Patents Examined by Gail Verbitsky
  • Patent number: 8192079
    Abstract: A disposable thermometer probe sheath includes a bottom piece and a plastic cover film sealed onto the bottom piece. The plastic cover film comprising an upper plastic sheet film and a lower plastic sheet film, each of which has a front edge provided with an opening, a rear edge provided with a tip, and a sealed peripheral edge except for the opening, so as to receive a thermometer probe. The plastic cover film is made of a flexible and deformable material, while the plastic cover film is provided with two notches respectively formed on two side edges adjacent to the tip. The upper plastic sheet film is provided with a first flap attached to the opening thereof, while the lower plastic sheet film is provided with a second flap attached to the opening. When the thermometer probe is inserted into the plastic cover film, the notches are tightly engaged with the thermometer probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Actherm Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8192080
    Abstract: Improved treatment apparatus (120, 152) is provided for the treatment (e.g., molding, heating and/or curing) of objects such as parts or part precursors (148, 170) including wireless detection of a temperature parameter related to the objects during treatment thereof. The objects include associated microwire-type sensors (150, 174) which have characteristic re-magnetization responses under the influence of applied, alternating magnetic fields. The apparatus (120, 152) have treatment chambers (122, 153) sized to hold the objects to be treated, with one or more antennas (132, 124, 166) proximal to such objects and operable to generate interrogating alternating magnetic fields and to detect the responses of the sensors (150, 174). The detected temperature parameter information is used by an apparatus controller (146) to maintain desired ambient conditions within the treatment chamber (122, 153).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: TSI Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 8186878
    Abstract: A circuit and method for providing temperature data indicative of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The circuit is coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to identify for a coarse temperature range one of a plurality of fine temperature ranges corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and generate temperature data that is provided on an asynchronous output data path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff W. Janzen, Jeffrey P. Wright, Todd D. Farrell
  • Patent number: 8186876
    Abstract: A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Mullin, Michael J. Anson, John A. Lane, David E. Quinn, Henry J. Smith, III, Ray D. Stone
  • Patent number: 8182142
    Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus includes a light source, a first splitter, a second splitter, a reference beam reflector, an optical path length adjuster, a reference beam transmitting member, a first to an nth measuring beam transmitting member and a photodetector. The temperature measuring apparatus further includes an attenuator that attenuates the reference beam reflected from the reference beam reflector to thereby make an intensity thereof closer to an intensity of the measurement beam reflected from the temperature measurement object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Abe, Tatsuo Matsudo, Chishio Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 8182139
    Abstract: Temperature sensing circuitry is used for thermal management of an electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry includes at least one thermistor placed at or near a component of the electronic device. The temperature sensing circuitry also includes a high-precision resistor for calibration purposes. The resistance of the resistor is equivalent to the resistance of the thermistor at a reference temperature. A calibration reading is obtained using a set current that is being passed through the resistor. An error present in the temperature sensing circuitry is determined based on the calibration reading and a design value. A temperature measurement associated with the component is then made using the thermistor, while the set current is being passed through the thermistor. The error is corrected in the temperature measurement of the component. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hugo Fiennes, Keith Alan Cox
  • Patent number: 8182143
    Abstract: Ambient temperature for a temperature sensor can be calculated using a mobile temperature sensor system that samples air from the boundary layer around a mobile platform and passes the air through a measurement cell containing two flush-mounted or embedded sensor elements. A common reference voltage can be applied by control circuitry to minimize drift in the sensor element readings and to calculate the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: SpectraSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex J. Fleming, Randy Dean May, W. Stephen Woodward
  • Patent number: 8182145
    Abstract: A temperature sensor including a temperature sensing element (102) having a temperature sensing unit (103) and a pair of device electrode wires (104) extending from the temperature sensing unit; a sheath member (106) including a sheath wire (108) connected at a junction (110) to one of the device electrode wires and a sheath outer pipe (107) retaining the sheath wire in an insulating material (114); an inner tube (112) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape, the inner tube accommodating the temperature sensing element and the junction in a bottom portion side of the inner tube serving as a leading end of the temperature sensor, and extending in an extension direction of the device electrode wire and the sheath wire; and an outer tube (120) which has a bottomed cylindrical shape including a gas inlet hole (122a, 122b, 122c), the outer tube covering the inner tube, and being spaced, from the inner tube on a leading end side of the junction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Mitsunori Oi, Takashi Maeda, Norimichi Saito, Toshinori Nishi, Go Hanzawa, Takeshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8182140
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Severson
  • Patent number: 8172458
    Abstract: A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis N. Petrakis
  • Patent number: 8172457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a sensor for determining the hydrocarbon dew point in a gas, in particular in a gaseous fuel. According to the invention a roughened condensation surface is provided on a planar measurement surface of a transparent body. Light is shone onto the roughened condensation surface through the transparent body and the intensity of the light reflected back into the transparent body is measured. The hydrocarbon dew point temperature can be inferred from changes in the intensity of the light which is reflected back when heating or cooling the condensation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Bartec Benke GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Boehm
  • Patent number: 8167484
    Abstract: A temperature indication pipe joint, including a shell, wherein a water conduit is arranged in said shell, and including a heat transmission unit which has a first end in said water conduit and a second end connected to the center of a spiral double sheet metal, said spiral double sheet metal further has an indicating needle extended from its other end. By utilizing the double sheet metal to sense the change of temperature and deform accordingly, the water temperature can be indicated, which can reduce the cost and achieve a simpler structure compared to the digital thermometer used before; when rotating the cover of the present invention, the quantity of water stream will be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Solex High-Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hao Deng, Gangqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 8162542
    Abstract: A cargo container includes a cargo box affixed atop a hollow base, with the base including forklift tunnels extending therethrough with elongate bays disposed parallel thereto. Each bay includes a removable tray for receiving electrical batteries. And, a temperature control system is disposed on a sidewall adjoining the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tednologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Edward Harman, Kyle Mathias Taylor
  • Patent number: 8157441
    Abstract: To provide a temperature sensor probe that can take stable measurements, and a manufacturing method thereof. The temperature sensor probe related to the present invention is a temperature sensor probe for measuring temperature using a fluorescent substance that changes fluorescent characteristics depending on temperature. Then, a powdered fluorescent substance, a guide wave route member that propagates excitation light, which is irradiated on the fluorescent substance, and fluorescent light, which is produced by the fluorescent substance, are provided. Further, the particle size of the powdered fluorescent substance is confined to the range of 60 to 100 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichiro Kinugasa, Atsushi Kato
  • Patent number: 8157440
    Abstract: The invention provides a total gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of gas in a gas flow. A gas temperature sensor in accordance with the invention comprises a measurement chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; an outlet valve located at the gas outlet, operable to seal the gas outlet when in a closed position, and a temperature sensing element located in the measurement chamber. The sensor is simple to manufacture, is robust, provides for a low recovery correction and does not suffer from significant boundary layer problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Weston Aerospace Limited
    Inventor: Wojciech Konrad Kulczyk
  • Patent number: 8157439
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Patent number: 8152369
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas feedstream flowing past a gas sensing device disposed therein. The gas sensor includes an integrated electrical heating element which provides a resistance indicative of its temperature. An unknown input observer is used to determine the exhaust gas feedstream temperature based on the heating element temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qi Ma, Julian R. Verdejo, Nicholas John Kalweit
  • Patent number: 8152367
    Abstract: The invention provides an insulated container having a temperature monitoring device that can be used to maintain an object stored in the container at a temperature that is below the normal operating temperature of the temperature monitoring device while still permitting the taking of measurements of the interior of the container. The container includes an RF transponder having an RF antenna, a temperature sensor, and a battery that is operatively connected to the transponder and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is positioned in the container so that it is in a temperature monitoring relationship with the interior space of the container. The battery is positioned at least partially in one of the walls of the container at a location that is spaced apart from the temperature sensor and that is selected so that the battery does not experience a temperature that is below an operating temperature of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: William Peyton Roberts, Thomas D. Kennedy, Tom Windisch, David W. Hagood
  • Patent number: 8147133
    Abstract: A measured system for use with a calorimeter and related methods of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Ellison, Ryan Ubelhor
  • Patent number: 8147136
    Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure and an electromagnetic radiation heating associated with the micromechanical functional structure, which is formed to cause a spatially and temporally defined temperature or a spatially and temporally defined temperature course in the micromechanical functional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Jörg Heber, Thomas Klose, Thilo Sandner, Andreas Bergmann, Christian Gerwig, Thomas Knieling