Temperature indicator for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a temperature predioning near the

Abstract

The invention relates to a temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) within a first predefined temperature range (12), at least one second temperature range (18) being predefined on the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) by means of a mechanically actuatable operating element (22, 221, 222), the second temperature range (18) being different from the first temperature range (12), and wherein after actuation of the operating element (22, 221, 222), the second temperature range (18) can be monitored by the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) in place of the first temperature range (12). A method, a computer program and a computer readable medium for continuously monitoring temperature by means of a temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) are also presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates firstly to a temperature indicator as described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Therefore, the present invention relates to a temperature indicator for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a dominant temperature in the vicinity of the temperature indicator within a first preset temperature range.

[0003] According to claim 11, the present invention also relates to a method for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a predominant temperature within a preset temperature range near a temperature indicator by means of a temperature indicator.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a computer program according to claim 14 and a computer-readable medium according to claim 15. Background Technology

[0005] The aforementioned temperature indicators are known in various designs and have a variable range of functions. Specifically, the temperature indicator enables reliable temperature monitoring of temperature-sensitive products during transportation and storage, and is used to immediately detect and provide evidence that the delivered product has been exposed to temperatures that do not comply with regulations during transportation or storage.

[0006] Specifically, temperature indicators are used in the pharmaceutical industry, in the transportation and storage of blood products, in the food industry, and in many other fields where cold chain compliance is important.

[0007] Therefore, it can improve compliance with the cold chain and prevent damage to temperature-sensitive items. If the cold chain has been interrupted in a non-compliant manner, the temperature indicator ensures a chain of evidence, and the damage can be attributed to the responsible person.

[0008] If, according to regulations, a temperature indicator is used to determine that the cold chain has not been maintained, products that are no longer marketable can be immediately rendered harmless and thus prevented from reaching consumers. In this respect, the use of temperature indicators is already essential in the aforementioned medical and pharmaceutical fields. Alternatively, for this reason, a product that initially appears suspicious based on a temperature indicator reading can undergo another bacteriological test and can then be discarded or reused depending on the results.

[0009] Furthermore, the knowledge that temperature indicators are present in stored and / or transported items has a psychological impact on those involved, to the extent that any negligence in maintaining the cold chain is not even considered, since it is undoubtedly detectable by the temperature indicators used.

[0010] Temperature indicators are typically designed to be positioned directly adjacent to the products being stored or transported; in other words, they are intended to be stored or transported with the products so that the temperature of the products can be detected by measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the temperature indicator.

[0011] Temperature indicators designed for single or multiple uses are known.

[0012] Known disposable temperature indicators (sold under the name "TI-10") include a factory-preset temperature range that the device can monitor, for example, 2-8°C (degrees Celsius or fractions of a degree). Here, such a temperature range is referred to as the first preset temperature range.

[0013] The known temperature indicator includes at least one power supply, a microprocessor having means for performing a method for monitoring a preset temperature range, and a temperature sensor. Furthermore, an operating element (start button) is implemented to initiate the measurement process. After the start button is pressed, recording of the measured value begins with a 10-minute delay. Finally, two visual displays are implemented: a green LED (OK) to indicate compliance with the temperature range during monitoring, and a red LED (alarm) to indicate that the measured temperature is not within the first preset temperature range throughout the monitoring process.

[0014] The internal processor collects the current temperature value approximately every minute and compares it to a preset range. If the value is outside the range, the visual display of the alarm is activated. Otherwise, the green "OK" indicator remains active.

[0015] Also known are disposable or reusable temperature indicators that also provide periodic recording of the measured values. For this purpose, an interface can be provided to read the stored measured values. Such devices are also referred to as temperature data loggers or temperature recorders. In the context of this invention, these devices are also included in the term "temperature indicator" as used herein.

[0016] However, existing temperature indicators are disadvantageous in terms of the versatility and variability of the temperature range to be monitored.

[0017] If a temperature range is preset in the equipment at the factory as the first preset temperature range, then the equipment in question cannot be used in another temperature range that deviates from the first preset temperature range.

[0018] Common temperature ranges for the aforementioned applications are, for example, 2-8°C and 15-25°C. If the user of the temperature indicator must cover the different temperature ranges used for storing and transporting the products he handles, then he must therefore acquire and maintain multiple different preset temperature indicators. This results in unnecessary use of funds and storage capacity.

[0019] If the purchased temperature indicators have reached the end of their expected lifespan, or, in a very practical sense, the state of their batteries no longer allows them to be used for an extended period, they may even have to be left unused. In this case, the invested capital will be lost and valuable resources wasted.

[0020] On the other hand, if a user only saves stock temperature indicators for a certain temperature range, he can understand that he cannot cover the monitoring task of another temperature range in a short period of time, and must first obtain a suitable temperature indicator for this purpose.

[0021] To date, it has not been possible to adapt temperature indicators on-site (i.e., where the storage or transport task begins) and / or by the personnel entrusted with the task and / or to the individual monitoring tasks at hand quickly and in large numbers. Summary of the Invention

[0022] This invention focuses on overcoming the disadvantages caused by the prior art.

[0023] Furthermore, the problem is to enable greater variability and faster adaptability regarding temperature indicators and their monitorable temperature ranges (even with a large number of temperature indicators) and / or even by personnel who are not specifically trained for this purpose and / or even without particularly suitable equipment.

[0024] This problem is solved by a temperature indicator of the type mentioned at the beginning of the specification, which is further developed by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention for solving this problem is the method described in claim 11, the computer program described in claim 14, and the computer-readable medium described in claim 15.

[0026] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0027] According to claim 1, the temperature indicator mentioned at the beginning is further developed such that at least one second temperature range can be preset on the temperature indicator via a mechanically actuated operating element, wherein the second temperature range is different from the first temperature range, and wherein, after actuating the operating element, the second temperature range can be monitored by the temperature indicator instead of the first temperature range.

[0028] Claim 11 describes a method according to the invention for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a dominant temperature in the vicinity of a temperature indicator within a preset temperature range, comprising: a) enabling a user to select a temperature range for monitoring via a mechanically actuable operating element of the temperature indicator, wherein the operating element can be used to preset a second temperature range instead of a first temperature range, the second temperature range being different from the first preset temperature range; b) optionally, actively prompting the user for selection; c) detecting and processing the user's actuation or non-actuation of the operating element and correspondingly preset the selected temperature range to be monitored; d) optionally, detecting and processing the user's actuation to initiate monitoring of the selected temperature range; e) continuously monitoring the maintenance of a dominant temperature in the vicinity of the temperature indicator within the selected temperature range.

[0029] This method can preferably be performed using a temperature indicator according to the invention. Furthermore, the method preferably includes the steps given above in the order a) to e).

[0030] The temperature indicator according to claim 13 and the invention comprises a mechanically actuated operating element and means adapted to perform the steps of the above-described method. The temperature indicator may preferably further include the features of claim 1 or any of the claims referred to herein.

[0031] According to claim 14 and the computer program according to the invention, the program includes instructions to cause the aforementioned temperature indicator to perform the steps of the above-described method.

[0032] The computer program according to the present invention may also be referred to as a computer program product without departing from the concept of the invention.

[0033] Finally, according to claim 15 and according to the invention, the above-described computer program is stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0034] This invention opens up a wider range of applications for temperature indicators without requiring significantly more resources. The temperature indicator can therefore be set with two or more predetermined temperature ranges, selectable between these ranges depending on current requirements by means of at least one mechanical operating element. Within the temperature indicator, for example, a selectable range between 2-8°C and 15-25°C of the temperature to be monitored can be provided. Such temperature ranges are common in the relevant fields.

[0035] Therefore, companies using temperature indicators no longer need to acquire and maintain two different types of indicators. Instead, purchasing a single model is sufficient. This also prevents the need to discard stored and previously unused temperature indicators due to the aging of the included batteries.

[0036] The temperature indicator according to the invention can be preset very quickly and in large quantities using a mechanically actuated operating element. For example, if correctly preset temperature indicators must be placed in each carton or pallet during the manufacturing or transportation of a product, this can be done very quickly and without error. The temperature indicator can be preset on-site according to the currently required temperature range and placed on or inside the item that needs to be monitored.

[0037] Another key advantage is that the temperature range can be easily preset by on-site personnel who are also responsible for packaging, storing, or transporting the items to be processed. No specialized knowledge or equipment is required. Preferably, the mechanically actuated operating element can be operated using the user's finger.

[0038] Presetting a temperature indicator to any different temperature range via a computer or similar electronic device through the temperature indicator's interface is explicitly outside the scope of this invention, because the advantages of the invention cannot be achieved in this way. Such presetting cannot be done quickly and individually, nor in large quantities, nor by untrained personnel, nor without proper equipment (i.e., both software and hardware) and expertise, nor at the location of storage or transport tasks. Therefore, these possible solutions do not form the starting point of this invention.

[0039] In the following sections, various aspects of the invention are further discussed, with reference in part to non-limiting advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention. The features already discussed and the subsequent advantageous further developments can be implemented individually or in any combination, thereby creating further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0040] Throughout this discussion, further developments, examples, and embodiments of the devices and products according to the invention, methods of using these devices and products, and uses of the devices and products according to the invention are also described. These methods and uses also clearly fall within the scope of the invention.

[0041] The advantageous further developments of the invention and apparatus described above and below can also be implemented in a corresponding manner in the products, methods and uses according to the invention (alone or in any combination), thereby producing further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0042] In a first preferred embodiment of the temperature indicator according to the invention, the operating element includes a button, lever, or knob. Such an operating element is easily identifiable and actuated, particularly using a user's finger. For this purpose, the operating element may also be marked accordingly, specifically indicating a preset temperature range when the operating element is actuated.

[0043] In another preferred further development, it is possible to use a single operating element to switch between at least two temperature ranges to be monitored. For example, a first preset temperature range can be assigned to an unactuated operating element. On the other hand, actuating the operating element can mean changing to a second temperature range, and thus altering its preset.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, two or more mechanically actuable operating elements can be implemented. Each preset temperature range can be assigned its own operating element. Furthermore, a clear connection can be established between the corresponding operating element and the assigned temperature range by means of appropriate markings. This means that the probability of incorrect presets is very low.

[0045] Preferably, a first operating element is provided for presetting a first temperature range, and a second operating element is provided for presetting a second temperature range.

[0046] Preferably, the actuated operating element can indicate the current preset temperature range through its actuation state. For example, a pivoting lever or slide switch can clearly indicate the current preset temperature range through its current position. The same applies to knobs or buttons that take a lower position after being actuated and then return to the upper position after being actuated again.

[0047] In another advantageous embodiment, an optical indicator is implemented for the current preset temperature range. This means that, in addition to the optional checking of the preset temperature range via an actuated operating element, the current preset temperature range can be displayed very reliably. Preferably, for this purpose, an optical indicator, particularly an LED, can be used. It is also preferred that each preset temperature range can have its own optical indicator assigned to the surface of the temperature indicator, which operates after the corresponding selection. Particularly preferred is that LEDs are assigned to each temperature range, and these LEDs can indicate the current preset range through their operating state.

[0048] In a further advantageous development, the temperature indicator also includes means for recording the measured temperature values. Therefore, the corresponding temperature indicator can also be referred to as a temperature data logger or temperature recorder. The temperature indicator can also preferably provide periodic recordings of the measured temperatures, and the period between recordings of consecutive measurements can preferably be adjustable.

[0049] The temperature indicator preferably includes a data interface. Specifically, this could be a USB interface or a wireless interface, particularly Bluetooth or NFC. Specifically, an optional interface can be used to query and transmit stored temperature measurement curves, provided the temperature indicator includes the aforementioned means for recording measured temperature values. Additional or alternative settings or queries can also be implemented via, for example, an interface for uploading updated firmware or updates, performing a reset, or querying battery status.

[0050] In another advantageous embodiment, a mechanically actuated operating element is displayed as a control panel on the temperature indicator's screen. This requires the temperature indicator to have a corresponding screen or display. In this case, the operating element can preferably be displayed as a control panel, a touch area, or a button on the temperature indicator's screen. Operating elements displayed in this way can preferably be operated by a user's finger touching, pressing, or sliding, similar to the operation of a smartphone or tablet.

[0051] In this context, further development of the method according to the invention has also proven advantageous, wherein the mechanically actuated operating element is displayed as a control panel on the screen of the temperature indicator.

[0052] A corresponding advantageous further development of the computer program according to the invention includes commands for implementing such a display.

[0053] The temperature indicator preferably includes a processor, particularly a microprocessor. This processor can specifically control the detection of the measured temperature value, but also specifically provides and / or processes the selection of a preset temperature range, which can be used as the basis for subsequent operations.

[0054] This temperature indicator can be designed as a disposable or reusable device.

[0055] The temperature indicator preferably includes a power source, particularly a battery. Commercially available button batteries may be sufficient for this purpose, especially in the case of disposable devices.

[0056] The temperature indicator preferably includes at least one temperature sensor for detecting temperature values. The temperature sensor may be installed inside the device. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be disposed on the surface of the device.

[0057] The temperature indicator preferably includes a start button that can be used to trigger the measurement process. Preferably, a time delay is implemented between pressing the start button and the actual start of recording the measured value. This time delay can preferably be about 10 minutes or longer. This time delay gives the device sufficient time to adapt to the intended position before recording the first measured value, so that incorrect measured values ​​and false alarms do not occur due to prior processing and actuation of the device. The start button may also optionally be designed as a one-time and irreversibly triggerable destructive seal.

[0058] Preferably, the temperature indicator includes a visual indicator for the correct operation of the device within the preset temperature range, and / or includes a visual indicator for indicating non-compliant operation (alarm), i.e., a situation where the preset temperature range has not been maintained during the detection of the temperature value. Specifically, the device may include a green LED that can remain lit or flash when these parameters are met, and may include a red LED that can remain lit or flash when an alarm occurs. Preferably, to prevent manipulation, the optical indicator of this alarm state cannot be turned off by the user.

[0059] Another method according to the invention for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a dominant temperature in the vicinity of a temperature indicator within a preset temperature range by means of a temperature indicator includes: a) enabling a user to select a monitored temperature range via a mechanically actuable operating element of the temperature indicator, wherein a preset of a second temperature range can be executed via the operating element in place of a first temperature range, the second temperature range being different from the first preset temperature range; c) detecting and processing whether the user actuates or does not actuate the operating element and the corresponding preset of the selected monitored temperature range; e) continuously monitoring the maintenance of the dominant temperature in the vicinity of the temperature indicator within the selected temperature range.

[0060] This method can preferably be performed using a temperature indicator according to the invention. Furthermore, the method preferably includes steps a), c), and e) given above in that order.

[0061] Preferably, the method may additionally include the steps of: b) actively querying the user's selection, and / or d) detecting and processing the user's actuation to initiate monitoring of the selected temperature range, specifically in the order evident from the assignment of the letters in parentheses.

[0062] According to another method of the invention for presetting a temperature range for a temperature indicator configured to continuously monitor the maintenance of a dominant temperature in the vicinity of the temperature indicator within a preset temperature range, the method includes: a) enabling a user to select a monitored temperature range via a mechanically actuable operating element of the temperature indicator, wherein a second temperature range preset can be performed via the operating element in place of a first temperature range, the second temperature range being different from the first preset temperature range; c) detecting and processing whether the user actuates or does not actuate the operating element and the corresponding preset of the selected monitored temperature range within the temperature indicator.

[0063] Preferably, the method may additionally include the following steps: b) actively querying the user selection, particularly in the order obvious from the assignment of the letters in parentheses.

[0064] In particular, the temperature indicator according to one or more embodiments of the above embodiments may preferably also include means adapted to perform the steps of any of the above methods.

[0065] The computer program according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments may preferably further include instructions to cause the temperature indicator according to one or more of the foregoing embodiments to perform the steps of any of the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0066] In addition to the advantageous embodiments and further developments of the teachings already discussed, the following explanation is given in more detail. Figures 1 to 6 The embodiments of the apparatus, product, use, and method according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings are within the scope of the invention. However, the examples discussed with reference to the drawings do not limit the invention to the examples shown. In discussing the embodiments with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and further developments of the teachings are also shown.

[0067] Further developments of the above-described advantageous embodiments having the features of the embodiments described below, as well as further developments of the embodiments having the features of the above-described embodiments described below, explicitly form other advantageous embodiments of the invention and thus form part of this disclosure.

[0068] Regarding the following description of the accompanying drawings, it should be generally noted that, for clarity, reference numerals already shown in the preceding drawings and described above in this respect are in some cases not repeated in subsequent drawings and / or in some cases not further described on the basis of those subsequent drawings. To explain such reference numerals and associated technical features, therefore, full reference is made to the corresponding descriptions of the preceding drawings to avoid repetition.

[0069] It is shown below:

[0070] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic front view of a first preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator according to the present invention, purportedly a disposable temperature indicator without a data interface.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a partially schematic front view of a second preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator according to the present invention, purportedly a disposable temperature indicator with a data interface.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a partially schematic front view of a third preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator according to the present invention, which is referred to herein as a reusable temperature indicator with a data interface.

[0073] Figure 4 This is a partially schematic front view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator according to the present invention, purportedly a reusable temperature indicator with a screen.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the method for continuously monitoring temperature by means of a temperature indicator according to the present invention, and

[0075] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the method for presetting the temperature range of a temperature indicator according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Figure 1 A partial schematic front view of a first preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator 10 according to the present invention is shown, which is illustrated herein as a disposable temperature indicator 10 without a data interface.

[0077] Temperature indicator 10 is typically used to continuously monitor the temperature that dominates near temperature indicator 10 within a first preset temperature range 12.

[0078] For this purpose, the temperature indicator 10 initially includes a power supply, a microprocessor, and a temperature sensor. These components are located inside the temperature indicator 10 and are therefore not visible in this illustration. The microprocessor controls the determination of the measured temperature value. A suitable time delay is preset after the measurement process is triggered, for example, 10-30 minutes. The microprocessor also controls the time interval between the recording of consecutive measured values, for example, 1 minute.

[0079] The temperature indicator 10 has a flat shape in the form of a label and can therefore be directly attached to the product to be monitored, for example, by sticking it on. The temperature indicator 10 shown is suitable for, for example, monitoring the temperature of blood preservation stored in bags known for this purpose.

[0080] On the other hand, the embodiments in the following figures have a greater thickness due to their respective technical features and are intended to be placed between the products to be monitored.

[0081] The temperature indicator 10 includes a start button 14 that can be pressed to trigger the measurement process. The aforementioned time delay is implemented between pressing the start button 14 and actually initiating the detection of a measured value. This time delay gives the device 10 sufficient time to adapt to the intended position before detecting the first measured value.

[0082] Furthermore, the temperature indicator 10 includes a first optical indicator 16 and a second optical indicator 20. The first optical indicator indicates that the device 10 is operating correctly within a preset temperature range 12, 18, and the second optical indicator indicates non-compliance (alarm), i.e., the situation where the preset temperature range 12, 18 has not been maintained during the temperature reading detection period. The first optical indicator 16 is designed as a green LED, and the second optical indicator is designed as a red LED.

[0083] At least one second temperature range 18, different from the first temperature range 12, can be preset on the temperature indicator 10 via a mechanically actuated operating element 22.

[0084] In this embodiment, the first temperature range 12 is 2-8°C (degrees Celsius or degrees Celsius), and the second temperature range 18 is 15-25°C.

[0085] After the actuation element 22 is activated, the second temperature range 18 can be monitored by the temperature indicator 10 instead of the first temperature range 12.

[0086] In this example, two mechanically actuated operating elements 22 are implemented.

[0087] A first operating element 221 is provided for presetting a first temperature range 12, and a second operating element 222 is provided for presetting a second temperature range 18.

[0088] In this respect, after actuating the second operating element 222, the second temperature range 18 can be monitored by the temperature indicator 10 instead of the first temperature range 12, and conversely, after actuating the first operating element 221, the first temperature range 12 can be monitored instead of the second temperature range 18.

[0089] On the other hand, a simpler embodiment of the invention, not shown herein, may include a fixed, preset first temperature range 12 and a single mechanically actuable operating element 22. A second temperature range 18 may be preset instead of the fixed, preset first temperature range 12 by actuation of the operating element 22. The first range 12 may preferably be preset again by re-acting the single operating element 22.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two operating elements 221 and 222 is designed as a button 24. The corresponding temperature ranges 12 and 18 are printed on the corresponding operating elements 221 and 222.

[0091] To further facilitate operation and avoid operational errors, a first optical indicator 2211 is also assigned to the first operating element 221, and a second optical indicator 2221 is assigned to the second operating element 222. The two optical indicators 2211 and 2221 are implemented as LEDs. The optical indicators 2211 and 2221 allow for the optical display of the corresponding preset and current temperature ranges 12 and 18, respectively, thus reliably preventing errors in the preset.

[0092] Figure 2 A partial schematic front view of a second preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator 200 according to the present invention is shown, which is illustrated herein as a disposable temperature indicator 200 having a data interface 26.

[0093] The temperature indicator 200 shown here has the function of recording and reading out the measured temperature values. The temperature indicator 200 according to this example can therefore also be called a temperature data logger or temperature recorder. The data interface 26 is designed here as a USB interface and is specifically used for reading out the stored measured values.

[0094] In addition, other features and corresponding reference numerals correspond to Figure 1 The features and corresponding reference numerals in the figures are referenced together with the related description to avoid repetition.

[0095] Figure 3 A partial schematic front view of a third preferred embodiment of the temperature indicator 300 according to the present invention is shown, with... Figure 2 In contrast, this temperature indicator is designed as a reusable temperature indicator 300, but compared to... Figure 1 In comparison, this temperature indicator is also equipped with a data interface 26.

[0096] Similar to Figure 2 In the example shown here, the temperature indicator 300 thus has the function of recording and reading out the measured temperature values. In this example, the temperature indicator 300 can therefore also be alternatively referred to as a temperature data logger or temperature recorder. The data interface 26 is also designed here as a USB interface and is specifically used for reading out the stored measured values.

[0097] In addition, other features and corresponding reference numerals correspond to Figure 1 and Figure 2The features and corresponding reference numerals in the figures are referenced together with the related description to avoid repetition.

[0098] Figure 4 A partial schematic front view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a temperature indicator 400 according to the present invention is shown, which is a multi-channel temperature indicator 400 having a data interface 26 and a display 28.

[0099] and Figure 3 In contrast to the example in the previous one, the reusable temperature indicator 400 according to this embodiment has a screen 28, which may also be referred to as a display.

[0100] Screen 28 is particularly used to display the last measured temperature value or battery status.

[0101] The advantage of screen 28 is that the currently preset temperature ranges 12 and 18 can be displayed on screen 28. In this respect, and in this example, a single mechanically actuated operating element 22 is sufficient to switch back and forth between temperature ranges 12 and 18. During selection, ranges 12 and 18 can be displayed on screen 28 accordingly. By pressing the start button 14, the corresponding temperature ranges 12 and 18 can then be set for subsequent measurements.

[0102] Alternatively, depending on the functionality of screen 28, and in another embodiment not shown here, one or more mechanically actuated operating elements 22, 221, 222 (see [link to documentation]) Figure 1-3 The temperature indicator 400 can be displayed on its screen 28 and can be selected directly on the screen 28 by touching or swiping with a finger (comparable to the functionality of a smartphone). In this case, the button 24 can even be omitted.

[0103] Due to the displayability of any data and status on screen 28, screen 28 in this embodiment also serves as a first optical indicator 16 for operation according to the specification (OK), a second optical indicator 20 for operation not according to the specification (alarm), a first optical indicator 2211 for a preset first temperature range 12, and a second optical indicator 2221 for a preset second temperature range 18.

[0104] Figure 5 A flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention for continuously monitoring temperature by means of temperature indicators 10, 200, 300, 400 is shown.

[0105] Here and in the following Figure 6 Of the two, the first temperature range 12 is referred to as ΔT1, and the second temperature range 18 is referred to as ΔT2.

[0106] Depending on the intended design of the method and / or depending on the temperature indicator used (10, 200, 300, 400), the "active query for selection" step may also be omitted.

[0107] The step “Actuation Start” means that the user actuates the start button or similar device. Depending on the intended design of the method and / or depending on the temperature indicator used (10, 200, 300, 400), this step may also be omitted.

[0108] besides, Figure 5 The embodiments shown in the flowchart are self-evident.

[0109] Figure 6 A flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention for preset temperature ranges of temperature indicators 10, 200, 300, and 400 is shown.

[0110] Depending on the intended design of the method and / or depending on the temperature indicator used (10, 200, 300, 400), the "active query for selection" step may also be omitted.

[0111] besides, Figure 6 The embodiments shown in the flowchart are self-evident.

[0112] List of reference numerals

[0113] Temperature indicators and equipment at 10, 200, 300, and 400 degrees Celsius.

[0114] 12 First temperature range, ΔT1

[0115] 14. Start button

[0116] 16. First optical indicator (for OK operation)

[0117] 18. Second temperature range, ΔT2

[0118] 20. Second optical indicator (for alarm operation)

[0119] 22 Mechanically actuable operating elements

[0120] 221 First (mechanically actuated) operating element

[0121] 222 Second (mechanically actuated) operating element

[0122] 24 Buttons (Actuating Elements)

[0123] 2211 First optical indicator (for first operating element / preset first temperature range)

[0124] 2221 Second optical indicator (for second operating element / preset second temperature range)

[0125] 26. Data interface, interface

[0126] 28. Screens, monitors

Claims

1. A temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) within a first preset temperature range (12), characterized in that at least one second temperature range (18) is presettable on the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) via a mechanically actuatable operating element (22, 221, 222), wherein the second temperature range (18) is different from the first temperature range (12), and wherein the second temperature range (18) is replaceable by the first temperature range (12) for monitoring by the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) after actuation of the operating element (22, 221, 222).

2. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating element (22, 221, 222) comprises a pushbutton (24), a lever or a rotary knob.

3. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A change between at least two temperature ranges (12, 18) to be monitored is realizable via a single operating element (22, 221, 222).

4. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Two or more mechanically actuatable operating elements (22, 221, 222) are realized.

5. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, characterized in that A first mechanically actuatable operating element (221) is provided for presetting a first temperature range (12), and a second mechanically actuatable operating element (222) is provided for presetting a second temperature range (18).

6. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that An actuated operating element (22, 221, 222) indicates the currently preset temperature range (12, 18) via its actuation state.

7. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that An optical indicator (2211, 2221) for the currently preset temperature range (12, 18) is realized.

8. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) comprises at the same time means for recording measured temperature values.

9. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) comprises a data interface (26).

10. The temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The mechanically actuatable operating elements (22, 221, 222) are displayed as a control panel on a screen (28) of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400).

11. A method for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a temperature prevailing in the vicinity of a temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400), in particular according to any of the preceding claims, within a preset temperature range (12, 18) by means of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400), comprising: - enabling a user to select a monitoring of a temperature range (12, 18) via a mechanically actuatable operating element (22, 221, 222) of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400), wherein a presetting of a second temperature range (18) different from a first preset temperature range (12) instead of the first temperature range (12) is possible via the operating element (22, 221, 222) - optionally, an active query by the user, - detecting and processing the actuation or non-actuation of said operating element (22, 221, 222) by said user and the corresponding preset of the selected temperature range (12, 18) to be monitored, - optionally, monitoring and processing the actuation by said user to start monitoring said selected temperature range (12, 18), - continuously monitoring the maintenance of the temperature prevailing in the vicinity of said temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) within said selected temperature range (12, 18).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, Said mechanically actuatable operating element (22, 221, 222) is displayed as a control panel on the screen (28) of said temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400).

13. A temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) comprising a mechanically actuatable operating element (22, 221, 222) and means adapted to perform the steps of the method according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A computer program comprising instructions to cause the device (10, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 13 to perform the steps of the method according to claim 11 or 12.

15. A computer readable medium having stored thereon the computer program according to claim 14.

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