A transport refrigeration system, comprising a primary controller; a refrigerated container with a plurality of compartments; a hazard detection system, comprising: an auxiliary controller; and a plurality of sensors respectively distributed in a plurality of compartments of a refrigerated container of the transport refrigeration system, each of the plurality of sensors operationally connected to and controlled by the auxiliary controller.

A refrigerator for storing products includes a sensor container configured to position at least one temperature sensor within a refrigerated interior in a cabinet of the refrigerator. The sensor container includes a main body portion enclosing a hollow interior space configured to receive a ballast liquid, and a plurality of dry wells which each extend generally horizontally between a closed end within the hollow interior space and an open end. The temperature sensors positioned in the dry wells are surrounded by ballast liquid but are not in direct contact with refrigerated air within the cabinet or the ballast liquid. The temperature measurements therefore approximate the thermal response of products (such as blood) stored in the cabinet without necessitating submersible sensors or a risk of liquid leaks. The temperature measurements may be sent to elements such as a chart recorder, and a display and alarm device associated with the refrigerator.

Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein for thermal monitoring in a retail facility. A system for thermal monitoring in a retail facility comprises: a thermal sensor positioned in a predetermined location of a portion of the retail facility; a database for storing thermal images and thermal data obtained from the thermal sensor and known thermal profiles; and a control circuit configured to identify a thermal image obtained from the thermal sensor that deviates from an expected baseline thermal profile for the portion of the retail facility; and compare the thermal image to the known thermal profiles to determine at least one of estimated occupancy, temperature control unit efficiency, temperature control unit operation and whether a temperature-sensitive retail item has been abandoned.

A method for operating a refrigerator appliance includes receiving a user inquiry signal at a controller of the refrigerator appliance in response to an inquiry input at a user interface of the refrigerator appliance, obtaining a status of at least one operable component of the refrigerator appliance with the controller of the refrigerator appliance, and sending the status of the at least one operable component of the refrigerator appliance from the controller of the refrigerator appliance to the user interface of the refrigerator appliance. A related refrigerator appliance is provided.

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device of the present invention comprises a communication unit and a processor for receiving information on a refrigerator from the refrigerator through the communication unit, dividing an operation section of the refrigerator into an event section and a normal section on the basis of the received information, and determining whether the refrigerator is abnormal on the basis of a state of the refrigerator in the normal section or the event section among the received information. The event section includes a section from a time point when a door of the refrigerator is opened to a time point when the temperature of the refrigerator reaches a predetermined temperature after the door is closed, and the normal section includes a section from a time point when the temperature of the refrigerator reaches the predetermined temperature to a time point before the door is opened.

A temperature sensing system for refrigeration and related methodology. The system has a refrigeration unit containing one or more food products, a temperature sensor disposed in the refrigeration unit. The temperature sensor is in communication with a remote computing device that is configured to calculate thermal data pertaining to said one or more food products. The remote computing device in communication with a temperature monitor that receives real-time temperature information from the temperature sensor. The monitor includes an alarm function that is activated if temperature inside said refrigeration unit causes a rise of the actual product temperature above a specified threshold such as 41° F. while noting the time remaining to return the product temperature to a safe level within the government specified 4 hour limit.

A refrigerating or food storage appliance for receiving containers within the appliance for storing a substance, the appliance including a cabinet at least partially defining an interior with an access opening, a door movably mounted to the cabinet to selectively open/close the access opening and at least partially defining the interior when the door selectively closes the access opening, at least one thermal imaging device for obtaining thermal image data of at least one container within the interior, and a control unit receiving the thermal image data.

A refrigerator and/or freezer unit and system for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products in compliance with regulatory requirements. The unit contains compartments for each product type in multiple controlled temperature zones with sensors and readers to track product status and content. A user interface device in communication with an application service provider provides the user with a secure access to the content of the unit and product information. The application service provider provides the user with web accessed optimal management of product inventory.

A system and a method are used to monitor spoilage conditions of a product. The system includes at least one two-way humidity control system and at least one computing system. The two-way humidity control system includes at least one beacon sensor, a normal humidity range is stored on the two-way humidity control system, and the two-way humidity control system is positioned within at least one enclosed product storage. The enclosed product storage is a sealed area where products can be stored to maintain the products in optimal environmental conditions. The two-way humidity control system detects humidity readings and regulates humidity within the enclosed product storage based on the normal humidity range. The beacon sensor detects environmental data and retrieves environmental data from other wireless sensors. The computing system processes the data collected by the beacon sensor to generate alerts, when the environmental conditions are abnormal, and environmental condition reports.

A dynamic multi-zone anti-sweat heating system may be used in a refrigerator to reduce moisture on various surfaces of the refrigerator. Moreover, in some instances, the determination of when moisture is present and/or absent from a surface may be made based at least in part on detection of the presence or absence of an elevated thermal load on the surface while a heater is activated.