Abstract: A clinical thermometer registers the maximum temperature reached and uses as the thermometric fluid a non-toxic gallium/indium alloy which adheres to the walls of the thermometer measuring tube, the adhesive force being greater than the internal cohesive force of the thermometric liquid. A Gallium/indium/tin eutectic alloy is particularly useful in such applications and others.

Abstract: A food storage apparatus comprises a container (140) for containing a food item, and a cover (142) for covering an opening of the container (140). A first electrical component (144) is associated with the container (140). A second electrical component (146) is associated with the cover (142). The first electrical component (144) communicates with the second electrical component (146) to monitor the food item.

Abstract: A time-temperature indicator label for measuring the length of time to which a product has been exposed to a temperature above a pre-determined temperature is provided. The period of time of exposure is integrated with the temperature to which the indicator is exposed. The label is a composite of a plurality of layers adapted to be adhered at its underside to a product container. The label includes a printable surface layer, a longitudinal wicking strip that is adhered underneath the surface layer substantially at the opposite extremities only of the wicking strip and a lower substrate layer forming an envelope with said surface layer. A heat-fusible substance, which melts and flows above a pre-determined temperature, is applied on the surface of the wicking strip contiguous to at least one of the ends of the wicking member. When the heat-fusible substance is exposed to a temperature above the pre-determined temperature, the heat fusible substance flows along the length of the wicking member.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an externally applied parameter to selected products. The invention involves a housing enclosing a sensor, and a monitoring and output network. The sensor has a characteristic that varies in some predetermined manner with variation in the monitored parameter. The monitoring and output network involves a sensor which produces a signal representative of the monitored characteristic. Values associated with the signal are stored in a memory device for subsequent, selected retrieval.

Abstract: A dual temperature indicator providing visual indications when exposed to predetermined high or low temperatures. The indicator has a bulb with a capillary tube and an attached high temperature indicator structure. The bulb has a first liquid which also fills a predetermined portion of the tube. A separating substance and a second miscible liquid further fills a predetermined portion of the remainder of the tube. At a predetermined low temperature, the liquid in the bulb contracts causing the separating substance and a portion of the second liquid to move into the bulb to produce a visible color change. The high temperature indicator structure has an indicating member in contact with the capillary tube end and which provides a visual indication at a predetermined high temperature when the liquids expand upon an environmental temperature increase.

Abstract: A method for determining the maximum temperature attained by an article formed of a nickel-based superalloy includes furnishing an article made of a nickel-based superalloy having a gamma/gamma-prime structure at intermediate temperatures and a single phase structure at high temperatures and characterized by a predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma prime phase present and temperature over a transition temperature range. The article is heated with a temperature profile including a maximum temperature within the transition temperature range, and thereafter cooled to ambient temperature to produce a distribution of coarse gamma-prime particles and fine gamma-prime particles in a gamma matrix. The fraction of coarse gamma-prime particles present in the article is measured, and compared with the predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma-prime phase as a function of temperature, to determine a maximum temperature reached by the article.

Abstract: This device comprises a casing of synthetic material containing a motor element made of at least one alloy which memorizes its shape and having associated with it a movement transmission element consisting of a piston and a rod and acting on at least one indicator element irreversibly recording each overstepping of a predetermined temperature, the casing being provided with transparent windows permitting the state of the indicator element or elements to be viewed.

Abstract: A parameter measuring apparatus includes a constant signal circuit incorporating a sensor having a known response to a given parameter for outputting a signal representing the parameter. The constant signal circuit further includes circuitry defining upper and lower limits of the parameter range. The parameter signal is provided to a sampling device such as current-to-frequency converter for providing an analog-to-pulse converted signal to a microprocessor. The apparatus further includes a switching arrangement coupled to and controlled by the microprocessor for switching into circuit the sensor or the circuitry defining the upper or lower parameter limits. The switching arrangement also eliminates internal switch resistance in the circuit for improved measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring temperature at a hot point along an energy transmission cable (1) when the temperature exceeds a fixed limit temperature, the apparatus comprising a tube (3) containing a liquid which is vaporizable in the vicinity of said limit temperature and which is disposed in the energy transmission cable or in contact with its periphery, together with means for detecting an increase in the vapor pressure of said liquid at least one point along said tube, the apparatus being characterized in that said tube is connected at one of its ends to means for detecting an increase in the pressure exerted by the liquid at said end.

Abstract: Data processing methods and circuit arrangements are provided whereby out of a succession of data, some or most of which are false due to interference or noise, only those most likely to be true are selected for transmission to following stages of processing. Selection is achieved by comparing, according to a predetermined criterion, successive input data words with a data word already held in a data store and updating the store by discarding the stored data word and replacing it with an input data word whenever an input data word meets the predetermined criterion. A stored data word is utilised in further processing only when a predetermined number of input data words have been compared with the stored data word without updating having occurred. The invention has particular relevance to optical pyrometry systems.

Abstract: A fire detector is equipped with a sensor which detects physical quantities such as heat, light or smoke and which, in particular, stores the time when the fire detector responds or generates an alarm and also stores the output level of the sensor at such time and displays these stored data whenever required. It also stores successive output levels of the sensor at each of a series of predetermined time intervals along with the respective time values until the fire detector generates an alarm and displays these stored data whenever required.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating when recalibration of an electrical sensor is necessary includes an analog driving circuit adapted to be coupled to the sensor, and an analog indicating device coupled to the analog driving circuit for indicating when the sensor should be recalibrated. The analog driving circuit provides a signal proportional to the current received from the electrical circuit. The indicating device is responsive to the output from the analog driving circuit and provides an output which is a function of both the sensor output and the elapsed time that the sensor has been operated.

Abstract: A fever thermometer comprises a rod-shaped housing containing at one end an lectric temperature sensor, a battery at the other end, an electronic temperature display, and an inertial switch which when actuated resets the temperature display from the measured value to a predetermined base value. The inertial switch is actuated by the same motion as that used to shake down a conventional fever thermometer.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer comprises a temperature sensing device for measuring actual temperature values, a prediction circuit responsive to the temperature sensing device for calculating a prediction temperature based on the actual temperature values, and an output control device for selectively outputting the actual temperature values or the prediction temperature value depending on the changes of the actual temperature values.

Abstract: The tip of an alloy rod in a vacuum chamber is remelted by radiation with an electron beam from an electron gun and the remelted droplets fall into a mold where they solidify. The droplets are scanned a plurality of times through a window provided on the vacuum chamber by an image pickup device as they pass its field of view. From the signal of the maximum level obtained during these scans, temperature data of the droplet is obtained by a temperature measurement control device.

Abstract: The invention refers to a maximum-minimum thermometer (1) with a base plate (2) having arranged thereon temperature scales 3,4, with an extension medium, a mercury filament (10) and magnetically attractable display pins (11,12) contained in a U-shaped capillary tube 5, with permanently magnetized strips (13,14) parallel to the two legs (6,7) of capillary tube (5) for the temporary fixing of the display pins (11,12) showing the max/min.

Abstract: A disposable sterilizer mechanical air removal test pack comprising an outer container in the form of a box having a definite shape and being formed of a relatively air and steam permeable material coated with a form-stabilizing layer of a relatively air and steam impermeable material, and a body of relatively air and steam permeable material enclosed in the box. An indicator means is arranged in the body of material for indicating when contact with steam has taken place. The box includes a plurality of closure flaps which provide interruptions which control and direct the flow of steam into and air out of the interior of the body of material with the flow of steam and air occurring predominantly in a lateral direction through the body of material.

Abstract: Detector apparatus adaptably mountable about the external surface of steam pipes and condensate pipes, and wherein the apparatus includes a curved temperature sensitive bi-metallic element fixedly mounted at one end and with the opposed end being free to flex. A push arm is mounted at the free end of the bi-metallic element in engagement with a temperature indicating element for indicating a temperature either within or outside of a range of desired maximums and minimums, utilizing calibrated reference in the form of a rotatable dial. The surface temperature of the steam or condensate pipe being monitored is determined. The apparatus is provided with mounting member or system capable of use in combination with cylindrical surfaces within a range of diameters.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer of the highest value holding type includes a highest temperature memory for storing the highest value, and a temporary memory for temporarily storing the now detected temperature. An adder is provided for adding a predetermined value, for example, 1.5.degree. C. to the now detected temperature temporarily stored in the temporary memory. A comparator compares the addition result with the highest value stored in the highest temperature memory, and develops an abnormal condition detecting signal when the addition result is smaller than the highest value, thereby alarming an abnormal condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature in a subsurface earth formation that is being heated in situ by subjection to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. It includes lowering a maximum registering thermometer into the formation on a non-conductive flexible line, and holding it there long enough to reach the ambient temperature at that location. Then, the thermometer is raised to the surface fast enough to avoid any significant change on the way up to read that registered maximum.

Abstract: A temperature verification device employs a coiled bimetallic strip having its temperature responsive, rotatable outer end engaged with an indicator flag which is connected with a finger-like projection spaced outwardly from the indicator flag. A stop member is provided in the path of the distal end of the finger-like member and is adapted to engage the distal end when the flag member is moved in one direction, for example, clockwise. Movement of the flag member in the opposite direction can be achieved because the resilient finger-like member will slide past the stop member. All of the structure is confined in a casing having an opening through which the flag indicator may be observed under certain conditions. The stop member can be positioned at any selected location about the periphery of the casing to function as a holding means for the flag indicator at a preselected temperature threshold.

Abstract: Minute durable plate-like thermal indicators are employed for precision measuring static and dynamic temperatures of well drilling fluids. The indicators are small enough and sufficiently durable to be circulated in the well with drilling fluids during the drilling operation. The indicators include a heat resistant indicating layer, a coacting meltable solid component and a retainer body which serves to unitize each indicator and which may carry permanent indicator identifying indicia. The indicators are recovered from the drilling fluid at ground level by known techniques.

Abstract: A digital min-max thermometer that periodically records temperature and the corresponding time of that temperature and rates minimum and maximum values of temperature for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). The minimum and maximum values can then be displayed on demand. The apparatus disclosed includes, as well, degree-day information and frost alarm capabilities.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an externally applied parameter to selected products. The invention involves a housing enclosing a sensor, and a monitoring and output network. The sensor has a characteristic that varies in some predetermined manner with variation in the monitored parameter. The monitoring and output network involves a sensor which produces a signal representative of the monitored characteristic. Values associated with the signal are stored in a memory device for subsequent, selected retrieval.