Having Housing, Mounting Or Support Patents (Class 136/230)
  • Patent number: 5356486
    Abstract: A combined wafer support and thermocouple assembly comprising a wafer support basket having a plurality of wafer support fingers, one of which includes a low mass, low heat constant support for supporting a thermocouple against the backside of a wafer positioned on the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Sugarman, Michael Beesely, Shannon J. Kelsey, Robert J. Steger
  • Patent number: 5328264
    Abstract: A cold junction compensation device for a thermocouple, comprising a thermostatically interface casing (1) receiving directly the wires (3, 3') of the thermocouple (2) and ensuring the interconnection of these latter with an extension cord (4). The interface casing (1) contains moreover a cold junction compensation circuit (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Sadis Bruker Spectrospin, Societe Anonyme de Diffusion de L'Instrumentation Scientifique, Bruker Spectrospin
    Inventors: Patrick Krencker, Jean-Luc Weishaar
  • Patent number: 5298084
    Abstract: A high-voltage electrical insulator (21) for electrically insulating a thermoelectric module (17) in a spacecraft from a niobium-1% zirconium alloy wall (11) of a heat exchanger (13) filled with liquid lithium (16) while providing good thermal conductivity between the heat exchanger and the thermoelectric module. The insulator (21) has a single crystal alumina layer (SxAl.sub.2 O.sub.3, sapphire) with a niobium foil layer (32) bonded thereto on the surface of the alumina crystal (26) facing the heat exchanger wall (11), and a molybdenum layer (31) bonded to the niobium layer (32) to act as an oxygen permeation barrier to preclude the oxygen depleting effects of the lithium from causing undesirable niobium-aluminum intermetallic layers near the alumina-niobium interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Roland R. Van Der Beck, James A. Bond
  • Patent number: 5254178
    Abstract: A thermoelectric transducer apparatus comprises a group of thermoelectric elements having N-type elements and P-type elements alternately arranged in a single line and a number of alternately arranged heat-absorbing-type and heat-liberating-type plate electrodes to electrically and serially connect said N- and P-type elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Yoshitaka Tomatsu, Tatsuya Oike, Kazutoshi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 5232517
    Abstract: An assembly for permitting temperature measurements at a large number of locations within a vessel, which assembly has a spreader-reducer for compacting a significantly large number of thermocouple cables into a relatively small volume so as to permit passage through one or more vessel nozzles. The thermocouple cables each has a heat expansion portion as well as a seat, thereby permitting a series of horizontal arrays of thermocouple junctions positioned at different depths within the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventors: Howard L. Hilborn, Bennett J. Grieb, Herman E. Storey, Paul A. Fossey, Paul S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5230745
    Abstract: A thermocouple housing having a ceramic protection tube with a closed end for immersion into a metal melt and an open end for receiving thermocouple wires. The ceramic protection tube has a reduced diameter portion spaced from the open end by a distance x. A metal protection tube having a threaded end and adapted at an opposite end for attachment to a connection head for electrical connection of the thermocouple wires to a meter for measuring a potential difference between the wires is connected to the ceramic protection tube by an adaptor. The adaptor comprises a hollow body having a through passage which receives the ceramic protection tube at one end and the metal protection tube at an opposite end, the through passage being threaded for coupling to the metal protection tube. A radially inwardly directed shoulder projecting into the through passage is spaced from the threaded end by a distance which exceeds x and is dimensioned so as to accommodate the open end of the ceramic protection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Jacques Chretien, Gilles Landry, Rosaire Tremblay
  • Patent number: 5229065
    Abstract: Coolant fluid is sampled from a substantially horizontal part of the hot leg (16) of the primary circuit at at least three points (19, 20, 21) distributed at the periphery of a straight section of the hot leg (16), in such a way that at least one of the sampling points, or lower sampling point, is situated beneath the axis (17) of the hot leg (16). The temperature of the coolant water sampled at each of the sampling points (19, 20, 21) is measured at its outlet from the hot leg (16) and the coolant fluid is reintroduced into the hot leg (16) at a point situated in a position substantially diametrically opposite, with respect to one of the lower sampling points (20, 21), on the straight section of the hot leg (16). The sampling devices (19, 20, 21) connected by pipes (24, 25, 26) to a reintroduction element (22) are arranged at the periphery of the hot leg (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventors: Claude Bourgeon, Michel Boulet, Emmanueul Tardy, Daniel Demonte
  • Patent number: 5215597
    Abstract: A method is provided for adhering a thin film metal thermocouple to a ceramic substrate used in an environment up to 700 degrees Centigrade, such as at a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of: depositing a thin layer of a reactive metal on a clean ceramic substrate; and depositing thin layers of platinum and a platinum-10% rhodium alloy forming the respective legs of the thermocouple on the reactive metal layer. The reactive metal layer serves as a bond coat between the thin noble metal thermocouple layers and the ceramic substrate. The thin layers of noble metal are in the range of 1-4 micrometers thick. Preferably, the ceramic substrate is selected from the group consisting of alumina and partially stabilized zirconia. Preferably, the thin layer of reactive metal is in the range of 0.015-0.030 micrometers (15-30 nanometers) thick. The preferred reactive metal is chromium. Other reactive metals may be titanium or zirconium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Kreider
  • Patent number: 5197805
    Abstract: A protective tube is provided for a temperature sensor. The protective tube includes an inner metal tube including a chamber for containing a temperature sensor, an intermediate refractory sleeve surrounding and abutting at least a portion of the inner metal tube, and an outer refractory sleeve cast onto the intermediate refractory sleeve. The outer refractory sleeve covers the intermediate refractory sleeve and the inner metal tube inside the intermediate refractory sleeve. The intermediate refractory sleeve is made of an elastic material such as a ceramic refractory paper or coating or a fiberglass material that deforms during expansion and contraction of the inner metal tube and the outer refractory sleeve with changing temperature. The intermediate refractory sleeve provides a buffer between the inner metal tube and the outer refractory sleeve to minimize rupture of the outer refractory sleeve which might otherwise occur during expansion and contraction of the tube and sleeve with changing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Pyromation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5193100
    Abstract: An electrically heated vacuum furnace is provided with special lead-through devices for transmitting current to the heating elements. In order to recognize gas discharges which can occur between a lead-through and a tank wall, the insulation of the lead-through is surrounded by an auxiliary electrode. A thermocouple can also be used instead of an auxiliary electrode. A signal derived from the auxiliary electrode can be used to shut off the furnace power to avoid damage thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Arthur Pfeiffer Vakuumtechnik Wetzlar GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Hack, Wilhelm Polhede
  • Patent number: 5192132
    Abstract: A thermowell for a fixed-bed reactor which has a vertical spine portion, and multiple spider portions spaced along the spine portion. At least one thermocouple and preferable a plurality of thermocouples are located in each arm of the spider portions with thermocouple leads extending upwardly through the spine portion to a monitor outside of the reactor. The thermowell is constructed in the reactor while loading the catalyst by first positioning the spine portion in the reactor, and then fabricating a spider portion at the lowermost level of the spine portion with at least one thermocouple in each arm of the spider portion and thermocouple leads extending through the arms and upwardly through the spine portion. Catalyst is then added to the reactor to cover the spider portion at the lowermost level. At each successive level, repeating the steps of fabricating another spider portion, and of adding catalyst to cover the spider portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Martha T. Pelensky
  • Patent number: 5180440
    Abstract: A thermocouple arrangement for developing, evaluating, monitoring and adjusting any process performed on or otherwise so as to thermally affect a printed circuit board assembly or other electronic assembly (including bare circuit board or boards in the manufacturing process), such as soldering/desoldering and various other production, rework and repair processes including cleaning, fluxing, preheating, thermocompression bonding and spot welding. In accordance with various embodiments, a layer of a first conductor material is applied on a first surface of an electrically insulative support, while a second layer of a second, dissimilar, conductor material is applied to at least one other surface of the support using conventional printed circuit board construction techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Pace Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Siegel, Louis A. Abbagnaro, William J. Kantter
  • Patent number: 5176451
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for use in a heating apparatus is disclosed. The temperature sensor includes a rigid cylindrical body and upper and lower plates disposed at one end of the rigid cylindrical body. A first electrical insulator is interposed between the upper and lower plates and has a recess filled with a second electrical insulator, in which a hot junction of a thermocouple is buried. Since the respective components are just in contact with each other without any bonding therebetween, there arises no stress in the temperature sensor even at high temperatures. Furthermore, even if a short circuit occurs in the thermocouple, data indicating the short circuit is output from the temperature sensor to the control system of the heating apparatus, thereby assuring safety in the operation of the heating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Sasada, Kenzo Ohji, Yasukiyo Ueda
  • Patent number: 5152608
    Abstract: In a temperature measuring system for determining the temperature at numerous levels within a reactor: A flexible thermocouple support is introduced into a well which is positioned inside the reactor; the measuring system includes a hollow flexible thermocouple support extending from outside the well through one well end to near the opposite well end, and the hollow support is adapted to receive a purging substance and to pass said purging substance into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Gay Engineering & Sales Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Dutcher, Howard L. Hilborn, Ben J. Grieb
  • Patent number: 5141333
    Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature of a moving surface, particularly the outside surface of a heated roller in a toner fusing apparatus, includes a roller which rolls on the surface as it moves. The roller is virtualy entirely made up of two thermocouple materials. Because the materials themselves directly engage the surface being monitored, the device has a fast response to temperature change of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Sylvain L. Ndebi, Robert D. Bobo, Socrates Hryhorenko
  • Patent number: 5137582
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a protective housing, preferably made of glass, a thermocouple suspended in the housing, and a thermally conductive material that fills the space between the inner wall of the housing and the thermocouple. In a preferred embodiment, a compressible ring is used to both confine the thermally conductive material and prevent damage to the thermocouple assembly caused by thermal expansion or contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: David H. Kasman
  • Patent number: 5111002
    Abstract: An improvement in the method for preparing diffusion resistant clad thermocouple cable by placing the thermocouple wires in MgO powder or pellets on a strip of metal cladding material and longitudinally bending the strip of cladding material around the thermocouple wire and the MgO and welding the resulting seam closed is achieved when the resulting composite cable is placed on a second metal cladding strip such that when the second strip is bent longitudinally around the composite cable the resulting seam is displaced from the welded seam of the first cladding strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton B. Hollander
  • Patent number: 5108192
    Abstract: The probe comprises a support in the form of a sheath, a series of internal pipes, retained by spacers and connecting orifices distributed along the sheath to a device for measuring and for receiving the gas samples outside the furnace, and thermocouples arranged at the level of the said orifices. In order to enable the pipes to be replaced without disassembly of the probe, the said orifices are situated in steps provided in the sheath, while the internal pipes, for taking gas samples and heat measurements are all individual, straight and exchangeable elements housed in straight support and protection channels, each traversing the sheath from the outside as far as the respective step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Paul Wurth S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Mailliet, Emile Lonardi, Georges Wies
  • Patent number: 5092938
    Abstract: A temperature detector for use in a high temperature and high pressure furnace, including thermocouple wires received in a tubular protective sheath for protection against the furnace atmosphere, and characterized by the provision of a pair of rod members of a large diameter serving as a thermocouple pair for the positive and negative sides thereof, a protective sheath having a rod suspending holder portion in an upper portion thereof for supporting the thermocouple rod members therein in a vertically suspended state and arranged to hold the rod members out of contact with each other except at a temperature measuring point and to contact the rod members with the protective sheath only in a region other than a high temperature region of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takeshi Kanda, Takao Fujikawa, Shigeo Kofune
  • Patent number: 5088835
    Abstract: A reusable cable apparatus for interfacing disposable temperature probes with a patient monitor. One reusable cable connects a thermocouple probe to the patient monitor and has a phone plug connection wherein a cold junction and cold junction compensation is located. A second reusable cable connects a thermistor probe to the patient monitor through a similar phone plug. Circuit means in the patient monitor receives either phone plug and produces an output signal which is substantially the same regardless of whether the thermocouple and first reusable cable or thermistor and second reusable cable are connected. The effect of secondary thermocouple junctions in interconnecting connector shells is substantially eliminated by connecting lead wires to contact pins such that the secondary junctions are physically close to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventors: Gordon Shigezawa, Anthony V. Beran
  • Patent number: 5087312
    Abstract: Thermopile has a plurality of reference junctions and a plurality of measurement thermocouple junctions connected electrically alternately in series on a dielectric support. Each reference junction has thereover a first medium which is nonthermally responsive and each measurement junction has thereover a second medium which is thermally responsive. The first and second mediums occupy areas which are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, the reference junctions under areas occupied by said first medium each being electrically connected directly to a measurement thermocouple under an area occupied by said second medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, Peter J. Hesketh
  • Patent number: 5059032
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat flow from a surface, including a heat flow measuring device for measuring heat flow from a surface; a structure for applying a relatively constant and repeatable force on the heat flow measuring device contacting the surface; an infrared pyrometer for measuring test surface temperature; an infrared pyrometer for measuring surrounding atmospheric temperature and a free standing support for supporting all of the above identified elements of the heat flow measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Russel T. Mack, Ronald W. Rieger
  • Patent number: 5056929
    Abstract: A temperature compensation type infrared sensor includes a substrate having a central pit and functioning as a heat sink with an insulation film formed on the top face of the substrate and defining a diaphragm located above the pit, a plurality of thermocouples disposed on the insulation film and connected in series with each of said thermocouples having a hot junction on said diaphragm and a cold junction on the heat sink, and a thermopile element including a black body on the central portion of the diaphragm in the insulation film for absorbing infrared rays with the thermopile element being placed on a thermistor chip for compensating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sigeru Watanabe, Kenji Kamiya, Takanori Nanya
  • Patent number: 5045123
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermopile improved in its measurement sensitivity and manufacturing cost, which comprises a pillar-shaped substrate having a side extending in the parallel direction to an incident light to be measured so as not to be irradiated with the incident light, and first and second thermoelectric material layers arranged alternately on the side of the pillar-shaped substrate along the extending direction of the side of said pillar-shaped substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takao Hattori, Suiya Hoshikawa, Tatsuya Tsuda
  • Patent number: 5037488
    Abstract: A temperature sensor construction suitable for use in mechanically oscillating systems features a protective tube 8 containing a temperature sensor 11, a springy carrier board 1 with conductive tracks 2,3 and terminals 4,5,6,7 for a signal transmission conductor. The carrier 1 is mounted, under spring tension, facing the inner surface of the protective tube 8. The conductive tracks preferably run parallel to the axis of the protective tube and have contacts 4,5 at one end for connection to the temperature sensor 11 and contacts 6,6',7,7' at the other end for connection to the signal transmission leads 12, 12', 13, 13'.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Heraeus Sensor GmbH
    Inventor: Karl H. Wienand
  • Patent number: 5030294
    Abstract: A mineral-insulated metal sheathed cable comprising at least one type K thermoelement and characterized in that the sheath alloy is of the following composition:______________________________________ Composition Element (wt. %) ______________________________________ Cr 10 to 40 Si 0.3 to 5.0 Mg 0.5 maximum Ce 0.3 maximum Mo 20 maximum W 25 maximum Nb 10 maximum Ta 8.0 maximum Ni remainder, apart from impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Bell-IRH Limited
    Inventor: Noel A. Burley
  • Patent number: 5026172
    Abstract: A temperature detecting device for a rotating roll comprises an elongated bifurcated support, a roller bearing, a steel pin and a thermocouple. The roller bearing is held in place by the elongated support with a steel pin and is positioned in rolling contact with the peripheral surface of the rotating roll. As the result the bearing assume the temperature of the rotating roll and the thermocouple situated in the interior of the steel pin detects the temperature of the bearing which assumes substantially the same temperature as that of the rotating roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventor: Amedeo Candore
  • Patent number: 5009718
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly and method of making it wherein a pair of wires formed of dissimilar metals extend through electrical insulating material in a thin flexible stainless steel sheath. A forward portion of the sheath containing the wires is snugly received in a nickel alloy casing which is then bent to form an opening to receive a screw therethrough to accurately secure the forward end of the thermocouple assembly in place. The casing is made strong enough to maintain the circular shape and bending the sheath and casing together securely retains the sheath in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Mold-Masters Limited
    Inventor: Harald H. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5005986
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an improved high temperature slag resistant thermocouple sheath for protecting thermocouples used to measure the temperature of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas produced by the partial oxidation of ash-containing liquid hydrocarbonaceous and/or solid carbonaceous fuels. The protection thermocouple sheath is made from a continuous binary alloy consisting of about 30 to 70 wt. % of palladium and the remainder silver. It may be used over a temperature range of about 1000.degree. F. to 2400.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Mitri S. Najjar, Arnulf Muan
  • Patent number: 4991976
    Abstract: A temperature sensor probe is provided with a series of flow channels for deflecting a fluid to be sensed as it flows over the surface of the probe. The flow channels reduce the separation of flow from the surface of the probe thereby increasing the convective heat transfer of the probe and improving the time response of the probe. The temperature sensor probe includes a temperature sensing element housed in a probe housing. In channels are formed on the outer surface of the probe housing. In the preferred form of the invention, the housing is cylindrically shaped and the flow channels extend around the entire circumference of the housing in a spiral fashion so as to form a helical shape extending substantially the entire length of the probe housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Weed Instruments Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe D. Byles
  • Patent number: 4975123
    Abstract: This invention concerns thermocouples for the measurement of temperature of molten metal which have a bimetal junction located in a closed outer end of a length of quartz glass tube with the wire ends separated around a plug in the open end of the tube and connected to the compensating conductors of the thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventor: Adrian L. Gray
  • Patent number: 4963194
    Abstract: An adjustable thermocouple fitting and a mounting system for an adjustable thermocouple temperature detection device includes a thermocouple cable and a bushing-type fitting having an externally threaded end for engagement with threads within the thermocouple well or orifice and an internal threading arrangement within the fitting designed for engagement with the flexible spiral surface of the thermocouple cable which may be either the surface of an armored cable or a spring spiraled about the surface of the thermocouple cable. The internal and external threading on the thermocouple fitting are in the same direction. In a variation of the assembly a bayonet-type cap is provided for engagement with a conventional bushing with a bayonet top and the bayonet-type cap has internal threads adapted for engagement with the external threads of the bushing-type fitting of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Sam Mele
  • Patent number: 4958938
    Abstract: A temperature transmitter connects to a first conduit containing leads from a temperature sensor and also to second conduit which conveys the output leads of the transmitter to a remote location. A wall in the transmitter divides the transmitter into first and second compartments sealed from one another. The first compartment receives the leads from the temperature sensor and contains the electric circuit for converting the signal of the temperature sensor to an output signal representative of temperature. A feedthrough passing through the wall connects the output signal to the output leads in the second compartment. The arrangement blocks the flow of potentially hazardous fluid from the first conduit through the second conduit to a remote location such as a control room. The transmitter thus provides an integral seal between the conduits and use of an external conduit seal in the second conduit can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley N. Schwartz, Stanley Kugler, Donald W. Selg
  • Patent number: 4934830
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat flow from a surface, including a heat flow measuring device for measuring heat flow from a surface; a structure for applying a relatively constant and repeatable force on the heat flow measuring device contacting the surface; a free standing support for supporting the heat flow measuring device and the force applying structure, and an infrared pyrometer for measuring the temperature of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Rieger, Russel T. Mack
  • Patent number: 4925638
    Abstract: A thermowell assembly consists of an elongated tube member including a channel and having a plurality of arm members disposed at diverse lengths and extending into the channel of the tube member. Thermocouple guide tubes including passageways for receiving a thermocouple are disposed in the channel of the elongated tube member with a terminal end portion of each thermocouple guide tube being mounted to respective arm members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Lummus Crest Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaven Chakravarti, Thomas W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4904091
    Abstract: A threaded average temperature thermocouple 11 is provided to measure the average temperature of a test situs of a test material 30. A ceramic insulator rod 15 with two parallel holes 17 and 18 through the length thereof is securely fitted in a cylinder 16, which is bored along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of threaded bolt 12. Threaded bolt 12 is composed of material having thermal properties similar to those of test material 30. Leads of a thermocouple wire 20 leading from a remotely situated temperature sensing device 35 are each fed through one of the holes 17 or 18, secured at head end 13 of ceramic insulator rod 15, and exit at tip end 14. Each lead of thermocouple wire 20 is bent into and secured in an opposite radial groove 25 in tip end 14 of threaded bolt 12. Resulting threaded average temperature thermocouple 11 is ready to be inserted into cylindrical receptacle 32. The tip end 14 of the threaded average temperature thermocouple 11 is in intimate contact with receptacle 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Stanley W. Ward
  • Patent number: 4875782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the temperature of a viscous material flow by traversing at least a portion of the flow stream are provided. The apparatus includes an elongated temperature probe which is linearly translated by a motor which has a position sensing means operatively connected thereto for determining the relative position of the probe during movement thereof. A remote control and indicator is electrically connected to the temperature probe for selectively actuating the probe and providing temperature and corresponding position data relating to movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Normag Corporation
    Inventor: Steve A. Fox
  • Patent number: 4871263
    Abstract: A protective tube for a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple assembly, comprises an inner metal tube which is open on either end, a thermally conductive plug for attaching to and closing one end of the tube, and a surrounding layer of refractory ceramic fiber material. The refractory ceramic fiber material is bonded to a portion of the outer surface of the metal tube and to a portion of an outer surface of the thermally conductive plug. In especially preferred embodiments, the refractory ceramic fiber material is preformed in individual tube sections which are conveniently slid over the outside diameter of the inner metal tube and, in some cases, a portion of the thermally conductive plug. Bonding is preferably achieved by a layer of refractory cement disposed between at least portions of the outer surfaces of the inner tube and thermally conductive plug and the inner surfaces of the tube sections. The thermally conductive plug is provided with an inner bore for receiving the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Pyromation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4870656
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring heat flow from a surface, including a heat flow measuring device for measuring heat flow from a surface; a structure for applying a relatively constant and repeatable force on the heat flow measuring device contacting the surface; and a free standing support for supporting the heat flow measuring device and the force applying structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald W. Rieger, Russel T. Mack
  • Patent number: 4861169
    Abstract: A temperature sensor using a thermocouple, optimum for measurement of temperature of an object heated to a high temperature such as the tip of a soldering iron. Comprising a thermocouple formed by mutually bonding dissimilar metal materials, the junction of the dissimilar metal materials of thermocouple is covered with a good conductive metallic sleeve, and the measuring part is formed. Therefore, if an object high temperature contacts with the measuring part, the metal materials composing the thermocouple are not directly heated, and heat conduction to the metal materials is also excellent. Therefore, oxide coating due to heating rarely occurs in the measuring part, and the measuring performance of high precision may be maintained for a long period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Hakko Metal Industries Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 4859076
    Abstract: A heated, split thermowell comprises a cylindrical shank and integral, axially extending, part-cylindrical probes spaced by at least a first gap defined by a bilateral plane. The thermowell is mounted to the sidewall of a pressure vessel for communicating through a penetration in the sidewall with the fluid state in the pressure vessel. Each probe has at least one parallel axial bore therein, a related, selected pair of probes receiving respective heater and temperature sensing elements in the associated bores, and together functioning as a differential temperature sensor producing distinguishable, differential temperature outputs representative of the fluid condition of steam versus water. Duplex sensor embodiments permit toggling between different, selected such pairs of probes for on-line testing and verification of monitored conditions and operability of the elements and supporting circuits, with automatic substitution of complementary elements in the event of element failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 4859250
    Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump or power source device is provided with P-type and N-type elements made of either thin films or thick films for use on flexible or nonflexible substrates. For flexible units the film type elements are formed on substrates of such flexible, electrically insulation material as, for example, MYLAR and TEFLON; while for inflexible units the elements are formed on substrates of such materials as, for example, Beryllia, Alumina, ceramics, or plastics. Further, the elements are patterned on the different substrates for particular usages. For example, radial element patterns are used for cooling hot spots and ladder element patterns are used for cooling linear hot bodies. Ladder element patterns may also be used on flexible substrates to be folded to form corrugations having cold strips and hot strips on opposing sides to which sheets of suitable material can be attached to form panels, blankets, therapeutic devices or pipe coverings for heating or cooling their contents as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Richard J. Buist
  • Patent number: 4854729
    Abstract: A temperature detecting apparatus for pipes in refinery furnaces and the like comprises a thermocouple (2) which is supported in cantilevered fashion in the region of its detection end (2b) fastened to the outer surface of a pipe (5) which is located inside a furnace. The thermocouple is provided with a rod (2a) coming out of the furnace through an opening (3) formed in the furnace wall (4). Coaxial with the rod (2a) is a tubular protection element (10) which is secured along the rod, slidably and loosely passes through the opening (3) and extends as far as close to the pipe (5). Formed between the rod (2a) and tubular element (10) is an air space (2) through which air is sucked from the outside to the inside of the furnace by effect of the slight vacuum created in the furnace to cool the rod in order to prevent the thermocouple from being overheated due to the high temperature present in the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: AGIP Petroli S.P.A.
    Inventor: Vittorio Lovato
  • Patent number: 4848927
    Abstract: A thermocouple containment chamber for use in conjunction with a high pressure vessel wherein such thermocouples are emplaced within an elongated conduit which receives a plurality of thermocouples for sensing temperatures to determine the temperature or reaction rate within the high pressure vessel in which they are emplaced. The conduit is secured to the vessel by means of a flanged securement that in turn is welded to a concentric reducer with the thermocouples extending therefrom into a containment chamber of this invention. The containment chamber of this invention incorporates at least one access cover in the form of a high pressure flanged cover permitting access to the containment chamber for the thermocouples so that they can be changed and serviced, and incorporates a valve for relieving pressure, as well as a pressure gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Daily Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Bruce B. Orr, Guillermo J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4834807
    Abstract: A process for oxidation retardation in nickel-base thermocouple alloy comprises the step of initial heat-treatment of thermoelement wires at high temperatures in an atmosphere of very low oxygen partial pressure. The preferred nickel-base alloy is a type K or a type N alloy. The preferred atmosphere is a gas mixture selected from the group consisting of hydrogen/water vapour, and oxygen/argon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Bell-IRH Limited
    Inventor: Noel A. Burley
  • Patent number: 4826540
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting system for a thermocouple temperature detection device includes a thermocouple cable and a bushing type fitting having an externally threaded end for engagement with threads within the thermocouple well or orifice and an internal threading arrangement within the fitting designed for engagement with the flexible spiral surface of the thermocouple cable which may be either the surface of an armored cable or a spring spiraled about the surface of the thermocouple cable. The internal and external threading on the thermocouple fitting are in the same direction. In a variation of the assembly a bayonet-type cap is provided for engagement with a conventional bushing with a bayonet top and the bayonet-type cap has internal threads adapted for engagement with the external threads of the bushing type fitting of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Sam Mele
  • Patent number: 4808383
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding catalyst, oil and steam into a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) riser. Oil passes through respective oil lines into a multiplicity of upwardly extending nozzles located at a lower portion of the riser, while steam passes through respective steam lines into the nozzles where it blends with the oil, with the combined oil and steam mixture being fed through the nozzles into the riser. Each oil line and steam line is provided with a valve to separately control oil and steam flow rates, respectively, in each of the nozzles to obtain a substantially constant catalyst to oil ratio across a horizontal cross-section of the riser. The substantially constant catalyst to oil ratio is represented by a substantially isothermal temperature profile across the horizontal riser cross-section, which is detected by measuring the temperature at various points along the horizontal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Frank M. Buyan, Mark S. Ross
  • Patent number: 4808241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid response thermocouple probe 10 having a resilient, replaceable thermocouple element 50 probe 10, comprising cylindrical body 20 having housing means 30 at one end, securing means 40 associated with housing means 30 and comprising two securing elements, 40a and 40b, in electrical isolation from each other, and a resilient thermocouple element 50 comprising an arcuate strip of two dissimilar metals joined together, ends, 55 and 57, of thermocouple element 50 being removably secured to securing means 40. The thermocouple probe of this invention eliminates the necessity of discarding the entire probe upon wear or breakage of thermocouple element 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Omega Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton B. Hollander, William E. McKinley
  • Patent number: 4804272
    Abstract: A cold junction compensation apparatus utilizes a block of thermally conductive material, such as copper, having a mounting flange extending radially outwardly which is attached to a terminal strip by a machine screw to maintain the screw temperature substantially at the temperature of the block of thermally conductive material. The temperature of the block is sensed by means of a temperature sensor inserted into a hole extending through the block. The sensor is supported on a printed circuit board and is inserted through the hole in the block during assembly of an apparatus using the cold junction temperature compensation. The block is covered by an exterior insulating sleeve to prevent electrical shorts and rapid temperature changes in the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schmitz
  • Patent number: 4795499
    Abstract: A duct mount sensor assembly includes a condition sensor such as a temperature sensor mounted in the distal end of a sensor tube and the proximal end thereof is secured to a mounting plate. A cover on the opposite surface of the mounting plate covers any electrical connections to conductor wires from the sensor. Threaded fasteners such as sheet metal screws secure the cover and the mounting plate and also secure both to a duct wall. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour