The present invention can provide a monitoring method and system for signaling a predetermined status in an article having a monitored portion. A composite grammar dependent upon a set of unfilled slots is constructed. A heating circuit having a heat source for heating the heat transfer medium and a cooling circuit having a heat sink for cooling the medium are provided. A support column is pivotally mounted to the front part of the base for being selectively pivotable into a upwardly directed position and a substantially horizontal position.