Patent ID: 7483805
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
1. A sensing and analysis system comprising: a portable sensor unit comprising a housing, a sensing element within the housing and operable to sense an input and generate an output signal responsive to the input, and electronic circuitry within the housing and in communication with the sensing element; an electronic unit physically separable from the sensor unit and providing power to the sensor unit for operation of the sensing element and the electronic circuitry, generating instructions for controlling the electronic circuitry to initiate, modify, and terminate the operation of the sensor unit, receiving the electrical output from the sensor unit, processing the electrical output, and transmitting the electrical output to remote locations; means for providing communication between the electronic circuitry and the electronic unit by which the instructions generated by the electronic unit are delivered to the sensor unit and the electrical output from the sensor unit is delivered to the electronic unit; and means for delivering power from the electronic unit to the sensor unit; wherein the electronic circuitry performs tasks limited to communicating the instructions from the electronic unit to the sensor unit, producing an electrical output based on the output signal generated by the sensing element, and optionally amplifying, sorting and filtering the output signal to produce the electrical output; and wherein the communication providing means and the power delivering means are configured for selectively connecting and disconnecting the sensor unit and the electronic unit to initiate and terminate communication with and powering of the sensor unit.