Abstract: Methods of manufacturing thermocouples having a first thermoelement wire comprises a molybdenum-lanthanum based material and a second thermoelement wire comprises a phosphorus-doped niobium, may involve exposing a first thermoelement wire and a second thermoelement wire to a temperature in a range extending from about 50° C. to about 60° C. above an intended operational temperature of the first and second thermoelement wires and until a rate of change of a normalized voltage output of the first thermoelement wire and the second thermoelement wire is about 0.001 normalized Volts per hour or less.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device, comprising: a semiconductor substrate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a center position equidistant from the upper surface and the lower surface in a depth direction of the semiconductor substrate. An N-type region with an N-type conductivity is provided in the semiconductor substrate such that the N-type region includes the center position of the semiconductor substrate. The N-type region includes an acceptor with a concentration that is a lower concentration than a carrier concentration, and is 0.001 times or more of a carrier concentration at the center position of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A substrate stage includes: a stage body having a substrate placing surface on which a substrate is placed in a processing apparatus that performs a processing on the substrate; and a thermocouple configured to detect a temperature near the substrate placing surface of the stage body. The thermocouple includes a temperature measuring unit formed by stacking a first metal film and a second metal film, on a surface on a side of the substrate placing surface of the stage body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal paste including: a first metal powder including nickel (Ni); a second metal powder including at least one selected from the group consisting of tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), bismuth (Bi), and indium (In); and a dispersing agent, and to a thermoelectric module which adopts a bonding technique using the metal paste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermocouple probe (10). The probe includes a first pair of thermocouple wires (50) joined to form a first thermocouple junction (56) at a sensing tip (14) of the thermocouple probe and a cooling arrangement (20) defining a cooling pathway (34) adjacent to a cooled portion of the probe. The sensing tip projects beyond the cooling arrangement and is cooled during use by conduction to the cooled portion of the probe. The probe further includes a second pair of thermocouple wires (54) joined to form a second thermocouple junction (52) in the cooled portion of the probe and adjacent to the sensing tip. The present invention also provides a method and a system for determining the gas temperature (Tg) in a high temperature environment, such as a jet engine.

Abstract: An assembly includes an electrical conductor disposed within an elongate mineral insulated conductive sheath. The electrical conductor is electrically grounded to the conductive sheath. The assembly also includes a test conductor disposed within and electrically isolated from the sheath to provide an indication of the insulation resistance of the assembly.

Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly includes first and second temperature sensors disposed within an elongate mineral insulated conductive sheath. A junction point of the first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the conductive sheath. The second temperature sensor is electrically isolated from the conductive sheath. Measurements obtained from the electrically isolated temperature sensor can be used to test insulation resistance of the assembly or temperature indications from the electrically isolated temperature sensor can be compared to measurements taken from the electrically connected junction point to take a variety of corrective actions during use of the temperature sensing assembly, such as adjusting the installation of the assembly or applying correction factors to measurements obtained from one of the temperature sensors.

Abstract: An active temperature measurement system includes at least one grounded thermocouple and a processor in communication with the at least one grounded thermocouple. The processor is configured to receive measurements from the at least one grounded thermocouple. The at least one grounded thermocouple is biased by an isolated voltage when the processor is receiving a measurement from the at least one grounded thermocouple.

Abstract: A waterproof food temperature probe includes a penetrating portion for inserting into food during cooking; a cable for coupling the penetrating portion to a display unit separated from the penetrating portion; and, a high temperature resistant seal portion permanently covering at least part of the penetrating portion and at least part of the cable. The seal portion prevents moisture from entering the penetrating portion thereby preventing the temperature probe from malfunctioning.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for tailoring the thermoelectric response of a thermocouple to that desired by a user. The method comprises the steps of; (a) selecting a first thermoelectric material, (b) selecting a second thermoelectric material having dissimilar thermoelectric properties to the first thermoelectric material, a thermocouple formed from the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material having a known thermoelectric response, and (c) modifying the chemical composition of at least one of the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material to produce a thermocouple having a tailored thermoelectric response. In specific embodiments, the chemical composition may be modified by selectively depleting one or more chemical elements from the thermoelectric material or by selectively adding, or increasing the proportion of, one or more elements to the thermoelectric material.

Abstract: A computer-aided simulation method for an atomic-resolution scanning Seebeck microscope (SSM) image is provided. In the computer-aided simulation method, a computer may calculate a local thermoelectric voltage for a position of a voltage probe, to acquire an SSM image corresponding to the position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element, a thermoelectric conversion module, and a method for producing a thermoelectric conversion element are provided, each of the element and the module having a low contact resistance between a p-type thermoelectric conversion material and an n-type thermoelectric conversion material and being capable of being used at high temperatures without deterioration due to oxidation. A p-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material is primarily made of a substance having a layered perovskite structure represented by the formula: A2BO4, wherein A includes at least La, and B represents at least one element including at least Cu. An n-type oxide thermoelectric conversion material is primarily made of a substance having a layered perovskite structure represented by the formula: D2EO4, wherein D includes at least one of Pr, Nd, Sm, and Gd, and E represents at least one element including at least Cu.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a thermoelectric module and a method for fabricating the same. The thermoelectric module includes a plurality of p-type and n-type segmented thermoelectric elements disposed in a planar array, wherein the p-type and n-type segmented thermoelectric elements are coupled in series via a plurality of first electrodes and second electrodes. Each segmented thermoelectric element includes at least two vertically homogeneous thermoelectric segments, and at least two adjacent thermoelectric segments have a fusion-bonding layer therebetween. The fusion-bonding layer includes a tin-containing material and a plurality of spacers disposed among the tin-containing material, wherein the melting point of the spacers is higher than the liquidus temperature of the tin-containing material.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element is configured to have two types of conductors with different Seebeck coefficients physically connected alternately with an electrode via one or more electrical resistance layers formed by electrical resistor having electrical resistance rate of 1×10?3 ?cm or more. This arrangement enables charges to be generated by the difference of temperature in both ends of the element and to be densely stored in the electrical resistance layers formed by electrical resistor. Moreover, it is thought that thermal energy equivalent to the difference of temperature is input into the electrical resistance layers and that electromotive force increases as a result of an increase of output voltage.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and methods thereof. The thermoelectric device includes nanowires, a contact layer, and a shunt. Each of the nanowires includes a first end and a second end. The contact layer electrically couples the nanowires through at least the first end of each of the nanowires. The shunt is electrically coupled to the contact layer. All of the nanowires are substantially parallel to each other. A first contact resistivity between the first end and the contact layer ranges from 10?13 ?-m2 to 10?7 ?-m2. A first work function between the first end and the contact layer is less than 0.8 electron volts. The contact layer is associated with a first thermal resistance ranging from 10?2 K/W to 1010 K/W.

Abstract: A set of electrical connector pins for a thermocouple includes two materially similar conductor pairs, each conductor pair having conductors composed of a different material, and carried by an electrically insulating connector housing. The different materials of the conductor pairs provide a partial compensation to the thermocouple EMF developed between the hot junction and the cold junction when engaged thereto for the different type thermocouples. The conductors of each pair are operable to engage with two thermoelement conductors that form a thermocouple of differing types. The thermocouples provide a hot junction electrical interconnection therebetween at one end and are coupled to a cold junction at another end.

Abstract: Systems are provided for measuring temperature in a semiconductor processing chamber. Embodiments provide a multi-junction thermocouple comprising a first junction and a second junction positioned to measure temperature at substantially the same portion of a substrate. A controller may detect failures in the first junction, the second junction, a first wire pair extending from the first junction, or a second wire pair extending from the second junction. The controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the first junction or first wire pair by selecting the second junction and second wire pair. Conversely, the controller desirably responds to a detected failure of the second junction or second wire pair by selecting the first junction and first wire pair. Systems taught herein may permit accurate and substantially uninterrupted temperature measurement despite failure of a junction or wire pair in a thermocouple.

Abstract: A thermoelectric structure and device including at least first and second material systems having different lattice constants and interposed in contact with each other, and a physical interface at which the at least first and second material systems are joined with a lattice mismatch and at which structural integrity of the first and second material systems is substantially maintained. The at least first and second material systems have a charge carrier transport direction normal to the physical interface and preferably periodically arranged in a superlattice structure.

Abstract: A single thermoelectric device designed to operate both as an igniter and flame detector for gas burners is described. Ignition is performed via heating, by Joule effect, of a conductor which can have, preferably, catalytic activity on the combustion while the flame is detected by means of a “hot” thermal state via the seeback effect. Both functions are obtained via control of a circuit for delivery of the power and detection and amplification of the electrical signal correlated to the flame.

Abstract: Preferred electrode devices (10) including a substrate (11) and cathode (13) and anode material (12) coated thereon in discreet locations are described. The cathode materials desirably include multiple layers of thin metal films (14). Preferred cell devices including conductive elements and a solid state source of charged ions for migration into and through the conductive elements are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is presented for partially compensating the cold junction of a thermocouple system using low cost semi-compensated conductors of system components accommodating various thermocouple types. The thermocouple system, comprises a thermocouple portion comprising two thermocouple types, each type composed of two different thermoelectric materials joined to form a hot junction, a semi-compensation portion comprising two substantially similar conductor pairs, each composed of a different material, wherein one conductor of each pair is composed of a material different than the thermoelectric materials of the respective thermocouple type of the thermocouple portion.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module with a simple structure with less breakage by thermal stress is provided. For this purpose, the thermoelectric module includes p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements (13, 14) which are alternately placed, and outer electrodes (15) and inner electrodes (16), which are alternately placed between the thermoelectric elements (13, 14), and at least part of at least either one of the outer electrode (15) or the inner electrode (16) has a shape approximately along an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16). The inner electrodes (16) surround an object which exchanges heat with the electrodes (15, 16).

Abstract: A sensor has a series circuit, which includes first and second end terminals, a set of thermocouples electrically connected in series between the first end terminal and the second end terminal, and electrical inspection terminals, which extend from corresponding intermediate points in the series circuit between the first end terminal and the second end terminal to divide the set of thermocouples into smaller groups of thermocouples. A resistance value of each group of thermocouples is measured through adjacent two of the first and second end terminals and the electrical inspection terminals while the sensor is in a wafer state. Whether the thermopile infrared sensor is normal is determined based on the measured resistance value of each group of thermocouples.

Abstract: A combined thermocouple and thermopile capable of producing multiple EMF signals. The combined thermocouple and thermopile construction is particularly adapted for use as an electric generator capable of producing multiple EMF signals and able to respond faster to changes to the presence or absence of a pilot or gas burner flame. The conductors of the thermopile are comprised of dissimilar metals joined at each end to form hot and cold thermocouple junctions. The thermopile may provide multiple EMF signals when a third wire lead is affixed to a cold junction between either end of the array. The array of thermocouples is formed in a circle and enclosed in a metal sleeve or jacket.

Abstract: A thermopile on an electrically insulating substrate. A pattern is arranged on this substrate of parts which consist of a first conductive material, to which a second conductive material is applied, and parts which consist only of the first conductive material. The second material is better electrically conducting than the first and, connected as thermopile, can thereby generate a certain thermo-voltage. The second material is applied to the first, starting from a layer of the first material on the substrate, by etching stripes therein via the so-called “blind-hole etching” technique and applying the second material in these stripes.

Abstract: To provide a thermopile infrared detecting element capable of accurate temperature measurement at low cost. An infrared detecting element 1 using a silicon nitride film as a first structure layer 22 constituting a structure of a membrane portion 4 is provided. Unlike silicon oxide, the first structure layer 22 has internal stress in the tensile direction, and can thus prevent the occurrence of bending. Also, diodes D1 and D2 can be formed in a silicon substrate 2 by using the first structure layer 22 as an element isolation region, and thus deformation of a thermopile 12 due to a change in the environment can be prevented to suppress measurement error of the thermopile 12. Furthermore, a high accuracy infrared detecting element capable of accurately detecting the temperature of cold junctions using the diodes D1 and D2 can be provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element formed of a sintered body of a semiconductor comprising at least two kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of Bi, Te, Se and Sb, and having a micro-Vickers' hardness of not smaller than 0.5 GPa. The thermoelectric element has a hardness of not smaller than 0.5 GPa, and exhibits a large resistance against deformation, and is not easily broken by deformation. As a result, breakage due to deformation is prevented and a highly reliable thermoelectric element is realized even when a shape factor which is a ratio of the sectional area of the thermoelectric element to the height thereof, is increased and even when the element density is increased.

Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a BiTe alloy-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.

Abstract: A high-efficiency thermoelectric unicouple is used for power generation. The unicouple is formed with a plurality of legs, each leg formed of a plurality of segments. The legs are formed in a way that equalizes certain aspects of the different segments. Different materials are also described.

Abstract: A combined thermocouple and thermopile capable of producing multiple EMF signals. The combined thermocouple and thermopile construction is particularly adapted for use as an electric generator capable of producing multiple EMF signals and able to respond faster to changes to the presence or absence of a pilot or gas burner flame. The conductors of the thermopile are comprised of dissimilar metals joined at each end to form hot and cold thermocouple junctions. The thermopile may provide multiple EMF signals when a third wire lead is affixed to a cold junction between either end of the array. The array of thermocouples is formed in a circle and enclosed in a metal sleeve or jacket.

Abstract: A sensor has a series circuit, which includes first and second end terminals, a set of thermocouples electrically connected in series between the first end terminal and the second end terminal, and electrical inspection terminals, which extend from corresponding intermediate points in the series circuit between the first end terminal and the second end terminal to divide the set of thermocouples into smaller groups of thermocouples. A resistance value of each group of thermocouples is measured through adjacent two of the first and second end terminals and the electrical inspection terminals while the sensor is in a wafer state. Whether the thermopile infrared sensor is normal is determined based on the measured resistance value of each group of thermocouples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and characterizing microscopic thermoelectric material samples using scanning microscopes. The method relies on concurrent thermal and electrical measurements using scanning thermal probes, and extends the applicability of scanning thermal microscopes (SThMs) to the characterization of thermoelectric materials. The probe makes use of two thermocouples to measure voltages at the tip and base of a cone tip of the probe. From these voltages, and from a voltage measured across the sample material, the Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity and resistance of the sample material can be accurately determined.

Abstract: An infrared sensor is provided with a thermopile formed with a plurality of thermocouples connected to each other. The thermopile includes hot junctions, cold junctions, and thermoelectric patterns. The thermoelectric patterns are made of thermoelectric materials differing from each other. The hot junctions and the cold junctions are made of a bonding material which differs from the thermoelectric materials. A temperature-compensation resistor film is formed at a corner of the surface of a substrate on which the thermopile is formed, the temperature-compensation resistor film being made of the same material as the bonding material used for the hot junctions and the cold junctions.

Abstract: A thin sensor for heat flux and temperature, designed for adhesive attachment to a surface, is manufactured on a flexible insulated metallic substrate. The sensor exhibits a combination of high sensitivity for heat flux and low resistance to the flow of heat. These characteristics enable it to measure heat flux at surface boundaries with improved accuracy over conventional heat flux transducers because the temperature drop produced by the sensor is very small. The response by the sensor to radiation, convection and conduction are equal. As such, the sensor can be calibrated in one mode of heat transfer and used for measurement in other modes. The high sensitivity of the sensor makes it ideal for measuring heat flow through insulating materials, and well adapted to instrumenting heat flow in buildings, detecting fires at an early stage, or remotely measuring the temperature of string and web products in industrial processing.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic thermocouple (10) having a first (12), a second (14) and a reference (16) thermoelement enclosed in a sheath (20) filled with an insulator (18) separating the thermoelectric elements from each other and the sheath. The three thermoelements (12,14,16) are joined at a common location to form three separate thermocouple junctions (22) having three distinct electrical outputs as a function of temperature. The reference thermoelement (16) is made from a pure metal or alloy which has stable thermoelectric characteristics. Deterioration of the electrical output of the self-diagnostic thermocouple (10) is capable of being detected by a programed microprocessor (100).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermopile sensor and in particular to a radiation thermometer or a motion detector with a thermopile sensor. The thermopile sensor includes a thermopile supported in a housing. The thermal capacity of the cold and hot junctions of the thermopile including its supporting structure and the thermal conductivity of the supporting structure are mutually coordinated such that a change in the housing's temperature produces a change of equal magnitude in the cold and hot junctions' temperature, that is, no temperature gradients occur within the thermopile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electrical power using animal body heat as the sole energy source. The apparatus includes a plurality of thermocouples connected in series and thermal insulating material for retaining heat in the hot junction and thermal conducting material for conducting heat away from the cold junction whereby a temperature differential between the hot and cold junctions of the thermocouples is maintained body heat energy received by the hot junction is converted to electrical power. The apparatus can be used to replace or supplement the electrical power provided by a low-voltage battery to drive a microelectronic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit sheath adaptable to a glow plug or a thermocouple, which is improved in durability by the protection from burn-out of the conductive filament. The unit sheath is preferably adapted to a glow plug 10. A protective envelope 1 of ceramics high in density includes a metallic filament 4 of any one of pure tungsten, molybdenum or alloy thereof. A high-density sealant 3 hermetically closes the envelope 1 at its opened end 5. Filler 2 of non-conductive, unburned material is packed in the space around the metallic filament 4 in the envelope 1. The filler contains therein an additive 7 that may be subjected to the oxidation at the temperature lower than that of the metallic filament 4. The additive 7 is composed of at least any one of a free oxygen absorber selected from the group of carbon, titanium, boron, aluminum and nitride thereof, or the mixture thereof.

Abstract: An engine block containing thermoelectric materials that generates a direct current during operation and, in so doing, provides for at least some of the necessary engine cooling requirements and for at least some of the electric power requirements. The result is wasted heat energy is being converted into electricity.

Abstract: A multi-wire self-diagnostic thermocouple having three thermocouple elements enclosed in a sheath and insulated therefrom. The three thermocouple elements are electrically connected to each other to form three thermocouple junctions. An electronic circuit response to the three EMF signals generated by the three thermocouple junctions generates an error signal when the ratio between the three EMF signals differs from predetermined ratios signifying that the calibration of at least one of the three thermocouple elements has changed. In the preferred embodiment, the sheath is a metal sheath and the three thermocouple elements are fused to each other and to the metal sheath.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material which exhibits an excellent thermoelectric performance even when it is used at elevated temperatures is shown and described. A thermoelectric material is provided having conductive layers made of a first semiconductor only, and barrier layers made of a second semiconductor only, that are alternatingly formed one upon the other. The interface of the barrier layer relative to the conductive layer is roughly formed to include a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of recesses, and the interface of the conductive layer relative to the barrier layer is roughly formed to fit the interface of the barrier layer. The ratio Ry/t of the maximum height Ry of the protuberance on the barrier layer to the thickness t of the barrier layer is set to be Ry/t.gtoreq.0.1. This makes it possible to enhance the strength of the heterojunction interface between the barrier layer and the conductive layer and to improve the heat resistance.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material having excellent thermoelectric performance is shown and described. A thermoelectric material is formed having a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of barrier layers that are alternatingly formed one upon the other such that one conductive layer is sandwiched by two barrier layers. The conductive layers are composed of a first semiconductor only, and the two barrier layers located on the outermost sides of the material each have a main layer made of a second semiconductor only and a boundary layer made of the first and second semiconductors. A plurality of barrier layers positioned in between the conductive layers each have a main layer and two boundary layers provided on opposite sides of the main layer. The thickness t.sub.1 of the conductive layer and the thickness t.sub.2 of the barrier layer have a relationship of 2t.sub.1 .ltoreq.t.sub.2 .ltoreq.50t.sub.1.

Abstract: A thermocouple formed of a length of a single composition having first solid phase section adjoining a second solid phase section, and a transition therebetween. One method of making such thermocouples is to raise the temperature of the first solid phase section above its transformation temperature while maintaining the temperature of a second adjoining solid phase section of the length of material below its transformation temperature. A second method includes rapidly solidifying a molten material by contacting it with a moving substrate formed of adjoining regions of differing thermal conductivity. A third method includes rapidly solidifying a molten material by alternatingly contacting it with a cooling fluid and air. A fourth method includes transforming a section of a length of material in a first solid to a second solid phase by mechanical means.

Abstract: A method of forming printed circuits on an insulating film comprising the steps of forming a panel plating layer, plating the circuits onto the panel plating layer, applying a film to the plated panel plating layer and chemically removing the panel plating layer. In addition, the printed circuit is impressed into the film so as to form a planar surface and a protective film is placed over the film and impressed circuit. The method of making a thermocouple by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to increase the thermoelectromotive force delivery by a thermoelectric element as a whole or regulate the temperature coefficient of such thermoelectromotive force, n-type semiconductive ceramic members and p-type semiconductive ceramic members are assembled to form such element and are electrically connected with each other. The n-type and p-type semiconductive ceramic members are provided in the form of plate members, which are stacked so as to be interconnected by insulating layers and conductor layers. The insulating and conductor layers are provided on opposite surfaces of adjacent plate members by thick film printing and baking performed thereafter.

Abstract: Several embodiments of improved thermocouples that can be formed without necessitating welding of small diameter wires. In each embodiment, the thermocouple is formed by depositing strips of dissimilar materials on an insulating base with the ends of the strips in contacting relationship to form a junction.

Abstract: Thermoelectric device having a number of thermoelectric elements electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel. Each element is provided with two element halves, electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel, of opposite conductivity types. Each element half has two semiconducting end pieces and an electrically conducting intermediate piece which are electrically connected in series.

Abstract: A measuring system has a pair of sensors with the response time of one sensor lagging the response time of the other. The output of each sensor is sampled periodically and the outputs for two successive samples are compared to calculate the actual value of the parameters based upon the change in the two outputs.

Abstract: A lattice array of metal sheathed mineral insulated cables each cable having a coaxial conductor comprising alternate lengths of dissimilar thermo-electric material to provide thermo-electric junctions. The junctions are in two groups of opposite polarity and those of one group are disposed at the intersections of the cables while those of the other are disposed between intersections. Localized temperature increases create differentials between groups of sensors and can be located by the co-ordinates of the lattice array.

Abstract: A method of operating a thermoelectric generator includes: cyclically producing increasing then decreasing temperature differences in the thermoelectric material of the generator; and generating a cyclically increasing then decreasing electrical generator output signal, in response to such temperature differences, to transmit electrical power generated by the generator from the generator. Part of the thermoelectric material reaches temperatures substantially above the melting temperature of the material. The thermoelectric material of the generator forms a part of a closed electrical loop about a transformer core so that the inductor voltage for the loop serves as the output signal of the generator. A thermoelectric generator, which can be driven by the described method of operation, incorporates fins into a thermopile to conduct heat toward or away from the alternating spaces between adjacent layers of different types of thermoelectric material.