Abstract: Systems, methods, and circuitries are provided for generating an acceleration current in response to a threshold temperature being reached. In one example, temperature based acceleration current source circuitry includes a first temperature sensitive device, a second temperature sensitive device, differential trigger circuitry, and an acceleration current source. The first temperature sensitive device is configured to generate a first signal that varies responsive to temperature changes at a first rate. The second temperature sensitive device is configured to generate a second signal that varies responsive to temperature changes at a second rate. The differential trigger circuitry is configured to generate a trigger signal based on a difference between the first signal and the second signal. The acceleration current source circuitry is configured to output an acceleration current in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: Locating a loss zone while cementing a well casing in a well bore includes: inserting a fiber-optic cable into the well bore, wherein the fiber optic cable is part of one or more Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing (DFOS) systems; detecting a loss circulation signature, while cementing the well casing, at a point along the fiber-optic cable by at least one of the one or more DFOS systems; and locating the loss zone within the well bore based on the point along the fiber-optic cable at which the loss circulation signature was detected.

Abstract: A method for non-intrusive pipeline testing involves constructing the pipeline at a construction location that is above ground, affixing an optical fiber along a surface of a length of the pipeline that is at the construction location, measuring dynamic strain experienced by the length of the pipeline by performing optical interferometry using the optical fiber, and moving the length of the pipeline from the construction location to a different installation location. The optical fiber includes at least one pair of fiber Bragg gratings (“FBGs”) tuned to reflect substantially identical wavelengths with a segment of the optical fiber extending between the FBGs.

Abstract: In a direct sequence spread-spectrum (DSSS) systems, such as CDMA, information is encoded in symbols using phase shift keying or quadrature amplitude modulation. Further, a transmitter applied a selected time shifted lag to each symbol to convey additional information. A receiver detects both the symbol data and the lag value. The receiver can use a hermetic matched filter matrix to identify the lag.

Abstract: Provided is a contact type internal thermometer including: a measurement surface that is brought into contact with a measurement object; a first temperature sensor stack including a first measurement surface side temperature sensor and a first back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a first thermal resistor; a second temperature sensor stack including a second measurement surface side temperature sensor and a second back surface side temperature sensor arranged on opposite sides of a second thermal resistor; and a controller configured to calculate an internal temperature of the measurement object based on measurement results of the respective temperature sensors, in which the controller has a first mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a non-steady state, and a second mode of calculating the internal temperature based on a heat conduction equation in a steady state.

Abstract: A thermometer includes a temperature sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the temperature sensor, and an output configured to display a temperature determined by the controller from the signal.

Abstract: A core temperature sensor and a method of using such a sensor to non-invasively measure a temperature of a core thermal compartment of a human body or other mammals. A heater of the core temperature sensor heats a peripheral area to a temperature greater than the core temperature. A skin temperature sensor of the core temperature sensor monitors a cooling of the peripheral area to determine the core temperature.

Abstract: Each of one or more temperature sensors of a computing system can measure and provide a temperature value (e.g., provide temperature data) to the system. In some embodiments, the system can apply an offset value, a time-based filter, and a weighting factor to each temperature value received from the one or more temperature sensors of the system. Based, at least in part, on the offsetting, filtering, and/or weighting, the computing system can determine (e.g., calculate, estimate, predict, etc.,) a temperature value representative of an enclosure temperature of the system. In some embodiments, based on the determined temperature value that is representative of the enclosure temperature, the computing system can perform appropriate subsequent processing in accordance with thermal management of the system.

Abstract: A vehicle display system displays enhanced vision (EV) and captured images, for example synthetic vision (SV) images, to an operator of a vehicle. The display system includes an EV vision system for generating EV images, an SV database containing information regarding terrain and objects of interest for a travel path of a vehicle, an SV system for generating SV images based on travel of the vehicle and information from the SV database, a processor for filtering the EV images and merging the filtered EV image with the SV image, and a display for displaying the merged SV and filtered EV images.

Abstract: A heat sensor has the ability to correct for errors introduced during temperature changes of the hot junction of the thermopile for the heat sensor. For example, the effect of temperature changes at the hot junction of the heat sensor relative to the cold junction is mathematically modeled such that the effect on the temperature determination can be corrected given certain information relating to the thermopile, its electrical output, and the temperature history and current temperature of the cold junction. By accounting for these factors, a processing device can modify the temperature determination output for the heat sensor while correcting for error introduced by temperature changes at the hot junction as determined by the mathematical model.

Abstract: A heating control device for a heating apparatus comprises a power control unit connected between an external power source and a heating unit of the heating apparatus to transfer power therebetween; a first temperature sensor provided near the heating unit for detecting the temperature thereof; a second temperature sensor provided at a portion of the heating apparatus for containing an object to be heated and for detecting the temperature of the object; a storage unit for storing temperature reference values; a micro controller unit electrically connected to the first and second temperature sensors, the power control unit and the storage unit, which is used to receive temperature signals from the sensors, compare the detected temperatures to the temperature reference values, and command the power control unit to supply the heating unit with different powers. A heating control method therefore is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for obtaining of accurate measurements of the temperature of a thermocouple and high fidelity measurements of the rate of change of the temperature of a thermocouple. A first sub-circuit is connected to the thermocouple with two conductors made of two different thermocouple alloys which are substantially the same as the alloys used in the construction of the thermocouple. A second sub-circuit is connected to the thermocouple with two conductors made of substantially identical material, such as copper. The first sub-circuit provides an accurate measurement of the temperature of the thermocouple. The second sub-circuit provides a high fidelity measurement of the rate of change of the temperature of the thermocouple.

Abstract: Two vertically offset thermistors for sensing a fluid such as oil and refrigerant in a compressor shell are monitored by a method that takes into account rapidly changing conditions within the shell. The system can determine the fluid's sump temperature, high/low liquid levels, and can determine whether the thermistors are sensing the fluid as a liquid, gas, or a mixture of the two, such as a foam or mist of liquid and gas. For greater accuracy, thermistor readings can be dithered and filtered to provide temperature or voltage values having more significant digits than the readings originally processed through a limited-bit A/D converter. For faster response, limited microprocessor time is conserved by sampling thermistor readings at strategic periods that enable the microprocessor to identify certain conditions and temperatures via simple delta-temperature ratios and undemanding equations rather than resorting to exponential functions or lookup tables to determine time constants.

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 for analyzing fluid proximate an injection well, comprises turning an injector of fluid into the well on or off; determining temperature along a casing of the well during a first time period; and associating a rate of temperature change during the first time period with a fluid.

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 method and apparatus is presented for obtaining of accurate measurements of the temperature of a thermocouple and high fidelity measurements of the rate of change of the temperature of a thermocouple. A first sub-circuit is connected to the thermocouple with two conductors made of two different thermocouple alloys which are substantially the same as the alloys used in the construction of the thermocouple. A second sub-circuit is connected to the thermocouple with two conductors made of substantially identical material, such as copper. The first sub-circuit provides an accurate measurement of the temperature of the thermocouple. The second sub-circuit provides a high fidelity measurement of the rate of change of the temperature of the thermocouple.

Abstract: A stirring determination method uses an analyzer in which a liquid contained in a vessel is stirred by an acoustic wave generated by an acoustic wave generating unit attached to the vessel, optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by stirring the liquid are measured, and the reaction solution is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The method includes measuring a temperature of the liquid in a position where the temperature of the liquid is different before and after the liquid is stirred; and determining whether the liquid is properly stirred based on a rate of increase in the measured temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring thermal stress in a user is described. The device is designed to include a material having specific thermodynamic properties and physical dimensions defined as a function of those thermodynamic properties. A system for thermal stress monitoring including a thermal stress monitoring device configured within a garment is also described.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having a temperature detector for measuring a temperature of an object or medium, a presence detector to detect the presence of the object or medium against the sensor, and a pressure detector for measuring a pressure of the medium. The temperature, presence and pressure detectors may also be affixed within a single sensor housing. In a heating mode the multi-sensor component is heated by a heater, and in a cooling mode the multi-sensor component cools toward a temperature of the object or medium, and the temperature detector provides temperature data indicative of a temperature response comprising one of a temperature change, a rate of change and a time constant of a thermal decay rate of the multi-sensor component and the presence of the object or medium.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having a temperature detector for measuring a temperature of an object or medium, a presence detector to detect the presence of the object or medium against the sensor, and a pressure detector for measuring a pressure of the medium. The temperature, presence and pressure detectors may also be affixed within a single sensor housing. In a heating mode the multi-sensor component is heated by a heater, and in a cooling mode the multi-sensor component cools toward a temperature of the object or medium, and the temperature detector provides temperature data indicative of a temperature response comprising one of a temperature change, a rate of change and a time constant of a thermal decay rate of the multi-sensor component and the presence of the object or medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing thermal switches is disclosed including modulating the temperature of a receiver in thermal contact with a thermal switch at a first rate within a range containing the nominal switch temperature of the thermal switch. A first temperature at which the switch changes state is recorded. The temperature is then modulated at a second rate and a second temperature at which the switch again changes state is recorded. The temperature may be modulated at a third rate slower than the second rate to determine a third temperature. The first, second, and third switch temperatures are then processed and output to an operator. The first, second, and third rates may be determined according to an exponentially decreasing function.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining information about a device that has been exposed to a temperature, permitting a simple and reliable means of ascertaining information about the aging of the device. The temperature of the device is determined. Depending on the temperature or the temperature change achieved by the device, at least one counter is incremented. Information about the aging of the device is ascertained as a function of the counter reading achieved.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a circuit for over-stress protection. The circuit includes a temperature rate sensor configured to monitor the temperature of a semiconductor device during a first state. The circuit is further configured to selectively switch the semiconductor device from the first state to a second state if the temperature increases at a rate that has a predetermined relationship with a temperature rate function. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermometric device includes a probe having a membrane configured to be applied to an external surface of a body of a subject and one or more temperature sensors located within the probe in thermal contact with the membrane. A processing unit is configured to receive temperature readings from the one or more temperature sensors, to determine time-dependent parameters of temperature change responsively to the temperature readings, to calculate a local temperature of the body using a function including the time-dependent parameters, and to calculate a core body temperature by correcting for a difference between the core body temperature and the local temperature.

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: A method and an apparatus capable of determining the amount of time remaining before an item such as food reaches a desired temperature such as a cooking temperature or approximately room temperature. In at least one embodiment, determining the amount of time remaining is based at least on the elapsed time and the percentage of temperature range between a first temperature and the desired temperature completed or remaining to be covered.

Abstract: The invention provides a universal rate-based transducer for advancing diagnostic and predictive analyses of low frequency physical phenomena, such as associated with heat and mass transfer, solid and fluid mechanics, pressure and seismic analysis. In many applications, such as in the fire metrology, aerospace, security and defense sectors, rate information is crucial for reaching fast and reliable diagnosis and prediction. In one preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a universal voltage rate sensor interface that accurately recovers the instantaneous heating/cooling rate, dT/dt. Upon appropriate calibration, this sensor interface allows real-time extraction of rates associated with many physical quantities of interest (e.g., temperature, heat flux, concentration, strain, stress, pressure, intensity, etc.).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting a temperature rise, in particular a preservation temperature, in a cooler designed for preserving products, comprising liquefying a detection substance (6), contained in a first zone (2), by a temperature rise and moving the liquefied detection substance (6) into a second zone (3) of said chamber thereby enabling said temperature rise to be detected. The invention also concerns a device (1) for implementing said method.

Abstract: A system for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection, such as an electrical meter socket connection, includes at least one deterioration sensing device that includes an apparatus for detecting, at a remote location, a deterioration in an electrical connection; at least one fixed or portable receiving communication device, each configured to receive temperature information from the at least one deterioration sensing device and to transmit the temperature information via a communication network; and a back end connected to the communication network and configured to receive temperature information from the at least one fixed or portable sensing communication device. Upon exceeding a predetermined condition, the back-end may forward an alarm warning to a utility.

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: A digital thermometer; having an thermometer body comprises a processing unit serves to integrate the signals of the digital thermometer and sets some operations; the processing unit calculating temperature from the heating sensing unit and then transfers temperature signals; before a predetermined measured time, if a thermal balance has been achieved, the processing unit will conduct the backlight plate to emit light so as to alert the user that the measurement will complete; a heating sensing unit for sensing temperatures of an object to be measured; a display unit for receiving electronic signals from the heating sensing unit so as to display the measured temperature; and a backlight plate for receiving signals from the processing unit and emitting light to illuminate the display unit.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer has one of two temperature measuring devices each for measuring a live body temperature. A temperature estimating device estimates an equilibrium body temperature from a first data item related to change in temperature measured by the temperature measuring device during an initial period within a specified time such as about 20 seconds from the start of a measurement and a second data item related to a change in temperature measured by the temperature measuring device after the initial period. If two temperature measuring devices are used, the first data item may be related to the difference between temperatures measured by these two temperature measuring devices and the second data item may be related to the time-rate of change in temperature measured by either of the two temperature measuring devices.

Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a temperature condition includes inputting a light pulse into a fiber optic cable and receiving a reflection signal that arises from said input light pulse in said fiber optic cable. A temperature condition along the fiber optic cable and a location of the temperature condition along the fiber optic cable is determined based on said reflection signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a temperature condition includes a fiber optic cable, a light emitting device coupled to the fiber optic cable and configured to input a light pulse into the fiber optic cable, and an optical receiver coupled to the fiber optic cable and configured to receive a reflection signal that arises from the input light pulse in the fiber optic cable. A processor of the system is configured to determine a temperature condition along the fiber optic cable and a location of the temperature condition along the fiber optic cable based on the reflection signal.

Abstract: A temperature-based sensing device (10) for detecting or determining a presence or proximity of a body or body part (12) in or near a garment, device, apparatus, or other item (14), such as, for example, an orthopedic device or exercise apparatus. The device (10) broadly comprises a first temperature sensor (20) for measuring a first or internal temperature of a an interior or receiving portion (16) of the item (14); a second temperature sensor (22) for measuring a second or external temperature of an ambient environment (18) surrounding the item (14); a controller (24) adapted to determine the presence of the body part (12) by comparing the first temperature with the second temperature; and connective circuitry (26) made of flexible material and adapted to electrically connect at least the first temperature sensor (20) with the controller (24).

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly predicting the temperature of an object through a sensor reading of the object's temperature by using a processor comprising finite impulse response (FIR) filters to determine the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative of the sensed temperature based upon a predetermined number of temperature samples, apply a respective weighting factor to each of the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative respectively, and calculate a temperature estimate by combining the weighted average value, the first derivative, and second derivative together with an offset factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fan unit used for forced air cooling, a motherboard with predetermined wiring formed as a wiring pattern, disposed on the rear face of an equipment, and an electronic equipment provided with the fan unit and the motherboard. It is an object of the present invention to reliably maintain appropriate forced air cooling at low cost. For this purpose, the fan unit of the present invention measures temperatures of predetermined places in parallel, processes each of combinations of these temperatures, outputs the processing result via lines whose number is equal to the number of the combinations, and maintains the revolving speed of fans at a value suitable for the processing result obtained via these lines.

Abstract: Boil dry conditions are detected in utensils heated on a cooking appliance having at least one energy source disposed under a cooking surface such as a glass-ceramic plate and a controller for controlling the level of power supplied to the energy source. The boil dry detection system includes a temperature sensor for providing a signal representative of the glass-ceramic temperature to the controller. The controller controls the power source in response to the temperature signal so as to prevent the glass-ceramic plate from exceeding a maximum temperature and provides a power signal that is indicative of the level of power being supplied to the energy source. The controller generates an estimate of the first and second derivatives with respect to time of either the temperature signal or the power signal, depending on its operating mode.

Abstract: A method and device for rapidly predicting the temperature of an object through a sensor reading of the object's temperature by using a processor comprising finite impulse response (FIR) filters to determine the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative of the sensed temperature based upon a predetermined number of temperature samples, apply a respective weighting factor to each of the average value, the first derivative, and the second derivative respectively, and calculate a temperature estimate by combining the weighted average value, the first derivative, and second derivative together with an offset factor.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for monitoring the boil states of the contents of a cooking utensil located on a cooking surface of a cooktop, indicating the state to a user, and controlling the energy applied to the cooking surface, which may be a glass ceramic. The system includes at least one controllable heat source located below the lower surface of the cooktop so as to heat the cooktop and cooking utensil, at least one sensor located in proximity to the cooktop, which senses the temperature of at least one of the cooktop and the cooking utensil, at least one power indicative signal, and a signal processing device receiving a temperature signal from the sensor, and the power indicative signal. The signal issued by the sensor is representative of the temperature of either the cooktop, or the cooking utensil.

Abstract: A ladle preheating system and method in which heat input rate to the ladle is calculated and monitored throughout the preheating period, calculating the moving average slope representing change over time of the rate of change of heat input, correcting the moving average slope for unavoidable variations in the measurements of the heat input rate, calculating the change of the moving average slope over time (the approximate second derivative), and signaling to an operator the readiness of the ladle based upon this second derivative's falling below a preset criteria indicating a fully preheated ladle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the state of a thermal process. The system applies a modulated heat input to a liquid in a vessel and a thermal response measured at the bottom of the vessel provides information for real time processing of thermal properties of the liquid as it is being heated. Detection and control of an unknown boiling point enables a steady simmer or boiling condition in the liquid to be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention is a control system for controlling the temperature of the fusing system. This control system utilizes the knowledge of the heating characteristics of the fuser filament along with the knowledge that the human eye is most sensitive to temporal changes near the 8 Hz to 10 Hz rate as well as the concept of shape factors to control the rate at which power is applied to the filament to bring the fusing system up to operating temperature. From the study of the electrical characteristics of the heating element it is known that the heating element resistance in the fusing system under study exhibits a thermal time constant of 330 mS while heating. Also, from the summary of flicker regulations it is known that the best reduction in flicker is for the case in which a ramp voltage change is implemented with a ramp time of at least 1 second.

Abstract: A heater controlling unit used in a heat fusing device of an image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine, comprises a temperature detecting unit for outputting a detected temperature, a temperature change rate computing unit for computing the surface temperature of a heat fusing roller using the output of the temperature detecting unit, and an on-time computing and controlling unit for computing a heater on-time within a predetermined period by means of a fuzzy neural network using the above temperature and a temperature change rate found by the temperature-change rate computing unit, a heater controlling circuit for controlling the on/off action of the heater, a predictive computing unit for predicting the surface temperature, and a comparing and adjusting unit for comparing the actual temperature with the predicted temperature, and, when the difference is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., .+-.5.degree. C.), for adjusting the weights of the links within the network.

Abstract: Water detection device to determine the presence of water in a cooking device having a vessel adapted to receive a cooking medium such as oil which serves as a heat transfer medium for cooking food in the vessel. The temperature of the medium in the vessel is monitored at selected intervals. The presence of water in the vessel is determined by the detection of a decrease in the rate of temperature rise in the range of the boiling point of water. In the event of a decrease in the rate of temperature rise in the range of 212 degrees Fahrenheit control functions are initiated to prevent further rise in the temperature of the vessel and initiate other necessary precautionary steps. Measurement of the rate of temperature rise can also be adapted to to eliminate the effects of certain occurrences which would tend to provide false indication of the presence of water in the vessel.

Abstract: A water heating system for a commercial coffee brewer includes a control circuit having a dry bowl cut out circuit. The system includes a control circuit, tank, and heater. The dry bowl cut out circuit receives a differentiated temperature signal and generates a control signal when the differentiated signal is above a predetermined threshold. The control signal represents that the tank is empty. The heater is turned OFF in response to the control signal. Also, the control circuit includes an operating temperature circuit and high limit temperature circuit for controlling the heater. A switch in the heater is electromagnetically coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: In a predicting-type electronic clinical thermometer, data acquired from a temperature sensor (51) at a very small time interval (.DELTA.t) is read in on a real-time basis, the data is converted into detected temperature (T) by means of a processor (9), the temperature is stored in a memory (7) and a temperature prediction is performed to obtain a predicted temperature (Tp). The rate of change (.DELTA.T/.DELTA.t) in the detected temperature is obtained based upon the detected temperature (T). The moment at which this rate of change attains a predetermined value is taken as an opportunity to check the temporal fluctuation of the predicted temperature within a fixed reference time range. If the predicted temperature is found to have stabilized, the temperature detection is terminated. If it has not stabilized, the temperature detection is continued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of a living body, providing a predetermined predictive functional formula in which the value of a shape parameter for reflecting the shape of a sensed temperature curve and the value of coefficient parameters for superimposing said prediction function on said sensed temperature curve are unknown. The temperature of a living body is sensed to obtain temperature data for subsequent processing, and elapsed time from start of temperature measurement is measured to obtain elapsed time data. The value of shape parameter is set on the basis of prescribed temperature data, and the value of coefficient parameters are set by solving simultaneous equations composed of a plurality of said predictive functional formula which includes said set value of shape parameter, and in which temperature data at a plurality of different points in time serve as purposive variables and functions of time data at the plurality of points in time serve as explicative variables.