Low-cost techniques for sensing ambient temperatures in a container or package using phase change materials are provided. In one aspect, a temperature sensor is provided. The temperature sensor includes: at least one phase change material configured to transition from an amorphous state to a crystalline state upon exposure to temperatures above a predetermined threshold temperature for a given duration. A method of monitoring temperature exposure of a consumer good using the temperature sensor is also provided.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an electric range safety device provided on an electric range, wherein the electric range safety device is detachably mounted on a surface provided with a burner of the electric range, and is partially separated by a user's operation so that the burner can be exposed when the electric range is in use.

An oven appliance includes a sensor that is positioned coplanar with a broil heating element in a plane that is perpendicular to a vertical direction. The sensor is also positioned at a center portion of the broil heating element and/or between terminal ends of the broil heating element along a lateral direction that is perpendicular the vertical direction. A sensor shield is positioned between the broil heating element and the sensor in the plane that is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Provided is a temperature sensor allowing a wire, which is an additional element, to be efficiently connected to the temperature sensor. The temperature includes the additional element and a temperature detecting element. The temperature detecting element includes a heat-sensitive body, a sensor element, and a protective tube. The sensor element has a pair of first electric wires which are electrically connected to the heat-sensitive body. The protective tube accommodates the sensor element. The additional element includes a terminal and a second electric wire that is electrically connected to the terminal. The terminal is responsible for electrical connection between the additional element and the protective tube, and for assembly where the additional element is mated with the protective tube. The terminal in the present invention has a passage which allows the first electric wires to pass therethrough.

A system for temperature-related warnings for aircraft-compliant appliances is disclosed. In embodiments, the system includes an aircraft-compliant compliance. The aircraft-compliant appliance may include a transitory temperature-related warning formed with a thermochromic substance disposed on a surface of the appliance. In embodiments, the temperature-related warning may be configured to alert a user as to one or more characteristics of the aircraft-compliant appliance. The temperature-related warning may be further configured to transition between a first state and at least an additional state when the surface of the appliance transitions between a first temperature and at least one additional temperature.

A cooking engagement system and methods therefore are provided. The system includes a cooktop appliance and an interactive assembly positioned above the cooktop appliance. The interactive assembly includes an image monitor that presents various images and information to a user, e.g., recipes. The system includes a thermistor for detecting operation of the cooktop appliance. When the thermistor senses a temperature level that exceeds a threshold, a controller communicatively coupled thereto activates an air handler to move or motivate an airflow across or about the image monitor. In this way, the image monitor may be cooled and condensation is prevented from forming on the imaging surface of the image monitor.

A sensor suitable for optical turbidity measurements is described. The sensor is suitable for use in a water-bearing domestic electrical appliance (e.g. washing machine or dishwasher) and allows the temperature dependence of the turbidity measurements obtained by means of a first light detector to be compensated for. To this end, the sensor implements, in addition to a turbidity-measuring path along which a measuring-light beam is sent through a measuring space containing the turbid medium to a first light detector, a reference measuring path along which a reference light beam is transported to a second light detector which is thermally coupled with the first light detector. A heat-equalizing element can ensure that any temperature differences between the two light detectors are minimized. Both light-measuring paths can run in some regions inside the same solid-material light-conducting structure.

A temperature and humidity sensor module sensing method for enabling a temperature and humidity sensor in an electric product to provide the detected humidity message to a micro control unit for determination. According to the characteristic curve of a known humidity sensor, the micro control unit determines that the humidity value rising slope exceeds a predetermined rising slope for a specific period of time, or the relative humidity rises a predetermined percentage for a specified period of time, or a high humidity limit continues for a specific period of time, indicating that the surface of the temperature and humidity sensor is attached or condensed with water molecules. Then, the micro control unit controls the heating element to heat-dry the temperature and humidity sensor, keeping the temperature and humidity sensor in the optimal working condition.

A cooking engagement system and methods therefore are provided. The system includes a cooktop appliance and an interactive assembly positioned above the cooktop appliance. The interactive assembly includes an image monitor that presents various images and information to a user, e.g., recipes. The system includes a thermistor for detecting operation of the cooktop appliance. When the thermistor senses a temperature level that exceeds a threshold, a controller communicatively coupled thereto activates an air handler to move or motivate an airflow across or about the image monitor. In this way, the image monitor may be cooled and condensation is prevented from forming on the imaging surface of the image monitor.

A plumbing system for a shower or the like includes a mixing valve operable for delivering a water flow of adjustable temperature from a water source to a dispensing device downstream from the mixing valve. The system further includes a diverter valve between the mixing valve and the dispensing device, and operable to divert a selectively variable portion of the water from the mixing valve back to the water source. A thermochromic thermal indicator, downstream from the mixing valve, may advantageously provide a visible indication of the water flow having achieved a predetermined temperature. The thermal indicator may be a thermochromic PVC conduit, or it may be a fitting having an inlet, an outlet, a thermochromic PVC element therebetween, and a barrier located between the inlet and the outlet so as to define a flow path that includes an interior surface of the thermochromic element.