Wireless sensing and devices for properties in enclosed environments

Abstract

To allow a wireless sensor to measure properties of a substance and transmit the properties to a remote wireless receiver, to allow the wireless sensor to be fully enclosed within a container containing the substance, and to allow for remote monitoring of the properties of the substance without compromising integrity of a closed system.SOLUTION: In a method, a heating device includes a heating element and a wireless receiver; a submersible device includes a first temperature measuring element and a wireless transmitter; the wireless transmitter communicates with the wireless receiver; and the wireless receiver is located between the heating element and the submersible device. The method includes: measuring the liquid temperature of liquid using the first temperature measuring element; communicating the liquid temperature, from the first temperature measuring element to a heating element controller; and activating the heating element by the heating element controller based on the liquid temperature communicated to the heating element controller; and moving the submersible device in the liquid by magnetic force over a first magnet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 362,737, filed July 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the measurement and adjustment of properties of the contents of a closed environment.

Background Art

[0003] Many processes rely on observing the contents of a closed environment to monitor and control the process. For example, in a laboratory setting, substances may be heated in a sealed container to facilitate a desired chemical reaction or physical change. These sealed containers can be heated using a hot plate - stirrer that can keep the substance at a certain temperature while mixing the substance or keeping the substance homogeneous. Maintaining the temperature of the substance when it is being mixed can be complicated by factors such as inconsistent heat transfer from the hot plate to the substance and variations in room temperature or hot plate power. Thus, the user of a hot plate may use an external temperature probe to monitor the temperature of the substance. Some hot plates have a temperature probe incorporated into the plate that can measure the temperature of the hot plate surface. However, due to inconsistent thermal contact between the plate and the container and inconsistent heat transfer to the substance inside the container, the incorporated temperature probe typically has low accuracy. Other methods of measuring temperature include lowering a temperature probe into the sample using a support structure outside 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 agitated. Further, if the container holding the substance needs to be sealed during the heating and mixing process, lowering an external probe into the container can put the integrity of the process at risk.

[0004] Other closed systems, likewise, can complicate the measurement of system properties. Therefore, there is a need for a method to detect the properties of closed systems without jeopardizing the system's integrity. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A wireless sensor measures the properties of a substance and transmits those properties to a remote wireless receiver. The wireless sensor can be completely sealed within the container containing the substance, enabling remote monitoring of the substance's properties without compromising the integrity of the closed system.

[0006] A wireless sensor can be incorporated into the stirring device, which can be magnetically operated by the instrument to agitate the fluid in the container. The instrument can also heat the fluid in the container. As the stirring device agitates the fluid, it can measure the properties of the fluid and transmit these properties to the instrument's control system. Based on the feedback received from the wireless sensor in the stirring device, the control system can adjust the instrument's output, such as the amount of heat or the rotation speed of the stirring device. Because the stirring device transmits data wirelessly to the control system, the container can be sealed.

[0007] Wireless sensors can be used within a system to remotely monitor and control the properties of a substance.

[0008] An apparatus is disclosed which may have a stirrer, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The stirrer may be configured to agitate the liquid in the container. The temperature sensor may be immersable in the liquid. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the liquid. The temperature sensor may be configured to wirelessly transmit feedback indicating the liquid temperature to a wireless receiver. The controller may be configured to adjust the liquid temperature based on the feedback.

[0009] Apparatus that may have a wireless sensor and a wireless receiver is disclosed. The wireless sensor may be enclosed in a sealed container containing a substance. The wireless sensor may have a wireless transmitter. The wireless sensor may have a sensor configured to measure the properties of a substance. The wireless receiver may be communicating electronically with the wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter may transmit data describing the properties of a substance to the wireless receiver.

[0010] A wireless temperature measuring device is disclosed. The wireless temperature measuring device may be configured to act as a stirrer that can be dropped into a liquid. The liquid may be heated or cooled by the device. The device may communicate with and power the measuring device wirelessly. The device may measure the temperature of the liquid.

[0011] A wireless temperature measuring 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 using wireless energy; b) the sensor device agitates a liquid by the use of magnetic action; c) the sensor device has at least two different temperature measuring elements that can be compared, and if they do not run in line, the device is considered to be broken or out of calibration; d) at least one of the temperature measuring elements is configured to operate by measuring a change in the resistance of a thermistor; and / or e) at least one of the temperature measuring elements is configured to operate by measuring a change in voltage of a semiconductor device.

[0012] The device may be completely immersed in the liquid. The measuring device may not require any wires to function. A wireless temperature measuring device may have the property that a) the measuring device communicates with the instrument via a wireless signal and the measuring device is powered using wireless energy; b) the liquid to be heated is contained on or in a separate container which may be placed on the instrument; c) the measuring device also functions 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 property, the at least one other property which is at least one of pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductance, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemistry, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, acceleration, or velocity.

[0013] The measuring device may be completely immersed in the liquid. The measuring device may measure the temperature of the liquid. A wireless measuring device may have the property that a) the measuring device communicates with the instrument via radio waves and the measuring device is powered using radio waves; b) the liquid to be stirred is contained on or in a separate container that may be placed on the instrument; c) the measuring device also functions 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 properties such as either pH or fluid velocity; and e) the measuring device also measures at least one other property of the fluid, wherein the at least one other property is any of pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductance, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemistry, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, or velocity.

[0014] A system is disclosed in which a fluid placed inside a sealed container is automatically and remotely measured with respect to at least one measurement without direct electrical connection. The system may include: a) at least one measurement being made using wireless communication and wireless power supply to a sensor, where at least one measurement is one of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductance, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, velocity, and acceleration, and / or b) at least one measurement being made using wireless communication or optical communication to a wirelessly powered or optically powered sensor, where the at least one measurement may include at least one of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductance, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, velocity, and acceleration.

[0015] A system is disclosed for manipulating a liquid compound based on feedback from a wireless sensor element capable of measuring one or more parameters within the liquid. The liquid manipulation may be by heating, stirring, mechanical homogenization, electrolysis, adding another compound to exposure to electromagnetic waves including light, radio waves, or X-rays, exposure to radiation, exposure to pressure or vacuum to sound waves or ultrasound, exposure to centrifugal force, exposure to an electric field, exposure to a magnetic field, selective removal of components by filtration or density separation of certain compounds, or degassing, wherein the feedback is obtained from at least one wireless measurement, which is any of temperature, electrochemistry, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, conductance, salinity, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, conductivity, chemiluminescence, liquid level, rotation, velocity, acceleration, or a combination thereof.

[0016] A system is disclosed which may have a container having an embedded wireless temperature sensor and a separate communication device capable of communicating with the wireless temperature sensor. The system may have any of the following: a) the embedded wireless temperature sensor is also powered using wireless power; b) the communication device is configured to heat the container; c) the communication device may be set to heat the container based on wirelessly transmitted temperature feedback; d) the container has an integrated mechanical blade for homogenizing or heating the material inside the container, and the communication device has an activation element configured to activate the mechanical blade; and e) the communication device may be set to activate the blade inside the container based on wirelessly transmitted temperature feedback. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a system-by-system perspective on measuring and adjusting the properties of the contents of sealed containers. [Figure 2] This figure shows the deformation of the cross-section AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] This is a partial perspective top view showing the deformation of the equipment within the system. [Figure 3B] This is a partial perspective view showing the deformation of the device within the system. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration for a system that measures and adjusts the properties of the contents of a sealed container. [Figure 5] Figures 5A-5B. These figures show an example configuration of a sensing device set up to measure temperature. [Figure 6] Figures 6A-6B. These figures show examples of buoyancy sensing devices. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a sensing device attached to the stopper of a sealed container. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless electrochemical sensor. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless pH sensor. [Figure 10]It is a diagram showing an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless fluorescence sensor. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless absorbance sensor. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless refractometer. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a sensing device configured as a wireless hydrometer. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of a process for adjusting the temperature of a substance based on feedback received from a wireless sensing device. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a system for controlling reagent supply based on feedback received from a wireless sensing device. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a hot plate system for adjusting properties of multiple substances. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of a blender system using a wireless sensing device. [Figure 18] Figures 18A - 18B. It is a diagram showing an example of a wine monitoring system using a wireless sensing device. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing an example of a buoyancy level sensing device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] FIG. 1 shows that a system 100 for measuring and adjusting the properties of the contents of a sealed container can have a container 110 containing a substance 115 and a sensing device 120. The container 110 can be a closed environment or a partially closed environment. For example, the container 110 can contain the substance 115 and can be a flask, a glass bottle, or a jug that can be closed via a stopper or a lid to form an airtight environment. The container 110 can be made closable via a stopper or a lid to form a non-airtight environment, or can be open to the surrounding environment. Other examples of the container 110 include a blender pitcher, a fermentation vessel, a bottle, a well plate, or any other container suitable for containing the substance 115.

[0019] The substance 115 may include any liquid, solid, gel, gas, or combination of materials. The properties of the substance 115 can be modified and controlled by the system 100 based on data detected by the sensing device 120. Data describing the properties of the substance 115 can be wirelessly transmitted by the sensing device 120 to a wireless receiver outside the container 110.

[0020] The sensing device 120 can be completely enclosed within the container 110, and some components 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 the sensing device 120 can traverse the container 110 without compromising the integrity of the enclosed environment within the container 110. The sensing device 120 can be wirelessly powered by an external wireless receiver, allowing the sensing device 120 to function without a battery. Since batteries require periodic charging, can wear out after a certain number of charges, and usually operate most effectively within a limited temperature range, omitting the battery from the sensing device 120 can improve the device's lifespan and may be used in applications where the device 120 may be exposed to extreme temperatures. The sensing device 120 may include a battery.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example configuration 200 of system 100 along the cross-section AA shown in Figure 1. System 200 can be a system for heating and stirring a substance 115 in a container 110 and may include an apparatus 210 and a sensing device 120.

[0022] The apparatus 210 may include a heat transfer surface 212 that supports the container 110 and transfers heat from the heating element 216 to the container 110 and the substance 115. A radio receiver 214 may be positioned below the heat transfer surface 212 and electrically and thermally isolated from the heating element 216, or the heating element 216 may be combined with the radio receiver 214. An insulating layer 218 may be provided below the heating element 216. The apparatus 210 may also include a magnet 222 that is rotatable by a motor 220.

[0023] The magnet 222 can rotate a magnetic object placed on or near the heated surface 212 when the magnet 222 is rotated by the motor 220. Thus, a magnetic object placed in the container 110 can stir or mix the substance 115 when rotated by the magnet 222. The sensing device 120 may include a corresponding magnet that enables the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer for the substance 115, or magnets separate from or coupled to the sensing device 120 may be placed in the container 110. Magnetic action can also be achieved by an electromagnet placed below or near the heat transfer surface 212.

[0024] The apparatus 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 speed of the magnet 222. The control panel 224 may include a display that can show the user the temperature, magnet rotation, or other information, such as an LCD screen, an e-ink (E Ink) screen, or one or more LEDs. In addition to or instead of the control panel 224, the control panel 224 may include buttons, knobs, or other input devices that allow the user to supply input to the apparatus 210.

[0025] The controller 226 within the appliance 210 can control the appliance 210 and process inputs received from the user and feedback received from the wireless receiver 214. The controller 226 can control the output of the appliance 210, such as the thermal energy released by the heating element 216 and the rotational speed of the motor 220, based on feedback received from the sensing device 120 and / or other sensing devices within the appliance 210.

[0026] The wireless receiver 214 can be configured to receive data transmitted wirelessly 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 memory or received by a processor to control 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 wireless signal or electromagnetic induction charging. Properties of a substance 115, such as temperature, pH, specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductance, absorbance, fluorescence, or pressure, can be measured by the sensing device 120 and transmitted to the wireless receiver 214.

[0027] Figure 3A shows an example of a top view of the apparatus 210 with the heat transfer surface 212 removed. As shown in Figure 3A, a wireless receiver 214 can be placed between the heating element 216 and the heat transfer surface 212. One or more temperature sensors 306 can measure the temperature of the heating element 216 or the heat transfer surface 212. Multiple different sensor types can be used for the temperature sensors 306 to verify calibration or ensure the accuracy of temperature measurement. For example, one temperature sensor 306 may be a platinum resistance thermometer (RTD), and the other temperature sensors 306 may be thermocouples.

[0028] Figure 3B shows that the wireless receiver 214 may include a first antenna 302 and a second antenna 304 configured to receive data from and optionally transmit data to the sensing device 120. The first antenna 302 and the second antenna 304 may have different orientations to detect signals from the sensing device 120 at all rotational positions of the sensing device 120. Additional or fewer antennas may be included within the device 210. The antennas may be made from high-temperature ceramawire.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing that the sensing device 120 may include an integrated circuit 402 that can read output data from the sensor 404 and communicate using 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, for example, by a housing that encloses the magnet 408 and the integrated circuit 402.

[0030] The device 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, WiFi module 414, heater driver circuit 420, motor driver circuit 422, and RFID communication circuit 424 can collectively form the controller 226 described with respect to Figure 2.

[0031] The power supply 418 receives power from an input such as an AC power source and supplies power to the other components of the appliance 210.

[0032] The functions of the device 210 can be controlled by a microprocessor system 416. The microprocessor system 416 can be, for example, an ARM-based microprocessor system having random access memory, flash memory, and other circuits necessary to create a clock source and microprocessor system, and may 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 to receive data sent to the WiFi module 414 or the RFID communication circuit 424, or to send data from the WiFi module 414 or the RFID communication circuit 424.

[0033] The heater driver circuit 420 drives the heating element 216 to supply heat to the heat transfer surface 212. The heater driver circuit 420 can adjust the temperature of the heating element 216 based on input received from 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 a substance 115 detected by the sensing device 120.

[0034] The motor driver circuit 422 drives the motor 220, which rotates the magnet 222 in both directions at various speeds. The rotation speed of the magnet 222 can be communicated to the motor driver circuit 222 by the microprocessor system 416 based on user input received at the control panel 224.

[0035] The RFID communication circuit 424 can receive signals from a remote wireless device such as a sensing device 120 and transmit signals to it. The RFID communication circuit 424 can supply electronic signals to the sensing device 120 to power it. The signal output by the RFID communication circuit 424 can pass through a splitter 432, which passes the divided signal to a first antenna 434, a 90-degree phase shifter 436, and a second antenna 438. The 90-degree phase shift allows the RFID communication circuit 424 to communicate with the sensing device 120 when the sensing device 120 is in any rotational position. In an alternative, if there is only one antenna in the system, the output from the RFID communication circuit 424 can go directly to that one antenna, eliminating the need for the splitter 432, the 90-degree phase shifter 436, and the second antenna 438.

[0036] Sensing device Figures 5A and 5B show an example of a sensing device 120 configured to measure the temperature of a substance 115. The sensing device 120 may include a circuit board 502 supporting an integrated circuit 402 and a thermistor 504 readable by the integrated circuit 402. The resistance of the thermistor 504 may change in response to the temperature of 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, against which the temperature measured by the thermistor 504 can be compared. Measuring the temperature with two different temperature sensor types can help determine aging, calibration, and other reliability issues, because the effects of these reliability issues are likely to differ on the two different temperature sensor types. For example, an internal coil 510 containing 40AWG copper wire can form the antenna of the sensing device 120. As shown in Figure 5A, the internal coil 510 can be wound longitudinally within the sensing device 120. Figure 5B shows that the internal coil 510 can be wound around a ferrite tube 512 that is coaxial with the vertical axis of the sensing device 120.

[0037] The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet 408 that allows the sensing device 120 to agitate or mix the substance 115 in the container 110. The casing 530 can encapsulate the circuit board 502, the internal coil 510, and the magnet 408. Numerous types of encapsulation can be used for the casing 530, such as plastic, glass, rubber, or other materials that can provide a barrier between the substance 115 and the electronics inside the sensing device 120. For example, the casing 530 may be made of EFEP from Daikon®, a fluoropolymer having a relatively low processing temperature point of about 230°C.

[0038] The sensing device 120 shown in Figure 5B can be used to measure the viscosity of the substance 115 in addition to measuring temperature. Radio receivers, such as antennas 302 and 304 of the apparatus 210, can be oriented perpendicular to the internal coil 510. As the sensing device 120 rotates via the magnet 408, the radio receivers can detect the orientation of the internal coil 510. The rotational speed of the sensing device can be calculated based on the orientation, and the torque at the motor 220 can be measured. Based on the rotational speed and the torque at the motor 220, the viscosity of the substance 115 can be determined. The rotational speed of the sensing device 120 can be measured in other ways, such as using a gyroscope or accelerometer.

[0039] Figure 6A shows another example of a sensing device 120 configured to float on a substance 115. The substance 115 can be stirred as described above using a separate agitator 602, such as a magnetic stirrer, separate from the sensing device 120. Figure 6B shows components of a buoyant sensing device 120 configured to sense the temperature of the substance 115. As shown in Figure 6B, the buoyant sensing device 120 may include an antenna coil 510, a circuit board 502, a thermistor 504, and an integrated circuit 402. The antenna wire 604 can couple the antenna coil 510 to the integrated circuit 402. A ballast 606 stabilizes the sensing device 120, and a plastic overmolding 608 encapsulates the electronics and ballast 606. The buoyant sensing device 120 can measure the temperature of the substance 115 and transmit the detected temperature to a radio receiver via the antenna coil 510. The buoyancy sensing device 120 shown in Figure 6B is a temperature sensor, but instead of or in addition to the temperature sensing component, sensors for measuring other properties of the substance 115 may be provided within the buoyancy sensing device 120.

[0040] Figure 7 shows an example of a sensing device 120 coupled to a stopper 702 that closes or seals the top opening of a container 110. A radio circuit and antenna 704 can be housed within the stopper 702 and coupled to a sensor 706 that contacts the substance 115 via a shaft 708. The sensor 706 can measure the properties of the substance 115 and communicate these properties to the radio circuit and antenna 704, which can transmit data describing the properties to an external receiver. A similar configuration of the sensing device 120 can be provided not within the stopper 702, but within a lid, another enclosure, or the container 110 itself.

[0041] Figure 8 shows an example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless electrochemical sensor. As shown in Figure 8, the electrochemical sensor may include a wireless communication circuit 802, a measuring electrode 804, a counter electrode 806, and a reference electrode 808. The wireless communication circuit 802 can receive the voltage difference between the measuring electrode 804 and the counter electrode 806 and report the voltage difference to a wireless receiver via an antenna coil 510. Based on the voltage data, the wireless communication circuit 802 or a remote system can determine the electrochemical properties of the substance 115, which may indicate properties such as the concentration of glucose or alcohol in the substance. The wireless communication circuit 802 may also maintain a stable voltage at the measuring electrode 804 using a reference electrode 808 and a potentiostat (not shown in Figure 8) embedded within the wireless communication circuit 802. The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet and / or ballast 810, which enable the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer and / or stabilize the sensing device 120. The device shown in Figure 8 can also be used to measure the conductivity of material 115 by measuring the conductivity between two electrodes when a specific voltage is applied across the two electrodes.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless pH sensor. As shown in Figure 9, 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 selective for hydrogen ions in the substance 115 and generates a charge on the first electrode 902. The reference electrolyte 906 generates a charge on 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 a wireless receiver via the antenna 510. The porous junction 910 facilitates the slow penetration of the reference electrolyte 906 into the substance 115 and can create an electrical contact between the reference electrolyte 906 and the substance 115. The reference electrolyte 906 can be periodically refilled through the filling hole 912 in the sensing device 120. The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet and / or ballast 810, which enable the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer and / or stabilize the sensing device 120.

[0043] Figure 10 shows an example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless fluorescence sensor. As shown in Figure 10, the fluorescence sensor may include a wireless communication circuit 802, an LED light source 1006, an absorption filter 1008, a photosensor 1002, a detection filter 1004, and an optical substrate 1010. The optical signal travels from the LED light source 1006 through the absorption filter 1008 into the substance 115. The substance 115 can emit fluorescence in proportion to the concentration of various compounds within it. The optical signal emitted by the fluorescence travels through the detection filter 1004 to the photosensor 1002 and then to the optical substrate 1010, where the fluorescence can be measured. The optical substrate 1010 can communicate signals related to the fluorescence to the wireless communication circuit 802, which can transmit the data to a wireless receiver via the antenna 510. Based on the measured fluorescence, the wireless communication circuit 802 or an external device can determine the concentration of the sample in the substance 115. The LED light source 1006 can be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet and / or ballast 810 that enable the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer and / or stabilize the sensing device 120. One version of the sensing device 120 can function as a chemical luminescence sensor by sensing luminescence from the substance 115 using a light sensor 1002 and a detection filter 1004, and communicating the chemical luminescence value to a wireless communication circuit 802 via an antenna 510.

[0044] Figure 11 shows an example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless absorbance sensor. As shown in Figure 11, the absorbance sensor may include a wireless communication circuit 802, a first lens 1102, a second lens 1104, a first optical substrate 1106, a second optical substrate 1108, and a linear variable filter 1110. The first optical substrate 1106 may include a white LED emitter 1112, which emits white light that travels along an optical path 1114 through the first lens 1102 to the second lens 1104. This light can then travel through the second lens 1104 to the linear variable filter 1110. After passing through the linear variable filter 1110 which filters the light, the second optical substrate 1108 can detect the magnitude of the signal by incorporating a photodiode array or a linear CMOS photosensor, and determine the amount of absorbance of a substance 115 based on the detected light. The second optical substrate 1108 can communicate a signal relating to absorbance to the wireless communication circuit 802, which can transmit 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 sample in the substance 115. The LED emitter 1112 can be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet and / or ballast 810, which enable the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer and / or stabilize the sensing device 120.

[0045] Figure 12 shows an example sensing device 120 configured as a wireless refractometer. As shown in Figure 12, the refractometer may include a wireless communication circuit 802, an LED light source 1202, a measuring window 1204, a linear array sensor 1206, and a circuit board 1208. The LED light source 1202 can emit a light signal toward the measuring window 1204, which can be a transparent window allowing the light signal to reach the material 115. The light signal may be refracted by the material 115 and reflected toward the linear array sensor 1206. Based on where the reflected light hits the linear array sensor 1206, the circuit board 1208 can determine the refractive index of the material 115. The circuit board 1208 can communicate a signal regarding the refractive index to the wireless communication circuit 802, which can transmit the refractive index signal to a wireless receiver via the antenna 510. The LED light source 1202 can be modulated to reduce interference from ambient light. To reduce the wavelength projected onto the measurement window 1204 to a limited wavelength range, an optical filter can be provided after the LED light source 1202. The sensing device 120 may further include a magnet and / or ballast 810 that enable the sensing device 120 to function as a stirrer and / or stabilize the sensing device 120.

[0046] Figure 13 shows an example of a sensing device 120 configured as a wireless hydrometer. As shown in Figure 13, the hydrometer may include a wireless communication circuit 802 and an ultrasonic sensor 1302. The sensing device 120 shown in Figure 13 can float on a 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 can calculate the specific gravity of the substance 115 based on the determined distance. The wireless communication circuit 802 can transmit the specific gravity to a wireless receiver via an antenna 510. The sensing device 120 may further include a ballast 1310 to stabilize the sensing device 120. The distance to the liquid may also be measured optically.

[0047] Adjusting properties based on feedback Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example process 1400 for adjusting the temperature of a substance 115 based on feedback received from a wireless sensing device 120. While process 1400 is described in relation to a hot plate system 200, a similar process can be used to adjust the temperature in any other system. Process 1400 can be performed by a controller 226.

[0048] As shown in Figure 14, the controller 226 can read temperatures from two sensors in the sensing device 120, such as a thermistor 504 and a temperature sensor in the integrated circuit 402.1402 The controller 226 can determine whether the difference between the temperatures detected by the two sensors is within a threshold (e.g., ±2°C).1404 If the difference is greater than the threshold, the controller 226 can shut down the heating element 216 and display an error on the control panel 224.1408 If the difference is less than the threshold, the controller 226 can calculate the average of the two temperatures and determine whether the average is less than a setpoint.1410 The controller 226 can compare different temperatures, such as the temperature output by one of the two sensors, to a setpoint.

[0049] If the average temperature is below a setpoint, the controller 226 may raise the temperature of the heating element 216.1412 If the controller 226 determines that the average temperature is above a setpoint,1414 the controller 226 may lower the temperature of the heating element 216.1416 The controller 226 may compare the average temperature to several different setpoints. For example, in step 1410 the controller 226 may determine whether the average temperature is below a lower setpoint, and in step 1414 whether the average temperature is above an upper setpoint.The controller 226 may then wait for a specified length of time, such as one minute, before repeating process 1400 to continue adjusting the temperature of the substance 115.1418 The waiting time 1418 may be less than one minute.

[0050] Figure 15 shows a system 1500 that controls reagent supply based on feedback received from a sensing device 120. As shown in Figure 15, the system 1500 may include a control unit 1510 and a syringe dispenser pump 1520 configured to pump a specified amount of reagent 1522 into a container 110 via a dispensing nozzle 1524. A sensing device 120 positioned within a 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 property to the control unit 1510. The control unit 1510 may be programmed with a desired setpoint for the measured property and may be configured to control the syringe dispenser pump 1520 to supply reagent 1522 to the container 110 to achieve the desired setpoint.

[0051] For example, the setpoint can be the desired pH of 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 to 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 reagent 1522 into container 110 until the desired pH is achieved. As another example, the setpoint can be the desired absorbance, desired fluorescence, or desired electrochemical signal corresponding to the desired concentration of a particular compound in substance 115, which can be changed by adding reagent 1522. The control unit 1510 receives the absorbance, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal measured by the sensing device 120 and compares the received data to the setpoint. If the received data differs from the set point, the control unit 1510 can cause the syringe dispenser pump 1520 to dispense a specified volume of reagent 1522 into the container 110 until the desired properties are achieved.

[0052] The control unit 1510 and the syringe dispenser pump 1520 can be integrated into a single device, rather than being the two devices shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, the control unit 1510 can control multiple syringe dispenser pumps 1520 to supply multiple reagents 1522 to the substance 115. The system can also be configured, for example, to remove some or all of the substance 115 from the container 110 when certain properties of the substance 115 are achieved, or to control the level of the substance 115.

[0053] How to use Figure 16 shows an example hot plate system 1600 including multiple containers 110A and 110B and multiple sensing devices 120A and 120B. The first sensing device 120A is rotated by the first magnet 1622A and, as it rotates, can agitate the first substance 115A in the first container 110A and measure its properties. The second sensing device 120B is rotated by the second magnet 1622B and, as it rotates, can agitate the second substance 115B in the second container 110B and measure its properties. The first substance 115A may be heated by the first heat transfer surface 1612A, and the second substance 115B may be heated by the second heat transfer surface 1612B. A wireless receiver 214 receives data from the sensing device 120, and from this data, the output of the hot plate system 1600 can be controlled. For example, based on data received from the sensing device 120A, the hot plate system 1600 can increase or decrease the temperature of the first heat transfer surface 1612A, or increase or decrease the rotation speed of the first magnet 1622A.

[0054] Figure 17 shows an example blender system 1700 including a wireless sensing device 120. In the example of Figure 17, the blender pitcher 1710 may contain a substance to be blended (not shown). A blade 1720 can rotate within the blender pitcher 1710 to crush and blend the substance. The sensing device 120 can be incorporated into the blade 1720 to measure the properties of the substance as it is being blended. A control unit 1730 can receive user input to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the blade 1720 and can receive feedback from the sensing device 120 to automatically increase or decrease the rotation speed of the blade 1720 based on the detected properties of the substance in the blender pitcher 1710. Alternatively, a temperature sensor 1740 incorporated within the blender pitcher 1710 can detect the temperature of the substance to be blended and transmit the temperature information via an antenna 1750 within the blender pitcher 1710 to a receiver antenna 1760 in the control unit 1730.

[0055] Figures 18A and 18B show an example wine monitoring system 1800. In the example of Figure 18A, a wireless sensing device 120 may be placed inside a wine bottle 1810 before the bottle is sealed and can monitor the properties of the wine inside the bottle 1810. The sensing device 120 can transmit the measured properties to an external wireless receiver, which can report those properties to a retailer or consumer. For example, the sensing device 120 may report the concentrations 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.

[0056] Figure 18B shows an example of a sensing device 120 configured to detect wine properties that can indicate the quality of the wine. The configuration of the sensing device 120 shown in Figure 18B may include a plastic overmolded 1820 having an exposed electrochemical sensing area 1822 on its surface. The electrochemical sensing area 1822 may include a measuring electrode 804, a counter electrode 806, and a reference electrode 808 as described in relation to Figure 8, and may be configured to detect thiols, acetic acid, oxygen, or other relevant components of the wine. The sensing device 120 may also include a circuit board 502 for controlling its operation and an antenna 510 for wireless communication with an external device.

[0057] Figure 19 shows an example of a sensing device 120 configured to sense the liquid level of a substance 115 in a container 110. The sensing device 120 uses an ultrasonic sensor 1930 coupled to a wireless communication circuit and an antenna 1910. The sensing device 120 also includes a ballast 1920 for determining the orientation of the sensing device 120.

[0058] The wireless sensing device 120 described herein can be used in a number of other applications. For example, the sensing device 120 could be used by a beer maker to remotely monitor the specific gravity of beer. When the specific gravity reaches a specified amount, it can generate an alarm to notify the beer maker. In another example, the sensing device 120 could be used by employees of a hospital or laboratory to verify whether a substance being sterilized or processed in a pressurizer has reached a desired sterilization temperature. The sensing device 120 can monitor the temperature of the substance as it is processed in the pressurizer and notify employees whether the internal temperature of the substance has reached the sterilization temperature. In yet another example, a cook can use the sensing device 120 to monitor the properties of food in a sealed container to accurately determine when the food has reached a desired temperature, viscosity, specific gravity, or combination thereof. In another example, a multi-step chemical reaction can be handled by using the sensing device 120 as a temperature sensor and stirrer within the reaction compound when the instrument is programmed to expose the compound to different temperature steps and stirring speeds over different time periods, and by using feedback from the sensing device 120 to set the correct temperature at each step. In yet another example, a production processing station can monitor the conductivity of a cleaning solution and replace it if the conductivity exceeds a certain value.

[0059] Each of the individual variations and embodiments described and illustrated herein has distinct components and features that can be readily separated from or combined with any of the features of other variations or embodiments. Modifications can be made to adapt specific situations, materials, compositions, processes, process actions, or steps to the purpose, spirit, or scope of this disclosure.

[0060] The methods enumerated herein can be performed in any logically possible order of the enumerated events, as well as in the order in which the events are enumerated. Furthermore, additional steps or actions may be provided or eliminated to achieve the desired result.

[0061] Furthermore, where a range of values ​​is provided, all intervening values ​​between the upper and lower limits of that range, and all other stated or intervening values ​​within that stated range, are included in this disclosure. Additionally, all optional features of the described variables may be shown and claimed, either independently or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

[0062] All existing subject matter referenced herein (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications, and hardware) is incorporated herein in whole by reference, provided that such subject matter does not conflict with the subject matter of this disclosure (in which case the subject matter present herein shall prevail). Referenced items are provided only with respect to disclosures of that item prior to the filing date of this application. Nothing in this specification should be construed as an acceptance that this disclosure does not qualify as prior to such material due to prior disclosures.

[0063] References to singular items include the possibility of multiple identical elements. More specifically, when used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “said,” and “the” include multiple referents unless the context explicitly states otherwise. Furthermore, it should be noted that claims may be drafted to exclude all optional elements. This statement is therefore intended to serve as a preferred basis for the use of exclusive terminology or “negative” limitation, such as “solely,” “only,” and similars, relating to the enumeration of elements. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0064] This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms shown, but rather to encompass alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents of the variations described herein. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure fully encompasses other variations that may be obvious to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A stirring bar device for stirring a liquid substance (115), wherein the stirring bar device is configured to be immersed in the substance (115) and to be operated magnetically, and the stirring bar device is a wireless temperature measuring device comprising a sensing device (120) which is a wireless temperature sensor device, the sensing device (120) An integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502), A thermistor (504) readable by the integrated circuit (402), wherein the integrated circuit (402) is configured to determine the temperature by measuring the resistance of the thermistor (504), An internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402), Magnet (408) and, The circuit board (502), the internal coil (510), and the casing (530) that encapsulates the magnet (408), Equipped with, A stirring bar device wherein the internal coil (510) is wound vertically within the sensing device (120), and the magnet (408) is arranged inside the internal coil (510).

2. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (408) is mechanically coupled to the integrated circuit (402).

3. The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the stirring device receives power and transmits data using a near-field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID) communication protocol.

4. The stirring device according to claim 1, wherein the stirring device is magnetically operated by an instrument (210) to stir a fluid in a container (110).

5. The stirring bar device according to claim 4, wherein the device (210) includes a magnet (220) that can be rotated by a motor (220).

6. The stirring bar device according to claim 4, wherein the device (210) includes an electromagnet positioned below or near the heat transfer surface (212).

7. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is also configured to measure the pH of a fluid by incorporating an H+ selective glass (908) and a reference electrode (808).

8. The stirring bar device according to claim 7, comprising a porous joint (910).

9. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is also configured to measure the conductivity of a fluid.

10. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) is also configured to measure liquid properties selected from the group consisting of specific gravity, viscosity, salinity, conductance, color, absorbance, fluorescence, pressure, electrochemical attributes, chemiluminescence, and liquid level.

11. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature is measured by two different types of temperature sensors, thereby allowing the reliability problem to be determined based on the difference in influence between the reliability problems of the two different types of temperature sensors, the reliability problem being selected from the group consisting of aging and calibration.

12. The stirring bar device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing device (120) has at least two different temperature measuring elements that can be compared.

13. A stirring bar device for stirring a liquid substance (115), wherein the stirring bar device is configured to be immersed in the substance (115) and to be operated magnetically, and the stirring bar device is a wireless temperature measuring device comprising a sensing device (120) which is a wireless temperature sensor device, the sensing device (120) An integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502), Temperature measurement element and, An internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402), Magnet (408) and, The circuit board (502), the internal coil (510), and the casing (530) that encapsulates the magnet (408), Equipped with, The internal coil (510) is wound vertically within the sensing device (120), the magnet (408) is arranged inside the internal coil (510), and the stirring device is also configured to determine the rotation of the sensing device (120) using a gyroscope or accelerometer.

14. A system for heating and stirring a liquid substance (115) in a container (110), wherein the system comprises the container on a heating device, and the heating device is Heating element (216), Wireless receiver (214) and A submersible device positioned within the substance (115), the submersible device comprising a first temperature measuring element and a wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter communicating with a wireless receiver (214), the wireless receiver (214) being located between the heating element (216) and the submersible device, the temperature of the substance (115) being measured by the first temperature measuring element, and the temperature of the substance (115) being communicated from the first temperature measuring element to a controller (226) controlling the heating element (216), the submersible device, Equipped with, The substance (115) is heated by the heating element (216), which is activated based on the temperature of the substance (115) communicated to the controller (226), the sinkable device comprises a first magnet, the heating device comprises a magnetic field generator, the magnetic field generator generates and modifies a magnetic field that exerts a magnetic force on the first magnet, thereby agitating the substance (115) by moving the sinkable device within the substance (115) with the magnetic force on the first magnet. The system is configured to determine the rotation of the sinkable device using a gyroscope or accelerometer.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the heating device includes a magnet (220) that is rotatable by a motor (220).

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the heating device includes an electromagnet positioned below or near the heat transfer surface (212).

17. A system for processing a multi-step chemical reaction, the system comprising an apparatus (210) and a sensing device (120), the sensing device (120) functioning as a temperature sensor and stirrer within the compound, the apparatus (210) being programmed to expose the compound to different temperature steps and stirring speeds over different time periods and using feedback from the sensing device (120) to set the correct temperature at each step, the sensing device (120) An integrated circuit (402) supported by a circuit board (502), Temperature measurement element and, An internal coil (510) forming an antenna configured to receive power for the integrated circuit (402) and to transmit data measured by the integrated circuit (402), Magnet (408) and, The circuit board (502), the internal coil (510), and the casing (530) that encapsulates the magnet (408), Equipped with, The system comprises an internal coil (510) wound vertically within the sensing device (120), a magnet (408) arranged inside the internal coil (510), a device (210) comprising a magnetic field generator, the magnetic field generator creating and modifying a magnetic field that exerts a magnetic force on the magnet (408), and a heating element (216) within the device (210).

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