Abstract: A transparent face temperature sensor 3 for measuring temperature comprises a transparent insulating substrate 7 for the sensor, a transparent electrically conductive film 9 for the sensor provided on at least either one of the surfaces of the substrate, a pair of terminals 11 connected to the film. The wires 13 are made of copper and constantan, respectively. The sensor 3 is bonded in electrical insulation conditions, to the a transparent face heater 5, via a insulating sheet 25 and a silicone resin, and hold in a housing 27. Temperature-measuring point is not one point, but an entire surface. Accordingly, the face temperature sensor 3 can detect the average temperature over the entire surface of the sensor film 9.

Abstract: A self-detecting type cantilever for an atomic force microscope (AFM) has an electro-flexural conversion element for converting a flexural amount of the cantilever into an electric current or voltage, a temperature measurement element disposed at a front end portion of the cantilever for measuring a temperature, and a heating element disposed at the front end portion of the cantilever for heating the temperature measurement element. The temperature measurement element and the heating element are superposed with each other on a main face of the cantilever via an electrical insulating layer. As a result, even if the amount of electric energy supplied to the heating element is reduced, it is possible to effectively supply an amount of heat necessary for measurement to the temperature measurement element. Therefore, by minimizing the heat to be supplied to a sample and the cantilever, the respondency of measurement is improved and temperature measurement can be performed with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a test structure for determining electromigration and interlayer dielectric failure comprises a first metal line situated in a metal layer of the test structure. The test structure further comprises a second metal line situated adjacent and substantially parallel to the first metal line, where the second metal line is separated from the first metal line by a first distance, and where the first distance is substantially equal to minimum design rule separation distance. The test structure further comprises an interlayer dielectric layer situated between the first metal line and the second metal line. According to this exemplary embodiment, electromigration failure is determined when a first resistance of the first metal line or a second resistance of the second metal line is greater than a predetermined resistance, and interlayer dielectric failure is determined when a first current is detected between the first and second metal lines.

Abstract: In accordance with the presence or absence of heat, a transistor shows a relatively rapid change, while a cooling water CLW shows a relatively gentle change. The temperatures of both members settle down to approximately equal temperatures when no heat is generated in the transistor. At this time, the temperature of one of the transistor or the cooling water and the amount of energization of the transistor are used to estimate the temperature of the other member. This method is applied to other temperature estimations, such as estimation of the temperature between a stator coil and a stator iron core of a motor etc.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature within a body from a body surface at a different temperature, comprising: a heat shield for application to the body surface, comprising an outer heat-conducting portion (52), and an inner heat-insulating portion (50); a heater or cooler (41) to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of said heat shield to the temperature of the body surface; a first temperature sensor (37) positioned on a surface of the inner heat-insulating portion (50) of the heat shield which is applied to the body surface; a second temperature sensor (38) positioned to measure the temperature of the outer portion (52) of the heat shield; a heater or cooler control circuit to heat or cool the outer portion (52) of the heat shield towards the temperature measured by the first the first temperature sensor (37); and a second control circuit to forecast the first temperature sensor (37) equilibrium temperature.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a clinical thermometer and the apparatus thereof are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of pre-heating the surrounding temperature to a pre-set temperature prior to using the clinical thermometer for measuring temperature; and providing compensational temperature by way of heat energy by a control circuit such that the surrounding temperature is maintained and stabilized at the pre-set temperature so as to avoid the change of the surrounding temperature from affecting the measured temperature. The stabilizing devices for a clinical thermometer comprises a clinical thermometer probe head which is a material capable of producing heat energy; and a heating controller connected to the probe head which provides cavity heating for the probe head prior to temperature measuring to the pre-set surrounding temperature, thereby the heating controller causes the surrounding temperature to maintain at a constant and stable temperature such that the precision of measuring is accurate.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing an infrared clinical thermometer and the apparatus thereof are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of pre-heating the surrounding temperature to a pre-set temperature prior to using the clinical thermometer for measuring temperature; and providing compensational temperature by way of heat energy by a control circuit such that the surrounding temperature is maintained and stabilized at the pre-set temperature so as to avoid the change of the surrounding temperature from affecting the measured temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of a gas, especially air, said temperature (so-called effective temperature) being measured at least according to speed (wind intensity) and humidity. The inventive device comprises a housing (4) having a wall (6), which essentially separates the inside (4c) of the housing (4) from the outside environment. The device also comprises a temperature sensor (14) arranged inside the housing (4), and has a heating device (10), which is also arranged inside, said housing (4). The invention is characterized in that the outer side of the wall (6) of the housing (4) is essentially covered with a hydrophilic layer (8) made of material capable of absorbing moisture, and the wall (6) of the housing (4) comprises heat conductive material.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a clinical thermometer and the apparatus thereof are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of pre-heating the surrounding temperature to a pre-set temperature prior to using the clinical thermometer for measuring temperature; and providing compensational temperature by way of heat energy by a control circuit such that the surrounding temperature is maintained and stabilized at the pre-set temperature so as to avoid the change of the surrounding temperature from affecting the measured temperature. The stabilizing devices for a clinical thermometer comprises a clinical thermometer probe head which is a material capable of producing heat energy; and a heating controller connected to the probe head which provides cavity heating for the probe head prior to temperature measuring to the pre-set surrounding temperature, thereby the heating controller causes the surrounding temperature to maintain at a constant and stable temperature such that the precision of measuring is accurate.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a housing having a rear receiving chamber and an elongated front neck, a cap-like detection tip holding an induction chip at one end of the front neck of the housing for measuring the temperature of the object to which the cap-like detection tip is attached, and an electric heater mounted in one end of the front neck remote from the cap-like detection tip and controlled to pre-warm the housing when switched on the electronic thermometer to start temperature detection.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly preheating the probe of a thermometer to a temperature closer to the temperature of a patient to be measured. The system comprises a probe heater, a probe temperature sensor, a power source, and a processor for controlling the delivery of energy from the power source to the heater. The processor adds an offset to the drive level to the heater which is dependent on the ambient temperature and the power source voltage to achieve more rapid heater response. The processor maintains control over the drive level applied to the heater in accordance with the temperature sensor so that at all times a closed loop system is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of a gas, especially air, said temperature (so-called effective temperature) being measured at least according to speed (wind intensity) and humidity. The inventive device comprises a housing (4) having a wall (6), which essentially separates the inside (4c) of the housing (4) from the outside environment. The device also comprises a temperature sensor (14) arranged inside the housing (4), and has a heating device (10), which is also arranged inside, said housing (4).

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer has a probe including a temperature sensor and a heat flux sensor which are controlled to make measurements at specified time intervals. The measured values are used in solving the equation of heat conduction to estimate the temperature of an internal body position. A heater may be included to preheat a body part in order to reduce the time required for measurement. The probe may use two temperature sensors to measure temperatures at two body surface positions through insulating members which are different in thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A heat emitting probe including a conductive nanotube probe needle with its base end fastened to a holder and its tip end protruded, a heat emitting body formed on the probe needle, a conductive nanotube lead wire fastened to the heat emitting body, and an electric current supply that causes an electric current to pass through the conductive nanotube lead wire and both ends of the probe needle. The tip end of the probe needle is thus heated by an electric current flowing through the heat emitting body. A heat emitting probe apparatus includes the above-described heat emitting probe, a scanning mechanism that allows the heat emitting probe to scan over a thermal recording medium, and a control circuit that causes the tip end of the probe needle to emit heat, thus recording extremely small hole patterns in the surface of a thermal recording medium.

Abstract: A device provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine in order to detect exhaust gas temperature. The device includes an oxygen sensor which has a sense element outboard of a heater element. The oxygen sensor is further designed to incorporate a temperature sensing element on the outboard of the sense element. The temperature sensing element optimizes the detection of the exhaust gas temperature, thereby providing efficient operation of the engine.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly preheating the probe of a thermometer to a temperature closer to the temperature of a patient to be measured. The system comprises a probe heater, a probe temperature sensor, a power source, and a processor for controlling the delivery of energy from the power source to the heater. The processor adds an offset to the drive level to the heater which is dependent on the ambient temperature and the power source voltage to achieve more rapid heater response. The processor maintains control over the drive level applied to the heater in accordance with the temperature sensor so that at all times a closed loop system is provided.

Abstract: Sub-micron chemical analysis of the surface and sub-surface of a sample material is performed at, above or under atmospheric pressure, or on for a sample material submerged in a substance. A thermal and/or topographic image of the surface of the sample material is obtained. A location for study is selected using the image. The activation device is positioned over the selected location and surface and/or sub-surface products are ablated, desorbed or decomposed from the sample material to a chemical analyzer for analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly preheating the probe of a thermometer to a temperature closer to the temperature of a patient to be measured. The system comprises a probe heater, a probe temperature sensor, a power source, and a processor for controlling the delivery of energy from the power source to the heater. The processor adds an offset to the drive level to the heater which is dependent on the ambient temperature and the power source voltage to achieve more rapid heater response. The processor maintains control over the drive level applied to the heater in accordance with the temperature sensor so that at all times a closed loop system is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the presence or absence of heat, a transistor shows a relatively rapid change, while a cooling water CLW shows a relatively gentle change. The temperatures of both members settle down to approximately equal temperatures when no heat is generated in the transistor. At this time, the temperature of one of the transistor or the cooling water and the amount of energization of the transistor are used to estimate the temperature of the other member. This method is applied to other temperature estimations, such as estimation of the temperature between a stator coil and a stator iron core of a motor etc.

Abstract: Precise sensing and controlling of temperature during in-situ testing of a structure used in an integrated circuit by fabricating or placing a heat source element adjacent to the structure and by fabricating or placing a temperature sensing element adjacent to the structure.

Abstract: An integrated environment temperature sensor device provides improved temperature sensitivity by using a diode as the sensing element. The integrated sensor device comprises a heater element for creating a fixed quantity of heat energy. The sensor device also comprises an integrated circuit diode which receives the fixed quantity of heat energy from the heater element. The integrated circuit diode has a constant forward bias current applied thereto and a change in environment temperature is reflected in a voltage change across the integrated circuit diode. The integrated circuit diode further comprises an electrically insulating layer positioned substantially between the heater element and the integrated circuit diode for electrically insulating the two from each other.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer for measuring the temperature of a body, includes a probe having a heating element for preheating the probe to the approximate temperature of the body, and a temperature measuring element for measuring the precise temperature the body. The heating element is a relatively low-resistance thermistor having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and the temperature measuring element is a relatively high-resistance thermistor having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC).

Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of the core of a body includes: a) providing a heat conductive space outside the body and in contact with its surface; b) monitoring the difference of the temperatures of two points located within the space and at different distances from the body surface; c) if the temperature difference indicates that heat is flowing from the body surface outwards, generating heat in the space in order to reduce the temperature difference; d) monitoring the temperature difference; and e) assuming the temperature of one of the two points, when the temperature difference is zero, as the temperature of body core.

Abstract: A main heater, auxiliary heater and guard heater arranged on an insulator substrate to absorb leakage current, thereby maintaining precise sensing temperature. The main heater is parallel with a bridge circuit containing the auxiliary heater, and the main and auxiliary heater s are typically adjacently arranged with a guard heater there between, electrically interconnected to maintain target temperature of the main heater, regardless of leakage current typically resultant from insulation substrate deterioration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for correcting error in temperature readings caused by thermocouple-to-extension wire ambient temperature fluctuations. The device creates an isothermal mass which raises the temperature of terminals to higher than ambient temperature. The isothermal mass consists of a self heating thermistor surrounded by thermal conductive epoxy inside an isothermal mass which contains the terminals. The isothermal mass is enclosed within insulating discs using a closure casing to complete the assembly. Using these higher than ambient temperature terminals for the connection between a thermocouple and extension wires, any error due to ambient temperature fluctuations is minimized.

Abstract: A digital thermometer, having a sensing tip that is integral with a heater, a display, and a microcontroller which samples for rise time and proportionally operates the heater to increase the temperature of the sensing tip in an alternating control sequence that includes a post-heating delay and, thus, the sensing tip quickly arrives at a stable temperature when no further heating is required.

Abstract: A digital thermometer, having a sensing tip that is integral with a heater, a display, and a microcontroller which samples for rise time and proportionally operates the heater to increase the temperature of the sensing tip in an alternating control sequence that includes a post-heating delay and, thus, the sensing tip quickly arrives at a stable temperature when no further heating is required.

Abstract: A process for operating a thermocouple (2), which is arranged in a gas atmosphere and is maintained at a working temperature that is increased compared with the gas temperature by means of an a.c. power source (11). The determination of the thermal power introduced into the gas atmosphere and the temperature measurement are made possible with one measuring element. The thermocouple voltage is compared with a predetermined reference voltage U.sub.B arising from the working temperature of the thermocouple, a difference signal is formed between the thermocouple voltage and the reference voltage U.sub.B, and the a.c. power source (11)is influenced with the difference signal such that the thermocouple voltage is maintained at a constant value relative to the reference voltage U.sub.B.

Abstract: An improved medical thermometer is disclosed that provides an accurate estimate of a patient's temperature in substantially reduced time as compared to prior thermometers of this kind. This improved performance is achieved by configuring the thermometer to include a hollow, thin-walled metallic probe tip sized for secure attachment to the remote end of an elongated base. This defines an elongated cavity within the probe tip, and a thermistor is bonded to the probe tip within that cavity. The cavity is configured to be substantially longer in the direction of the probe's longitudinal axis than it is in a transverse direction, to inhibit the conduction of heat along the probe tip to the elongated base. The temperature of the thermistor, therefore, closely follows the temperature of any surface that contacts the metallic tip.

Abstract: A device (5) for measuring temperatures without mechanical contact comprises a bolometer with thermistors (20.sub.1, 20.sub.2, 20.sub.3, 20.sub.4) arranged as a Wheatstone bridge. Some of the thermistors (202, 204) are shielded and some of the thermistors (20.sub.1, 20.sub.3) are not shielded so as to allow or not to allow them, respectively, to receive thermal radiation (25) from an object (OBJ). The thermal radiation heats the non-shielded thermistors and produces an unbalance (v) of the bridge. This unbalance is canceled by heating all the thermistors by an additional heating (18, 26). In the balanced state the temperature of the object is equal to that of the thermistors. The additional heating is preferably achieved by causing the electric power supplied to the bridge to be varied. Computing means (14) enable the temperature of the object to be derived from current/voltage ratios relating to the thermistors.

Abstract: An improved prediction-type medical thermometer that provides an accurate estimate of a patient's temperature in substantially reduced time as compared to prior thermometers of this kind. This improved performance is achieved by using a special hollow probe tip having a low heat capacity and incorporating a resistive heater that is actuated only upon removal of the probe from a base housing. In particular, a processor measures an initial temperature upon the probe's removal and applies to the heater an initial electrical signal having prescribed parameter, e.g., pulse duration, that varies according to the initial temperature measurement. This warms the probe to a prescribed temperature at or near about 93.degree. F., after which the processor applies a sequence of pulses to the heater, to controllably regulate the probe's temperature to the prescribed value.

Abstract: The junction temperature of a die inside an electronic component is empirically determined by use of a board simulator that simulates a target board on which the electronic component is to be operated. The board simulator's thermal resistivity is determined in a first calibration step by measuring the difference in temperatures between two thermocouples mounted on two sides of the board simulator. Then, the board simulator is attached to a test component that includes a heating element and a temperature sensor. In a second calibration step, for a known thermal power generated by the heating element, the junction temperature of the test component is measured for different values of thermal resistivity of the board simulator. Next in a measurement step, the user determines the thermal resistivity of the target board.

Abstract: A tapered, nonconductive structure (10) having a hollow core (18) and a conical tip (14) includes a metal wire (16) within the core (18). The wire (16) is sealed within, and is exposed at the end (22) of, the tip (14). An electrically conductive or semiconductive layer (24) on the exterior of the tip (14) form a point thermocouple contact with the wire. The tip (14) may be fabricated, for example, by placing a metal wire (16) within a tube (12), and heating and pulling the tube (12) to produce two tapered micropipettes. Thereafter, a thin metal or semiconductor film (24) is evaporated onto the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cantilever for separately observing a temperature profile of a surface of a sample and the topography thereof. The cantilever of the present invention comprises a support, a flexible plate one end of which is supported by the support, and a probe provided at the tip of the flexible plate, in which a thermocouple is provided in the probe.

Abstract: A method and device to measure parameters of temperature and gas composition in high temperature fluids which has particular application to compressible unsteady flowing fluid and rapidly changing temperatures of high temperature gases. The device comprises at least two temperature sensing elements, means for pre-setting said elements to different temperatures, and means for determining a parameter of the fluid from temperature readings of said sensing elements taken at least two time instants. The invention also provides a method of measuring fluid temperature by determining differing heat transfer rates from the temperature history of temperature sensors initially set to different temperatures before exposure to the fluid. Based on the same methodology and device, gas composition of binary flows can also be determined.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for measuring a temperature of a body in a non-contact mode based on heat flux measurement. The system includes a temperature measurement apparatus to be positioned in close proximity to a body for measuring the temperature of the body. The temperature measurement apparatus comprises a thermally conducting element, a first and a second temperature sensor, and a temperature modulation arrangement. The first and second temperature sensors are mounted in the conducting element and each measures a temperature of the conducting element. The temperature modulation arrangement modulates the temperature of the conducting element until the temperatures at the first and the second temperature sensors are substantially the same. When these temperatures are equalized, heat flux into the conducting element is zero and the temperature of the conducting element represents the temperature of the body. The apparatus thus enables accurate non-contact temperature measurement of a body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in indicating the boiling point of fluids across a wide temperature range which comprises a meter of the portable hand-held type including a probe for insertion vertically into a fluid for testing, with heating means in the probe for heating of the fluid, and monitoring means for monitoring the temperature rise of heated fluid for indicating the boiling point temperature of the fluid. The probe portion has an inner chamber, in which are located the heating means and temperature monitoring means, and which is provided with thermal insulation means for restricting heat loss from the inner chamber during heating up of the fluid in the inner chamber up to its boiling point.

Abstract: A mobile or transportable refrigerated container temperature monitoring system which includes digital monitoring and printout devices which provide accuracy and reliability, and means for periodically checking the monitoring means for operability and logging the results. An analog to digital converter is utilzed to convert analog temperature data obtained from thermistor sensors to digital form to provide digital data readout and to drive a digitally responsive printer. Sensing and control devices are provided to prevent printer jamming and compensate for widely varying temperature conditions. Automatically activated testing devices are provided which test and record the functionality of the thermistor temperature sensors by periodically applying a predetermined heat input to the thermistor temperature sensors and recording the responses including responses indicating errors, insuring reliability of the outputted recorded temperature data and pinpointing any improperly functioning sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved thermal proximity imaging are provided. A data storage medium surface is moved relative to a sensor, in one embodiment a magnetoresistive read/write element. Topographical variations on the storage medium induce temperature changes in the sensor. These temperature changes are monitored to detect the location and nature (e.g., height) of the topographical variations on the medium surface. A feedback circuit using an impedance bridge is disclosed for sensing instantaneous changes in the temperature of the sensor, correcting for the changes and, therefore, keeping the temperature of the sensor substantially constant. By keeping the temperature of the sensor constant, the topographical variations can be detected without any adverse impacts of the surrounding thermal environment on the detection response time.

Abstract: Device and method for testing an optical element (E) to determine ability to withstand heating by a high-energy luminous beam. The contact of a point (11) is applied to the optical element and is heated to a specific temperature to simulate radiation. The contact point includes a dog point having a sectional configuration similar to a track of a simulated radiation beam. The heat can be adjusted and the temperature sensed.

Abstract: A quench cooling effectiveness apparatus for continuous monitoring of a heat treat quench system and method of operation is provided. The apparatus preferably includes first and second heat conductive sheaths having temperature sensors installed therein. The heat conductive sheaths are thermally insulated from each other with a heat resistive sheath. A microprocessor is preferably connected to said sensors, applies a known current to one sensor, and calculates a cooling effectiveness of the heat treat quench system from the temperature of the two sensors and the known applied current.

Abstract: A measuring system for the detection of ice buildup on aircraft in flight is described. It depends for its action on a well-known physical phenomenon called "heat of fusion" and senses the heat required to melt ice back to liquid water. The energy signal that is measured can only be produced by an ice-to-water transition, hence this system uniquely identifies the presence or absence of ice without regard to time, temperature, altitude, pressure or other factors. The system is capable of generating a rapid, real-time electrical signal that can be displayed to and readily understood by crew members, so that corrective action may be taken to safeguard the operation of the craft.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a controller for a heater for an air-fuel ratio sensor, and a method thereof, which activates the sensor element at an early stage so as to start the air-fuel ratio feedback control to clean the exhaust gas from the engine as early as possible, and avoids deterioration of the heater and the sensor element due to overheating thereof.The controller has a power supplying device for supplying electric power to a heater for heating an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine to maintain the air-fuel ratio sensor activated and has a resistance measuring device for measuring the resistance of the heater.

Abstract: A noncontact active infrared sensor is provided with bifurcated sensing elements. A first element is uniquely exposed to the remote object, thereby establishing a radiative flux. A second element is configured in the same local environment as that of the first element but isolated from radiation from the remote object. The heat transfer of both elements is compared and that component of heat transfer corresponding to flux with the remote object is isolated and converted into a temperature signal. The sensor system advantageously incorporates individual thermal control units onto both sensor elements to accurately control salient thermal transfers while thermally decoupling the sensor elements. This provides for a more accurate reading of the temperature of the remote object.

Abstract: A multi-lumen, multi-purpose cardiac catheter which incorporates optical filaments and an optical coupler for use with external apparatus for determining the oxygen concentration in the blood of a patient under critical care conditions, as well as incorporating therein a thermal element useable with a second external apparatus for measurement of continuous cardiac output. A thermal plug provides an interface between a temperature control apparatus and the thermal element to simply and accurately monitor and control the temperature of the thermal element. A temperature monitoring circuit in the thermal plug facilitates temperature measurement at the thermal element. The catheter also includes a thermistor and at least one injectate port for enabling the user to also conduct thermal dilution readings and obtain intermittent measurements of cardiac output. The combination of a thermal dilution catheter with a SV0.sub.

Abstract: An improved prediction-type medical thermometer that provides an accurate estimate of a patient's temperature in substantially reduced time as compared to prior thermometers of this kind. This improved performance is achieved by using a special hollow probe tip having a low heat capacity and incorporating a resistive heater that is actuated only upon removal of the probe from a base housing. The heater regulates the temperature to a value of about 93.degree. F. After the probe is applied to the patient, a microprocessor repeatedly samples the thermistor and estimates the patient's temperature based on the successive samples. If a predetermined number of successive temperature estimates lie within a predetermined error range, the sampling is terminated and the most recent estimate is displayed as the patient's temperature.

Abstract: A thermoelectric potential probe inspects the surface coating thickness of a turbine bucket blade using a rolling ball probe head to traverse the surface of the bucket. The probe may be hand-held or affixed to a computer controlled robotics coordinate measuring machine. The rolling ball head has embedded heating elements and is a thermal-electric sensor that gathers data regarding the thickness of coating on a turbine surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping the character and location of small surface variations on a planar surface. Energy is supplied to an object in close proximity to the planar surface to thereby raise the temperature of the object. The object is moved with respect to the planer surface substantially constant. A decrease in temperature of the object is detected when it is in proximity to the variation to define the location and character of the variation. The energy supply may be thermal energy or optical energy but preferably is electrical energy which heats a resistive element. Preferably, the object is the magnetoresistive head of a disk drive assembly. The surface may be that of a magnetic recording material. The change in temperature is detected by monitoring the resistance of the magnetoresistive coil of the head. The energy may be supplied in pulses to obtain higher peek temperatures while avoiding mechanical distortion of the object.

Abstract: The scanning thermal probe microscope measures a thermal parameter such as thermal conductivity or temperature of surface contours of a specimen with a thermal sensor maintained in thermal communication with the surface of the specimen and maintained at a temperature different than that of the specimen. The thermal sensor is disposed on the free end of a cantilever arm in thermal communication with the probe. A thermal feedback bridge circuit can maintain the thermal sensor at a constant temperature by heating or cooling the sensor, and provides a signal for determining the heat transfer between the probe and the specimen. The cantilever arm includes first and second legs of electrically conductive material, and the thermal sensor comprises a narrowed portion of the conducting material having a relatively high temperature coefficient of resistance.

Abstract: A moisture sensor with two heatable concentric moisture electrodes and a temperature sensor detecting the electrode temperature is set into the roadway surface to be monitored. The moisture electrodes are heated by a heating current circuit. The heating current circuit is connected to a computer which has a store for storing device-specific parameters, desired values and a processing program. During each measuring cycle the computer processes the temperatures of the moisture electrodes measured by the temperature sensor and a signal which is representative of the surface moisture. A control signal is produced therefrom which heats the moisture electrodes. An alarm or switching signal is produced when the moisture electrodes have reached a temperature characteristic of the formation of ice and a conductivity indicative of moisture is present between the moisture electrodes.