Abstract: A multipoint thermocouple assembly using coil springs in which a coil spring is used with each thermocouple to maintain contact between the thermocouple measuring junction and the interior side of the assembly housing. Maintenance of such contact helps to insure an accurate reading of temperature changes which occur outside the assembly housing.

Abstract: A distributed temperature sensor, in the form of a coaxial cable terminated in its characteristic impedance, comprising: an inner metallic conductor; a cylindrical, flexible, nonconductive material, surrounding the metallic conductor, having a plurality of axial voids extending throughout the length of the cable; a temperature-sensitive dielectric filling the axial voids, the voids being plugged at each end; an outer conductor surrounding the nonconductive material; and an optional elastomeric jacket surrounding the outer conductor.The invention also relates to apparatus for taking a continuous readout of a distributed temperature field, using the coaxial cable as a key element.

Abstract: Careful and accurate indication of regeneration temperatures of catalysts associated with the refining of hydrocarbons such as occurring in catalyst-aided hydrocracking and catalyst-aided reforming processes--in real time--occurs by monitoring--from an overflying aircraft--the infrared energy, say in a frequency range greater than 300 .times. 10.sup.9 but not more than 10.sup.15 Hertz, emitted from a plurality of distributed metallic studs mounted as by welding to the exterior surface of the sidewall of a vessel undergoing catalytic regeneration. The dynamic temperature variation of such energy rays readily indicates regeneration temperatures of the catalyst interior of the vessel. The studs extend through the insulation of the vessel but do not penetrate its interior. Where the regeneration process is cyclically occurring, not only is there a marked decrease in the time required for regeneration, but there is also better statistical certainty that full regeneration of the catalyst has occurred.

Abstract: A thermally operated valve utilizes a member which is moved in accordance with the pressure of a gas within a chamber containing an adsorbent carbon material formed from a compound of carbon and a non-carbon component wherein the non-carbon component has been removed leaving a porous structure with cavities of sufficient size to receive and adsorb the gas.

Abstract: The gas content of well drilling mud under pressure is determined by extracting or isolating a sample of the pressurized mud, as for example at a down-hole location, reducing the pressure of the sample, and sensing the fluid pressure of the sample prior to and following such pressure reduction.

Abstract: A thermometer based upon the measurement of spontaneous thermal noise in the form of electrical fluctuations in a sensor resistance, in which the sensor is included within an input circuit. The input circuit is inductively coupled to a matched circuit tuned to a selected band width of the noise and which includes the measuring electronics which preferably discriminates between random amplifier noise and the sensor signal by correlation techniques.

Abstract: A clinical thermometer having a probe with a thermopile mounted thereon. The probe is inserted into a connector housing which includes a resistance thermometer for measuring the temperature of the cold junctions of the thermopile. The connector housing includes a portion of an electrical circuit mounted on a circuit board which is electrically connected to the resistance thermometer. The circuit board is electrically connected to a meter box having the remaining portion of the electrical circuit contained therein. The meter box includes a dial which is calibrated in degrees of temperature for visually indicating the temperature sensed by the hot junctions of the thermopile. The probe is releasably secured within the connector housing so that probes can be easily inserted and removed. The clinical thermometer provides a mechanism whereby the body temperature of a patient can be measured quickly and easily and without maintaining the cold junctions of the thermopile at a constant reference temperature.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nuclear fuel reactors, and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus, based upon vibration detection and analysis techniques, for detecting a failure or rupture of fuel elements or tubes containing nuclear fuel.

Abstract: A capacitance type material level detector for a hopper for particulate solid materials has a support that extends through an opening in a hopper sidewall to carry a detector unit for which it provides a hood. An electrically conductive sensor member of the detector unit is protected from contact with material in the hopper by a dielectric shield, and is sealed in a chamber defined by the shield and a mounting plate. A manually slidable and rotatable paddle hangs alongside the shield where it may be swung in front of the shield to check operativeness of the detector unit; and by moving the paddle rearwardly it may be used to break accumulated material off the face of the shield.

Abstract: A thermal responsive device employs gas, such as a noble gas, with an adsorbent carbon material which is a decomposed carbonaceous compound, such as decomposed polyvinylidene chloride or decomposed polyvinylidene fluoride.

Abstract: A thermistor thermometer wherein one or more semiconductor diodes are electrically connected in series with the thermistor so that the exponent of the diode equation is proportional to the exponent of the thermistor equation and wherein a reference resistance in series with like number of identical diodes establishes a bridge circuit.

Abstract: A conductive heat transfer mechanism through which energy readily flows between two bodies or systems at different temperatures. The present mechanism is embodied in a temperature sensing network for determining and controlling the surface temperature of a xerographic fuser roll. The network includes a probe shoe containing at least one temperature sensing element with the shoe being positioned in close non-contiguous relation with the moving surface of a heated fuser roll. A magnetic flux field is created within the air gap between the heated roll surface and the probe shoe and a magnetic medium, preferably being in fluid form, having a relatively high coefficient of thermal conductivity is placed within the flux field through which a rapid and efficient flow of heat is maintained.

Abstract: By including four resistors and a capacitor in a bridge and connecting the bridge to the input terminals and the output terminals of a comparator amplifier a relaxation oscillator is obtained the square-wave frequency of which depends logarithmically upon the ratio of two resistances. Linearization is obtained by using a measuring-value transducer the resistance of which depends exponentially upon a physical quantity, such as temperature, as one of the resistors. The converter may be used in frequency-analog transmission of measuring values and in measuring instruments for measuring-value indication without the need for linearizing steps.

Abstract: The temperature within a body is measured by covering an area of the body surface with a layer of thermal insulation, measuring the temperature with two sensors located respectively at the insulation/body surface interface and at the opposite side of the insulating layer to indicate any temperature gradient along a path from within the body through the sensors, and applying heat over the insulating layer/sensor sandwich to annul any such gradient. This effectively exteriorises the desired deep body temperature, which is then indicated by the sensors. It is important that the insulation extend laterally beyond the sensors to guard against peripheral temperature gradients affecting the sensor region and to take account of any inherent thermal irregularities in the body. This last point is particularly relevant to clinical use on human subjects with irregularities caused by vascular channels. Similar considerations lead to use of a thin film or similar uniform heating element over the relevant area.

Abstract: Careful and accurate indication of regeneration temperatures of catalysts associated with the refining of hydrocarbons such as occur in catalyst-aided hydrocracking and catalyst-aided reforming processes--in real time--occurs by monitoring the infrared energy, say in a frequency range greater than 300 .times. 10.sup.9, but not more than 10.sup.15 Hz, emitted from a plurality of distributed metallic studs mounted as by welding to the exterior surface of the sidewall of a vessel undergoing catalytic regeneration. The dynamic temperature variation of such energy rays readily indicate regeneration temperatures of the catalyst interior of the vessel. The studs extend through the insulation of the vessel, but do not penetrate its interior. Where the regeneration process is cyclically occurring, not only is there a marked decrease in the time required for regeneration, but there is also better statistical certainty that full regeneration of the catalyst has occurred.