sensor to complete the at least one measurement, at least one measurement being any one of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductivity, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, speed, and acceleration; b) using wireless or optical communication to perform at least one measurement on a wireless or optically powered sensor, the at least one measurement being any one of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductivity, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, speed, and acceleration.

[0018] A system for manipulating a liquid compound based on feedback from a wireless sensor element that can measure one or more parameters in the liquid is disclosed. The liquid manipulation can be any of heating, stirring, mechanical homogenization, electrolysis, adding another compound, exposure to electromagnetic waves including any light or radio waves or X-rays, exposure to radiation, exposure to pressure or vacuum, exposure to sound waves or ultrasound, exposure to centrifugal force, exposure to electric fields, exposure to magnetic fields, removal of selective components by filtering or density separation of certain compounds, degassing; and wherein the feedback is obtained from at least one wireless measurement, the at least one wireless measurement is any of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductivity, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, speed, acceleration, or a combination thereof.

[0019] A system is disclosed that may have a container that may have an embedded wireless temperature sensor and a separate communication device that may communicate with the wireless temperature sensor. The system may have any of the following: a) the embedded wireless temperature sensor is also powered by a wireless power source; b) the communication device is configured to heat the container; c) the communication device can be configured to heat the container based on wirelessly transmitted temperature feedback; d) the container has a mechanical blade built into it for homogenizing or heating the material in the container, and the communication device has an activation element configured to activate the mechanical blade; e) the communication device can be configured to activate the blade in the container based on wirelessly transmitted temperature feedback. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for measuring and regulating properties of the contents of a closed container.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Variation of cross section AA.

[0022] Figure 3A is a partial perspective top view of a variation of an instrument in the system.

[0023] Figure 3B It is a partial perspective view of the variations of the instruments in the system.

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example electronic configuration of a system for measuring and regulating a property of the contents of a closed container.

[0025] Figure 5A-5B An example configuration of a sensing device configured to measure temperature is shown.

[0026] Figure 6A-6B An exemplary floatable sensing device is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 An exemplary sensing device coupled to a stopper of a closed container is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 An example sensing device configured as an wireless electrical chemical sensor is shown.

[0029] Fig. 9 An exemplary sensing device configured as a wireless pH sensor is shown.

[0030] Fig.10 An exemplary sensing device configured as a wireless fluorescence sensor is shown.

[0031] Fig.11 An example sensing device configured as a wireless absorption sensor is shown.

[0032] Fig.12 An exemplary sensing device configured as a wireless refractometer is shown.

[0033] Fig.13 An exemplary sensing device configured as a wireless hydrometer is shown.

[0034] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for adjusting the temperature of a substance based on feedback received from a wireless sensing device.

[0035] Fig.15 An example system for controlling agent delivery based on feedback received from a wireless sensing device is shown.

[0036] Fig.16 An exemplary hot plate system for regulating properties of various substances is shown.

[0037] Fig.17 An exemplary mixer system using a wireless sensing device is shown.

[0038] Figures 18A-18B An exemplary wine monitoring system using a wireless sensing device is shown.

[0039] Fig.19 An exemplary floatable level sensing device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Figure 1The system 100 for measuring and regulating the properties of the contents of a closed container can have a container 110 and a sensing device 120 that holds a substance 115. The container 110 can be a closed or partially closed environment. For example, the container 110 can be a flask, a vial, or a jar that can hold the substance 115, and can be closed by a stopper or a lid to form an airtight environment. The container 110 can be closed with a stopper or a lid to form an environment that is not airtight, or can be open to the surrounding environment. Other examples of the container 110 include a mixer bottle, a fermentation container, a bottle, a well plate, or any other container suitable for holding the substance 115.

[0042] Substance 115 may include any liquid, solid, gel, gas, or combination of materials. The properties of substance 115 may be changed and controlled by system 100 based on data detected by sensing device 120. Data describing the properties of substance 115 may be wirelessly transmitted by sensing device 120 to a wireless receiver outside container 110.

[0043] The sensing device 120 can be completely enclosed in the container 110, and some configurations of the sensing device 120 can be fully or partially immersed in the substance 115. The sensing device 120 can be supported by the container 110 and completely contained within the container 110, or can pass through the container 110 without compromising the integrity of the closed environment in the container 110. The sensing device 120 can be wirelessly powered by an external wireless receiver, enabling the sensing device 120 to operate without batteries. Because batteries need to be charged periodically, wear out after multiple charges, and generally operate most efficiently within a limited temperature range, omitting batteries from the sensing device 120 can improve the life of the device and can be used in applications where the device 120 may be exposed to extreme temperatures. The sensing device 120 may include a battery.

[0044] Figure 2 Along Figure 1 The cross section AA shown in FIG. 2 shows an exemplary configuration 200 of the system 100 . The system 200 may be a system for heating and agitating a substance 115 in a container 110 , and may include an instrument 210 and a sensing device 120 .

[0045] The instrument 210 may include a heating surface 212 for supporting the container 110 and transferring heat from a heating element 216 to the container 110 and the substance 115. A wireless receiver 214 may be positioned below the heating surface 212 and electrically and thermally insulated from the heating element 216, or the heating element 216 may be combined with the wireless receiver 214. Under the heating element 216 may be an insulating layer 218. The instrument 210 may also include a magnet 222 that may be rotated by a motor 220.

[0046] When the magnet 222 is rotated by the motor 220, the magnet 222 can rotate a magnetic object placed on or near the heated surface 212. Therefore, a magnetic object placed in the container 110 can stir or mix the substance 115 when the substance 115 is rotated by the magnet 222. The sensing device 120 can include a corresponding magnet so that the sensing device 120 can be used as a stirrer for the substance 115, or a magnet separated from or coupled to the sensing device 120 can be placed in the container 110. The magnetic effect can also be achieved by an electromagnet placed under or near the heated surface 212.

[0047] The instrument 210 may also include a control panel 224 configured to receive user input and display information to the user. For example, the control panel 224 may receive user input to increase or decrease the temperature of the heating element 216 and increase or decrease the rotation rate of the magnet 222. The control panel 224 may include a display, such as an LCD screen or an electronic ink (E Ink) screen or one or more LEDs, which may display temperature, magnet rotation, or other information to the user. The control panel 224 may additionally or alternatively include buttons, knobs, or other input devices that enable the user to provide input to the instrument 210.

[0048] A controller 226 in the instrument 210 can control the instrument 210, processing input received from the user and feedback received from the wireless receiver 214. The output of the instrument 210, such as the heat energy emitted by the heating element 216 and the rotation rate of the motor 220, can be controlled by the controller 226 based on feedback received from the sensing device 120 and / or other sensing devices in the instrument 210.

[0049] The wireless receiver 214 can be configured to receive data wirelessly transmitted from the sensing device 120. The wireless receiver 214 can be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, a near field communication (NFC) receiver, a BLUETOOTH receiver, or a Wi-Fi receiver. The data received by the wireless receiver 214 can be stored in a memory or received by a processor for controlling the output of the instrument 210 based on the received data. The wireless receiver 214 can also wirelessly power the sensing device 120 via a radio signal or inductive charging. Properties of the substance 115, such as temperature, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, absorbance, fluorescence, or pressure, can be measured by the sensing device 120 and sent to the wireless receiver 214.

[0050] Figure 3A An exemplary top view of the instrument 210 is shown with the heating surface 212 removed. Figure 3AAs shown, the wireless receiver 214 can be placed between the heating element 216 and the heated surface 212. One or more temperature sensors 306 can measure the temperature of the heating element 216 or the heated surface 212. The temperature sensors 306 can use a variety of different sensor types to verify calibration or ensure the accuracy of temperature measurement. For example, one temperature sensor 306 can be a platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) and another temperature sensor 306 can be a thermocouple.

[0051] Figure 3B The wireless receiver 214 is shown to include a first antenna 302 and a second antenna 304 configured to receive data from the sensing device 120 and optionally send data to the sensing device 120. The first and second antennas 302 and 304 can have different orientations to detect signals from the sensing device 120 at any rotational position of the sensing device 120. More or fewer antennas may be included in the instrument 210. The antennas may be made of high temperature Ceramawire.

[0052] Figure 4 406. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing that the sensing device 120 may include an integrated circuit 402 that can read the output from the sensor 404 and communicate with the antenna 406. The integrated circuit 402 may include an internal temperature sensor. The magnet 408 may be mechanically coupled to the integrated circuit 402, such as by a housing that encapsulates the magnet 408 and the integrated circuit 402.

[0053] The instrument 210 may include a control panel 224, a WiFi module 414, a microprocessor system 416, a power supply 418, a heater driver circuit 420, a motor driver circuit 422, and a communication circuit 424. Other variations may include additional, fewer, or different components. The microprocessor system 416, the WiFi module 414, the heater driver circuit 420, the motor driver circuit 422, and the RFID communication circuit 424 may collectively form a Figure 2 Controller 226 is described.

[0054] The power supply 418 receives power from an input, such as an AC power source, and provides power to the other components of the instrument 210 .

[0055] The functions of the instrument 210 can be controlled by a microprocessor system 416. The microprocessor system 416 can be, for example, an ARM-based microprocessor system with random access memory, flash memory, and a clock source and other circuits required to create a microprocessor system, and can include a microprocessor and volatile or non-volatile memory. The microprocessor system 416 can communicate with the control panel 224 to display information or receive user input, and can control the heater driver circuit 420 and the motor driver circuit 422. The microprocessor system 416 can also communicate with the RFID communication circuit 424 and the WiFi module 414 for receiving data sent to the WiFi module 414 or the RFID communication circuit 424, or sending data from the WiFi module 414 or the RFID communication circuit 424.

[0056] The heater driver circuit 420 drives the heating element 216 to provide heat to the heating surface 212. The heater driver circuit 420 can adjust the temperature of the heating element 216 based on input received from the one or more temperature sensors 306. The heater driver circuit 420 can also adjust the temperature of the heating element 216 based on data received from the microprocessor system 416, such as the temperature of the substance 115 detected by the sensing device 120.

[0057] The motor driver circuit 422 drives the motor 220, which in turn rotates the magnet 222 at various speeds and in both directions. Based on user input received at the control panel 224, the microprocessor system 416 can communicate the rotation rate of the magnet 222 to the motor driver circuit 222.

[0058] The RFID communication circuit 424 can receive signals from and send signals to a remote wireless device such as the sensing device 120. The RFID communication circuit 424 can provide an electronic signal to the sensing device 120 to power the sensing device 120. The signal output by the RFID communication circuit 424 can pass through a splitter 432, which passes the split signal to the first antenna 434 and the 90-degree phase shifter 436 and the second antenna 438. The 90-degree phase shift can enable the RFID communication circuit 424 to communicate with the sensing device 120 when the sensing device 120 is in any rotational position. Alternatively, if there is only one antenna in the system, the output from the RFID communication circuit 424 can go directly to the one antenna without the need for the splitter 432 and the 90-degree phase shifter 436 and the second antenna 438.

[0059] Sensing device

[0060] Figure 5A-5BAn embodiment of a sensing device 120 configured to measure the temperature of a substance 115 is shown. The sensing device 120 may include a circuit board 502 supporting an integrated circuit 402 and a thermistor 504 that can be read by the integrated circuit 402. The resistance of the thermistor 504 can change in response to the temperature in the substance 115, and the integrated circuit 402 can determine the temperature of the substance 115 by measuring the resistance. The integrated circuit 402 may also have an internal temperature sensor to which the temperature measured by the thermistor 504 can be compared. By measuring the temperature using two different temperature sensor types, aging, calibration, and other reliability issues can be determined because the effects of these reliability issues may be different on the two different temperature sensor types. An internal coil 510 comprising, for example, 40AWG copper wire can form an antenna for the sensing device 120. As shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the internal coil 510 can be wound longitudinally within the sensing device 120. Figure 5B It is shown that the internal coil 510 can be wrapped around a ferrite tube 512 that is concentric with the longitudinal axis of the sensing device 120.

[0061] The sensing device 120 may also include a magnet 408, so that the sensing device 120 can stir or mix the substance 115 in the container 110. The housing 530 can encapsulate the circuit board 502, the internal coil 510, and the magnet 408. Many types of packaging can be used for the housing 530, such as plastic, glass, rubber, or other materials that can provide a barrier between the substance 115 and the electronic devices inside the sensing device 120. For example, the housing 530 can be made from Daikon TM The EFEP structure is a fluoropolymer with a relatively low processing temperature of about 230°C.

[0062] In addition to measuring temperature, Figure 5B The sensing device 120 shown in FIG. 1 can also be used to measure the viscosity of the substance 115. A wireless receiver, such as antenna 302 and antenna 304 of instrument 210, can be oriented perpendicular to the internal coil 510. When the sensing device 120 is rotated by the magnet 408, the wireless receiver can detect the orientation of the internal coil 510. The rotation rate of the sensing device can be calculated based on the orientation, and the torque on the motor 220 can be measured. Based on the rotation rate and the torque on the motor 220, the viscosity of the substance 115 can be determined. The rotation rate of the sensing device 120 can be measured in other ways, such as using a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

[0063] Fig. 6A Another embodiment of a sensing device 120 is shown that is configured to float on a substance 115. A stirrer 602 (eg, a magnetic stir bar) separate from the sensing device 120 may be used to stir the substance 115 as described above. Figure 6BComponents of a floatable sensing device 120 are shown, which is configured to sense the temperature of a substance 115. Figure 6B As shown, the floatable sensing device 120 may include an antenna coil 510, a circuit board 502, a thermistor 504, and an integrated circuit 402. An antenna wire 604 may couple the antenna coil 510 to the integrated circuit 402. A ballast 606 stabilizes the sensing device 120, and a plastic overmold 608 encapsulates the electronics and the ballast 606. The floatable sensing device 120 may measure the temperature of the substance 115 and transmit the detected temperature to a wireless receiver via the antenna coil 510. Although Figure 6B The floatable sensing device 120 shown in FIG. 1 is a temperature sensor, but sensors measuring other properties of the substance 115 may be provided in the floatable sensing device 120 instead of or in addition to the temperature sensing component.

[0064] Figure 7 An exemplary sensing device 120 is shown coupled to a plug 702 that closes or seals the top opening of a container 110. A wireless circuit and antenna 704 can be housed in the plug 702 and can be coupled to a sensor that contacts the substance 115 via an axis 708. The sensor 706 can measure a property of the substance 115 and communicate the property to the wireless circuit and antenna 704, which in turn can send data describing the property to an external receiver. A similar configuration of the sensing device 120 can be provided in a lid or other housing or container 110 itself, rather than in the plug 702.

[0065] Figure 8 An exemplary sensing device 120 configured as a wireless radiochemical sensor is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the electrochemical sensor may include wireless communication circuit 802, measuring electrode 804, counter electrode 806, and reference electrode 808. Wireless communication circuit 802 can receive the voltage difference between measuring electrode 804 and counter electrode 806 and report the voltage difference to a wireless receiver via antenna 510. Based on the voltage data, wireless communication circuit 802 or a remote system can determine the electrochemical properties of substance 115, which can indicate properties such as the concentration of glucose or alcohol in the substance. Wireless communication circuit 802 can also use reference electrode 808 and a constant potentiostat ( Figure 8 ) maintains a stable voltage at the measuring electrode 804. The sensing device 120 may also include a magnet and / or a ballast 810, which allows the sensing device 120 to be used as an agitator and / or stabilize the sensing device 120. Figure 8 The device in can also be used to perform conductivity measurement of substance 115 by measuring the conductivity between two electrodes when a specific voltage is applied across the two electrodes.

[0066] Fig. 9 An exemplary sensing device 120 configured as a wireless pH sensor is shown. Fig. 9 As shown, the pH sensor may include a wireless communication circuit 802, a first electrode 902, a second electrode 904, a reference electrolyte 906, an H+ selective glass 908, and a porous junction 910. The H+ selective glass 908 is sensitive to hydrogen ions in the substance 115, generating a charge on the first electrode 902. The reference electrolyte 906 generates a charge at the second electrode 904. The wireless communication circuit 802 can measure the voltage difference between the first electrode 902 and the second electrode 904, determine the pH of the substance 115 based on the voltage difference, and report the pH to the wireless receiver through the antenna 510. The porous junction 910 can promote the slow penetration of the reference electrolyte 906 into the substance 115, thereby generating an electrical contact between the reference electrolyte 906 and the substance 115. The reference electrolyte 906 can be periodically refilled through a filling hole 912 in the sensing device 120. The sensing device 120 may also include a magnet and / or a ballast 810, which allows the sensing device 120 to be used as an agitator and / or stabilize the sensing device 120.

[0067] Fig.10 An exemplary sensing device 120 configured as a wireless fluorescence sensor is shown. Fig.10 As shown, the fluorescence sensor may include wireless communication circuit 802, LED light source 1006, emission filter 1008, light sensor 1002, detection filter 1004, and optical board 1010. The light signal enters substance 115 from LED light source 1006 through emission filter 1008. Substance 115 may fluoresce in proportion to the concentration of various compounds in substance 115. The light signal emitted by the fluorescence passes through detection filter 1004 and reaches light sensor 1002 to optical board 1010, where the fluorescence can be measured. Optical board 1010 can transmit a signal related to the fluorescence to wireless communication circuit 802, and wireless communication circuit 802 can transmit the data to a wireless receiver via antenna 510. Based on the measured fluorescence, wireless communication circuit 802 or an external device can determine the concentration of the analyte in substance 115. LED light source 1006 can be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. The sensing device 120 may also include a magnet and / or ballast 810 that allows the sensing device 120 to function as an agitator and / or stabilize the sensing device 120. One form of the sensing device 120 may function as a chemiluminescent sensor by sensing luminescence from the substance 115 using the light sensor 1002 and the detection filter 1004 and communicating the chemiluminescent value to the communication circuit 802 via the antenna 510.

[0068] Fig.11 An example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless absorption sensor is shown. Fig.11As shown, the absorbance sensor may include a wireless communication circuit 802, a first lens 1102, a second lens 1104, a first optical plate 1106, a second optical plate 1108, and a linear variable filter 1110. The first optical plate 1106 may include a white LED emitter 1112, which emits white light, and the white light passes through the first lens 1102 along an optical path 1114 to reach the second lens 1104. The light may pass through the second lens 1104 to reach the linear variable filter 1110. After passing through the linear variable filter 1110 (in the linear variable filter 1110, the light is filtered), the second optical plate 1108 may detect the size of the signal and determine the amount of light absorbed by the substance 115 based on the detected light by combining a photodiode array or a linear CMOS optical sensor. The second optical plate 1108 may transmit a signal related to the absorbance to the wireless communication circuit 802, and the wireless communication circuit 802 may send the data to a wireless receiver via the antenna 510. Based on the measured absorbance, the wireless communication circuit 802 or an external device can determine the concentration of the analyte in the substance 115. The LED emitter 1112 can be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. The sensing device 120 can also include a magnet and / or ballast 810, which allows the sensing device 120 to be used as an agitator and / or stabilize the sensing device 120.

[0069] Fig.12 An example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless refractometer is shown. Fig.12 As shown, the refractometer may include a wireless communication circuit 802, an LED light source 1202, a measurement window 1204, a linear array sensor 1206, and a circuit board 1208. The LED light source 1202 may emit a light signal toward the measurement window 1204, which may be a transparent window that allows the light signal to reach the substance 115. The light signal may be refracted by the substance 115 and reflected toward the linear array sensor 1206. Based on the position where the reflected light strikes the linear array sensor 1206, the circuit board 1208 may determine the refractive index of the substance 115. The circuit board 1208 may send a signal related to the refractive index to the wireless communication circuit 802, which sends the refractive index signal to a wireless receiver via the antenna 510. The LED light source 1202 may be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. A filter may be present after the LED light source 1202 to reduce the wavelength projected onto the measurement window 1204 to a limited wavelength range. The sensing device 120 may also include a magnet and / or ballast 810 that allows the sensing device 120 to function as an agitator and / or stabilize the sensing device 120 .

[0070] Fig.13 An exemplary sensing device 120 configured as a wireless density meter is shown. Fig.13 As shown, the hydrometer may include wireless communication circuitry 802 and ultrasonic sensor 1302 . Fig.13 The sensing device 120 shown in FIG. 1 can float on the substance 115 at a height proportional to the specific gravity of the substance 115. The ultrasonic sensor 1302 can emit ultrasonic waves toward the surface of the substance 115 and detect the reflection of the emitted waves. The wireless communication circuit 802 can determine the distance 1304 between the ultrasonic sensor 1302 and the surface of the substance 115 based on the detected reflection, and calculate the specific gravity of the substance 115 based on the determined distance. The wireless communication circuit 802 can send the specific gravity to the wireless receiver via the antenna 510. The sensing device 120 can also include a ballast 1310 to stabilize the sensing device 120. The distance to the liquid can also be measured optically.

[0071] Based on the feedback regulation property

[0072] Fig.14 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 1400 for regulating the temperature of substance 115 based on feedback received from wireless sensing device 120. Process 1400 is described with respect to hot plate system 200, but a similar process may be used to regulate the temperature of any other system. Process 1400 may be performed by controller 226.

[0073] like Fig.14 As shown, the controller 226 can read 1402 temperatures from two sensors in the sensing device 120, such as the thermistor 504 and the temperature sensor in the integrated circuit 402. The controller 226 can determine 1404 whether the difference between the temperatures detected by the two sensors is within a threshold difference (e.g., + / - 2°C). If the difference is greater than the threshold difference, the controller 226 can turn off 1406 the heating element 216 and display 1408 an error on the control panel 224. If the difference is less than the threshold difference, the controller 226 can calculate an average of the two temperatures and determine 1410 whether the average is less than a set point. The controller 226 can compare a different temperature to a set point, such as the temperature output by one of the two sensors.

[0074] If the average temperature is less than the set point, the controller 226 may increase 1412 the temperature of the heating element 216. If the controller 226 determines 1414 that the average temperature is greater than the set point, the controller 226 may decrease 1416 the temperature of the heating element 216. The controller 226 may compare the average temperature to two or more different set points. For example, the controller 226 may determine in step 1410 whether the average temperature is less than a lower set point, and determine in step 1414 whether the average temperature is greater than an upper set point. The controller 226 may then wait 1418 a specified amount of time, such as one minute, before repeating the process 1400 to continue regulating the temperature of the substance 115. The wait time 1418 may be less than 1 minute.

[0075] Fig.15 A system 1500 for controlling the delivery of an agent based on feedback received from a sensing device 120 is shown. Fig.15 As shown, the system 1500 may include a control unit 1510 and a syringe dispenser pump 1520 configured to pump a specified amount of a reagent 1522 into the container 110 via a dispensing nozzle 1524. The sensing device 120 located in the substance 115 can measure one or more properties of the substance, such as fluorescence, absorbance, refractive index, pH, electrochemical signal, liquid level, or specific gravity, and wirelessly transmit data describing the measured properties to the control unit 1510. The control unit 1510 can be programmed with a desired set point for the measured property and can be configured to control the syringe dispenser pump 1520 to deliver the reagent 1522 to the container 110 to achieve the desired set point.

[0076] For example, the set point can be the desired pH of the substance 115, and the reagent 1522 can be an acid or a base. The control unit 1510 receives the pH measured by the sensing device 120 and compares the measured pH with the desired pH. If the measured pH is different from the desired pH, the control unit 1510 can cause the syringe dispenser pump 1520 to dispense a specified volume of the reagent 1522 into the container 110 until the desired pH is reached. As another example, the set point can be a desired absorbance, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal corresponding to a desired concentration of a specific compound in the substance 115 that can be changed by adding the reagent 1522. The control unit 1510 receives the absorbance, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal measured by the sensing device 120 and compares the received data with the set point. If the received data is different from the set point, the control unit 1510 can cause the syringe dispenser pump 1520 to dispense a specified volume of the reagent 1522 into the container 110 until the desired properties are reached.

[0077] The control unit 1510 and syringe dispenser pump 1520 may be combined into a single device, rather than Fig.15 In addition, the control unit 1510 can control multiple syringe dispenser pumps 1520 to deliver multiple reagents 1522 to the substance 115. The system can also be configured to remove some or all of the substance 115 from the container 110, such as when a specific property of the substance 115 has reached or controlled the level of the substance 115.

[0078] How to use

[0079] Fig.16An exemplary hot plate system 1600 is shown, which includes a plurality of containers 110A and 110B, and a plurality of sensing devices 120A and 120B. The first sensing device 120A can be rotated by a first magnet 1622A, stirring and measuring the property of a first substance 115A in the first container 110A when the first sensing device 120A rotates. The second sensing device 120B can be rotated by a second magnet 1622B, stirring and measuring the property of a second substance 115B in the second container 110B when the second sensing device 120B rotates. The first substance 115A can be heated by the first heating surface 1612A, and the second substance 115B can be heated by the second heating surface 1612B. The wireless receiver 214 receives data from the sensing device 120, and the output of the hot plate system 1600 can be controlled based on the data. For example, based on the data received from the sensing device 120A, the hot plate system 1600 can increase or decrease the temperature of the first heating surface 1612A, or can increase or decrease the rotation rate of the first magnet 1622A.

[0080] Fig.17 An exemplary mixer system 1700 including a wireless sensing device 120 is shown. Fig.17 In the example of the mixer bottle 1710, the mixer bottle 1710 may contain a substance to be mixed (not shown). The blade 1720 may rotate within the mixer bottle 1710 to break and mix the substance. The sensing device 120 may be incorporated into the blade 1720 to measure the properties of the substance as it is mixed. The control unit 1730 may receive user input to increase or decrease the rotation rate of the blade 1720, and may receive feedback from the sensing device 120 to automatically increase or decrease the rotation rate of the blade 1720 based on the detected properties of the substance in the mixer bottle 1710. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 1740 built into the mixer bottle 1710 may detect the temperature of the substance to be mixed, and send the temperature information 1730 via the antenna 1750 in the mixer bottle 1710 via the receiver antenna 1760 in the control unit.

[0081] Figures 18A-18B An exemplary wine monitoring system 1800 is shown. Fig.18A In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless sensing device 120 can be placed in the wine bottle 1810 before the bottle is sealed and can monitor the properties of the wine in the bottle 1810. The sensing device 120 can send the measured properties to an external wireless receiver, which can report the properties to a retailer or consumer. For example, the sensing device 120 can report the concentration of thiols, acetic acid, or oxygen in the wine. The retailer or consumer can use the reported information to determine the quality of the wine before opening the bottle 1810.

[0082] Fig.18BAn embodiment of a sensing device 120 is shown that is configured to detect organoleptic properties of wine that may be indicative of its quality. Fig.18B The configuration of the sensing device 120 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plastic overmold 1820 having an exposed electrochemical sensing region 1822 on its surface. The electrochemical sensing region 1822 may include Figure 8 One or more of the measuring electrode 804, the counter electrode 806 and the reference electrode 808 are depicted and can be configured to detect thiols, acetic acid, oxygen or other relevant components in wine. The sensing device 120 can also include a circuit board 502 for controlling operation and an antenna 510 for wireless communication with an external device.

[0083] Fig.19 An embodiment of a sensing device 120 configured to sense a level of a substance 115 in a container 110 is shown. The sensing device 120 uses an ultrasonic sensor 1930 coupled to wireless communication circuitry and an antenna 1910. The sensing device 120 also includes a ballast 1920 for orienting the sensing device 120.

[0084] The wireless sensing device 120 as described herein can be used for many other applications. For example, a brewer can use the sensing device 120 to remotely monitor the specific gravity of beer. When the specific gravity reaches a specified number, an alarm can be generated to notify the brewer. As another embodiment, employees of a hospital or laboratory can use the sensing device 120 to verify whether the sterilized or autoclaved material has reached the required sterilization temperature. The sensing device 120 can monitor the temperature of the material when the material is autoclaved and notify the employee whether the temperature inside the material has reached the sterilization temperature. In another embodiment, a chef can use the sensing device 120 to monitor the properties of food in a closed container to accurately determine when the food reaches the desired temperature, viscosity, specific gravity, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, a chemical reaction with multiple steps can be processed by using the sensing device 120 as a temperature sensor and a stirrer in the reaction compound, wherein the instrument is programmed to expose the chemical compound to different temperature steps and stirring speeds for different time periods and use feedback from the sensing device 120 to set the correct temperature in each step. In another embodiment, an industrial processing station can monitor the conductivity of a cleaning fluid and replace the cleaning fluid if the conductivity is above a specific value.

[0085] Each of the various variations or embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can be readily separated or combined with the features of any other variation or embodiment. Modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process action or step to the purpose, spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] The methods described herein may be performed in any order of the events described that is logically possible, as well as the order of events recited. In addition, additional steps or operations may be provided, or steps or operations may be eliminated to achieve the desired results.

[0087] In addition, where a range of values ​​is provided, each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. Furthermore, any optional feature of the described variations may be independently set forth and claimed, or combined with any one or more features described herein.

[0088] All prior subject matter (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications, and hardware) mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, except where the subject matter may conflict with the subject matter of the present disclosure (in which case the content presented herein controls). The referenced items are provided solely for disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such materials by virtue of prior disclosure.

[0089] References to singular items include the possibility that there are multiple identical items. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "said," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that claims can be drafted to exclude any optional elements. Therefore, this statement is intended to serve as an antecedent basis for the use of special terms such as "alone," "only," and the like in connection with the recitation of an element, or for the use of a "negative" limitation. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0090] The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the scope of the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the variations described herein. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other variations that may become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the temperature of a substance (115) in a closed container (110), the closed container consisting of a stirring rod device for stirring the substance (115) as a liquid, the stirring rod device being configured to be immersed in the liquid (115) and to be manipulated by magnetic forces, wherein The stirring rod device is a wireless temperature measuring device, comprising a sensing device (120) as a wireless temperature sensor device, wherein the sensing device (120) comprises: an integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502); a thermistor (504), readable by the integrated circuit (402), The integrated circuit (404) is configured to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of the thermistor (502) or measuring a voltage change of a semiconductor device; an internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and configured to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402); a magnet to allow the sensing device (120) to act as an agitator and to stabilize the sensing device (120); and a housing (530), wherein the internal coil (510) is wound longitudinally within the sensing device (120) and the magnet (408) is arranged within the internal coil (510), wherein the housing (530) encapsulates the circuit board (502), the internal coil (510) and the magnet (408) in a plastic overmold (608) to provide a barrier between the substance (115) and the electronic devices within the sensing device (120); wherein the stirring rod device is powered by external wireless energy to enable the sensing device (120) to operate wirelessly without a battery using RFID communication, wherein the sensing device (120) communicates with an instrument (210), wherein the instrument (210) includes a heating surface for supporting the container (110); The apparatus (210) is a device for detecting a temperature of the substance (115) in the container (110) and the heating surface (212), wherein the wireless receiver (214) is placed between the heating element (216) and the heating surface (214), the apparatus (210) further comprising a magnet (222) rotatable by a motor (220), whereby the apparatus (210) is capable of magnetically manipulating the stirring rod device and stirring the substance (115) in the container (110), wherein the apparatus (210) comprises a microprocessor system (416) controlling a heater driver circuit (420) which drives the heating element (216) to provide heat to the heating surface (212) and adjusts the temperature of the heating element (216) based on data received from the temperature of the substance (115) detected by the sensing device (120).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure the pH of the fluid by combining an H+ selective glass (908) and a reference electrode (808).

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the stirring rod device comprises a porous knot (910).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure electrical conductivity of the fluid.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure a liquid characteristic selected from the group consisting of specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemical properties, chemiluminescence, and liquid level.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) has at least 2 different temperature measuring elements that can be compared.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature is measured by two different temperature sensor types, such that reliability issues of the two different temperature sensor types can be determined based on a difference in effect between the reliability issues, wherein the reliability issues are selected from aging and calibration.

8. A system for controlling the temperature of a substance (115) in a closed container (110), the closed container comprising a stirring rod device for stirring the substance (115) as a liquid, the stirring rod device being configured to be immersed in the liquid (115) and to be manipulated by magnetic forces, wherein The stirring rod device is a wireless temperature measuring device, comprising a sensing device (120) as a wireless temperature sensor device, wherein the sensing device (120) comprises: an integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502); a thermistor (504), readable by the integrated circuit (402), The integrated circuit (404) is configured to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of the thermistor (502) or measuring a voltage change of a semiconductor device; an internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and configured to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402); a magnet to allow the sensing device (120) to act as an agitator and to stabilize the sensing device (120); and a housing (530), wherein the internal coil (510) is wound longitudinally within the sensing device (120) and the magnet (408) is arranged within the internal coil (510), wherein the housing (530) encapsulates the circuit board (502), the internal coil (510) and the magnet (408) in a plastic overmold (608) to provide a barrier between the substance (115) and the electronic devices within the sensing device (120); wherein the stirring rod device is powered by external wireless energy to enable the sensing device (120) to operate wirelessly without a battery using RFID communication, wherein the sensing device (120) communicates with an instrument (210), wherein the instrument (210) includes a heating surface for supporting the container (110); The apparatus (210) is a device for detecting a temperature of the substance (115) in the container (110) and the heating surface (212), wherein the wireless receiver (214) is placed between the heating element (216) and the heating surface (214), the apparatus (210) further comprising a magnet (222) rotatable by a motor (220), whereby the apparatus (210) is capable of magnetically manipulating the stirring rod device and stirring the substance (115) in the container (110), wherein the apparatus (210) comprises a microprocessor system (416) controlling a heater driver circuit (420) which drives the heating element (216) to provide heat to the heating surface (212) and adjusts the temperature of the heating element (216) based on data received from the temperature of the substance (115) detected by the sensing device (120).

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure pH of the fluid by combining an H+ selective glass (908) and a reference electrode (808).

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the stirring rod arrangement comprises a porous knot (910).

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure electrical conductivity of the fluid.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure a liquid characteristic selected from the group consisting of specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemical properties, chemiluminescence, and liquid level.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the sensing device (120) has at least 2 different comparable temperature measuring elements.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the temperature is measured by two different temperature sensor types, such that reliability issues of the two different temperature sensor types can be determined based on a difference in effects between the reliability issues, wherein the reliability issues are selected from aging and calibration.

15. A system for controlling the delivery of a reagent into a substance (116) in a container (110) based on feedback received from a stirring rod device for stirring the substance (115) as a liquid, the stirring rod device being configured to be immersed in the liquid (115) and manipulated by magnetic forces, wherein the stirring rod device is a wireless temperature measurement device, comprising a sensing device (120) as a wireless temperature sensor device, the sensing device (120) comprising: an integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502); a thermistor (504), readable by the integrated circuit (402), The integrated circuit (404) is configured to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of the thermistor (502) or measuring a voltage change of a semiconductor device; an internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and configured to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402); a magnet to allow the sensing device (120) to act as an agitator and to stabilize the sensing device (120); and a housing (530), wherein the internal coil (510) is wound longitudinally within the sensing device (120) and the magnet (408) is arranged within the internal coil (510), wherein the housing (530) encapsulates the circuit board (502), the internal coil (510) and the magnet (408) in a plastic overmold (608) to provide a barrier between the substance (115) and the electronic devices within the sensing device (120); wherein the stirring rod device is powered by external wireless energy to enable the sensing device (120) to operate wirelessly without a battery using RFID communication, wherein the sensing device (120) communicates with an instrument (210), wherein the instrument (210) includes a heated surface (212) for supporting the container (110), and wherein the wireless receiver (21 4) is placed between the heating element (216) and the heating surface (214), the instrument (210) also includes a magnet (222) that can be rotated by a motor (220), thereby enabling the instrument (210) to magnetically manipulate the stirring rod device and stir the substance (115) in the container (110), wherein the instrument (210) includes a microprocessor system (416) that controls a heater driver circuit (420), the heater driver circuit drives the heating element (216) to provide heat to the heating surface (212), and adjusts the temperature of the heating element (216) based on data received from the temperature of the substance (115) detected by the sensing device (120); and also includes a dispenser pump configured to dispense a specified amount of reagent (1522) into the container (110).

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure pH of the fluid by combining an H+ selective glass (908) and a reference electrode (808).

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the stirring rod arrangement comprises a porous knot (910).

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure electrical conductivity of the fluid.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensing device (120) is further configured to measure a liquid characteristic selected from the group consisting of specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductivity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemical properties, chemiluminescence, and liquid level.

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