Covered And Sealed Sensor Junction Patents (Class 136/232)
  • Patent number: 11747213
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for accurately measuring a temperature, such as that of a fluid where the temperature is changing, can include a housing with an exterior surface extending between a first end and a second end. The temperature sensor housing can include a set of exterior grooves, which provides for coupling a set of temperature sensor probes along the exterior of the housing with a probe extending at the first end. Additionally, a set of recesses can be formed in the first end for positioning the probes within the recesses. Furthermore, the interior of the housing can be hollow, with a second type of probe extending through the interior between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Unison Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Gerardo Nunez, Dale F. Geislinger, David E. Artus
  • Patent number: 11428580
    Abstract: A heat exchanger according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of tubes through which heating water flows, a housing having an interior space in which the plurality of tubes are disposed and through which a combustion gas passes, the housing including a plurality of flow passage caps connected with distal ends of the plurality of tubes to cause the heating water to flow through the flow passage caps, a temperature sensor brought into close contact with an area between two flow passage caps adjacent to each other among the plurality of flow passage caps to obtain a temperature, and a bracket coupled to the housing to bring the temperature sensor into close contact with the area between the adjacent two flow passage caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: KYUNGDONG NAVIEN CO., LTD
    Inventors: Jun Kyu Park, Jeon Hur, Whee Jun Lim
  • Patent number: 10775244
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system for very high temperature vessels is disclosed. The system includes a vessel to contain a heated gas therein. The vessel includes a wall having an inner side proximal to the heated gas, and an opposing outer side distal from the heated gas. The wall includes a threaded recess, with a stud having a first threaded portion threadedly engaged in the recess, and a second threaded portion extending outwardly therefrom. A nut is threadedly engaged on the second threaded portion of the stud. A retention plate is between the nut and the outer side of the wall with a first side coupled to the nut, and a second side coupled to outer side of the wall. A temperature sensor is disposed between the second surface of the retention plate and the outer side of the wall and coupled to the outer side of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Allan Ferry, Philip Frederick Gilston, Haiyang Qian
  • Patent number: 10656024
    Abstract: A molten material apparatus can include a container including a wall at least partially defining a containment area and an opening extending through the wall. The molten material apparatus can include a protective sleeve mounted at least partially within the opening of the wall of the container. A thermocouple can be positioned within an internal bore of the protective sleeve. A method of processing molten material can include inserting a thermocouple into a protective sleeve fabricated from a refractory ceramic material, and measuring a temperature of material within a containment area of a container with the thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Curtis Richard Cowles, Gilbert De Angelis, Jeffrey Lee Merriman, Katherine Rose Rossington, Michael Joshua Snyder
  • Patent number: 10215645
    Abstract: A carbon atmosphere thermometer 10a has: a thermocouple having thermocouple wires 16, 18, a thermocouple temperature measuring junction 14, and an insulating tube 12; a first protection tube 20 surrounding the thermocouple, while at least partially spaced apart from the thermocouple wires 16, 18 and others of the thermocouple; and a second protection tube 22 surrounding the first protection tube 20, while at least partially spaced apart from the first protection tube 20. For this reason, it becomes feasible to protect the thermocouple from the external environment, while preventing the thermocouple from reacting with the first protection tube 20. Furthermore, it becomes feasible to protect the thermocouple and the first protection tube 20 from the external environment, while preventing the first protection tube 20 from reacting with the second protection tube 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: FURUYA METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ito, Yasuhiro Sato, Tomoaki Miyazawa, Tomohiro Maruko
  • Patent number: 10215646
    Abstract: A carbon atmosphere thermometer 10a has: a thermocouple having thermocouple wires 16, 18, a thermocouple temperature measuring junction 14, and an insulating tube 12; a first protection tube 20 surrounding the thermocouple, while at least partially spaced apart from the thermocouple wires 16, 18 and others of the thermocouple; and a second protection tube 22 surrounding the first protection tube 20, while at least partially spaced apart from the first protection tube 20. For this reason, it becomes feasible to protect the thermocouple from the external environment, while preventing the thermocouple from reacting with the first protection tube 20. Furthermore, it becomes feasible to protect the thermocouple and the first protection tube 20 from the external environment, while preventing the first protection tube 20 from reacting with the second protection tube 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: FURUYA METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Ito, Yasuhiro Sato, Tomoaki Miyazawa, Tomohiro Maruko
  • Patent number: 10113916
    Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus for a heat exchanger may include a sensor bracket installed at an outer circumferential surface of a refrigerant pipe forming the heat exchanger, and a temperature sensor accommodated at an inside of the sensor bracket, and configured to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe, when the sensor bracket is installed at the refrigerant pipe, to sense a surface temperature of the refrigerant pipe. The sensor bracket includes a bracket body rounded to surround the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe, a sensor accommodating groove formed at an inner surface of the bracket body to be recessed and in which the temperature sensor is accommodated, and a pipe holder configured to protrude from an end of the bracket body and to be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Taehwa Hong, Hyuksoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10088441
    Abstract: Method and thermal analysis device including a sample holder and at least one temperature detector which is assigned to the holder. The invention further relates to a production method for a temperature detector. A heat flow to be detected is conveyed to the temperature detector between a support surface and the sample holder, wherein the support surface and/or the sample holder include elevations or depressions forming contact points, which define a relevant heat flow zone assigned to the support surface. A thermocouple, which includes at least two elements made of different metals, a first metallic element A, with a higher expansion coefficient compared to a second metallic element B, is introduced in a precisely fitting manner into second metallic element B constituted as a hollow profile and the two elements A, B are heated in a first operational step and then cooled again in a second operational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Netzsch-Gerätebau GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Denner, Juergen Blumm, Otto Max Schaefer, Markus Hollering, Matthias Gradl, Gunther Herr, Andre Nijmeh, Thilo Hilpert, Alexander Frenzl, Stefan Lauterbach, Andreas Strobel, Gabriele Kaiser, Stefan Schmoelzer, Markus Meyer, Stephan Knappe, Rolf Preuss, Michael Gebhardt, Elena Moukhina, Alexander Schindler
  • Patent number: 9972762
    Abstract: A thermocouple ribbon features a pair of flat conductors and first and second layers of a polyimide film covering the conductors. The polyimide film preferably is coated with a fluoropolymer, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). During manufacture of the thermocouple ribbon, the first and second layers of polyimide film, with the pair of flat conductors positioned there between, are heated above the melting temperature of the FEP. The completed thermocouple ribbon is then cooled. A thermocouple connector may then be attached to a first end of the thermocouple ribbon, while a welded thermocouple junction may be formed at a second end of the thermocouple ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TE Wire & Cable LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Smith, Mathew J. Nadakal
  • Patent number: 9958338
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocouple for sensing the temperature at a measurement point, comprising a first conductor that has a first end and a first terminal, and a second conductor that has a second end and a second terminal. The first end of the first conductor and the second end of the second conductor are in electric contact with one another at the measurement point, while the first terminal of the first conductor and the second terminal of the second conductor can each be connected to a terminal line. The first conductor and the second conductor are applied to a substrate using thick-film technology, the first end of the first conductor and the second end of the second conductor overlapping in at least some sections at the measurement point. A hot runner nozzle has a heater and a thermocouple according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GUENTHER Heisskanaltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Guenther, Siegrid Sommer, Stefan Sommer, Frédéric Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9893600
    Abstract: Insulating objects arranged in parallel between adjacent element wire conductors of a plurality of the element wire conductors in a circumferential direction of the rotating electrical machine on each of both sides interposing a dislocating portion of the element wire conductor and linearly extending along the adjacent element wire conductors; a storage space formed between the linear insulating objects arranged in parallel at each of the both sides interposing the dislocating portion; and a temperature detection sensor configured to detect a temperature of the element wire conductors and stored in the storage spaces at each of the both sides interposing the dislocating portion across both sides interposing the dislocating portion are provided, wherein the hardness of the insulating objects is lower than the hardness of the element wire conductors, whereby the types of the rotating electrical machine to which the temperature detection sensor can be applied may be extensively increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuro Yamada, Ryutaro Kawaguchi, Keitaro Takesaki
  • Patent number: 9631986
    Abstract: A rotatable temperature sensing device. In one example, a temperature sensing device includes a first end. The temperature sensing device also includes a second end. The temperature sensing device includes a shaft coupling the first end and the second end. The shaft is configured to rotate the first and second ends together during operation. The temperature sensing device also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the first end and configured to communicatively connect to an external device, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to provide an indication of a temperature of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Paul David Verhagen, Jyi-Jiin Luo, Michael C. Dill
  • Patent number: 9537075
    Abstract: The graphite structure includes a plurality of domains of graphite where a layer body of graphene sheets is curved in domelike, wherein the plurality of domains are arranged in plane, and the domains adjacent each other are in contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Daiyu Kondo, Shintaro Sato, Taisuke Iwai
  • Patent number: 9522003
    Abstract: Embodiments of a clamping instrument are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clamping device with calibrated parameters and a calibration process for the clamping device is presented. A method of calibrating a clamping instrument can include acquiring a data set of clamping torque as a function of tip deflection data for the clamping instrument; determining a torque limit from the data set; and storing the torque limit in the clamping instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Weir, Melody Wu, Kevin Durant, Grant Duque
  • Patent number: 9506814
    Abstract: A mounting clip for a battery temperature sensor holds a temperature sensor including a sensor main body and a projection portion, and is mounted to a mounting hole of a battery case. The clip includes a holding portion allowing the temperature sensor to be internally inserted and held; a leg portion hanging from the holding portion, allowing the temperature sensor to pass through, and allowing to be inserted into the mounting hole; and an engagement portion protruding from the leg portion, to be engaged with the case when inserted into the mounting hole. In the clip, an operation portion extending from the engagement portion, and allowing an engagement of the engagement portion with the case to be released, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Nishida, Naoyuki Masuda
  • Patent number: 9488528
    Abstract: A temperature sensor (100, 200, 300) has a thermocouple (101), with a measurement point (102), and a holder (103), with a contact surface (152) and an opening (104). Electric connections (105) of the thermocouple are led through the opening, starting from the measurement point. A first metal jacket (106) is arranged on the contact surface or passes through such that an interior (107) of the first metal jacket is connected to another side of the holder and the measurement point is arranged in an interior (108) of a second metal jacket (109). The second metal jacket is located at least with one section (110) in the interior of the first metal jacket and can be or is connected at least by a partial area of this section to the first metal jacket such that the second metal jacket is fixed in its position relative to the first metal jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: TÜRK & HILLINGER GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Schlipf
  • Patent number: 9476777
    Abstract: There is provided a temperature detector adapted to be provided in a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a temperature detection target. The temperature detector includes a cylindrical fixing body made of a metal material, the cylindrical fixing body having a single through hole extending therethrough and one axial end portion serving as a fixing portion, a thermocouple having a pair of wires partially inserted into the through hole and a welding material welded to the fixing portion while being at least partially inserted into the through hole to fix the thermocouple to the fixing portion. An end of the thermocouple is exposed on a surface of the welding material by polishing the welding material together with the thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FUTABA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Yonekura
  • Patent number: 9416981
    Abstract: A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: C. Cowles & Company
    Inventor: Christopher L. Murray
  • Patent number: 9416731
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple probe fixedly contained within a probe insulation sheath. Also included is a protection tube having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the protection tube from the first end to the second end, the hollow portion configured to receive the thermocouple probe and the probe insulation sheath therein. Further included is a radiation shield integrally formed with the protection tube proximate the second end of the protection tube. Yet further included is a nut configured to threadingly engage a threaded portion of the protection tube proximate the first end of the protection tube, the nut configured to positionally fix the thermocouple probe and the probe insulation sheath upon engagement with the protection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Douglas Berkland, Shaun Christopher Barrett, Michael Sean Markham, Sean Cornelius O'Meara
  • Patent number: 9267961
    Abstract: A thermal convection-type accelerometer includes a first insulating substrate, a circuit formed on the first insulating substrate, a first acceleration-sensing device coupled with the circuit, and a first supporting layer attached on the insulating substrate. The first acceleration-sensing device includes two temperature-sensing components and a heater disposed between the temperature-sensing components. The temperature-sensing components and the heater are directly formed on the first supporting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CHUNG HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jium Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 8933317
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a strap configured to be coupled to a container. The strap includes a plurality of plates arranged to allow the strap to flex. The system also includes a thermoelectric device coupled to the strap. The strap is configured to transfer heat between the thermoelectric device and the container. The system includes a thermal interface situated between the thermoelectric device and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Marlow Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua E. Moczygemba, Overton L. Parish, IV, Ryan A. Turner, Pravesh Parmanand
  • Publication number: 20140060605
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric module comprising a metal housing element and a ceramic layer that is applied to the metal housing element. The thermoelectric module further comprises an additional housing element arranged on the side of the metal housing element which is provided with the ceramic layer, the additional housing element and the metal housing element being joined to form a fluid-tight housing. The thermoelectric module finally comprises at least one thermoelectrically active material which is arranged inside the fluid-tight housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: BEHR GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Heinrich Angermann, Holger Brehm, Thomas Himmer
  • Publication number: 20120145215
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module including an insulating sealing part formed on portions of a thermoelectric module part or the entirety thereof, the thermoelectric module part including thermoelectric elements, electrodes, and substrates, and a method of sealing the thermoelectric module using a parylene coating method. When the thermoelectric module is coated with parylene, which is a new material having insulation, the parylene is penetrated between the thermoelectric elements to form an insulating separator. The insulating separator efficiently prevents corrosion due to water adsorption, thereby making it possible to improve reliability of the thermoelectric module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youngnam HWANG, Hyunjik YANG, Dongik SHIN
  • Publication number: 20120133210
    Abstract: Disclosed are a hybrid energy harvester and a portable device including the same. The hybrid energy harvester according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric/piezoelectric element part that includes a thermoelectric element layer generating a voltage by a temperature difference, and a piezoelectric element layer generating a voltage by any one of vibration, pressure and force; an energy source selection part that selects a voltage generated in the thermoelectric element layer or the piezoelectric element layer; and a voltage controlling part that stores the voltage in an energy storage device by controlling the voltage selected in the energy source selection part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Seungeon Moon, Sang Kyun Lee, Moon Gyu Jang, Yil Suk Yang, Jongdae Kim
  • Publication number: 20120073619
    Abstract: In a thermoelectric generator (30) a layer (48) of a phase change material is introduced between a pipe (32), which conducts an offgas, and at least one thermoelectric module (40). This phase change material layer stores excess heat QE at excessively high offgas temperatures and thus protects the thermoelectric modules (40) and at the same time keeps the thermoelectric generator (30) at a constant temperature level, thus improving the efficiency thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventor: Jürgen Moors
  • Patent number: 7994416
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William C Schuh
  • Patent number: 7882620
    Abstract: A thermocouple shield assembly comprising a first tube having an upper portion and a lower portion with a lower end, the first tube including a first elongated cavity closed at the lower end and receiving the thermocouple, a second tube having a second elongated cavity with at least one open end and receiving the upper portion while a part of the lower portion containing the thermocouple extends out of the open end, and a gap between adjacent walls of the second elongated cavity and of the first tube such as to allow independent thermal deformations of the first and second tubes. In use, at least a portion of the part of the lower portion of the first tube is subjected to a given temperature while the second tube is subjected to a different temperature. Methods of manufacturing and of assembling such a thermocouple shield assembly are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Groupe Refraco Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Allaire, Jean-Benoit Pineault
  • Patent number: 7871198
    Abstract: A high-temperature thermocouple and methods for fabricating a thermocouple capable of long-term operation in high-temperature, hostile environments without significant signal degradation or shortened thermocouple lifetime due to heat induced brittleness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Joy L. Rempe, Darrell L. Knudson, Keith G. Condie, S. Curt Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7604401
    Abstract: A substrate temperature measurement apparatus and a processing apparatus, whereby thermocouple wire reliability is improved, influence of infrared rays on the chip is reduced and the temperature of the substrate can be accurately measured. A chip (16) made of metal material reflecting infrared rays and electromagnetic waves, has an insertion opening (16a) for inserting thermocouple wires (20a, 20b) is crushed and deformed with the thermocouple wires inserted, and thereby united together with the thermocouple wires, and contacted with the substrate (13); and a supporting member or members (15b, 15c), made of material of lower thermal conductivity than said chip (16), are provided for supporting said chip (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: UL Vac, Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Fujii
  • Patent number: 7361830
    Abstract: A thermocouple produced by removing insulation from a distal end of each of at least first and second thermocouple conductors, forming a thermocouple junction at the distal ends of the at least first and second thermocouple conductors, placing the thermocouple junction into the heat shrinkable polymer material by sliding a second end of the tube of heat shrinkable polymer material over the thermocouple junction and sealing the thermocouple junction by heating and melting the polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: RTD Company
    Inventors: Audeen Richetto, Pete Bernier
  • Publication number: 20070251565
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus with a first housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a first case opening; a second housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a second case opening, the second case opening being hermetically sealed to the first case opening, with the first housing portion and the second housing portion at least partially defining an interior volume; cardiac rhythm management electronics disposed in the interior volume; a thermal shunt disposed in the interior volume; and a thermoelectric energy converter disposed in the interior volume and adjacent the thermal shunt, the thermoelectric energy converter having a first pole and a second pole, with the first pole thermally connected to the first housing portion, and the second pole thermally connected to the shunt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Blair Erbstoeszer, Kristofer J. James
  • Patent number: 7244887
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lattice Energy LLC
    Inventor: George H. Miley
  • Patent number: 7084342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: William C. Schuh
  • Patent number: 7036983
    Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, David L. Powell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6740806
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Starer, George William Kraus, II
  • Patent number: 6713669
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion component includes a substrate having a cavity. An insulating film is formed on the upper surface of the substrate. A small heat-capacity region is formed in the center of the insulating film, and a large heat-capacity region is formed in the outer peripheral portions of the substrate and the insulating film. A thermoelectric pattern is formed on the upper surface of the insulating film so that hot junctions and cold junctions are respectively placed on the small heat-capacity region and the large heat-capacity region. Thermosensitive resistor patterns are formed on the outer peripheries of the cold junctions of the thermoelectric pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Nomura
  • Patent number: 6670538
    Abstract: A radiation sensor which includes a thermopile for detecting radiant energy. The thermopile and a support rim for the thermopile are fabricated as an integrated unit to form a support chip. The support chip is mated to a mating chip so that the thermopile is positioned in an inner cavity region of the radiation sensor. The sensor has a window which permits the transmission of radiant energy into the enclosure such that the radiant energy impinges upon a central absorber region of the thermopile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Endevco Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie Bruce Wilner, Andrew J. Meyer, James Tjan-Meng Suminto, Joseph Salvatore Fragala
  • Publication number: 20030159922
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: George H. Miley
  • Publication number: 20030140957
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Hironori Akiba
  • Patent number: 6543934
    Abstract: A probe for temperature measurement, comprising a probe, body which has a cylindrical hole into which a thermocouple or a resistance thermometer can be inserted, whose thermosensitive tip projects from the forward section of the probe body, the forward section of the probe body being provided with an annular gap at a small distance from the cylindrical hole .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hammer, Wilhelm Weber
  • Publication number: 20020139410
    Abstract: A radiation sensor which includes a thermopile for detecting radiant energy. The thermopile and a support rim for the thermopile are fabricated as an integrated unit to form a support chip. The support chip is mated to a mating chip so that the thermopile is positioned in an inner cavity region of the radiation sensor. The sensor has a window which permits the transmission of radiant energy into the enclosure such that the radiant energy impinges upon a central absorber region of the thermopile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Endevco Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie Bruce Wilner, Andrew J. Meyer, James Tjan-Meng Suminto, Joseph Salvatore Fragala
  • Publication number: 20020021743
    Abstract: The invention provides a temperature sensor on the basis of a thermocouple constituted by two different metals. The first metal is provided in the form of an electrically insulated wire, having a blank uninsulated portion. The second metal is constituted by a jacket member enclosing the insulated wire. The jacket member is in electrical contact with the insulated wire via the blank uninsulated portion to thereby form a measuring junction. As a feed line, an electrically insulated copper wire is provided whose free end has a blank portion. The first wire is wound around the copper wire and projects over the free end thereof. The jacket member extends over the blank uninsulated portion of the carrier wire and is in electrical contact therewith. Due to the fact that the same material is chosen for the jacket member and for the carrier wire, i.e. copper, the carrier wire can be used as electrical feed line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Ruppert, Thomas Brossi
  • Patent number: 6325858
    Abstract: A generally horizontally-oriented quartz CVD chamber is disclosed with front and rear chamber divider plates adjacent a centrally positioned susceptor and surrounding temperature control ring which divide the chamber into upper and lower regions. Improvement to the lifetime of CVD process components and related throughput improvements are disclosed. A getter plate for attracting some of the unused reactant gas is positioned downstream from the susceptor extending generally parallel to and spaced between the divider plate and the upper chamber wall. This getter plate also minimizes deposition on the chamber walls and improves the efficiency of a cleaning step. Reradiating elements are also located adjacent side walls of the chamber to heat cooler chamber wall areas. The getter plate and the reradiating elements plus the susceptor and surrounding ring are all made of solid chemical vapor deposited SiC to improve the life of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Wengert, Ivo Raaijmakers, Mike Halpin, Loren Jacobs, Michael J. Meyer, Frank van Bilsen, Matt Goodman, Eric Barrett, Eric Wood, Blake Samuels
  • Publication number: 20010033599
    Abstract: A thermocouple-type temperature-detecting device excellent in the temperature measurement responsiveness constituted of an outer protective pipe 1 and an inner protective pipe 2, the outer protective pipe 1 is formed in a laminated layer structure of a 2nd layer 10 made of a ceramic containing molten metal-repelling BN and a 1st layer 11 made of a ceramic, the inner protective pipe 2 is formed of a front protective pipe 3 made of a ceramic having a good heat conductivity and a heat-shielding rear protective pipe 4 extending into the outer protective pipe 1 through an air layer 17, furthermore, the head portion 5 of the front protective pipe 3 is projected from the outer protective pipe 1, and a temperature-sensitive portion 20 of a thermocouple is disposed in the inside of the head portion 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Tetsuya Isshiki, Takayuki Suzuki, Hideki Kita
  • Patent number: 6299348
    Abstract: An immersion measuring probe for measurement in liquids, in particular in molten metals, has a carrier tube, a measuring head mounted on one end of the carrier tube, and measuring elements as well as signal lines for the measuring signals generated by the measuring elements arranged on the measuring head. The signal lines are longer than the carrier tube and run from the end of the measuring head facing the inside of the carrier tube. In order to improve the handling of the immersion measuring probe, the signal lines are guided through the inside of the carrier tube and are wound up there around its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hereaus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Alfons Theuwis
  • Publication number: 20010024464
    Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, David L. Powell
  • Publication number: 20010012314
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Constantine Thermos, Fadi Elias Rahal
  • Patent number: 6084174
    Abstract: A thermocouple array includes a dielectric layer having via openings therethrough, a first patterned conductive layer facing one surface of the dielectric layer, and a second patterned conductive layer facing another surface of the dielectric layer. Portions of the second patterned conductive layer can extend through the via openings to couple respective portions of the first patterned conductive layer. The second patterned conductive layer has a different thermal emf than the first patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer, the first patterned conductive layer, and the second patterned conductive layer can be surface-conformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kristina Helena Valborg Hedengren, William Paul Kornrumpf, Mark Lloyd Miller
  • Patent number: 5939667
    Abstract: A subsea thermoelectric generator has a plurality of flat thermoelectric modules attached concentrically to the outside wall of an undersea line in which petroleum products extracted from a subsea drilling well circulate. The thermoelectric modules are disposed in flat-bottomed pans machined into the outside wall of the line. The pans are sealed by lids made of heat-conducting material and in thermal contact with the thermoelectric modules. Each lid defines, with the walls of the corresponding pan, a peripheral sealed chamber. The various chambers in the pans communicate with each other through passages provided in partitions that separate the pans and are filled with a soft (compliant), preferably non-heat-conducting, resin. At least one of the pans is provided with an orifice closed by a sealed deformable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: L'Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventors: Philippe Oudoire, Gery Tribou, Tony Mesnil, Gerard Burnouf, Philippe Dubourdieu
  • Patent number: 5909004
    Abstract: A thermocouple array includes a dielectric layer having via openings therethrough, a first patterned conductive layer facing one surface of the dielectric layer, and a second patterned conductive layer facing another surface of the dielectric layer. Portions of the second patterned conductive layer can extend through the via openings to couple respective portions of the first patterned conductive layer. The second patterned conductive layer has a different thermal emf than the first patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer, the first patterned conductive layer, and the second patterned conductive layer can be surface-conformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kristina Helena Valborg Hedengren, William Paul Kornrumpf, Mark Lloyd Miller