Multi-purpose thermometers

Abstract

A modular wireless thermometer system is designed to manage passive and active devices, offering both smart functionality and power supply to various accessories without additional components. The system includes an active probe, a rechargeable dock with wireless communication capabilities, and multiple enhancements such as an adjustable probe, a display screen, and various storage and connectivity options.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE THERMOMETERSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless thermometers and, more specifically, to a modular, versatile smart device that manages passive and active devices, providing both smart functionality and power supply to various accessories.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Current wireless thermometer systems are limited in functionality and versatility, often requiring multiple components to manage various accessories. The need for an integrated solution that offers both smart capabilities and power supply without additional components is apparent. Embodiments of the present disclosure address these needs by providing a comprehensive system that enhances user convenience and functionality.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to a modular wireless thermometer system having a handle and designed to serve as a versatile smart device for managing passive and active devices, providing smart functionality, and powering accessories without additional components. The handle ensures electrical connections and power supply to a wide range of accessories. The active probe is rechargeable when stored in the handle, which is compatible with external power sources. This handle features wireless communication capabilities and includes a rechargeable battery.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figures 1A and IB illustrate an example embodiment of a thermometer system.

[0005] Figures 2A-2C illustrate an example embodiment of a handle for a thermometer system.

[0006] Figures 3A-3C illustrate an example embodiment of a wireless thermometer and an additional probe of a thermometer system.

[0007] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an example floating device for use with a probe of a thermometer system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to thermometer systems. The disclosed thermometer systems may be used in a cooking environment. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, an example thermometer system 100 may include a handle 102, a wireless thermometer 104, and one or more additional probes 106, such as one or more temperature probes. The handle 102 may have a dock 108 that is configured to receive the wireless thermometer 104 therein for storage, charging of the wireless thermometer 104, and / or communication between the handle 102 and the wireless thermometer 104. The handle 102 may also include a connecting plug 110 that is configured to have the additional probes 106 connected thereto to facilitate communication between the additional probes 106 and the handle 102, powering of the additional probes 106, and / or charging of the additional probes 106.

[0009] The handle 102 is designed to be modular, allowing it to effectively manage any passive device, such as the additional probes 106. The handle 102 may be configured to provide both smart functionality and power supply to wireless thermometer 104 and / or the additional probes 106, eliminating the need for additional components. The additional probes 106 may include passive or active devices, such as thermometers, temperature probes, hygrometers, soil probes, salinity probes, frying oil probes, fridge or freezer probes, outdoor or indoor temperature probes, medical or veterinarian temperature probes, smoke detectors, gas detectors, and fire detectors. Such additional probes may be used in a variety of environments, including cooking environments, cellars, hot houses, cigar boxes, baths, saunas, and swimming pools. Accordingly, the handle 102 may be an independent polyvalent, handheld, versatile master controller of many additional probes and / or other devices. The disclosed system may also be used in medical, agricultural, commercial, industrial, or hospitality fields.

[0010] A near field reading antenna module could be fitted on the handle, thereby allowing the powering and reading of a heat sensor integrated on a NFC or CFC tag.

[0011] The dock 108 in the handle 102 may be configured to have the wireless thermometer 104 disposed therein as shown in Figure 1 A. When the wireless thermometer 104 is stored in the dock 108, a battery in the wireless thermometer 104 may be recharged by a battery in the handle 102. In some embodiments, the one or more additional probes 106 may also or alternatively be disposed within the dock 108 or another receptacle in the handle 102 for storage. The dock 108 and / or the other receptacles may be provided with a lid or other cover to close and hermetically seals the dock 108 and / or other receptacles.

[0012] The handle 102 may be fitted with a display screen 114, which may be rotatable, to provide information regarding thermometer system 100 and / or data collected thereby. For instance, the display screen 114 may display temperatures detected by the wireless thermometer 104 and / or the additional probes 106, cooking time, etc.

[0013] The handle 102 may also include one or more lights (e.g., LEDs) 116 and / or one or more auditory devices (e.g., speaker) 118. The one or more lights 116 and / or one or more auditory devices 118 may be activated to provide information to a user or for the user to make queries or instructions to the cooking apparatus or other linked appliances. Such information may include temperature thresholds, cooking times, etc.

[0014] The wireless thermometer 104 may include a ceramic or steel shaft housing a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connectivity PCB. The wireless thermometer 104 may also include an (ceramic or stainless) endcap 112 that contains an antenna and is designed with an electrical contact and a coupling mechanism. As discussed below, the endcap 112 can be adapted for use with the additional probes 106.

[0015] As noted, the handle 102 may also include a connecting plug 110 that is configured to have the one or more additional probes 106 selectively connected thereto, as shown in Figures 1 A-1B. The additional probe 106 may take a variety of forms, including a liquid temperature probe. The additional probe 106 may be equipped with at least one heat sensor and an endcap 120. The endcap 120 may be configured to be selectively connected to the connecting plug 110. When connected, the battery in the handle 102 and / or the wireless thermometer 104 may provide power to the additional probe 106. The connection between the additional probe 106 and the connecting plug 110 may also enable communication between the additional probe 106 and the handle 102. For instance, temperature data collected by the additional probe 106 may be communicated to the handle 102 via the physical connected between the endcap 120 and the connecting plug 110.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting plug 110 is pivotally or hingedly connected to the handle 102. As a result, an angle between the handle 102 and an additional probe 106 connected to the connecting plug 110 can be selectively adjusted to a desired angle. As shown in Figures 2A-2E, the connecting plug 110 can be pivoted into a recess within the handle 102 when not in use. A lid or cover may be positioned over the recess to enclose the connecting plug 110 within the recess.

[0017] The handle may also include one or more additional connectors 122, 124. The additional connectors 122, 124 may include a USB connector, a jack connector, or other types of connectors. The connectors 122, 124 may be configured to connect thehandle 102 to another device (e.g., computer, etc.) to recharge the battery in the handle 102 and / or the battery in the wireless thermometer 104, to transfer data to / from the handle 102 and / or the wireless thermometer 104, or other functions.

[0018] The handle 102 may include a communication device (e.g., a transmitter, a receiver, and / or a transceiver). The communication device may be configured to transmit data from the handle 102 to a separate device (e.g., a computer, a phone, a tablet, etc.). The date may include data collected by the wireless thermometer 104 and / or the additional probes 106. The data may also include ambient conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) around the handle 102 as detected by an ambient sensor 126 on the handle 102. The data may include voice commands or requests from the user as registered by the optional microphone incorporated into the handle 102 and broadcasted by the optional speaker 118.

[0019] Other active devices could be wirelessly linked to the handle 102 or to the wireless thermometer 102, such as hygrometers, salinity sensor, oil sensor, CO2 sensor, etc.

[0020] In some embodiments, the thermometer system 100 may include one or more securing elements (e.g., clamps) that are configured to secure the handle 102, the wireless thermometer 104, and / or the additional probes 106 to a cooking container. For instance, the securing element may include a clamp that connects to both the additional probe 106 and the cooking container (e.g., the rim of a cooking pot) to hold the additional probe 106 in a desired position (e.g., with an end of the shaft thereof at least partially submerged in the food within the cooking container). In some embodiments, the securing element may be permanently or selectively connected to the handle 102 for storage of the securing element when not in use. The securing element could be used to store a wire of an attached additional probe. The securing element could also advantageously be constructed as to serve as a magnetized support to the handle allowing better reading of the handle screen when stored on an upright position on the securing element.

[0021] The wireless thermometer 104 and the additional probe 106 may be configured to selective connection to one another. For instance, as shown in Figures 3A- 3C, the endcaps 112, 120 thereof may be configured to selective connection together. When so connected, power from the wireless thermometer 104 may be transferred to the additional probe 106 to power the additional probe 106 and / or recharge a battery in the additional probe 106. Data may also be transferred across the connected between the endcaps 112, 120. For instance, data collected by the additional probe 106 may be transferred to the wireless thermometer 104. The wireless thermometer 104 may thencommunicate that data to the handle 102, which can in turn communicate the data to a separate device (e.g., computer, phone, tablet, cooking apparatus, etc.), and vice versa.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thermometer system 100 may include a floating device 128, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. The floating device 128 may be configured to secure to the additional probe 106 (and / or the wireless thermometer 104). For instance, the floating device 128 may include an aperture therethrough and through which the shaft of the additional probe 106 may be inserted. The endcap 120 of the additional probe 106 may have a larger diameter than the aperture to prevent the additional prove 106 from passing entirely through the aperture. The floating device 128 may be made of a heat resistant material (e.g., heat resistant plastic, metal, glass, or wood). The floating device 128 may also be configured to float in a liquid, thereby allowing for the additional probe 106 to also float in the liquid with the shaft thereof partially submerged in the liquid and the endcap 120 at least partially extending out of the liquid.

[0023] Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Further, any example embodiment can be combined with one or more of the example embodiments.

[0024] Embodiment 1 : A wireless thermometer system comprising: a wireless thermometer comprising: a ceramic or steel shaft containing: a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connectivity module, and an endcap containing an antenna, the endcap being configured with an electrical contact and a coupling mechanism, a temperature probe containing: at least one heat sensor, and an endcap, the temperature probe being configured to: be selectively connected to the endcap of the wireless thermometer, be powered by the wireless thermometer, and to transmit temperature data to the wireless thermometer, the wireless thermometer being capable of computing and / or transmitting such temperature data to at least one remote wireless receiver.

[0025] Embodiment 2: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 1, wherein the temperature probe is selectively interchangeable.

[0026] Embodiment 3: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 1, wherein the temperature probe transmits data through an electric wire which is adapted to be coupled at the endcap of the wireless thermometer.

[0027] Embodiment 4: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 1, further comprising a receiving dock configured to charge and store the wireless thermometer, wherein: the dock is contained within a handle and such handle is optionally poweredindependently with a battery to charge the wireless thermometer and / or to power the temperature probe and / or at least one additional probe, and the handle is configured to receive and transmit data to / from a remote wireless receiver through a CPU and antenna that are part of the handle.

[0028] Embodiment 5: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 4, wherein the handle is fitted with a pivotal mechanism configured to allow for adjustment to a desired angle between the temperature probe and the dock.

[0029] Embodiment 6: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein the handle is fitted with a screen capable to display at least the temperatures of the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe linked to the dock, the screen being powered by the handle battery or by the wireless thermometer battery.

[0030] Embodiment 7: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 4, wherein the handle is configured to store the temperature probe.

[0031] Embodiment 8: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 4, wherein the handle is fitted with a connecting plug capable to connect to at least one wired temperature probe and / or an infrared thermometer, wherein: the wired or infrared temperature probe is powered by the wireless thermometer battery, or by the handle battery, the wired temperature probe or infrared temperature probe is configured to transmit temperature data to the wireless probe and / or to the handle, the wireless probe is capable of computing and / or transmitting such temperature data to at least one remote receiver.

[0032] Embodiment 9: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-8, wherein the wireless thermometer system is configured to transmit data to a cooking apparatus or a remote wireless receiver.

[0033] Embodiment 10: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-9, wherein the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe is configured to be stored in a docking cavity hermetically closed with a waterproof lid.

[0034] Embodiment 11 : The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-10, wherein the handle is configured with at least one charging plug, wherein the wireless thermometer and the charging plug are fitted in a cavity on the dock hermetically closed with a waterproof lid or plug.

[0035] Embodiment 12: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-11, further comprising a clamp capable to hold the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe on the upper side of a cooking container with or without the handle,wherein: the clamp is able to slide around the handle to adjust the length of the temperature probe relative to the size of the cooking container.

[0036] Embodiment 13: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 12, wherein the clamp is configured to be stored with a clip and / or magnet positioned alongside the handle, providing convenient and organized storage and allowing the user to adjust the length of the temperature probe in use.

[0037] Embodiment 14: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-13, wherein the handle is fitted with an LED light configured to provide lighting to the user and / or provide visual alerts for temperature or time threshold.

[0038] Embodiment 15: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-14, wherein the handle is fitted with a sound emitting buzzer configured to provide auditive alerts to the user relative to temperature or time threshold.

[0039] Embodiment 16: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 6-15, wherein the handle is fitted with at least one ambient temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature and display it on the screen of the handle and / or on a remote wireless receiving device.

[0040] Embodiment 17: The wireless thermometer system of embodiment 8, wherein the wired probe is fitted with a floating device made of heat resistant material, heat resistant plastic, metal, glass, or wood, allowing such probe to float in the measured liquid with a tip thereof being immersed in the liquid.

[0041] Embodiment 18: The wireless thermometer system of any of embodiments 4-17, wherein the handle is fitted with a speaker and / or a microphone allowing a user to receive verbal alerts or instructions from the handle and / or give verbal instructions to the handle and / or the cooking apparatus through the receiver.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A wireless thermometer system comprising: a wireless thermometer comprising: a heat resistant plastic, ceramic or steel shaft containing: a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a connectivity module, and an endcap containing an antenna, the endcap being configured with an electrical contact and a coupling mechanism, a temperature probe containing: at least one heat sensor, and an endcap, the temperature probe being configured to: be selectively connected to the endcap of the wireless thermometer, be powered by the wireless thermometer, and to transmit temperature data to the wireless thermometer, the wireless thermometer being capable of computing and / or transmitting such temperature data to at least one remote wireless receiver.

2. The wireless thermometer system of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe is selectively interchangeable.

3. The wireless thermometer system of claim 1, wherein the temperature probe transmits data through an electric wire which is adapted to be coupled at the endcap of the wireless thermometer.

4. The wireless thermometer system of claim 1 , further comprising a receiving dock configured to charge and store the wireless thermometer, wherein: the dock is contained within a handle and such handle is optionally powered independently with a battery to charge the wireless thermometer and / or to power the temperature probe and / or at least one additional probe, and the handle is configured to receive and transmit data to / from a remote wireless receiver through a CPU and antenna that are part of the handle,5. The wireless thermometer system of claim 4, wherein the handle is fitted with a pivotal mechanism configured to allow for adjustment to a desired angle between the temperature probe and the dock.

6. The wireless thermometer system of claims 4 or 5, wherein the handle is fitted with a screen capable to display at least the temperatures of the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe linked to the dock, the screen being powered by the handle battery or by the wireless thermometer battery.

7. The wireless thermometer system of claim 4, wherein the handle is configured to store the temperature probe.

8. The wireless thermometer system of claim 4, wherein the handle is fitted with a connecting plug capable to connect to at least one wired temperature probe and / or an infrared thermometer, wherein: the wired or infrared temperature probe is powered by the wireless thermometer battery, or by the handle battery, the wired temperature probe or infrared temperature probe is configured to transmit temperature data to the wireless probe and / or to the handle, the wireless probe is capable of computing and / or transmitting such temperature data to at least one remote receiver.

9. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-8, wherein the wireless thermometer system is configured to transmit data to a cooking apparatus or a remote wireless receiver.

10. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-9, wherein the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe is configured to be stored in a docking cavity hermetically closed with a waterproof lid.

11. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4- 10, wherein the handle is configured with at least one charging plug, wherein the wireless thermometer and the charging plug are fitted in a cavity on the dock hermetically closed with a waterproof lid or plug.

12. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-11, further comprising a clamp capable to hold the wireless thermometer and / or the temperature probe on the upper side of a cooking container with or without the handle, wherein: the clamp is able to slide around the handle to adjust the length of the temperature probe relative to the size of the cooking container.

13. The wireless thermometer system of claim 12, wherein the clamp is configured to be stored with a clip and / or magnet positioned alongside the handle, providing convenient and organized storage and allowing the user to adjust the length of the temperature probe in use.

14. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-13, wherein the handle is fitted with an LED light configured to provide lighting to the user and / or provide visual alerts for temperature or time threshold.

15. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-14, wherein the handle is fitted with a sound emitting buzzer configured to provide auditive alerts to the user relative to temperature or time threshold.

16. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 6-15, wherein the handle is fitted with at least one ambient temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature and display it on the screen of the handle and / or on a remote wireless receiving device.

17. The wireless thermometer system of claim 8, wherein the wired probe is fitted with a floating device made of heat resistant material, heat resistant plastic, metal, glass, or wood, allowing such probe to float in the measured liquid with a tip thereof being immersed in the liquid.

18. The wireless thermometer system of any of claims 4-17, wherein the handle is fitted with a speaker and / or a microphone allowing a user to receive verbal alerts or instructions from the handle and / or give verbal instructions to the handle and / or the cooking apparatus through the receiver.

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