Abstract: A temperature monitoring system for accurate and real-time temperature monitoring may be employed at a conduit and/or a temperature control element. The conduit is configured to transport a fluid along the length of the conduit, and the conduit may comprise a variety of conduit structures having numerous cross-sections, shapes, orientation, geometry, operating conditions, operation functions, etc. The temperature control element operatively coupled to the conduit may be utilized to control the temperature of the fluid within the conduit. Typically, the temperature control element is configured to heat or cool the fluid within the conduit. The temperature monitoring system may further comprise one or more temperature sensors, such as distributed temperature sensor(s) or discrete temperature sensor(s), operatively coupled to the conduit and/or the temperature control element.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography system including a solvent delivery system, a sample delivery system in fluidic communication with solvent delivery system, a liquid chromatography column located downstream from the solvent delivery system and the sample delivery system, a detector located downstream from the liquid chromatography column, a thermal chamber housing at least one of the solvent delivery system, the sample delivery system, the liquid chromatography column and the detector, an engine configured to control the temperature in the thermal chamber, a heatsink operably connected to the engine, a first temperature sensor in the thermal chamber, a second temperature sensor, and a computer system configured to receive temperature information from each of the first and second temperature sensors, and implement a method for controlling temperature in the thermal chamber.

Abstract: The present invention describes a scan adiabatic resistive calorimeter (SARC) 1 with ohm heating of the sample 20, which measures the heating enthalpy and is formed of an inner cylinder 11 and a couple of pistons 15 and 16, thus forming said elements a cylindrical chamber hermetically closed 10, which avoids that during its operation can be material losses by leaks. Pistons 15 and 16 have, in one of their ends an electrode 31 and 36 respectively and they pass the electrical heating flow through the sample 20. In reference to this electric flow, the applied power is calculated and therefore, the supplied heat to the sample 20, which is equal to the specific enthalpy. To assure that the whole of the electric flow is conducted through the sample 20, the inner cylinder 11 is electrically isolated.

Abstract: A method for improved handling of a blended fuel includes obtaining a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; cooling the same until the sample separates into phases; and determining a risk that the fuel in the storage tank will separate based on the cooling step. An apparatus for assessing the risk of phase separation of a blended fuel includes a test cavity for holding a sample of the blended fuel from a storage tank; a heat transfer device for cooling the sample in the test cavity; and at least one sensor for indicating when the sample in the test cavity has separated into phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid retigabine in non-crystalline form together with a surface stabiliser in the form of a stable intermediate. In the intermediate of the invention, retigabine is preferably present in amorphous form or in the form of a solid solution. The invention further relates to processes for the production of retigabine in a solid, non-crystalline form and to pharmaceutical formulations containing solid, non-crystalline retigabine.

Abstract: A non-destructive evaluation system and method is provided for detecting flaws in an object. The system includes a lamp for impinging the object with optical pulses and a focal plane array camera configured to capture the images corresponding to evolution of heat due to an impact of the optical pulses in the object. The system also includes an image acquisition system for capturing data corresponding to the images from the focal plane array camera. Both transmission mode imaging and reflection mode imaging techniques are used in an exemplary embodiment. A time of flight analysis system is also provided for analyzing the data from both transmission mode imaging technique and reflection mode imaging technique. The data from transmission mode imaging is used to determine thickness values at different points in the data and for determining location of flaws using the thickness values. The data from reflection mode imaging is used for determining depth of these flaws.

Abstract: Described is a method for recording the boiling curve of liquids, in particular petroleum products and/or solvents, in which a sample amount of the liquid to be analyzed is evaporated and subsequently condensed, wherein the vapor temperature and the respectively evaporated amount of liquid are monitored, the sample amount is dosed by a a pump, for example, wherein the pump and the condensate collection chamber are brought to a defined, and preferably identical, temperature level. The condensed volume is determined volumetrically and the distillation residue of the sample amount is determined by weighing.

Abstract: Ceramic structures such as catalyst supports or combustion exhaust filters that incorporate combinations of high temperature phase change materials, and methods for determining the thermal history of such ceramic structures, by disposing the phase change materials on or within the structures and subsequently detecting the presence or absence of phase changes in the materials after exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A method for determining virgin formation temperature of earth formations surrounding a borehole is provided. The time duration of drilling fluid circulation and the time after cessation of drilling fluid circulation at the borehole depth regions of interest are tracked. At a particular borehole depth region of interest, fluid flows from the formations into a device in the borehole, and the temperature of the fluid as a function of time with respect to initiation of fluid flow is measured. The thermal history of formations surrounding the particular borehole depth region is modeled for a cooling phase during drilling fluid circulation, a temperature build-up phase after cessation of drilling fluid circulation, and a formation fluid flow phase after initiation of fluid flow. The model and temperature measurements are used to determine a trend of temperature evolution and the virgin formation temperature by extrapolation from the trend.

Abstract: A heat-flux gage, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing device thereof which are improved from circular foil heat-flux gage disposed in ASTM E511 comprise: a cylindrical body having a receiving space therein, and a foil mounting hole on one end thereof; a foil including a heat absorption surface, an inner surface facing the heat absorption surface, and a radiant side surface connecting the heat absorption surface and the inner surface, wherein the inner surface faces toward the receiving space and the radiant side surface is contacted to a side surface of the foil mounting hole; a foil lead wire connected on a center of the inner surface of the foil; a body lead wire connected to an opposite end of the foil mounting hole on the cylindrical body; and a filler filled in the inner receiving space, to prevent the foil lead wire from being damaged by fixing the foil lead wire.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A method and measuring device intended for a window-cleaning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the freezing temperature is determined by continuous cooling of a representative partial volume of the liquid inside a chamber. For this purpose, measurements are made of the temperature while the liquid is cooled, which first drops in accordance with the heat dissipation until the start of the phase change initiating the freezing, and in the process leads the heat of solidification released to a temporary temperature plateau. The freezing temperature can be reliably determined in this way for each chemical composition of the liquid.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A method by which the heat transfer quality of a cooled gas engine component can be quantified for inspection purposes. A system is utilized to determine the heat transfer performance of an internally cooled structure, by analyzing the transient thermal response of the structure based upon a full field surface temperature measurement using an infrared thermal imaging system.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of a frozen deposition at an interface between a substrate of known thermophysical properties and surroundings of unknown thermophysical properties. The system involves applying a predetermined quantity of heat to a temperature sensor positioned at the interface to cause a thermal perturbation, measuring an output signal of the sensor subsequent to applying the predetermined quantity of heat, and comparing one or more measured values of the output signal to one or more reference output level values to determine the presence or absence of the frozen deposition.

Abstract: A block-type heater assembly for use in melting point/boiling point determination apparatus or other applications in which it is desirable to provide a substantially isothermal region for samples under test as well as a temperature sensor while also providing access for observation, visual or otherwise, of the samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the freezing points of a metal by inducing solidification in a cooling liquid metal sample in a supercooled state and utilizing specific detected peak values or changes in slope in a temperature/time plot as the sample cools, begins solidification and recalesces. It was found that the maximum temperature reached after the second rise, if two rises occur, the maximum of a single rise, or the temperature at which the rate of temperature drop decreases, if no temperature rise occurs, provides a useful approximation of the liquidus temperature and hence the freezing point of the sample.

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 Portable Fluid Boiling Point Sensing Device (1) which can be used to measure the boiling point of fluids. The device includes a probe (2) for immersion in fluid to be tested, in particular in fluid reservoir. The probe (2) comprises a casing (2a) defining a chamber (3) for a semi-encapsulated portion of fluid (3a). The fluid (3a) kept at an optimum level without sensitive probe (2) depth measurement by a quantity of air (4) being trapped above an aperture means (6a) on the casing (2a) causing an artificial fluid level (L.sub.1) to be maintained below the surface of the test fluid. A heater (8) and a temperature sensor (9) are present in the housing (2a) and apertures (5, 6a, 6b) are provided to permit fluid flows into and from the chamber (3). The device senses the boiling temperature of the fluid by measuring the temperature of the vapors (11) given off the heated fluid (3a) within the housing (3), or alternatively directly from the fluid (FIG. 5a/b).

Abstract: A temperature controlling method of a refrigerator by using a microprocessor includes the steps of: sampling digitized temperature values counted by an analog-to-digital converter according to a predetermined temperature range by a predetermined frequency by using the microprocessor; when the number (X') of a temperature value (X) counted with the most frequency is not less than a desired frequency, selecting the temperature value with the most frequency as a controlling temperature; when the number (X') of the temperature value (X) counted with the most frequency is less than the desired frequency, selecting a value obtained by adding/subtracting a predetermined temperature value which is less than the predetermined temperature range to/from the temperature value (X) with the most frequency as the controlling temperature; and selecting a temperature value obtained by applying the steps to at least two temperature values (Y) (Z) counted with the second most frequency and the third most frequency, as the contr

Abstract: A portable hand-held device (1) is provided for testing the boiling point of fluids, especially hydraulic fluid such as brake fluid. The device includes a probe (3) for immersion in fluid to be tested, in particular in a fluid reservoir, and the probe (3) comprises an inner casing (11) defining a housing (11A) for a semi-encapsulated portion of fluid and an outer sheath (7) defining a shroud surrounding the inner casing (11). A heater (5) and a temperature sensor (6) are present in the housing (11A), and apertures (10, 13) are provided to permit fluid flows to and from the housing (11A). The device senses the onset of the equilibrium reflux boiling temperature of the fluid in the housing (11A).

Abstract: An automated thermal analysis system and method for the detection and quantitative measurement of analytes having thermally-induced, energy events and associated enthalpy changes is described. The system and method are automated to simplify data acquisition and analysis and to enhance sensitivity. The temperature of at least one sample containing at least one analyte having a thermally-induced, energy event is measured upon heating or cooling through the temperature range of the energy event of the analyte to derive a time-temperature curve corresponding to the enthalpy change of the analyte. From the time-temperature curve and a preselected reference parameter derived therefrom in the vicinity of the energy event region of the analyte, analyte concentration in the sample may be derived from a calibration curve correlating the preselected reference parameter to a normalized sample weight or volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the freezing point of substances, particularly liquids, that are likely to be used in environments that subject them to temperatures at or near their freezing points. The apparatus and method achieve a determination of the freezing point of the substance without the necessity of rigidly controlling the warming and cooling of the substance and without mistaking errant fluctuations in the thermal behavior of the substance for the freezing point. The apparatus includes a test sample cell that is cooled by direct contact with a rapidly expanding gas and a means for recording and analyzing temperature and time data for a test sample within the test sample cell. Means for controlling the test and displaying the information/data are also provided. The method utilizes a numerical analysis means to arrive at a freezing point value without the necessity of complex differentiating electronics or calculations.

Abstract: In a method of checking the gelling process after pouring a reactive resin system into a production mould, the gelling behavior of a resin system is detected by means of calibration measurements and stored. Temperature patterns of the resin system are detected and, for each temperature pattern, the temperature at which the gelling point lies is determined. A scalar value and the gelling moment temperature are associated with each temperature pattern. On carrying out a checking measurement inside a production mould, the temperature patterns at various sites inside the production mould are detected using a large number of thermocouples. Scalar values are obtained from the temperature patterns and are compared with the scalar values established during the calibration measurement in order to establish gelling moment temperatures. The particular advantage of the method described is that the checking measurement of a production mould requires the use only of thermocouples and not of gelling point probes.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for utilization of fuels with alcohol additives for an internal combustion engine in which during the heating of a sample quantity of a fuel mixture of a conventional fuel and alcohol there is a delay in the temperature increase in the region of the boiling point of the alcohol, due to its heat of vaporization. The apparatus (a) detects this temperature region, which characterizes the type of alcohol in the mixture, and (b) determines the extend of the delay in the temperature increase which characterizes the percent admixture of the alcohol in the fuel mixture. The measurement values obtained during the vaporization are utilized to produce a correction signal in a control device to effect a change in the air-fuel ratio in the fuel mixture former of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A first exemplary embodiment of an osmometer for the in vivo measurement of the osmolarity of a bodily fluid such as tears or sweat comprises a detachable, preferably disposable, probe in combination with means for measuring the conductivity between two electrodes of the probe. The osmometer further comprises means for converting the measured value of conductivity of the in vivo sample into a corresponding value of osmolarity and display means for displaying a visible representation of that value.In a second exemplary embodiment a sensor of some physical quantity (such as dew point temperature) related to the vapor pressure from a bodily fluid is mounted inside a confining, generally concave shell which is placed adjacent to a portion of the human body for a measurement to be made. For the case of measuring tear osmolarity in the open eye, the confining shell could take the form of a conventional eyecup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to determine the temperature of one or both surfaces of the two surfaces of a Peltier element. One then calculates the temperature difference (dT) between the surfaces from a known relation for the Seebeck voltage (U.sub.p) as a function of the temperature difference and the mean temperature (T.sub.i) of the element from a known relation for the temperature dependence of the internal resistance (R.sub.i) of the element. Finally, to the mean temperature (T.sub.i) one adds and from it subtracts respectively half the temperature difference (dT) between the surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the freezing point of substances, particularly liquids, that are likely to be used in environments that subject them to temperatures at or near their freezing points. The apparatus and method achieve a determination of the freezing point of the substance without the necessity of rigidly controlling the warming and cooling of the substance and without mistaking errant fluctuations in the thermal behavior of the substance for the freezing point. The apparatus includes a test sample cell that is cooled by direct contact with a rapidly expanding gas and a means for recording and analyzing temperature and time data for a test sample within the test sample cell. Means for controlling the test and displaying the information/data are also provided. The method utilizes a numerical analysis means to arrive at a freezing point value without the necessity of complex differentiating electronics or calculations.

Abstract: Gelling of a liquid or liquefication of a gel are investigated or controlled by differential measurement of thermal characteristics of the involved medium. The temperature of the medium is measured by a first probe (delivering a first temperature indicating signal) while a second probe (sufficiently far away from the first probe not to disturb the latter through temperature changes) imparts heat to said medium and delivers a signal corresponding to its temperature. The signals respectively emitted by the probes are processed in an electrical data processing unit wherein the signals are combined in a correcting stage which corrects the signal delivered by the second probe taking into account the signal delivered by the first probe to deliver information indicating the change of state of the medium.

Abstract: A heat-generating element and a fluid temperature measuring element are immersed in a molten or gelled fluid sample to measure continuously both temperature .SIGMA.w of the said heat-generating element and fluid temperature .THETA..infin. during the cooling or heating of the fluid sample at one or several constant cooling or heating rates. An abrupt change in .THETA.w-.THETA..infin. value is detected to obtain the practical gel-point temperature of a characteristic gel-point temperature, which is defined as the extrapolated gel-point temperature at a cooling or heating rate of zero.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining crystallization solidification curves of chocolate masses and similar fatty masses is equipped with a measuring chamber 8 which is formed by a cooled wall and into which projects a temperature-measuring sensor 16. Here, the liquid chocolate mass is brought to solidification. A device for recording the temperature pattern in the solidifying chocolate mass against time is provided. A piston/cylinder unit 6, 7 which is arranged so as to dip with its open end face 10 into the chocolate mass to be measured serves as a measuring chamber 8. A drive is provided for the stroke of the piston 7. The piston 7 carries the temperature-measuring sensor 16. A device 6 for removing the solidified sample from the piston 7 and temperature-measuring sensor 16 is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device includes a resistance temperature sensor formed in a semiconductor substrate and a resistance heater which is formed on an insulating layer which covers the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The resistance heater has a low temperature coefficient of resistivity and is positioned adjacent the resistance temperature sensor so the current flow through the resistance heater will generate heat which is transferred through the insulating layer to the resistance temperature sensor. The sensing device is applicable to a variety of sensing systems, such as mass flow measurement systems, dew point detection systems, and frost detection systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining phase transition temperatures and, more particularly, for determining cloud, fluidity, freezing, and haze points of hydrocarbon fuels and hydrocarbon/oxygenate fuel blends. The attenuation of laser light as it passes through the sample, then through a laser line filter, and then into a photodetector is used to determine the transition temperature.

Abstract: Process for the determination of the turbidity point of a liquid, which consists in progressively cooling the liquid and noting the temperature at which turbidity appears; the temperatures at the center (T.sub.1) and at the periphery (T.sub.2) of the liquid are measured, their graphs as a function of time (.theta.) are plotted and changes in the slope of these graphs are noted, the turbidity point being the temperature (T.sub.1) at the center of the liquid which corresponds to the change in slope on the graph T.sub.2 -.function.'(.theta.).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the thawing point of jet fuels by first cooling a sample of the fuel until crystals appear and then heating the sample until the crystals disappear, detecting the point at which the crystals appear both thermally and optically, detecting the point at which the crystals disappear both thermally and optically and correlating the resulting measurements to obtain an indication of the thawing point.

Abstract: A microcomputer control system for a furnace is disclosed which provides accurate control of the temperature of the furnace such that the temperature can be quickly increased to a predetermined desired temperature without overshooting the desired temperature. The control system determines the tuning constants of the furnace as a function of the system's response to a predetermined input and, thereafter, uses the determined tuning constants to accurately control the temperature of the furnace. The control system employs a novel method for increasing the temperature of a furnace wherein full power is applied to the furnace heat source until the microcomputer makes the determination, based upon the furnace tuning constants, that power supplied to the furnace must be reduced to prevent the temperature of the furnace from overshooting the desired temperature.

Abstract: A method for measuring the freezing point of a liquid utilizing non-adiabatic thermodynamics for the chilling chamber. The temperature of the chilling chamber in which the measurement is made is actively altered to reduce net heat flow from the sample portion of the liquid being measured at least during nucleation of the sample portion. By actively altering the chilling-chamber temperature, the thermodynamics of the sample itself more nearly approach a true adiabatic condition during nucleation. Preferably, the freezing-point measurement is made in the sample-handling or pick-up device itself.

Abstract: A self-calibrating temperature sensing probe having a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to a vial of a predetermined substance in an isothermal environment created by a housing and insulation. A heating element is positioned about the vial to effect vial heating. The substance is preselected for its melting point temperature, which is in excess of the ambient temperature of the environment surrounding the housing. During recalibration the substance is heated above its melting point and allowed to cool. During cooling the temperature of the substance is recorded and the liquid-to-solid phase change determined. Recalibration is affected using the phase change temperature of the substance as a calibration point.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal measurement of the texture of a porous body, including a measuring head, a measuring assembly and a processing and control circuit. The measuring head is provided with two identical cylindrical cells, a measuring cell and a reference cell, arranged in a furnace. The measuring assembly measures the mean temperature of the measuring cell, and measures a calorific effect in the measuring cell, and includes a calorific effect detector, a calibration circuit, a temperature regulator including a furnace heater. The measuring circuit supplies a temperature signal and a calorific effect signal to the processing and control circuit, which in turn controls the heater.

Abstract: A freezing point method and device (10) are disclosed. The method and device pertain to an inflection point technique for determining the freezing points of mixtures. In both the method and device (10), the mixture is cooled to a point below its anticipated freezing point and then warmed at a substantially linear rate. During the warming process, the rate of increase of temperature of the mixture is monitored by, for example, thermocouple (28) with the thermocouple output signal being amplified and differentiated by a differentiator (42). The rate of increase of temperature data are analyzed and a peak rate of increase of temperature is identified. In the preferred device (10) a computer (22) is utilized to analyze the rate of increase of temperature data following the warming process. Once the maximum rate of increase of temperature is identified, the corresponding temperature of the mixture is located and earmarked as being substantially equal to the freezing point of the mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the relative humidity of an atmosphere by measuring the dew point of the atmosphere. The dew point is measured by lowering the temperature of a condensing or sensing surface associated with a heat flow sensor. When condensation begins to occur this is detected by the heat flow sensor as a change in the rate of heat flow through the condensing surface. In one embodiment a pair of heat flow sensors are employed, one maintained at a slightly lower temperature than the other. The sensors are connected in series opposition so that output signals due to background or convective heat transfer are cancelled, any change in the combined output signal of the two sensors then indicating heat flow resulting from condensation. The temperature of the cooler face will be the dew point temperature. Two arrangements of sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: A monitoring technique is disclosed for determining when the end point has been achieved in the evaporation of the constituents from an alloy such as a tin lead alloy. An optical pyrometer or other temperature sensing device, is focused on a crucible in which both tin and lead is being heated. Since, under vacuum conditions, lead evaporates at a lower boiling point than does tin, the temperature of the crucible will achieve a first temperature plateau while the lead is being evaporated. After the lead has been depleted in the crucible, the temperature of the crucible will rise to a higher temperature plateau at which the tin will evaporate. The output of the optical pyrometer is digitized and is applied to a microcomputer which periodically samples the temperature of the crucible.

Abstract: An end-fill molten metal sampler is provided with a ball type check valve within the entrance passageway to the sample cavity.

Abstract: A sample cell is located in an inner tank which is surrounded by a heat insulating container. Inert gas is circulated through the inner tank from separate heating and cooling paths. A pressure regulator is located in the sample cell.

Abstract: An osmometer probe comprises a cage which carries abrasive material and encloses a temperature sensor. In use, the probe is placed in a super-cooled solution and the abrasive material detaches particles of the container which initiate crystallization of the solution, the temperature on crystallization being measured by means of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A portion of the test liquid is placed in the middle of a cooling plate having a central recess in which a thermometer probe is embedded in a heat-insulating material. Two Peltier elements disposed beneath the plate are connected in series and can be energized via a switch or a relay contact, thus chilling the portion of liquid. The probe may be connected to a voltage source and to an oscillograph which displays the voltage drop caused by the cooling liquid in the form of a curve. In another embodiment, the probe is series-connected to a constant-current source, and the voltage drop is amplified and supplied to an analog-to-digital converter connected to a microprocessor which both initiates the chilling operation and orders the A-D converter to sample the voltage and supply the equivalent digital value to the microprocessor itself.