Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature-sensing member including a columnar or hollow cylindrical base having a configuration of a circular or polygonal column or a hollow circular or polygonal cylinder; and at least one strip member of a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion from that of the base, wherein the strip member is provided on at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the base at an acute angle with respect to an axis of the base and in such directions as to intersect each other on opposite sides of the base. In a case where two or more of the strip members are provided on the base, the strip members are disposed in mutually different directions with respect to an axis of the base and at an acute angle with respect to the base.

Abstract: A kind of underground temperature and pressure measuring system for hot-exploiting oil well mainly comprises a casing, a high-temperature sealing element, a high-temperature time-controlling unit, a pressure sensing unit and its recording system and a temperature sensing unit and its recording system, wherein, the high-temperature sealing element is made of flexible graphite, and the pressure sensing element is made of particular material; the temperature sensing unit is connected with the pressure sensing unit by bellows, so that the temperature sensing unit and its recording system can be put around the pressure sensing unit and its recording system, and therefore the present device is not long, but it can be used to measure temperature and pressure of underground steam at different depth simultaneously, which make the calculation of underground thermal conditions possible and reliable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a defective portion on the outer surface not exposed of a pipe, which comprises: heating or cooling a pipe, the outer surface of which is not exposed, from the side of the inner surface thereof so that a difference in temperature is produced between a portion of the inner surface of the pipe corresponding to an accumulation of foreign matters or a thinner portion as a defective portion on the outer surface not exposed of the pipe and a portion of the inner surface of the pipe corresponding to a normal portion of the outer surface of the pipe; then shooting the inner surface of the pipe by means of a thermal imaging system while the difference in temperature still remains on the inner surface of the pipe to obtain a thermal image of the difference in temperature; and detecting the accumulation of foreign matters or the thinner portion as the defective portion on the outer surface of the pipe by means of the thus obtained thermal image.

Abstract: To remotely measure the unknown subsurface temperature T.sub.s of a bulk transparent medium such as ocean water, a laser beam having a high power or intensity is split into two parts, a probe beam and a reference beam. The probe beam is directed into a sample of ocean water, and the reference beam into a reference sample of water having a known temperature T.sub.r. The intensities of the two beams, which exceed a predetermined threshold are sufficient to cause stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) within the two samples and produce therefrom two phase-conjugate beams. The two phase-conjugate beams are mixed to produce a heterodyne frequency that is proportional to the difference in temperature T.sub.s and T.sub.r. The frequency difference is converted into a temperature value equal to the value of T.sub.s.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring both the temperature and pressure of fluid in a borehole utilizing a single small diameter tube extending from the surface to the desired downhole test location in a borehole. Downhole fluid pressure is transmitted through the small diameter tube, while a sheathed thermocouple line extending along the flow path of the tube is used for transmitting downhold fluid temperature information to the surface. A continuous surface read-out of both pressure and temperature is thus possible, and the temperature read-out may be used to both monitor downhole fluid temperature and increase the accuracy of the fluid pressure measurement system.

Abstract: An air/sea temperature probe is disclosed which can be deployed from a moving ship to detect the temperature profile of the atmosphere and ocean beyond the thermal influence of a ship. The probe includes a temperature transducer which utilizes a bifilar wire that provides a very quick air temperature time constant. The transducer is mounted within a radiation shield having low thermal conductance to minimize thermal and solar radiation contamination and is coupled to a signal processing network. In operation, the probe is deployed from a ship and provides temperature telemetry via an electrical data link coupled between the signal processing network and a receiving transducer located onboard the ship.

Abstract: Oil and gas horizons in a wellbore are located by establishing from thermal logs thermal gradients for successive intervals free of drilling-induced thermal disturbances, identifying the mineral abundances surrounding the wellbore at each of said intervals, establishing ideal thermal conductivities for said mineral abundances based on assumptions that sand-rich formations have high thermal conductivities and are water-bearing and that shale-rich formations have low conductivities, determining an ideal heat flow at each interval by multiplying the thermal gradient at such interval by the ideal thermal conductivity of the mineral abundances at the interval, determining the average ideal heat flow for all of the intervals, and identifying the zones of the wellbore exhibiting anomalous ideal heat flows that are higher than the average heat flow.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous, in-situ determination of thermophysical properties, primarily for determination of the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity, according to which in a certain volume of the material to be tested a temperature field varying with time is brought about by perturbation due to heating and this temperature field is measured, then certain properties are determined by calculation from the obtained temperature data and the known heating power input spherical isotherms are formed in the material to be tested in a way, that temperature change of at least one degree Celsius is brought about at the measuring points which are arranged along a straight line passing through the heat source and intersecting the isotherms along their diameter, and a measuring probe formed as a rod-type body made of poor heat conductive material having a heating element and measuring points, wherein the heating element is formed as a point-like heat source.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of liquid in a tank is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a plurality of temperature sensors spaced apart so that each temperature sensor senses the temperature of a predetermined volume fraction of the liquid in the tank; and a data processor associated with the temperature sensors and acting to process the temperature determined by each of the sensors to determine the volume weighted average temperature of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A fishing probe apparatus comprises an immersible probe attached to the end of an optic fiber fishing line which carries optic signals transmitted by the probe to a receiver and display unit on the fishing pole. The probe transmits data pertaining to aquatic conditions in the vicinity of a leader and hook attached to the probe.

Abstract: Subsurface waves in an ocean are created by the turbulence in a submarine's wake. These waves can be remotely detected by a search submarine by monitoring subsurface water temperatures using a laser. A pulsed laser beam is directed into the water to at least the depth of the thermocline and an analysis is made of the resultant Brillouin and Rayleigh backscatter components. Wavelength shifted Brillouin scatter is mixed with the unshifted Rayleigh scatter in a self-heterodyne manner for each volume element of illuminated water, and the frequency of the heterodyne signal is measured and converted into equivalent temperature values. This produces the desired temperature-depth profile of the water enabling detection of the first submarine by tracking the internal waves at or near the ocean thermocline.

Abstract: The device of the invention consists of a temperature sensitive device embedded in a matrix which provides a useful heat flow pattern. Apparently the device exploits the difference in the thermal conductivities of air versus other media, such as water or slurries, to function. Plastics are the preferred matrix material for most applications. The insulating and non-wettability properties of plastics may contribute to the observed useful properties as well. The chemical resistance of certain plastics can provide additional useful variations. The invention is especially useful as an aid to fishing. The device readily and simply identifies which waters have the best chance of containing fish. Other examples are municipal drinking water tanks, liquid cargo tanks, oil and water wells, etc.

Abstract: A temperature detecting system includes a temperature sensor which permits a current to flow whose magnitude is substantially proportional only to the temperature of the sensor. The sensor can be coupled via cables and slip rings to a fixed display unit. The slip rings permit the temperature sensing unit to be located at a desired depth in a fluid for sensing the temperature thereof. The sensed temperature is substantially independent of impedance variations of the slip rings or associated brushes due to wear or corrosion.

Abstract: A seawater probe for measuring a physical parameter which includes a sensor element having an electrical characteristic dependent on the parameter and a detector circuit for deriving a measurement signal corresponding to a measured value of the electrical characteristic, the improvement including a reference element having a known, stable value of the electrical characteristic connected in series with the sensor element, the reference and sensor elements being powered by a single power supply, means for selectively connecting the sensor and reference elements separately in the detector circuit, and means for calibrating the detector circuit using the known value of the electrical characteristic of the reference element and the measurement signal derived when the reference element is in the detector circuit.

Abstract: Temperature responsive apparatus includes a housing having a pair of spaced-apart probes, each receiving a different thermistor. The housing includes a one-piece hollow plastic shell having the pair of spaced apart probes formed integral therewith. The entire hollow interior of the shell, including the probes, is filled with plastic material to encapsulate the thermistors received within the probes.

Abstract: An evaporative roof cooling system for placement upon a roof surface exposed to relatively high levels of solar radiation. The system includes water distribution piping and a plurality of mist/spray nozzles positioned on the roof surface for supplying a uniform spray of water thereover to lay down a substantially uniform thin film of water on the roof surface. A solenoid-controlled valve controls the supply of water to the system over periods during which the temperature of the roof surface is measured to be within a predetermined temperature range. A thermistor, encapsulated in an expoxy block, is affixed to the roof surface and monitors and measures the actual roof temperature.

Abstract: A method for measuring a water condition such as temperature or speed proximate a desired location in the water such as near a fishing bait. The method comprises positioning a sensor for the condition near the location which provides a signal proportional to the condition, modulating a high frequency radio signal using the electrical signal, transmitting the modulated signal along a conductive line, detecting the modulated signal and using the detected signal to drive an observable indicator of the condition. The invention also includes an apparatus for practicing the method of the invention. The apparatus includes a sensing means, a modulating means, a transmitting means, a detecting means and a means for converting the detected signal to an observable indication of the condition.

Abstract: Probe for determining the temperatures of the walls of coke oven flues, including an optical pyrometer suspended by a metallic rope from a manipulating device including a drum on which the rope is coiled and uncoiled. The pyrometer is contained in an insulating sleeve of refractory material, and the rope is surrounded by a sheath which is wetted before the measurement takes place, in order to prevent an unacceptable temperature rise during the brief measurement period required. Due to this arrangement, conventional cooling apparatus is eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for measuring the sea floor temperature gradient several meters into the formation at each of an array of measurement sites, and using these gradients to explore for and characterize hydrocarbon deposits. The measurements can be taken with a special lance driven into the otherwise undisturbed sea floor.

Abstract: In treating a well, automatically controlled measurements of temperature with depth within a subterranean interval which can be longer than hundreds of feet, deeper than thousands of feet and hotter than 600.degree. C., are made by extending a slender measuring means conduit through the well and the zone to be measured and arranging an electrically responsive temperature sensing means and a means for spooling a metal sheathed telemetering cable for the electrical temperature responses so that the sensing means is lowered through the measuring conduit by gravity and raised within the conduit by spooling and temperatures and/or temperature with depths are measured while the sensing means temperature is substantially in equilibrium with the temperatures in the interval being measured.

Abstract: Determination of drilling mud thermal conductivity for estimation of earth formation temperature through a well bore thermal model. Borehole annulus and drill pipe bore temperature measurements are taken over a relatively short period of time when circulation of drilling mud is interrupted and temperature differentials maximized. The dynamic temperature response characteristics related to the heat transfer and storage parameters of the drill pipe, mud and bit are integrated into a mathematical borehole model incorporating the thermal resistance, heat capacity, and heat generation of the mud and drill pipe and the drill bit. The maximum temperature differential is then determined and the response characteristics used to establish the requisite parameters for the thermal conductivity and temperature calculations. In this manner, formation temperatures can be estimated to monitor downhole mud behaviour and geothermal gradients.

Abstract: For use with a sonde adapted to be lowered into a well borehole, the sonde supports a thermal conductivity probe response to well fluid thermal conductivity. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a four leg resistor bridge circuit has two temperature-sensitive legs exposed to well fluid. In addition, one such bridge leg is positioned adjacent to a heater dissipating constant heat power. The remaining leg is exposed to ambient well fluid. The bridge incremental voltage varies with the ambient temperature of the well fluid, but such ambient variations are compensated for by the remaining temperature-sensitive leg which causes nulling of ambient temperature changes. The heat transferred to the heated bridge leg determines the incremental voltage and, hence, the conductivity of fluid in the well bore can be measured.

Abstract: A method for measuring temperatures of a hydrocarbon stratum subjected to RF electromagnetic energy includes in one embodiment sensing the temperature at different positions within an inner conductor of an applicator used to radiate the RF electromagnetic energy into the hydrocarbon stratum. In another embodiment, the temperature measurements are made from a borehole which is utilized to obtain hydrocarbon fluids resulting from the retorting of the hydrocarbon stratum in which the sensing is done in different positions within the producing borehole and in the vicinity of the hydrocarbon stratum. Electrical signals representative of the sensed temperatures are provided. The electrical signals are conducted from the sensing positions to the surface of the earth. An RF voltage which combines with the electrical signals is decoupled from the electrical signals. An indication of the temperatures is provided in accordance with the decoupled electrical signals.

Abstract: A convective heat flow probe device is provided which measures heat flow and fluid flow magnitude in the formation surrounding a borehole. The probe comprises an elongate housing adapted to be lowered down into the borehole; a plurality of heaters extending along the probe for heating the formation surrounding the borehole; a plurality of temperature sensors arranged around the periphery of the probe for measuring the temperature of the surrounding formation after heating thereof by the heater elements. The temperature sensors and heater elements are mounted in a plurality of separate heater pads which are supported by the housing and which are adapted to be radially expanded into firm engagement with the walls of the borehole. The heat supplied by the heater elements and the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors are monitored and used in providing the desired measurements.

Abstract: An inertial borehole survey system is disclosed. The survey system of the present invention includes a probe suitable for insertion into a borehole. The probe includes a plurality of temperature sensitive inertial measuring instruments which are utilized to survey the borehole during the descent or ascent of the probe. Accuracy of these instruments is maintained by enclosing the instruments in a thermal insulating package and by providing a mass of isothermal heat absorbing material which exhibits a phase change at a temperature well above most ambient temperatures. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a heat absorbing material is utilized which exhibits a phase change at a temperature of 116.degree. F. The probe also includes a longitudinal air passage which permits ambient temperature air to be utilized to cool the isothermal heat absorbing material by passing air through the length of the probe.

Abstract: The underwater thermometer includes a transparent block, preferably formed of an acrylic plastic, having a planar rear surface provided with a longitudinal recess adapted to receive a fluid and tube type temperature indicator, with an enlargement at one end of the recess for receiving the bulb of the indicator. The indicator is adhesively attached to a foam pad, in turn adhesively secured to a flat, transparent layer, corresponding in shape to the planar rear surface of the block and adhered by a transparent adhesive, preferably an acrylic adhesive, to the rear surface of the block. The transparent layer is also provided, on its rear side, with one or more temperature scales and other indicia printed in reverse and visible through the transparent block, at least a portion of the front of which, such as the portion overlying the recess, is parallel to the planar rear surface.

Abstract: A method for predicting the likelihood of encountering oil or gas deposits below a location. A temperature at a known depth at the location is compared to a temperature representative of the average temperature for that depth within the geographical area in which the location is situated. If the temperature at the location is less than the average temperature, it is likely that an oil or gas deposit is present at the location at a depth below the known depth. If the temperature at the location is greater than the average temperature, then it is likely that no oil or gas deposit is present at the location at a depth below the known depth. Alternatively, geothermal gradients are employed in a similar method for predicting the likelihood of encountering oil or gas deposits below a location.

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: To provide a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and root density characteristics at different depths of soil, a soil probe is inserted in the soil with a viewing and camera section extending above the soil. Similarly, the probe provides a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and presence of molds, insects or other foreign matter in grain or similar media including liquid as well as solid granulated material. The portion of the probe that is in the soil or other media includes a source of light or light conveyance and windows which transmit an image of the soil at various depths along the length of the probe through light conductors for further transmission to the viewing and camera section. Liquid crystals sense the temperature of the soil at different locations and light conductors transmit color changes of the liquid crystals to the surface so that a profile may be compiled of moisture, temperature and root patterns by observation of the transmitted images in the viewing section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature sensor which has a very rapid response to changes in fluid temperature. The configuration of the sensor is especially adapted for use in oil and gas wells to protect electrical components from mechanical damage. The electrical circuit provides a wide range of temperature readings with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A well tool for developing measurements of pressure or temperature in a well bore comprising an elongated well tool which utilizes a coherent beam of light which is applied to the ends of separate fiber optics and the other ends of the fiber optics are detected to produce an electrical signal in response to differences between the outputs of the fiber optics to the detector. For measuring pressure, one fiber optic may be coiled in a temperature insulated chamber and sense a discrete sample from the earth formations while the other fiber optic is coiled in a temperature insulated reference pressure chamber. In another embodiment both fiber optics are subjected to pressure samples from longitudinally spaced locations of the earth formations. In still another embodiment, the fiber optics are subjected to the temperature in the bore hole at longitudinally spaced locations for obtaining a temperature gradient measurement.

Abstract: In a temperature probe having a thermistor controlling the output frequency of an oscillator to effect a temperature-frequency conversion, and a remote measuring station having a frequency detection means, the invention features, generally, a switch in the probe connected to a detection circuit, the oscillator being connected to the switch so as to open and close the circuit in response to the oscillator output frequency.

Abstract: A thermoelectric temperature sensing apparatus in which the thermoelectric reference junction is not maintained at a constant temperature but instead heat is supplied to it or extracted from it at a predetermined, preferably constant, rate by a heater or cooler. The open circuit output voltage of the apparatus is referenced to this predetermined rate of heat supply or extraction to determine the temperature of the other thermoelectric junction. Where the heater or cooler is input responsive, the output voltage of the thermoelectric circuit is referenced to the heater or cooler input.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for mounting on a mast of a helicopter has a heat sensor positioned within a central openining in a radially finned heat exchanger. The heat sensor and heat exchanger are spaced rearward from the mast on a tubular sensor support. Long wires helically coiled within the sensor support connect the sensor and terminals on a bracket soldered to the mounting base. The rearward mounting of the heat sensor and the spacing of the heat exchanger and sensor from the mast on the sensor support and the coiling of a long wire within the sensor support between the sensor and terminals on the base and the filling of the sensor support with polyurethane foam resin ensure that the sensor senses air temperature remote from its base and does not sense temperature of the element on which the base is mounted.