Patent ID: 12196619

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.

It is noted that description herein is not intended as an extensive overview, and as such, concepts may be simplified in the interests of clarity and brevity.

All documents mentioned in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Any process described in this application may be performed in any order and may omit any of the steps in the process. Processes may also be combined with other processes or steps of other processes.

Throughout the specification, wherever practicable, like structures will be identified by like reference numbers. In some figures, components, such as additional electrical connections or fasteners have been omitted for clarity in the drawings. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “or” means “either or both” such that “A or B” includes A alone, B alone, and both A and B together.

The invention of the present disclosure may be a temperature probe100comprising, a probe body102comprising a tip104, a sleeve106, a tube108, and an end110(for the purposes of this disclosure, the end110may also be referred to herein as the ceramic end110). The temperature probe100may include a cavity112disposed within the probe body102, a printed circuit board (“PCB”) having a flexible portion and/or a rigid portion, a temperature sensor116disposed within the tip104, a battery118, and an antenna120. Further, the temperature sensor116, the battery118, and the antenna120may each be in electrical communication with the PCB and the antenna120may be configured to send a signal comprising temperature information.

In an embodiment, the invention of the present disclosure is a thermometer. In an embodiment, the thermometer is a temperature probe100. The temperature probe100may have a proximal end122(for example, configured to puncture foods items, such as meat) and a distal end124(for example, configured to remain external to the food item). The temperature probe100may include a probe body102. The probe body102may have an inner surface126and an outer surface128. The outer surface128may be treated with a heat protectant or may include a heat resistant layer. In one embodiment, the probe body102includes four portions: a tip104, a sleeve106, a tube108, and an end110. Each component of the probe body102may also have a corresponding proximal end and distal end. As a non-limiting example, the proximal end of the tip104may be the portion of the tip104closest to the proximal end122of the temperature probe100and the distal end of the tip104may be the portion of the tip104closest to the distal end124of the temperature probe100.

The tip104may be a hollow stainless steel metal tip. The sleeve106may be electrically non-conductive and/or disposed between the tip104and the tube108. In a further embodiment, the sleeve106may be thermally non-conductive. The sleeve106may be tapered at both the sleeve proximal end and sleeve distal end, such that both ends of the sleeve106are sized to fit into the hollow component of the tip104and tube108. Further, the sleeve106may include a raised annular portion at the midpoint (or any other suitable location thereof) of the sleeve106, wherein the raised annular portion is sized to create a near seamless outer surface124of the temperature probe100when the tip104, sleeve106, and tube108are attached. Further, such a raised annular portion may be configured to electrically isolate the tip104from the tube108. The tube108may be composed in part, or in its entirety, from stainless steel. The end110may be a ceramic end. However, each of the components of the probe body102may appear in any order or configuration and may be made from any suitable material. The probe body102components may be coupled in a manner that creates a generally uniform and straight probe body102. However, in alternate embodiments, the probe body102components may be curved or the manner in which the components are coupled may be angled, such that the probe body102, viewed as a whole, includes a perceivable degree of curvature.

In an embodiment, the probe body102is hollow. In such an embodiment, the probe body102may have a cavity112or a channel that runs along the central axis of the temperature probe100from the proximal end122to the distal end124. The cavity112may be sized to accept at least a temperature sensor116, a PCB, and a battery118. In an embodiment, the cavity112may be uniform and cylindrical. However, in alternate embodiments, the inner surface126of the probe body102may be contoured specifically to the geometry and/or size of components within the temperature probe100.

In one embodiment, the ceramic end110is flared (for example, to make it easier for a user to retrieve the temperature probe110from a food item). In such an embodiment, the flare may taper from the narrow proximal end of the ceramic end110to the wider distal end of the ceramic end110. The taper may be any contour or angle. The narrowest portion of the ceramic end110may be the same width as the tube108and/or sleeve106. In an embodiment, one or more retainers or rings are disposed between the tip104and the tube108and/or between the tip104and the sleeve106. In an embodiment, the tip104may be tapered from the distal end of the tip104to the proximal end of the tip104(for example, widening from the tip proximal end to the tip distal end). In such an embodiment, the proximal end of the tip104may have a point designed to allow the temperature probe100to more easily puncture meat or another food item. The distal end of the end110may be wider than the proximal end of the end110such that a user may more easily grasp the distal end of the end110. Similarly, the thickness of the distal end of the end110may be less than thick than the proximal end of the end110to promote easier handling. In effect, the structure of the end110may widen and flatten to accommodate tactile manipulation by a user.

The probe body102may include a tapered section152, for example, upon the distal end of the tube108and/or the proximal end of the end110, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the tube108may flare out to a larger diameter in order to allow the end110to be of a larger diameter. Such a tapered section152may cause the temperature probe100to be more durable, specifically the end110. Further, the tapered section152may be adapted for improved waterproofing of the temperature probe100, as the increased diameter may allow for a greater adhesive surface area to form a seal between the tube108and the end110. Moreover, the tapered section152may serve as both a visual indicator and a physical inhibitor as to inform a user of the appropriate insertion length of the temperature probe100. For example, the tapered section152may be of a sufficient diameter to prevent the temperature probe100from being over-inserted into a food item. Similarly, the visually distinct tapered section152may act as a visual indicator to inform a user as to the insertion length that may provide the best readings and temperature probe100longevity. In effect, the position of the tapered section152may be a function of the centrally located battery118location, such that contact of the tapered section152to the outside surface of a food item sufficiently buries the battery118within said food item. The end110may be sized in a shorter length yet increased width as to decrease likelihood of damage to the end110. For example, in an embodiment where the end110is composed of ceramic, the end110as shown inFIG.4may be sized to prevent ceramic shattering. In an embodiment, the tapered section152may be smooth and gradual. In another embodiment, the tapered section152may be stepwise or ribbed. The tapered section152may plateau for a short length after widening to the width of the proximal end of the end110, for example, to provide a sufficient portion for adhesion to the end110.

Referring toFIG.6, the temperature probe100may include one or more decals154disposed on the end110. However, the one or more decals154may be disposed on any of the components of the probe body102. For the purposes of this disclosure, “decals” may refer to any marking, indentation, or other feature disposed on the temperature probe100. For example, the decal154may be an engraving in the end110. Alternatively, the ends of various temperature probes may be dyed unique colors to aid in visual identification. The decals154may be adapted to visually identify the temperature probe110as a particular probe. For example, if three temperature probes are utilized in a device suite, each of the three temperature probes may include a unique identifying decal154. Thus, the user may be enabled to discern between the temperature probes, for example, to place each probe in a different location within the food item according to a recipe. Specifically, each temperature probe may be programmed with a globally unique identification number, for example, via Bluetooth protocol (for example, the Bluetooth Low-Energy protocol). As described in further detail below, each temperature probe may be assigned such a unique ID during the pairing process with the charging device. For example, the Bluetooth MAC address may be stored in flash memory140and may be the primary identification used internally. The probe number (for example, 1-5) and color or decal154may also be stored in flash memory140and may be used for identification to the user, charging device, and/or receiving device. As a non-limiting example, the temperature probe100may include a setup protocol configured to execute upon the first sync with the charging device. In an embodiment, once synced, each temperature probe may be in unidirectional Bluetooth communication with a receiving device, for example, broadcasting the particular probe's unique ID and accompanying temperature information. The temperature probe100may be configured to transmit such information at pre-determined frequencies (for example, every 10 seconds). Although, Bluetooth communication is described herein, any suitable means of wireless communication may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the temperature probe100may have a diameter of 4.8 mm, a tube wall thickness of 0.2 mm, and a tube inner diameter of 4.4 mm. In one embodiment, the tube wall thickness may be 0.1 mm. However, the temperature probe100and/or probe body102components may be any suitable dimensions. In an embodiment, the tip104and the tube108are composed of stainless steel. In an embodiment, the non-conductive sleeve106may be composed of any non-conductive food-safe material which can withstand at least 250° F. In an embodiment, the end110may be made from a ceramic, which may be configured to withstand higher temperatures. In another embodiment, the ceramic may be made transparent to radio frequency (“RF”) signals and may not affect the performance of the antenna120within the cavity112. In one embodiment, the end110may be made from a high-temperature plastic instead of, or in conjunction with, ceramic. In an embodiment, the non-conductive sleeve106may mechanically hold the tip104and the tube108without allowing said components104/108to touch. The sleeve106may also serve to hold the tip portion of the PCB in position. In one embodiment, the sleeve106in combination with spring contacts130on the PCB may hold the PCB with the temperature sensor116in position. The spring contacts130may collectively comprise proximal contacts130A and distal contacts130B.

In an embodiment, the temperature probe100is configured to withstand high temperatures. In one embodiment, the ceramic end110is configured to withstand temperatures greater than that of the tip104. As a non-limiting example, the maximum temperature for the tip104may be 220° F., while the maximum temperature for the end110may be 900° F. However, in alternate embodiments, the temperature probe110or any component of the temperature probe110may be configured to withstand any reasonable range of temperatures.

In an embodiment, the temperature probe110includes a number of electrical components housed within the probe body102. In one embodiment, the temperature probe100includes a temperature sensor116. The temperature sensor116may be disposed within the tip104of the probe body102. However, in alternate embodiments, the temperature sensor116may be disposed within the sleeve106or the tube108. In another embodiment, a second temperature sensor may be disposed within the probe body102(for example, an ambient temperature sensor132in the ceramic end110, to detect the temperature external to the meat). The temperature sensor116and/or the ambient temperature sensor132may be configured to determine whether either temperature reading poses a risk of damage to the temperature probe100. The microcontroller unit142or the receiving device, for purposes of determining cooking time or making predictions on cooking time, may utilize the ambient temperature sensor132. Thus, the MCU142or the receiving device may generate suggestions, modify an underlying program or recipe, or adjust another program aspect based on the signals delivered from the ambient temperature sensor132. In an embodiment, the antenna120and the ambient temperature sensor132may be separate components. In another embodiment, the ambient temperature sensor132may be integral to the antenna120. For example, one or more leads of the ambient temperature sensor132may be utilized as the antenna120. The ambient temperature sensor132and/or the antenna120may be in communication with the MCU142via, for example, an analog/digital converter. The antenna120and the ambient temperature sensor132may be separable components, wherein each component is disposed within the distal end124and/or the ceramic end110.

The ambient temperature sensor132and the temperature sensor116may each be in electrical communication with the receiving device (for example, the charging device or the smart device) independently. Accordingly, the receiving device may discern between information as recorded by the ambient temperature sensor132versus information as recorded by the temperature sensor112. For example, the receiving device may make the determination of potential damage to the temperature probe100based on the information of each sensor116/132. In an embodiment, the temperature probe100may not be configured to signal the user directly, thus, analysis of the signals from the sensors116/132and/or the determinations are made by rules on the receiving device. Such rules may include pre-determined temperature thresholds and/or differentials adapted to indicate whether a condition has been met or is imminent (for example, potential heat damage to the temperature probe100)

In an aspect, the ambient temperature sensor132and temperature sensor116are different types of sensors, which are optimized for the expected temperature range. The temperature sensor116may be a NTC Thermistor (for example, a resistor which reduces value as temperature is increased) mounted directly on the PCB (for example, rigid proximal PCB134) and is optimized for the lower temperatures found inside the food. The ambient temperature sensor132may be a PT100 PTC Thermistor (for example, a platinum based resistor which increases value as temperature increases) mounted on long wire leads (for example, the leads of the antenna120and/or otherwise within the end110). Such a sensor may withstand the high ambient temperatures that would cause damage to a PCB or battery.

In an embodiment, the temperature probe100includes a battery118. The battery118may be rechargeable. As a non-limiting example, the battery118may be a Lithium Titanate (LTO) battery or any suitable type of Lithium-Ion battery. Accordingly, LTO batteries may be chemically stable and not susceptible to thermal runaway. However, any suitable type of battery may be utilized. In an alternate embodiment, the temperature probe100includes more than one battery118(for example, a backup battery). In one embodiment, the battery118may be recharged by making electrical contact with the tip104and the tube108(for example, allowing a current to run from the tip104to the tube108or vice versa). In one embodiment, the tip104is the positive contact and the tube108is the negative contact. However, in an alternate embodiment, the battery118may be recharged by making electrical contact with any combination or number of probe body102components. In one embodiment, there are no visual indicators for the charging or communication function of the tip104and the tube108. In another embodiment, the tip104and/or the tube108are marked with visual or tactile indicators (for example, indentations or windows on the tip104and/or the tube108configured to accept a charger or charger prongs). The charger may be designed to prevent reversing positive and negative contacts. In another embodiment, the temperature probe100may block power if the positive and negative are switched. As a non-limiting example, the tip104may be sized to accept a first portion of the charging device and the tube108may be sized to accept a second portion of the charging device. In such a non-limiting example, the tube108may not be accepted by the first portion of the charging device such that a user may not incorrectly position the temperature probe100in the charging device.

In one embodiment, the same contact arrangement used for charging the battery118may be used to communicate with the temperature probe100while charging. In an embodiment, such an implementation has three different voltages applied between the tube108and the tip104. However, in an alternate embodiment, there may be any number of different voltages applied to the tube108and the tip104. In one embodiment, falling below a first threshold (for example, 0.5V) may signal to the temperature probe100that the temperature probe100is not properly seated within a charging dock or the dock is not powered. In such an embodiment, a voltage above a second higher threshold (for example, 2V) initiates charging the battery118. Further, a voltage between the low and high threshold may indicate that the charger is requesting communication with the temperature probe100. In one embodiment, the communication is bi-directional with the temperature probe100and charger taking turns communicating (for example, a half-duplex). The temperature probe100may not be configured to charge the battery118and enable communication simultaneously. For example, the temperature probe100may be adapted to communicate at different voltages than during charging to enable consistent and accurate communication or charging. The communications may include information pertaining to configuration and capability information along with the capability of updating the firmware or software on the temperature probe100. In an embodiment, the temperature probe100may be tagged or assigned during syncing with the charge device. For example, the temperature probe100may be configured to receive a tag or assignment such that the temperature probe100emits or otherwise is associated with the tag or assignment. Thus, a plurality of temperature probes may transmit temperature data to a receiving device, wherein the receiving device may decipher and sort the information from each temperature probe. Accordingly, the temperature probes may operate as a suite of probes, for example, enabling a smart device and/or the receiving device to instruct the user on cook times and other instructions based on the temperature differences along a food item.

In an embodiment, the temperature probe100includes an RF antenna120. The RF antenna120may be configured to send information to a receiver. Although a BLE protocol is described herein, any suitable low-power RF protocol may be utilized. As a non-limiting example, the RF antenna120may send information regarding the temperature observed by the temperature sensor116to a receiver (for example, within the charging device or smart device). In such a non-limiting example, the receiver may be a component of an electronic device, such as a mobile phone. However, the electronic device may be a dedicated module, configured to receive a signal from the temperature probe100and display a temperature to the user. In one embodiment, the signal emitted by the RF antenna120is configured to inform a receiving device about the temperature of the food item (the temperature detected by the temperature probe100). In such an embodiment, the receiving device may display the temperature of the food item to a user. In one embodiment, the RF antenna120resides within the distal end124of the probe body102. However, in alternate embodiments, the RF antenna120may reside in any number or combinations of probe body102portions. In another embodiment, other components of the temperature probe100may serve as an RF antenna120(for example, the ambient temperature sensor132). RF frequencies and/or changing temperature signals may be separated by filters at the point where the sensor wires connect to the PCB. In an embodiment, the temperature probe100is configured to send 2.4 GHz signals. However, in alternate embodiments, the temperature probe100may emit signals of any frequency. Referring to the diplexer148, in one embodiment, the filtering is performed using 2 LC (inductor-capacitor) filters. The capacitors may be a low impedance path for high frequencies (RF) and a high impedance path for low frequencies (temperature data). The inductors may be a low impedance path for low frequencies (temperature data) and a high impedance path for high frequencies (RF). In such an embodiment, this may allow the two signals (RF and temperature data) to be directed to their low impedance path.

In various embodiments, signals from the temperature probe100may follow various transmission paths. For example, temperature information may originate at the temperature probe100, transmit to the charging device, and ultimately reach a receiving device or smart device. Alternatively, the temperature probe100may directly transmit temperature information to a receiving device or smart device.

In an embodiment, the charging device (for example, a charging hub) acts as a relay between the temperature probe100and a receiving device or smart device (for example, because the range may be greater). In some instances, the underlying cooking device (for example, an oven, grill, smoker, etc.) may be constructed of a material that impedes RF signals and reduces the Bluetooth range of the temperature probe100. The charging hub may be placed in close proximity (for example, less than 10 feet) to the temperature probe100and may relay the temperature information to the receiving device or smart device (such as a smart phone) either directly via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or through a cloud network. The temperature probe100may transmit the temperatures two times per second (however, not all transmissions may be received by the hub due to interference). Thus, the frequency of transmissions from the temperature probe100may be adapted to compensate for potential failed transmissions. In a further embodiment, the charging hub relays the current temperature information less frequently.

The smart device (for example, a smart phone) may include an “Instant Read” feature that bypasses the hub or charging device. Such a feature may be used when the temperature probe100is temporarily inserted into a food item to check the temperature and then removed shortly thereafter.

In one embodiment, the temperature probe100includes a PCB with a thin flexible portion, for example, a flex PCB136. In such an embodiment, the PCB may be maintained within the center of the temperature probe100by a combination of spring contacts130attached to the PCB. The spring contacts130, in order to remain in contact with the tube108or the tip104, may be partially compressed. Accordingly, if the spring contacts130are not sufficiently compressed, routine tolerance changes (for example, tube thickness, PCB thickness, or spring contact height) may result in the spring contacts130failing to sufficiently contact the tube108or the tip104. Moreover, the PCB may shift a small distance after assembly due to impact or thermal expansion. In such a scenario, the spring contacts130may maintain contact with the tube108and the tip104even through such movements. In one embodiment, the PCB is held in place with four spring contacts130(for example, two on each rigid section). In a further embodiment, the PCB is maintained in place by one or more spring contacts130, the battery118, and/or slots in the non-conductive sleeve106and/or tip104. However, in alternate embodiments, the PCB does not have a defined orientation in the temperature probe100. In one embodiment, the PCB has spring contacts130that serve to make electrical contact between the PCB and electrically conductive tip104or tube108and also prevent unintentional contact between the PCB and tip104or sleeve108. The distal spring contacts130B may be disposed orthogonal to the inner surface126of the tube108. However, as the tip104may include an inner diameter smaller than that of the tube108, the proximal spring contacts130A may be disposed in an angled manner, such that the proximal spring contacts130A fit within the tip104. For example, the proximal spring contacts130A may be angled towards the proximal end122of the temperature probe100.

The spring contacts130may comprise a body portion adapted to provide mechanical support. Such a body portion may further comprise the spring portion and an arm arranged to extend at an angle to make physical contact with inner surface126. In an embodiment, the arm may be configured for a fixed angle relative to the body; however, the orientation of the entire spring contact130may be altered to accommodate the curvature of the inner surface126and/or the position of the PCB134/138. For example, in the tip104, the spring contact130A may be positioned such that the arm is angled towards the proximal end122, where the inner diameter of the cavity112narrows. Thus, the mechanical contact may be more reliable because the spring130A is compressed. Conversely, if the spring contact130A was positioned with the arm pointing away from the proximal end122, the arm might not make sufficient contact with the larger diameter segment of the cavity122(for example, the inner portion of the tip104in closer proximity to the sleeve106than the proximal end122). As shown inFIG.8, the arms of the proximal spring contacts130A may be angled towards the proximal end122, while the arms of the distal spring contacts130B may be orthogonal to the inner surface126. However, the arms of the contacts130may be positioned in any manner adapted for secure support and electrical communications.

A thermal conductive material150may be disposed within the tip104. The thermal conductive material150may be a three-dimensional member configured to fit within the tip104and to accept at least the temperature sensor116, for example a thermal conductive pad. Further, the proximal rigid PCB134may also at least partially reside within the thermal conductive material150. The thermal conductive material150may be configured to increase thermal conductivity and/or reduce electrical conductivity. Accordingly, the thermal conductive material150may increase the accuracy of the temperature sensor116by providing a thermally conductive material between the temperature sensor116and the inner surface126of the tip104. Further, the thermal conductive material150may be composed of any suitable thermal conductive material, including but not limited to, thermally conductive electrically non-conductive elastomer, gel, paste, or putty. For example, a silicone elastomer may be utilized. Thus, the presence of thermal conductive material150may also more rapidly fluctuate in temperature, thus enabling the temperature sensor116to rapidly and accurately measure the food item temperature. The thermal conductive material150may allow the temperature sensor116to more rapidly fluctuate in temperature in conjunction with the temperature of the food. Thus, to maximize accuracy of the temperature sensor116, the difference in temperature between the food and the temperature sensor116may be minimized. For example, when the temperature probe100is inserted into the food, the temperature sensor116should change rapidly to become the same temperature as the food. Moreover, if the food temperature changes, the temperature sensor116should change to the same temperature.

The PCB114may be rigid, flexible, or a combination of rigid and flexible. For example, a PCB114may have two flexible ends and a rigid middle portion. In such an example, the PCB114may be “flex-rigid-flex”) Alternatively, the PCB114may be “flex-rigid,” meaning one end of the PCB114is rigid, while the other end is flexible. In an embodiment, the rigid PCB at the tip104may make electrical contact with the metal tip104for charging and communication. In an alternate embodiment, the temperature sensor116may directly connect to the flex portion of the PCB114, eliminating the need for a rigid portion at the tip104. In an embodiment, the computing circuit is disposed on the rigid PCB. However, in an alternate embodiment, the computing circuit may be disposed on the flexible PCB or may be disposed auxiliary to the PCB114.

As shown inFIG.8, the PCB114may comprise a proximal rigid PCB134, a flex PCB136, and a distal rigid PCB138. In one embodiment, the flexible portion136serves to connect the two rigid portions134/138and the flexible portion does not have any components disposed thereon. In an embodiment, components (for example, the temperature sensor116) may be connected directly to the flexible portion136with or without the proximal rigid portion134.

In an embodiment, the use of a flexible or semi-flexible PCB may allow the temperature sensor116to be at the proximal end of the tip104, instead of the battery118. This may provide for the most accurate reading, due to the location at the proximal end122, which allows the temperature sensor116to reside within the food. Moreover, by positioning the temperature sensor116at the most proximal point within the tip104, the device is formed with an ultra-thin profile. That is, due to the temperature sensor116being thinner than a battery118, the placement of the temperature sensor116at the proximal tip allows for a thinner temperature probe100design. In such an embodiment, the battery118may be located along the middle of the probe body102(for example, in the tube108). The PCB114may have a proximal end and a distal end. In an embodiment, the proximal rigid PCB134may be coupled to the temperature sensor116and the distal rigid PCB138may be coupled to the RF antenna120. In an embodiment, proximal rigid PCB134may connect to the flexible PCB136and the flexible PCB136may connect to the distal rigid PCB138. In an embodiment, the proximal rigid PCB134is closer to the proximal end122of the probe body102and the distal rigid PCB138is closer to the distal end124of the probe body102. Further, both the proximal rigid PCB134and distal rigid PCB138may have proximal and distal ends. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor116is mounted at the proximal end of proximal rigid PCB134. The flexible PCB136may connect the distal end of proximal rigid PCB134to the proximal end of the distal rigid PCB138. The battery118may be connected to the proximal end of distal rigid PCB138. However, in an alternate embodiment, the battery118may connect to the proximal rigid PCB134or flexible PCB136. In an embodiment, the flexible PCB136bends around the battery118. In an embodiment, the computing circuit and memory are located near the proximal end of the distal rigid PCB138. The antenna120may be connected to the distal end of the distal rigid PCB138.

The computing circuit board may be disposed atop the surface of the PCB (for example, the distal rigid PCB138and/or the proximal rigid PCB134). Further, the flexible portion136of the PCB may be positioned between the battery118and the inner surface126of the temperature probe100. In such an embodiment, the battery118may also be coupled to the PCB (for example, to the flexible portion136, proximal rigid PCB134, or distal rigid PCB138). The flexible PCB136may be of a sufficient thickness relative to the cavity112to enable the presence of the battery118within the tube108. In effect, by providing a thin flexible PCB136, the temperature sensor116may be disposed at the proximal end122and the battery118may be disposed in the tube108, such that said section of tube108is surrounded by the food item when the temperature probe100is in use. Thus, the battery118may be exposed to the temperature within the food, where the temperature within the food is less than that of the surrounding air. Accordingly, the use of a flexible PCB136enables the battery118to be placed in a safe location without displacing the temperature sensor116from the most temperature-significant portion of the temperature probe100: the proximal end122. Conversely, use of a uniform rigid PCB may provide little room for the battery118within the cavity112, forcing the battery118to be placed at the proximal end122, and further causing the temperature sensor116to be positioned more centrally to the temperature probe100in a less temperature-significant location. Therefore, the flexible PCB136may enable communication between the proximal rigid PCB134and the distal rigid PCB138, enable proximal disposition of the temperature sensor116, and partially cradle the battery118to allow for safe positioning of the battery118within the tube108. However, in alternate embodiments, the battery118and/or the flexible PCB136may partially or completely reside within the tip104, the sleeve106, and/or the tube108.

The temperature probe100may be arranged in a variety of lengths. In one embodiment where the temperature probe100is longer, the metal tube108and the ambient temperature sensor132wires and/or RF antenna120wires may both be longer (for example, by 25 mm). In another embodiment where the temperature probe100is longer, the probe body102may include another portion (for example, a second tube disposed between the tube108and the ceramic end110). In an embodiment, since the ambient temperature sensor132wires also act as the antenna120, the sensitivity of the portion of the antenna120inside the metal tube108may be significantly reduced. However, in some embodiments, the length of the antenna120beyond the metal tube108and inside the ceramic end110may be the same, regardless of the total length of the temperature probe100. In an embodiment where a rigid PCB is used, wires may be used to connect the PCB to the temperature sensor116and/or other components of the temperature probe100.

In one embodiment, the proximal rigid PCB134may include the temperature sensor116and proximal spring contacts130A (for example, configured to enable battery charging). In such an embodiment, the proximal rigid PCB134may be connected to the distal rigid PCB138with a portion of flexible PCB136. Further, in such an embodiment, the battery118may be disposed between the proximal rigid PCB134and the distal rigid PCB138. In such an embodiment, the distal rigid PCB138may include a flash memory140, a microcontroller unit142, a temperature signal conditioner144, an RF transceiver146, a diplexer148(for example, configured to act as a filter), and distal spring contacts130B. Thus, the diplexer148may be configured to separate the RF antenna signals from the ambient temperature signals. An antenna120and/or an ambient temperature sensor132may be attached to the distal end of the distal rigid PCB138. In an embodiment, the battery118may be in electrical communication with the distal rigid PCB138. The temperature signal conditioner144may be adapted to apply a calibration to account for part-to-part variability in the internal analog/digital converter. Accordingly, the temperature signal conditioner144is configured to compensate for variability amongst various chips.

In an embodiment, the flash memory140and/or microcontroller unit (“MCU”)142may include computer-executable instructions. The MCU142may include integral memory, however, if such memory is insufficient for this application, a separate flash memory140may be utilized. In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions may instruct the temperature probe100on transmitting signals regarding temperature information or other device characteristics. For example, the temperature probe100may be configured to instruct the receiving device on the current level of battery charge. In another embodiment, the temperature probe100may include a battery charge indicator or another indicator light. In such an embodiment, an indicator light may be disposed on the outside surface of the probe body102. The indicator light may present different colors, blinking patterns, or another indication to reflect the charge status of the temperature probe100. The indicator light may also illuminate in some manner if the temperature probe100is “syncing” to the receiving device.

In an embodiment, the temperature probe100allows for non-RF communication while interfacing with the charging device. Accordingly, such non-RF communication between the charging device and the temperature probe100facilitates one or more software elements. For example, said software elements may include, but are not limited to, the initial syncing, firmware updates, and charging status. The charging device may be a component of, or may be in electrical communication with, a smart device, appliance, computer, smart phone, or other similar computing device. The charging device may be configured to deliver the software elements and or other information to the temperature probe100via the non-RF communication that may be initiated during interfacing of the temperature probe100and the charging device. In an embodiment, the various software elements and/or other information transmitted from the charging device to the temperature probe100may be stored within the flash memory140for future execution by the MCU142. However, in another embodiment, the MCU142may execute the software element, instructions, or other commands from the charging device upon transmission of said software element, instruction, or other command.

The charging device or hub may perform multiple functions. For example, the hub may charge the temperature probe100. Referring to the initial syncing and/or pairing of the temperature probe100, in order to distinguish multiple temperature probes transmitting simultaneously, each temperature probe may include a unique identifier (MAC). Accordingly, when the temperature probe100is docked in the hub, the unique identifier is communicated to the hub through the charging contacts130. Similarly, firmware updates may be performed through charging contacts130. Further, the charging device may function as a measurement relay, as described earlier. In an embodiment, the charging device may be configured to deliver alarms and/or alerts. In such an embodiment, the charging device may include a speaker. In one embodiment, to reduce reliance on the “app” being open on a smart phone, the phone “app” may instruct the charging hub to monitor temperatures and generate audio alerts when certain conditions are met. Additionally, the charging device may provide storage for the temperature probe100when not in use.

In an embodiment, when a temperature probe100is interfaced with the hub charging slot, a voltage is applied (for example, 3V) which the probe uses to charge the battery. Periodically, the hub may reduce this voltage to a lower level (for example, less than 1.8V). The probe may detect this change, cease charging, and begin listening for communications (for example, alternating high [>1V] and low [<0.5V]). If communications are detected, the temperature probe100may transmit information back to the hub using the same protocol. In an embodiment, when the voltage returns back to 3V, charging will resume. Typically, such a communication may only last a fraction of a second unless a firmware update is being performed. However, the charging device and the temperature probe100are configured for any duration of communication.

FIG.11is an illustration depicting a system comprising a temperature probe100, a charging device200, a smart device300, a cloud network400, and various networked devices500. In an embodiment, the temperature probe100may be in wireless communication with the charging device200, for example, communicating temperature information. The charging device200may be in communication with a smart device300and/or the cloud network400. Thus, in various embodiments, the smart device300may recall temperature information form the cloud network400and/or the charging device200. Furthermore, one or more networked devices500may be in communication with the cloud network400. As non-limiting examples, the networked devices500may include internet-connected smart cookers, personal computers, smart phones, or other appliances. In such examples, the networked devices500may utilize temperature information as generated by the temperature probe100. In alternate embodiments, the temperature probe100may communication directly with the smart device300. The charging device200may include a display or other means of informing the user of the temperature as detected by the temperature probe100or suite of probes. The smart device300may include an “app” or other software element configured to display a user interface to the user. Such a user interface may display each temperature probe and corresponding temperature detected by each. Further, such an “app” may display alerts or warnings, charging information, or cooking progress. For the purposes ofFIG.11, the temperature probe100, charging device200, smart device300, network400, and networked devices500may include any of the characteristics of each component as described throughout the detailed description.

Although the present device and system has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is to be understood that such disclosure is not intended to be limiting. Various alterations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.