Abstract: A current to digital converter circuit has an integrator amplifier with an input adapted to receive a current signal and an output adapted to provide a voltage signal as a function of an integration of the current signal, a quantizer circuit with an input which is coupled to the output of the integrator amplifier and with an output adapted to provide a binary result signal as a function of a comparison of the voltage signal with at least a first reference voltage signal, a digital-to-analog converter circuit which is coupled in a switchable manner as a function of the binary result signal to the input of the integrator amplifier, and a controlled current source which is coupled to the output of the integrator amplifier via a first switch which is controlled as a function of the binary result signal such that an auxiliary current is supplied to the output of the integrator amplifier.

Abstract: An electronic price and/or product display device (2), which comprises a reflective screen (21) for displaying information, and a signalling device (28) for signalling an internal state or a state change of the display device (2) by superimposing said state or state change in a visually perceptible manner directly in the viewing direction of the screen.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the temperature of a medium in a container or a pipe has at least one temperature sensor, arranged on the outside of a container or pipe wall; an output for the temperature registered thereby; and an output for the measurement result obtained thereby. The device connects at least one first differentiator, capable of determining at least one first derivative of the progression over time of the temperature registered by the temperature sensor; at least one first multiplier for multiplying the derivative by a first factor which is a value for the time constant of the heat transfer through the wall; and at least one adder, between the output of the temperature sensor and the output of the measuring device.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a turbine blade of a turbine. The method includes operating the turbine and providing a plurality of ablative material strips on the turbine blade. Each strip is fabricated from a common base material and is configured to ablate after exposure to a corresponding predetermined temperature for a corresponding predetermined time period Ablation of a strip indicates a corresponding amount of creep has occurred in the blade. In addition, the method includes visually inspecting the strips at predetermined intervals to determine whether one or more of the strips is ablated.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a memory cell having a first electrode, and an intermediate material over and directly against the first electrode. The intermediate material includes stabilizing species corresponding to one or both of carbon and boron. The memory cell also has a switching material over and directly against the intermediate material, an ion reservoir material over the switching material, and a second electrode over the ion reservoir material. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells.

Abstract: An automatic inspection system includes intelligent sensor monitors. A sensor monitor receives input from at least one sensor. The sensor monitor conserves power and communications link bandwidth by transmitting data to an aggregator or server only when relevant to rules of the inspection system or when prompted by the inspection system for data. The sensor monitor also provides an alarm when the sensed data indicates an alarm condition, and the alarm provided is indicative of the alarm condition.

Abstract: A control unit sets a time interval for measuring a temperature of a liquid crystal panel as a first time interval (1 second), and thereafter measures the temperature of the liquid crystal panel each time the first time interval elapses. When the temperature of the liquid crystal panel is stabilized, the control unit sets a time interval for measuring the temperature of the liquid crystal panel as a second time interval (5 seconds). The control unit measures the temperature of the liquid crystal panel each time the second time interval elapses. Moreover, if an operation to change the amount of light reaching the liquid crystal panel is performed, the control unit restores the time interval for measuring the temperature of the liquid crystal panel to the first time interval.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting wallboard fire performance in a standard test includes procuring a sample of the wallboard for testing, and mounting the sample into a fixture so that one side of the sample is exposed to a heat source. A cavity is created between the sample and the fixture such that the sample is disposed between the heat source and the cavity. A temperature measurement is taken at a predetermined location within the cavity over time, and the temperature is monitored and recorded as a series of temperature readings using a computer-readable medium. The series is analyzed to determine an index time at which the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature threshold. The index time is correlated to a standard-test fire performance using the computer-readable medium and, based on the correlation, a fire performance of the wallboard in a standard test procedure is predicted.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source, a motor, and a computing device. The power source provides electrical energy to the motor, and the motor generates rotational motion from the electrical energy received. The computing device is configured to estimate a temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on a thermal model of the motor. The thermal model includes a plurality of nodes and at least one thermal resistance. Each node represents a region of the motor and each thermal resistance represents a heat transfer path between at least two of the nodes. A method includes solving one or more energy balance equations to determine a temperature change at each node and estimating the temperature of the motor in real time based at least in part on the temperature change at each node and at least one of the thermal resistances in the thermal model.

Abstract: A method for prediction of a response of a parameter sensor is provided. It's usable for measuring a parameter of an external object. The sensor is associated with microprocessors representing correction circuits, including correction elements, and a microprocessor implementing a program called ‘calculator’ characterized at least with a time constant and certain variables. The method provides for determining a first and second derivatives of the parameter, output signals of each correction element, setting a cycle for time counting by the calculator, forming the correction circuits, determining output signals of the elements, continuously calculating and recording the time constant, determining a first derivative of the correction circuit signal and modulus of the derivative, further compared with preset coefficients, and forming an equivalent of the sensor's output signal for checking the calculator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a sensor arrangement having at least one measuring sensor and at least one reference sensor for recording the same physical variable, and having an analysis unit electrically connected thereto, with a characteristic of the sensor arrangement being recorded in an initialization phase from measured values of the at least one measuring sensor and of the at least one reference sensor, and an alarm being given during continuous operation if the deviation from the characteristic lies outside a tolerance band. It is proposed to suspend the alarm dynamically so long as the changes in the measured value in the variation over time of the at least one measuring sensor or in the variation over time of the at least one reference sensor differ by more than a definable limit within a definable time interval.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the performance of a memory system is provided. A memory system comprises a master device and a slave device. A memory channel couples the master device to the slave device such that the slave device receives the system operating information from the master device via the memory channel. The slave device further includes tuning circuitry within the slave device such that the performance of the memory system is improved.

Abstract: A control unit sets a time interval for measuring a temperature of a liquid crystal panel as a first time interval (1 second), and thereafter measures the temperature of the liquid crystal panel each time the first time interval elapses. When the temperature of the liquid crystal panel is stabilized, the control unit sets a time interval for measuring the temperature of the liquid crystal panel as a second time interval (5 seconds). The control unit measures the temperature of the liquid crystal panel each time the second time interval elapses. Moreover, if an operation to change the amount of light reaching the liquid crystal panel is performed, the control unit restores the time interval for measuring the temperature of the liquid crystal panel to the first time interval.

Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure and an electromagnetic radiation heating associated with the micromechanical functional structure, which is formed to cause a spatially and temporally defined temperature or a spatially and temporally defined temperature course in the micromechanical functional structure.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that essentially eliminates the delay in measurement of temperature by a sensor due to exponential response of the sensor. The system finds the rate of change of the sensor signal, multiplies it by the time constant of the sensor signal and adds the result to the instantaneous value of the sensor signal to predict the final value of the sensor signal or the actual value of the temperature. When the sensor is permanently attached to an object, the final temperature of the object is predicted in a similar manner using the combined time constant value of the sensor and the object. The system can be software, analog hardware or digital hardware. The system also allows more accurate temperature control without undershoot or overshoot by providing a control signal proportional to the difference between a desired value and the predicted final value of the sensor signal. The system similarly eliminates the time delay in measurement and control of flow in thermal flow meters.

Abstract: A materials processing system comprises a thermal processing chamber including a heating source, a first noncontacting thermal measurement device positioned to measure temperature on a first area of the material being processed, and, a second noncontacting thermal measurement device positioned to measure temperature on a second area of the material being processed, the first device being relatively more sensitive to changes in surface emissivity than the second device. By comparing the outputs of the two devices, emissivity changes can be detected and used as a proxy for some physical change in the workpiece and thereby determine when the desired process has been completed. The system may be used to develop a process recipe, or it may be part of a system for real-time process control based on emissivity changes. Applicable processes include heating, annealing, dopant activation, silicide formation, carburization, nitridation, sintering, oxidation, vapor deposition, metallization, and plating.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and apparatuses of measuring a temperature. A method of measuring a temperature can include generating a time varying signal that varies with time in a known manner, such as having a repeating sawtooth waveform. Further, the method can include generating a first intersecting signal that intersects with the time varying signal at a first time, and generating a second intersecting signal that varies with temperature and intersects with the time varying signal at a second time. Subsequently, the method can construct a pulse signal having a first edge corresponding to the first time and a second edge corresponding to the second time, with the pulse signal having a width corresponding to the temperature.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature sensor is provided, including a first electrode, a second electrode, a nanoporous material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a diffusion material which is located outside the nanoporous material that is capable of diffusion into the nanoporous material. The amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material is dependent on the temperature to which the temperature sensor is exposed. The resistance of the nanoporous material is dependent on the amount of diffusion material diffusing into the nanoporous material.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activation of temperature time monitors (1), particularly for perishable products, such as medications, vaccines, stored blood, or food products, wherein the monitor (1) contains at least one electrical circuit (4-6), which is mechanically activateable/changeable, characterized in that the monitor (1) is activatable by means of an irreversible mechanical interruption of an electrically conductive connection (8) of the at least one electrical circuit (4-6), or that the monitor (10) is activatable by means of an irreversible mechanical removal of an electrically conductive area (15) of the at least one electrical circuit (16, 17). The invention is based on the object of improving an activation of temperature time monitors in such a way what it is particularly cost effective and reliable, and that an automated activation is possible.

Abstract: A device for determining a parameter history indication of at least one external parameter includes, in at least one embodiment, a first electrode portion, in consuming contact with a first electrolyte, and a second electrode portion, in consuming contact with a second electrolyte. A consumption process of the second electrode portion, in at least one embodiment, is controllable by an amount of consumption of said first electrode portion. The electrolytes are so arranged that consumption rates of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion present different dependencies on the at least one external parameter. A kit of parts including such a device, and a method for determining a parameter history indication of at least one external parameter are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and apparatuses of measuring a temperature. A method of measuring a temperature can include generating a time varying signal that varies with time in a known manner, such as having a repeating sawtooth waveform. Further, the method can include generating a first intersecting signal that intersects with the time varying signal at a first time, and generating a second intersecting signal that varies with temperature and intersects with the time varying signal at a second time. Subsequently, the method can construct a pulse signal having a first edge corresponding to the first time and a second edge corresponding to the second time, with the pulse signal having a width corresponding to the temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of integrating performance monitor data with thermal event information are provided. A thermal event, in this case, is when the temperature of a chip within which is embedded a processor exceeds a user-configurable value while the processor is processing instructions and/or using storage devices that are being monitored. In any event, when the thermal event occurs, the temperature of the chip along with the performance monitor data is stored for future uses, which include performance and diagnostic analyses.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide temperature monitoring within an integrated circuit. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a bandgap reference circuit provides a reference voltage; a constant current generator provides a constant current; and a reference signal circuit receives the reference voltage and provides a reference signal having a selectable value based on the reference voltage. A bipolar diode receives the constant current and provides a sense signal, with a value of the sense signal corresponding approximately to a temperature value of the integrated circuit. A comparator receives the sense signal and the reference signal and provides a temperature sensor output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for a bathing unit that comprises a heating module, a temperature sensing entity and a heating module controller. The heating module includes a body that defines a passage through which water can flow, that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The heating module further includes a heating device that is operative for heating the water that flows through the body. The temperature sensing entity is mounted to the outer surface of the body such that the temperature sensing entity is in thermally conductive communication with water flowing through the body. The heating module controller is operative for obtaining temperature information associated with the temperature sensing entity for detecting at least in part on the basis of the temperature information the sufficiency of water flow through the body.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically optimizing cyclic integration are described. One method embodiment includes repetitively acquiring a thermal intensity data using an infrared detector configured to operate for an integration time. The method embodiment may also include extracting a useable data from the intensity data and then updating a rolling composite image with the useable data. The method may also include selectively automatically updating the integration time based on whether the thermal intensity data included a value that fell outside the pre-determined range.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus configured to monitor a temperature related condition of a compartment of a refrigerator which is cooled by a cooling system. The monitoring apparatus includes a sensor configured to sense a temperature of the compartment when the cooling system is not operating. A processor is configured to send processed information based on the sensed temperature. An indicator is configured to receive the processed information from the processor and to indicate, when the cooling system recommences operation, (i) a duration that the cooling system was not operating and (ii) a temperature of the compartment when the cooling system was not operating.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of integrating performance monitor data with thermal event information are provided. A thermal event, in this case, is when the temperature of a chip within which is embedded a processor exceeds a user-configurable value while the processor is processing instructions and/or using storage devices that are being monitored. In any event, when the thermal event occurs, the temperature of the chip along with the performance monitor data is stored for future uses, which include performance and diagnostic analyses.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.

Abstract: A switching power supply includes a sensor for detecting that the output level of the switching power supply has exceeded a rated output level, and a memory that stores data for estimating temperature change of a heat-producing component during a period in which the output level is higher than the rated output level. The data is differentiation data of a curve that represents temperature change characteristics of the heat-producing component. An estimated temperature of the heat-producing component is computed based on the time elapsed from when the output level of the switching power supply exceeds the rated output level and the differentiation data. When the estimated temperature of the heat-producing component reaches an upper threshold temperature, a switching element is deactivated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to measure temperatures of integrated circuits are disclosed. New circuit arrangements for measuring temperature using various types of integrated circuit sensor elements are discussed. Embodiments comprise methods and apparatuses arranged to measure temperature based upon current leakage rates of different integrated circuit sensor elements. The methods and apparatuses generally involve using a pulse module to generate a charge for the integrated circuit elements. In these method and apparatus embodiments, one or more elements form a decay module to sense when the voltage decays to a threshold value. The method and apparatus embodiments may also have a module to calculate or infer a temperature from the rate of the voltage decay.

Abstract: A thermometer system and method that rapidly predict body temperature based on the temperature signals received from a temperature sensing probe when it comes into contact with the body. A nonlinear, multi-parameter curve fitting process is performed and depending on the errors in the curve fit, parameters are changed or a prediction of the temperature is made. Criteria exist for the differences between the curve fit and the temperature data. The processor switches to a Continuous Monitor State if the curve fit over a limited number of time frames is unacceptable. Determining the start time on which the measurement time frame for prediction is based is performed by tissue contact threshold coupled with a prediction time delay.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for recording a curing temperature history on precast concrete products, which is buried in a precast concrete product so as to record curing temperature and time histories during a steam curing procedure and to inform a user/inspector of recorded data, thereby controlling the quality of the steam curing concrete products.

Abstract: An A/D-conversion circuit is provided that includes: a counter, which outputs a count value CT; a voltage generation circuit, which generates a monotonically increasing or monotonically decreasing analog voltage AV1; a comparator, which compares the analog voltage AV1 with an analog voltage AV2 to which A/D conversion is conducted, and outputs an signal CQ according to the comparison result; a digital filter circuit, which conducts digital filtering processing to the signal CQ and outputs a signal DQ; and a count value hold circuit EFF, which holds the count value CT from the counter based on the signal DQ. The digital filter includes hold circuits FF1 to FF3 and changes the voltage level of the signal DQ, when a pattern of the output signals Q1 to Q3 thereof matches a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled. The label may take the form of a flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery.

Abstract: A CVD processing reactor employs a pyrometer to control temperature ramping. The pyrometer is calibrated between wafer processing by using a thermocouple that senses temperature during a steady state portion of a processing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating data representing the electrical characteristics of a combustion vessel, the combustion vessel being operable to combust a fuel. The apparatus includes a matrix of nodes 132 arranged on an ohmic material of the combustion vessel, a wire 116A, 116B, 118A, 118B, connected to each respective node 132 and a switch SW1, SW2 connected to each wire and to a current source. A circuit 110A, 110B for reducing leakage currents uses an added series element, optimally a diode D1, and feedback control of the voltage across the diode to a set point of zero volts to effectively reduce the off-state leakage current of each switch SW1, SW2.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a thermal reactor is disclosed that addresses many of the problems in the art. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed control system, a plurality of temperature controllers are employed. Each temperature controller employs one or more dynamic models that are optimized for a given temperature range. The temperature range over which a particular controller is optimized is preferably generally exclusive of the temperature ranges over which other controllers of the plurality of temperature controllers are optimized. In accordance with another aspect of the control system, the control system employs enhanced ramp trajectory logic. In accordance with another aspect of the control system, the control system employs a virtual temperature sensor in the event of a hardware failure of the corresponding non-virtual temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and an electronic control unit for determining and optionally displaying the remaining time in a treatment program in a household appliance include superposing an initializing test program segment on the treatment programs in order to determine an "installed heating capacity" parameter that determines a gradient. To that end, a defined quantity of the medium is heated with an electrical heater for a predetermined period of time. The "installed heating capacity" parameter and/or a comparison value corresponding to its magnitude is calculated from the attained temperature increase, the defined quantity of the medium and the known period of time and is stored as an operand in a nonvolatile memory for later remaining-time determinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a system in accordance with a desired temperature curve which is divided into predetermined time intervals. It is the object of the present invention to control the temperature of the system in such a manner that the predetermined and desired temperature curve is observed as exactly as possible.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an externally applied parameter to selected products. The invention involves a housing enclosing a sensor, and a monitoring and output network. The sensor has a characteristic that varies in some predetermined manner with variation in the monitored parameter. The monitoring and output network involves a sensor which produces a signal representative of the monitored characteristic. Values associated with the signal are stored in a memory device for subsequent, selected retrieval.

Abstract: Integral temperature measurement in electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion systems. An integral temperature measurement for electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion systems produces no additonal potential or voltage in the windings of such equipment. As a result, no conductive or semiconductive material can be used in a temperature sensor. The present invention utilizes the temperature dependency of the propagation conditions of sound or ultrasound in gases and also makes use of light waveguide technology. The sound or ultrasound is guided in a flexible capillary along a path along which an integral temperature measurement is to be taken.

Abstract: An improved SCUBA diving gauge. A pictograph display is provided which has a shape which conveys the type of information being displayed. The pictograph has the shape of a SCUBA tank for a tank pressure display and the shape of a person for a display of nitrogen absorbed. Pressure transducers coupled to the SCUBA tank and the external water provided the pressure readings required to produce the respective displays. The differential signal from the transducer is supplied to a processor through an auto-zeroing circuit. The auto-zeroing circuit uses a capacitor initially coupled to an amplifier reference input and single ended output to store an offset voltage. During a measurement, the capacitor is disconnected from the amplifier output and has its other lead coupled to a full scale value of the differential input to produce an output signal which is a ratio.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based perimeter thermal energy control system regulates heating and cooling in the perimeter area of a building in accordance with instantaneous and integrated heat flow measurements and instantaneous temperature deviation measurements. Control of heat pumps and air conditioning units is provided as is automatic switching between heating and cooling. The inherent thermal parameters of the space are inductively determined and used by the system to continually self-adapt to the heat flow properties of the space. The gain of the heat flow based control system is varied automatically as a function of the deviation between the actual space temperature and the desired set point temperature. Morning recovery is initiated and regulated in response to instantaneous and integrated heat flow measurements and inductively determined thermal space parameters and produces a near linear stepwise change in the temperature of the space from night setback to occupancy temperature.

Abstract: A meter for integrating the operating time of a steam trap including an integrating instrument consisting of a transparent vessel containing an electrolyte between two columns of mercury across which a DC voltage may be applied and a thermocouple including a hot junction and a cold junction connected to said instrument, wherein temperatures sensed by the hot junction causes displacement of the mercury and movement of the electrolyte in order to provide an indication of changes in temperature in a steam trap assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for computing the life expectancy of electrical power transformers by computing the used life of a transformer at a rate determined by the Arrhenius function of the temperature of the transformer device being monitored.

Abstract: A thermal radiometer for measuring thermal irradiation, includes a housing, a shutter mounted on a wall of the housing, a thermally conductive element positioned behind the shutter, the conductive element having a black surface facing the shutter, and a device for measuring the temperature of the conductive element. The outer face of the shutter is thermally reflective, and the radiometer includes a circuit for calculating the rate of temperature rise of the conductive element after opening the shutter and an indicator responsive to the calculating circuit for displaying a value which is proportional to the rate of temperature rise.

Abstract: A method for automatic measurement and control in curd making process is provided wherein an electrical current is supplied to an electrical conductor thermally contactable with milk stored in a curd tank so as to be heated to result in sufficiently higher temperature of the said conductor than the surrounding milk, temperatures or electrical resistances of the electrical conductor are measured in relation to time lapse, an elapsed time starting from the commencement of curdling is measured on the basis of a change in temperature or electrical resistance of the electrical conductor, and the elapsed time is compared with a predetermined curdling progress time ranging from the commencement of curdling to curd cutting so as to automatically judge a curd cutting timing.

Abstract: An oil monitor assembly (20) comprising a support (22) for removable attachment to an oil reservoir, a first electrode (24, 24') extending from the support (22) for immersion in an oil in the reservoir and a second electrode (28) extending from the support (22) in spaced relationship to the first electrode (24, 24'). An electrical circuit (34) is supported by the support (22) and is in direct electrical contact with the electrodes (24, 24', 28) for measuring the resistance (RRP-29) of the oil over its operational temperature range including the very high resistance of the oil at very cold temperatures to provide a signal in the absence of conducting oil between (29) the first (24, 24') and second (28) electrodes. The electrical circuit (34) includes a degradation circuit (48) for measuring the resistivity of the oil due to contamination and degradation while compensating for changes in resistivity of the oil due to changes in temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an externally applied parameter to selected products. The invention involves a housing enclosing a sensor, and a monitoring and output network. The sensor has a characteristic that varies in some predetermined manner with variation in the monitored parameter. The monitoring and output network involves a sensor which produces a signal representative of the monitored characteristic. Values associated with the signal are stored in a memory device for subsequent, selected retrieval.