Abstract: A heat sensitive cable operable over a temperature range of between approximately -20.degree. F. and 1650.degree. F. The cable includes a tubular metallic sheath which is substantially temperature resistant and moisture impervious. It also includes a mass of compacted insulation material filling the sheath and having an insulation resistance variable with temperature in the range of between approximately 100 and 50,000 ohms. The cable further includes at least one thermoelectric conductor positioned within the insulation material filling the sheath. A method of manufacturing the cable includes the step of preparing the insulation material and advancing the thermoelectric conductor through a given region. It also includes the step of advancing a strip of flat metal material past apparatus for forming and welding a tubular sheath surrounding the given region.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for rating a thermometer probe, wherein the thermometer probe includes a small thermistor sensing element and a pair of conductors connected with the thermistor contacts and being supported upon a substrate. With the thermistor held at a particular temperature, the electrical resistance of the thermometer probe is measured and the difference between the resistance of that probe and a standard resistance is fed to a computer which operates a laser to encode a machine-readable character on the probe representative of the difference between the measured resistance of the probe and the standard resistance. In use, the probe is inserted in a readout and the readout senses the actual resistance of the thermometer probe which is dependent upon the temperature of the thermistor.

Abstract: A temperature-sensing module is described, including a measuring element sensitive to temperature, such as an NTC resistor. In order to reduce the thermal influence of the housing of the element and of the electrical connection, and also to improve the mechanical stability and resistance against vibrations, the connection wires of the element are attached to conductive webs formed side-by-side on a carrier plate of an electrically and thermally insulating material. The conductive webs at one end have enlarged areas which are connected to the connection wires of the sensitive element, and the connecting part of each web is relatively narrow in cross section and has a meander-like configuration. The transition between the enlarged part and the meander-like part is further restricted in cross section to reduce the thermal influence to a minimum.

Abstract: A system for actuating a warning device when the level of a liquid in a receptacle is below a preselected level. This system includes a probe formed from a length of positive temperature coefficient wire whereby the resistance through the wire increases with increased temperature. This wire is mounted within the receptacle in a manner that allows the wire to be submerged in the liquid under normal conditions. A detection can be made when such wire is partially or completely out of the liquid. There is a first switching device in the system to apply a voltage across the wire and a detector for actuating the warning device in response to an electrical characteristic of the wire as determined at a preselected control point in the circuit including the probe. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the detector includes a capacitor and a second switching device to ground the capacitor for a preselected time and then use the charged capacitor to follow the voltage of the probe.

Abstract: A high speed, high accuracy surface temperature measuring probe of the contact type including a thin-film platinum resistance thermometer mounted in a support assembly having a low specific heat and low conductivity with a thin pure copper end cap in thermal contact with the resistance thermometer and extending along the sidewalls of the probe for a short distance.

Abstract: A heat sensitive cable operable over a temperature range of between approximately -20.degree. F. and 1650.degree. F. The cable includes a tubular metallic sheath which is substantially temperature resistant and moisture impervious. It also includes a mass of compacted insulation material filling the sheath and having an insulation resistance variable with temperature in the range of between approximately 100 and 50,000 ohms. The cable further includes at least one thermoelectric conductor positioned within the insulation material filling the sheath. A method of manufacturing the cable includes the step of preparing the insulation material and advancing the thermoelectric conductor through a given region. It also includes the step of advancing a strip of flat metal material past apparatus for forming and welding a tubular sheath surrounding the given region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for accurately sensing the temperature of articles being heated in a microwave oven. Basic structural elements of the invention are a housing that defines an oven chamber, a door providing access thereto and an energy source for transmitting microwave energy into the chamber. A temperature responsive sensor is positioned within the chamber and is adapted to sense the temperature of articles being heated therein. Enclosing the sensor is an elongated sensor body formed of an electrically conductive material so as to provide a shield for microwave energy and having a length that establishes therfor a detuned antenna condition at the microwave transmission frequency of the source. An electrical control circuit is coupled between the source and the sensor and controls energization of the source in response to temperature levels sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An electric resistance heating device including a body having a metal mass and a sheathed electric heating element for heating the mass is provided with a temperature sensing thermistor designed for electronic temperature regulation. The thermistor together with the leads thereof is housed in a shrunk thermoplastic, e.g., PTFE, sheath and is inserted into a cavity within the mass closely approaching the heating element sheath through an orifice closed by a metal sealing plug having substantially the same composition and thermal characteristics as the mass. The cavity and the face of the plug are shaped to closely correspond to the sheath containing the thermistor and leads and any air spaces existing between the sheath, the mass and plug are filled with a silicone putty, such as silastene. The sealing plug is force fit within the orifice or inset therein by plastic deformation of the metallic mass.

Abstract: Temperature sensing device which has a temperature sensing part including a microchip thermistor in the form not greater than a very small thin piece having a volume of 2 mm.sup.3 as a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing part is connected to an external circuit to which a temperature sense signal is to be transmitted, by lead wires, and the microchip thermistor is connected to the lead wires through fine lead wires having a wire diameter not greater than 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A partial pressure of oxygen sensor which finds utility when inserted into an exhaust system of a hydrocarbon fuel burning device. The oxygen sensor includes a mounting body both (a) threaded on one end for securement to the exhaust system, and (b) having a cylindrical configured bore extending along a central axis thereof. A heated sensing element is also provided which includes a ceramic support, a resistance heater element, and a titania dioxide sensor element in juxtaposition to the resistance heater element. An insulator body having a cylindrical configuration receives the heated sensing element therewithin. The insulator body is mounted in the cylindrical configured bore of the mounting body in a manner that the heated sensing element projects beyond a threaded end of the mounting body.

Abstract: An encapsulated, waterproof temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, and a method of manufacturing the same are presented. The sensor is assembled with a sensor cord. The cord includes a cable with an insulating jacket and at least two conductors each with an insulating sheath. Leads of a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, are connected to ends of the respective conductors. Heat-shrink plastic surrounds one lead and the associated conductor end. Tubing of insulating material surround the temperature sensor, its leads, the conductor ends, and the heat-shrink plastic. A shroud is molded over the tubing and a portion of the cable jacket so that the temperature sensor is encapsulated and waterproof. Four coplanar pins may be used with the shroud mold to ensure that the temperature sensor is appropriately centered in the shroud.

Abstract: A thin film thermistor having a thermistor element, one pair of external leads and a metal housing is arranged such that the thermistor element is secured to the inner surface thereof by brazing. The thin film thermistor rapidly detects temperatures by means of a mechanical connection between the thermistor and an outer surface of an object that it touches. The thermistor element may be covered with a protective layer of a fired low melting point glass in order to protect the thermistor element from a severe environment.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is proposed which is intended in particular for measuring the temperature of the air aspirated by an internal combustion engine which operates by electronic fuel injection. The temperature sensor includes a carrier body receiving electrical connections and a temperature-dependent electrical resistor element which is surrounded by a protective sheath. The protective sheath has apertures which permit free access to the temperature-dependent electrical resistor element by the medium to be measured. The protective sheath is advantageously capable of being connected in a positively-engaged manner with a protruding catch of the carrier body. As a consequence of the free access of the medium to be measured to the temperature-dependent electrical resistor element, a very short response time on the part of the temperature sensor to changes in temperature is assured.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (1) having a thick or thin film forming a resistance temperature sensing element (13c), a thermocouple (13a, 13b) or a resistance temperature device (13d) applied to the outer surface of one end (5) of a dielectric, cylindrical support (3) having a continuous circumferential protuberance (11) about the middle portion (9) thereof which can be engaged by a metal fixturing shell (33). Film type electrodes (15) and (17) extend upwardly along the outside of the dielectric support to terminal grooves (28) on the other end (7). A dielectric coating (29) is applied over the electrodes (15) and (17) to provide electrical isolation from the metal shell (33). A coating (29") may also be applied over the sensors (13) to reduce corrosion and abrasion and to provide electrical insulation.

Abstract: To provide for rapid temperature response to changes in temperature of an air flow past the sensing end portion of a resistance sensing track (13) on a ceramic substrate (12), the resistance sensing track is applied in a meander of a predetermined length, which is spaced from contact terminal points (14) to the meander by at least the longitudinal extent (19) of the meander; two covering layers (20, 21) are provided, one (20) being thin and covering the meander and adjacent connecting tracks (15, 16), and the other (21) being thick and sturdy and retaining the plate (12) in position in a housing (1, 2), overlapping the first covering (20), but being spaced therefrom by at least half the longitudinal extent (19) of the meander.

Abstract: Thin film electrical resistors comprised of a substantially homogeneous amorphous chromium-silicon-oxygen alloy having an empirical formula of Cr.sub.x Si.sub.y O.sub.z wherein X is a number in the range of about 0.3 to 0.39, y is a number in the range of about 0.4 to 0.52 and x is a number in the range of about 0.1 to 0.30, with the proviso that some of x, y and z is equal to 1. Such resistors exhibit a relatively high ohmic resistance in the range of about 2,000 to 16,000 .mu..OMEGA..multidot.cm.

Abstract: There is described an electrical thermometer for measuring surface temperature consisting of a flat temperature probe having lead wires and a metal housing which only exhibits a very slight difference in temperature between the actual surface temperature and the measured value. The housing has a housing bottom, a recess or opening in the bottom, which is so dimensioned that the temperature probe and housing are not in contact. The temperature probe is positioned in this recess by means of a leaf spring secured to the housing.

Abstract: A temperature profile detector shown as a tubular enclosure surrounding an elongated electrical conductor having a plurality of meltable conductive segments surrounding it. Duplicative meltable segments are spaced apart from one another along the length of the enclosure. Electrical insulators surround these elements to confine molten material from the segments in bridging contact between the conductor and a second electrical conductor, which might be the confining tube. The location and rate of growth of the resulting short circuits between the two conductors can be monitored by measuring changes in electrical resistance between terminals at both ends of the two conductors. Additional conductors and separate sets of meltable segments operational at differing temperatures can be monitored simultaneously for measuring different temperature profiles.

Abstract: A meander-shaped layer of nickel is deposited by evaporation on a ceramic wafer over an intermediate layer of tantalum serving to improve adhesion, and covered by a protective coating of silicon or epoxy resin is used as a temperature sensor in the intake pipe of a supercharged internal combustion engine. The low mass of the sensor element thus provided enables the resistance of the nickel path to follow rapidly, by its variation, the variations of temperature of the intake air. The sensor has a casing made up of two parts, the lower one of which has two connection prongs molded into it, the ends of which are flattened into tabs that are soldered to contact areas of the ceramic wafer. The upper casing portion has a cavity for the ceramic wafer, the lower part of which is filled with a potting compound to protect the solder joints. The width of the nickel paths that provide the temperature sensitive resistance is about 50 .mu.m and the thickness is from 0.2 to 1 .mu.

Abstract: A high temperature sensor includes a pair of electrical conductors separated by a mass of electrical insulating material. The insulating material has a measurable resistivity within the sensor that changes in relation to the temperature of the insulating material within a high temperature range (1,000 to 2,000 K.). When required, the sensor can be encased within a ceramic protective coating.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a fluid flow velocity or flow amount with high precision and high reliability is made by applying a conductor paste comprising platinum powder and an organic vehicle to the outer surface of a fine inorganic insulating tube, followed by drying and firing, thereby forming a platinum film, processing the platinum film into a spiral band form by laser application, inserting a lead wire into the insulating tube, applying a platinum conductor paste to between the spiral platinum band and the lead wire, followed by drying and baking, thereby connecting the spiral platinum band film to the lead wire.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor having a pair of upright conductors spaced by an insulator defining a first high resistance path between the conductors. An electrically conductive path is interposed between the upright conductors at a discrete location at which liquid level is to be measured. It includes a liquid accessible gap of a dimension such that the electrical resistance across the conductor when the gap is filled with the liquid is detectably less than when the gap is emptied. The conductor might also be physically altered by temperature changes to serve also as an indicator of elevated temperature.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for use in a steam turbine in operation to monitor corrodents being deposited therein. The sensor comprises a bottom substrate on which an electrode pair is located. The bottom substrate also includes a means for measuring the temperature at the bottom substrate. A first layer of dielectric material is bonded to the top of the bottom substrate. The first layer has an aperture formed therein so that an end of the electrode pair is located in the aperture. A second layer of dielectric material is bonded to the top of the first layer. The second layer defines a crevice for entrapping steam-transported corrodents that are deposited in the turbine. A portion of the bottom of the crevice includes the aperture so that corrodents are also deposited in the aperture. By passing a current between the ends of the electrodes located in the aperture, a measure of the conductivity and thus the concentration of corrodents deposited in the aperture and crevice is given.

Abstract: A gas sensor assembly comprises first and second sinters each composed of a metal oxide having an electric resistance value varying in dependence on the composition of a detected gas as well as the detected gas temperature, and the first sinter has deposited thereon a catalyst for causing an oxidation reaction of the detected gas components. To detect a change in the electric resistance value of the first sinter which is temperature compensated by the second sinter, the first and second sinters are connected to each other with separated first and second electrodes so as to support the sinters in an opposing relation and a third electrode is connected to the second electrode in such a manner that the third electrode is apart from the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Temperature sensor in plug form comprises a plastic body member having a bore with a metallic sensing member in one end, a thermistor in the bore, and a contact member with a spring portion in the bore and a contact portion extending through a slot in the body member from the bore to the other end of the body. Contact portion has electrical terminal for wire attachment and spring portion maintains contact with thermistor. Sensing member has retaining arms which extend into grooves in threaded cylindrical surface of body which are threaded as body is screwed into place in an engine block.

Abstract: A thermistor, which changes its electrical properties as the temperature it senses changes, is inside and may be sealed within a relatively thin sheath having the capacity to transmit heat to the thermistor substantially without diminution; electrical leads are supported on a supporting substrate; the thermistor is electrically connected between the leads and is mechanically supported by at least one of the leads; the leads connected to the thermistor may be held inside the sheath; the sheath over the sensing element is heat or radiation shrinkable and sealable over the sensing element and the leads; various ways of connecting the thermistor to the leads are disclosed; other sensing elements for sensing other conditions may also be employed.

Abstract: An improved hot wire transducer skin friction sensor 10 and 19. The device utilizes foil transducers 11 and 18 with only one edge exposed to the fluid flow. The surface 28 and 31 are polished producing a foil transducer 11 and 18 that does not generate turbulence while sufficiently thick to carry the required electrical current for high temperature fluid flow. The assembly utilized a precut layered metal sandwich 20 with attached electrodes eliminating a need for welding and individual sensor calibration.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for measuring temperature; more particularly it relates to temperature sensing devices operating at high temperature. It is an object of this invention to overcome deterioration of temperature sensitive elements and accordingly the element of the invention comprises a substrate made from an electrically non-conducting material and carrying an electrically conducting path comprising a vitreous phase which is resistant to chemical reduction and loaded with electrically conducting particles.

Abstract: A noise-temperature thermometer is provided with a metal sensing wire, and ceramic body at one end thereof, the body being formed with passages through which the leads connected to the resistance wire extend, at least one partition being formed in the ceramic body and lying between the ends of the resistance wire connected to the leads.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooperation with an existing opening within a cooling radiator of a vehicle for determining the liquid level in the radiator. The radiator, which may be an automobile or truck radiator, is connected to an electrical power source of the vehicle through the vehicle chassis. An insulator is established relative to the vehicle radiator in a substantially fixed relation. A sensor is mounted to the insulator for extending into the liquid in the radiator when a sufficient quantity of liquid is contained therein. The sensor has a plurality of curved surfaces for increasing the surface area of the sensor. An indicator interconnects the sensor with the electrical power source of the vehicle for indicating the level of liquid contained in the radiator by conductivity through the liquid in contact with the sensor. The increased surface area of the sensor enables the indicator means to be a conventional incandescent lamp connected in series with the sensor and the electrical power source of the vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing probe includes a glass or ceramic thermally conductive housing which is molded around a positive temperature coefficient thermistor and a negative temperature coefficient thermistor. The two thermistors are connected in parallel. The thermistor network thus formed is connected to a suitable measurement apparatus by leads which extend outside of the housing. The probe and the measurement apparatus detect and distinguish between a liquid environment as opposed to a gaseous one even at low temperatures and even after the power source has been shut off and subsequently switched on again.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is fixedly attached to a thin, flexible disc-like metal plate with sufficient flexibility to conform to the general shape of a surface. The sensor may be thermocouple, a resistor, a semiconductor or other structure. This thin metal member has a low thermal capacity or mass and a relatively high degree of thermal conductance. A tubular insulating and elastic member is fixedly attached to the periphery of the plate and to a tubular housing having an attached handle. The housing functions as a support and an enclosure for the temperature sensitive unit, flexible connecting leads and the like. The elastic member permits the plate to pivot about the housing to move into complete surface engagement with the surface being monitored. The electrical wires connected to the temperature sensitive unit are relatively fine to minimize the thermal mass and capacity added to the unit. The wires are also flexible such that they do not interfere with movement of the plate.

Abstract: A hair waving appliance includes a head receiving and confining assembly provided with a plurality of independently controllable electric heaters for heating different hairline areas of the head received therein. A plurality of temperature sensing probes, each associated with a respective one of the independently controllable heaters, are connected to a temperature control means for controlling the heating of the respective heaters. Each probe includes a temperature sensitive element enclosed in a spherical shell carried at the end of an elongated spring-biased cord or flexible pipe. The probes extend into the interior of the head receiving and confining assembly and are arranged to adaptably contact the hair on the respective portions of the head. The spherical members have a size at least equal to the size of the curler rods used to curl the hair. The appliance includes means for generating moisture-laden air at room temperature to impart moisture to the hair being treated.

Abstract: A temperature sensing unit having a housing provided with a chamber therein leading from a temperature sensing area of the housing to a connector area of the housing and having an electrical temperature sensor disposed in the sensing area and interconnected by leads to electrical connectors disposed in the connector area with a preformed one-piece resilient sealing member being disposed in the chamber to sealingly seal itself to the housing and secure the sensor, leads and connectors in place, the sealing member having been formed separately from the leads, connectors, sensor and housing.

Abstract: A resistance thermometer probe assembly is constructed by locating a header assembly in the end of a cylindrical sleeve. The header is constructed as a stack of discs. The disc exposed to the environment is of stainless steel and the disc supporting the thin film resistance thermometer chip is of ceramic. A copper disc is brazed between the ceramic and the stainless steel to accommodate the different thermal coefficients of expansion. Nail-head pins are brazed to a thick film deposit on the exposed face of the ceramic disc and the resistance thermometer chip is connected electrically between the pins.

Abstract: An improved heat sensing apparatus for an electric range automatic surface unit control in which the heat sensor housing is supported within the surface unit by an upwardly biased pivot arm. The upper portion of the sensing apparatus comprises a first utensil contacting layer of a low thermal mass, heat conductive material, a second layer of electrically insulative heat conductive material secured to the underside of the first contact layer, and a third layer of electrically conductive, heat conductive material secured to the underside of the second layer. A thermistor or thermocouple heat sensor is attached to the third layer to provide an electrical signal representative of the utensil temperature to the surface unit temperature controls.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive element of a resistance thermometer comprising an electrically conductive path formed upon a surface of a cylindrical substrate made from an electrically non-conducting material, said electrically conducting path comprising a layer of fused vitreous material containing an electrically conducting metal selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper, said element having an outer protective coating made from a glaze.

Abstract: The invention is a temperature probe including an elongated electrically conductive housing having one closed end and one open end. Electrically connected to the inner surface of the closed end is one lead of a thermistor, the second lead of which is connected to the inner conductor of a coaxial cable extending into the open end of the housing. The outer conductor of the cable is electrically connected to the housing near its open end in such a manner as to compress the cable within the housing and induce longitudinal deformation thereof. The compression of the cable within the housing insures that the first thermistor lead is in intimate contact with the closed end of the housing when an electrical connection is made therebetween, preferably by a heliarc welding operation.

Abstract: The invention is a temperature probe assembly including a probe for insertion into food products and comprising a temperature responsive sensor. Secured to the probe is a coaxial cable having electrically isolated inner and outer conductors connected to the temperature responsive sensor and an outer insulative sheath. The insulative sheath is discontinuous so as to create at a plurality of spaced apart locations on the cable insulation gaps in which a length of the outer conductor is exposed. Molded over each of the insulation gaps and bonded intimately to each of the exposed lengths of the outer conductor is an insulative unit. In response to a predetermined relative movement between an insulative unit and the insulative sheath, the attached length of outer conductor is severed to open an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An electrical insulating pocket receptacle for securing a sensing element within electrical windings of a motor includes a sheet-like flexible material having a body support portion supporting a pocket within which the element is located and having four tabs projecting from the body support portion. The tabs on the opposite side of the pocket are located within the winding and hold the pocket in place within the winding with an exposed open end for insertion and removal of the element. A wire holding tab is secured to one of the support tabs and is folded upon itself and secured against the coil end turns by the end tie cords. A third locking tab is pulled down over the spade of the sensing element to securely hold the sensing element in place. A fourth tab may be used to fold over the pocket to additionally insulate the sensing element from the windings of the motor in which the insulating pocket receptacle is inserted.

Abstract: A helically coiled strand forms a tubular body having an outer diameter adapted to fit in an existing dipstick channel in an internal combustion engine or like equipment having a sump defining container. The lower convolutions of the helical strand are expanded axially so as to afford unrestricted liquid movement between the strands. Within the axially expanded convolutions is supported a thermoelectric element such as a thermistor. One or more conductors for connecting the thermistor to external electronic circuitry extend through the center of the helically wound member, silicone rubber or the like being provided to support and insulate the conductor.

Abstract: An improved resistance-type sensor for an electrical temperature probe includes a thin-film platinum resistor deposited on an oxidized silicon chip. The chip is eutectically bonded to the planar reverse side of a beryllium oxide tip-piece having a hemispherical face adapted for contacting the surface of an object being measured. The tip-piece is set in a thermal insulating plastic mount, spaced from a pair of low resistance electrical leads held by the mount. Very fine wires bonded between the leads and platinum resistor form high thermal impedance electrical connections to the temperature-sensing element.

Abstract: A probe having a temperature sensor mounted in its tip for measuring the temperature of a body into which the probe is inserted, has a heating coil positioned on the shank of the probe near the tip, and a second temperature sensor in the tip area positioned generally between the coil and the first sensor. A control circuit is operative to energize the heater coil in response to differences in the temperature sensed by the two sensors, so that the shank of the probe is heated to track the temperature rise of the tip of the probe upon insertion into a body whose temperature is to be measured. This heat servo thermally isolates the tip from the remainder of the probe, and eliminates long thermal time constants which would otherwise be associated with the flow of heat from the tip area down the probe shank.

Abstract: A temperature measuring probe which includes thermo-wires extending between bead-like temperature sensors and a coupling device which connects the probe to indicating or control equipment. A terminal member is provided at one end of the probe body with an arc-shaped transition member being provided between the probe body and the terminal member. The transition member has a substantially round cross-sectional configuration with the terminal member having a shallow rectangular cross-sectional configuration so that a substantially laminar flow of coolant through the probe body is achieved.

Abstract: A fast response fluid temperature sensor is disclosd which consists of a silicon temperature sensing semiconductor chip mounted on an extremely thin fin having a high surface area to mass ratio. The fin and chip combination are mounted in a frame assembly, with the thermal conductivity of the frame assembly being high and the specific heat being low for maximum heat transfer from the fluid being sensed to the silicon chip. The chip and fin assembly are illustrated as being open to the free flow of fluid around the assembly, no insulating material is provided between the fluid media being sensed and the fin and chip assembly, and a protective cage is formed around the fin and chip assembly. Suitable connection is made between one electrical terminal of the chip and the fin and between the other electrical terminal of the chip and the external circuitry, with various modified forms of such connections being illustrated.

Abstract: Local body heat source sensing instrumentation comprises(a) a probe including a heat conductive, metallic tip having an outer surface shaped for application in heat transfer proximity with a patient's body,(b) non-metallic material at the inner side of said tip, said material characterized as electrically insulative and heat conductive, and(c) an electrically energizable element embedded in said material at a location to detect heat transfer between said surface and source, via said tip and said material.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer probe assembly dseigned to provide an instrument which is highly accurate and convenient to use. The thermometer includes a probe section having a flexible plastic shaft with a thermistor mounted at its tip. A disposable probe sheath covers the thermistor and flexible shaft, and is replaced after each measurement to ensure that the instrument remains uncontaminated. The sheath is cylindrically shaped, and has an open end which extends onto a conically-shaped retainer for the sheath. The thermometer handle includes an axially displaceable section, movement of which dislodges the sheath from the retainer to enable it to be disposed of conveniently.

Abstract: The invention is a detachable probe control for an electrically heated utensil to sense the temperature and control the electric current to the utensil. It uses a hollow thin walled tubular finger that snugly fits in a matching recess for good heat conduction therebetween for temperature control of the utensil in a conventional manner. The particular probe of the invention uses a transducer in the form of a thermistor that is supported in the finger of a unique mounting such that the temperature of the tube walls is readily sensed by the thermistor. Structure is provided to electrically insulate the thermistor while at the same time permitting thermal conductivity to the thermistor whereby the thermistor responds rapidly to finger or probe temperature changes for accurate temperature control of the utensil.

Abstract: A probe-like temperature sensor assembly has a body carrying thereon a length of electrical resistance wire coiled thereabout and having ends of such coiled resistance wire electrically connected to respective terminal means; the resistance wire changes its electrical resistance in response to the temperature of such wire resulting primarily from the heat communicated thereto from the sensed environment; the portion of the body about which the resistance wire is coiled is provided with a slot-like or relieved portion as to accommodate for difference in the rates of thermal expansion in the materials forming the body and resistance wire as to thereby preclude the mechanical fracturing of the resistance wire by the body which would otherwise occur due to a comparatively excessive rate of thermal expansion in such body.

Abstract: A thermometric transducer device is provided for use in measuring the temperature of a dielectric, such as human tissue, during exposure of the dielectric to microwave radiation. The system includes a transducer electrode sub-assembly which is partially inserted into the dielectric and comprises a thermistor mounted on one end of an elongate substrate and thick film conductors which extend along the length of the substrate and which are tapered so as to provide electrothermal matching of the heat produced in an equivalent volume of the dielectric so that the transducer electrode serves neither as a heat source or a heat sink. The transducer sub-assembly is connected to measurement instrumentation by a transmission line formed by ultra-thin thin film conductors whose thickness relative to the skin depth of the microwave field in the conductors is such that the conductors are a poor medium for microwave conduction and are thus microwave decoupled.