US 8,009,057 B2 · Self-powered wireless sensor system including a power generating subsystem

Abstract

A wireless sensor system for sensing a characteristic associated with a conveying system from which the sensor system generates operating power. The sensor system includes a transducer including an axle, a roller connected to the axle, and a link connected to the roller. The transducer may be configured to permit the roller to be positioned in contact with a conveyor belt of the conveying system so that the roller rotates about the axle or with the axle in response to translation of the conveyor belt. The sensor system also includes a power generator connected to the link, wherein the link transfers rotary motion from the roller to the generator, which generates power using the rotary motion input by the link. The sensor system further includes a sensor connected to the generator for receiving power, wherein the sensor is configured to sense the physical characteristic associated with the conveying system.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A wireless sensor system associated with a package handling system from which the wireless sensor system generates operating power, the sensor system comprising:

a power-generating subsystem configured for generating power from energy derived from the package handling system, wherein the energy comprises thermal energy, mechanical energy, or both;
and
a sensor connected to the power-generating subsystem for receiving the power generated by the power-generating subsystem, the sensor being configured to sense a physical characteristic associated with the package handling system.

A method of monitoring an apparatus using a wireless sensor system including a power-generating subsystem and a sensor connected to the power-generating subsystem, the apparatus comprising a conveying system having a belt, the method comprising:

providing the wireless sensor system adjacent the apparatus;
generating power from energy derived from the conveying system using the power-generating subsystem, wherein the energy comprises thermal energy, mechanical energy, or both;
transferring the power generated in the power-generating step from the power-generating subsystem to the sensor;
and
sensing a physical characteristic associated with the conveying system using the sensor being powered by the power received from the generator.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-powered wireless sensor system including a power generating subsystem

Life of this patent

Self-powered wireless sensor system including a power generating subsystem

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22