Plural Spaced Temperature Function Patents (Class 374/110)
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Patent number: 6173903Abstract: To regulate the temperature in the processing chamber of an incubator with a fault protection function, two temperature sensors are provided to measure actual temperatures or rather sensor signals, and they and their associated peripherals undergo a plausibility check during which the sensor signals may not exceed a specified difference. if the plausibility condition is met and if an error in the feedback control circuit, for example a permanently closed contact of the temperature stabilization actuator, should cause the temperature sensor signal value (actual value) to exceed or fall below a specified error tolerance band about a desired value, then control is transferred from a first feedback control circuit to a primary feedback control circuit with a controller/monitoring device.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products GmbHInventors: Helmut Loscher, Hubert Heeg
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Patent number: 6061413Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes, for each of two nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) loops, four temperature sensors each of which provides a value of the temperature of reactor coolant flowing in the NSSS hot leg of the loop; a mechanism for determining, for the hot leg, a first bias value associated with a first pair of the temperature sensors and a second bias value associated with a second pair of the temperature sensors from the value of the temperature of the reactor coolant of each of the temperature sensors; a mechanism for averaging the first bias value and the values of the first pair of the temperature sensors to determine a first average temperature therefrom; and a mechanism for averaging the second bias value and the values of the second pair of the temperature sensors to determine a second average temperature therefrom, whereby two separate average temperatures of the temperature of the reactor coolant are determined for each of the two loops.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gary Arthur Brassart, Charles Raymond Sterrett, Jagannathan S. Srinivasan
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Patent number: 5988877Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for externally and noninvasively determining the temperatures of chemical reactions inside a plurality of separate closed vessels that are made of materials that substantially transparent to microwave radiation but that are poor conductors of heat. The method comprises exposing a plurality of substantially microwave-transparent of vessels containing chemical reagents therein to microwave radiation, concurrently measuring the temperature of the reagents inside a first vessel using a first temperature sensor inside the first vessel and while measuring the temperature of the exterior of the first vessel using a second temperature sensor positioned externally to the first vessel, and immediately thereafter successively measuring the temperature of the exterior of the remainder of the vessels using the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: C E M CorporationInventors: Todd Mark Hochrad, William Edward Jennings, Edward Earl King
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Patent number: 5879082Abstract: An elongate temperature probe is provided for extending into a fluid flow. First an second temperature sensors are mounted in the temperature probe, spaced apart from each other along the length of the probe. The first and second temperature sensors provide temperature signals to a data processor. The data processor in use determines the temperature of the fluid flow from the temperature signals and at least one other fluid parameter, using a mathematical model of the heat transfer along the probe.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Sierra Instruments, Inc.Inventors: John P. Smitherman, John G. Olin
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Patent number: 5816706Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining the internal temperature and the coefficient of internal thermal conductivity of a structure. In both cases, the surface temperature and ambient temperature of an object are measured from both sides of two structures whose thermal conductivities are known. On the basis of the measured temperature values, the internal temperature or the coefficient of internal thermal conductivity of the object is determined from the function of the heat flux. Thereafter the unknown thermal conductivity or the unknown internal temperature of the object is eliminated from the solutions, and the internal temperature or the coefficient of internal thermal conductivity of the object is determined on the basis of the combined solution.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Polar Electro OYInventors: Ilkka Heikkila, Seppo Nissila
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Patent number: 5755511Abstract: A method of correcting a temperature probe reading in a thermal processing chamber for heating a substrate, including the steps of heating the substrate to a process temperature; using a first, a second and a third probe to measure the temperature of the substrate, the first and third probes having a first effective reflectivity and the second probe having a second effective reflectivity, the first probe producing a first temperature indication, the second probe producing a second temperature indication and the third probe producing a third temperature indication, and wherein the first and second effective reflectivities are different; and from the first and second temperature indications, deriving a corrected temperature reading for the first probe, wherein the corrected temperature reading is a more accurate indicator of an actual temperature of the substrate than an uncorrected readings produced by both the first and second probes.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Bruce W. Peuse, Gary E. Miner, Mark Yam
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Patent number: 5655840Abstract: An elongate temperature sensor comprises two electrical conductors having temperature sensitive insulating material between them whose resistance and capacitance varies with temperature but according to respectively different known relationships. An alternating waveform is applied across the sensor through a known resistor. The amplitudes of the voltage waveforms developed across the known resistor and across the sensor are compared and the phase difference between them measured to determine the corresponding resistance and capacitance values of the sensor. The measured value of one parameter is then substituted into the respective known relationship to produce a corresponding temperature value for the sensor. This temperature value is then substituted into the relationship for the other parameter to calculate a notional value for that parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Kidde Fire Protection LimitedInventor: Brian D. Powell
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Patent number: 5271675Abstract: A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: John E. Fagan, James J. Sluss, Jr., John W. Hassell, R. Brian Mears, Ronnie B. Beason, Sonja R. Wilkinson, Tommy Lear, Kok S. Tan
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Patent number: 5258601Abstract: In a capillary rheometer including: a furnace comprising a plurality of furnace zones and having a sample bore with a capillary connected to the lower end thereof; a plurality of heaters for heating the furnace zones thereby to heat a sample in the sample bore; and a plunger for extruding the heated sample through the capillary; a plurality of temperature sensors are provided for detecting the temperatures of the furnace zones, and the temperature characteristics of the furnace zones related to the temperature of the inner wall of the sample bore are obtained and stored in a controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: November 2, 1993Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Susumu Takano
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Patent number: 5249864Abstract: A system for characterizing the pressure, temperature, movement and flow patterns of a fluid under high pressure within a test cell. The test cell is lined internally with adjustable rock facings. Pressure is measured within the test cell using a device employing pressure-distortable optical fibers. Fluid velocity, flow direction, and filter-cake buildup are measured with laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow pattern of the fluid is viewed using corresponding arrays of transmitting and receiving optical fibers. Temperature of the fluid is estimated using a combination of thermal sensors. The pressure, velocity, viewing and temperature systems are integral to the rock facings of the test cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Gas Research InstituteInventors: John E. Fagan, Ronnie B. Beason
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Patent number: 5152609Abstract: In a method for measuring the temperature of the mix in a mixing chamber of a kneader, the temperature of the mix being continuously measured by means of at least one sensor projecting into the mixing chamber, for the purpose of correcting measuring errors due to the heat conductivity of the sensor housing, a second sensor, in particular in the form of an infra-red sensor, is provided and directly detects the temperature of the mix at certain discrete times during the mixing process, the continuous temperature measuring of the first sensor being corrected according to the measuring of the second sensor when the mixing process is continued.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1991Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer Gummitechnik GmbHInventors: Walter Hader, Andreas Limper, Wolfgang Engel
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Patent number: 5064506Abstract: A packed column with temperature sensors to measure the temperature profile longitudinally and transversely of the column without the temperature profile or flow conditions being affected by the measuring arrangement. The temperature measuring leads (10) are introduced into the upper part of a column section (1) through a single tube (12) and, are routed to the desired measuring points (8) through the peripheral zone between the packing (9) and the column wall (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1989Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf AktienInventors: Dieter Sparenberg, Rolf Ullrich, Herbert Nuding
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Patent number: 5046858Abstract: A multi-channel remote-temperature-sensing system has a reference temperature assembly for the reference junctions of a plurality of temperature sensors for determining temperatures at remote points. The assembly comprises an array of components each adapted to make thermal contact with a reference junction of a remote-temperature-sensing thermocouple, an absolute reference thermometer situated within the array for measuring an absolute reference temperature, a thermocouple for sensing a temperature difference between the absolute reference thermometer and a component of the array, and data processing means for calculating the temperature of the component of the array from the absolute reference temperature and the temperature difference.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1990Date of Patent: September 10, 1991Assignee: Schlumberger Technologies LimitedInventor: Roger L. R. Tucker
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Patent number: 4878226Abstract: A multiple point remote temperature sensing system includes a cable having temperature responsive segments as spaced along the length of the cable and being integral therewith. Each of the temperature responsive segments includes a temperature measuring device and a circuit which establishes a unique address for the segment whereby the local ambient temperature at each segment may be interrogated from a remote location.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1988Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignees: Combustion Engineering, Inc., Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: Bryan K. McQuoid, Earl J. Charlson, Huber Graham
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Patent number: 4848927Abstract: A thermocouple containment chamber for use in conjunction with a high pressure vessel wherein such thermocouples are emplaced within an elongated conduit which receives a plurality of thermocouples for sensing temperatures to determine the temperature or reaction rate within the high pressure vessel in which they are emplaced. The conduit is secured to the vessel by means of a flanged securement that in turn is welded to a concentric reducer with the thermocouples extending therefrom into a containment chamber of this invention. The containment chamber of this invention incorporates at least one access cover in the form of a high pressure flanged cover permitting access to the containment chamber for the thermocouples so that they can be changed and serviced, and incorporates a valve for relieving pressure, as well as a pressure gauge.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1987Date of Patent: July 18, 1989Assignee: Daily Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Bruce B. Orr, Guillermo J. Martinez
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Patent number: 4828401Abstract: Temperature is monitored along a linear path by utilizing a plurality of temperature sensitive diodes spaced along the path. These are connected at separate and spaced taps of a delay line, a pulse is propagated down the delay line and the effect of the temperature influenced conductivity of the diode on the pulse as it passes a respective diode is sensed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1987Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Systron DonnerInventor: David E. Sawyer
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Patent number: 4747413Abstract: A continuous temperature monitoring apparatus for a human infant includes a garment adapted to be worn on an infant's torso, over the armpits, which includes a temperature sensor located in an armpit of the garment for sensing the infant's temperature. The sensor is functionally coupled with a display on the garment, transmits a radio signal indication of infant armpit temperature to a display device remote from the infant or both. Electronic temperature sensor embodiments are functionally coupled to an electronic display device located on the infant by a flexible lead or by radio transmission to a remotely located electronic display. Non-electrical systems include temperature responsive, chemical liquid crystal displays thermally coupled by flexible metallic, heat transferring arms with a more rigid, massive, metallic heat absorbing element positioned against the infant's armpit for thermally coupling the heat responsive chemical display with the infant's armpit.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1986Date of Patent: May 31, 1988Inventor: Harry S. Bloch
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Patent number: 4665927Abstract: A temperature probe for insertion into the tissue of an organ, such as a heart, during surgery comprises an elongated needle made of plastic with a large button type head, and having one or more sensing elements disposed at selected positions along the length thereof for sensing the temperatures at various depths, with a surface temperature sensor positioned just beneath the head in the needle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1985Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Pat O. DailyInventor: Pat O. Daily
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Patent number: 4653935Abstract: A thermocouple containment chamber for use in conjunction with a high pressure vessel wherein such thermocouples are emplaced within an elongated conduit which receives a plurality of thermocouples for sensing temperatures to determine the temperature or reaction rate within the high pressure vessel in which they are emplaced. The conduit is secured to the vessel through the use of a flanged securement that in turn is welded to a concentric reducer with the thermocouples extending therefrom into a containment chamber of this invention. The containment chamber of this invention incorporates at least one access means in the form of a high pressure flanged cover permitting access to the containment chamber for the thermocouples so that they can be changed and serviced, and incorporates a valve for relieving pressure, as well as a pressure gauge.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1985Date of Patent: March 31, 1987Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Bruce B. Orr, Guillermo J. Martinez
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Patent number: 4560106Abstract: In a heating and/or air-conditioning system for motor vehicles with a temperature sensor in the head space and a temperature sensor in the leg space as component parts of an interior space temperature regulating installation, the temperature sensors are so connected to the regulating installation in dependence on the outside temperature that at low, respectively, high outside temperatures, the influence of the leg space, respectively, of the head space temperature sensor on the regulating installation dominates.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1984Date of Patent: December 24, 1985Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Werner Dorsch
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Patent number: 4471193Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven for selectively quickly and safely raising the temperature of a plurality of distinct articles. Basic structural elements are a housing that defines an oven chamber, a door providing access thereto and an energy source for transmitting microwave energy into the chamber. Located within the chamber is a support assembly that defines a plurality of heating stations, each adapted to receive a distinct article to be heated. A temperature sensor is disposed in each of the stations so as to sense the temperture of an article retained therein. Coupled between the microwave source and the temperature sensors is a control circuit that automatically deenergizes the microwave source in response to the sensing of a temperature above a predetermined threshold by any of the individual sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1981Date of Patent: September 11, 1984Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Carl W. Walter
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Patent number: 4467163Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1981Date of Patent: August 21, 1984Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: John A. Pauly, Richard W. Cenedella
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Patent number: 4455095Abstract: A system and method for measuring the heat emission of space heaters includes an input device for selectively inputting special heater constants Q.sub.N and n, which are characteristic space heaters associated therewith. The device is coupled to a processor which, in operation, receives the temperature values T.sub.V, T.sub.R and T.sub.i sensed by a supply temperature sensor, a return temperature sensor, and an ambient temperature sensor. A timer provides the clock signal for the processor. The processor develops an output representing a quantitative measure for the heat consumption of the associated heater from the preadjusted characteristic constants, Q.sub.N and n, and the sensed temperature values, T.sub.V, T.sub.R and T.sub.i. The processor is programmed so as to also serve as correction device for automatically correcting any throttle states of the heater in operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1981Date of Patent: June 19, 1984Inventor: Werner Bleiker
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Patent number: 4445788Abstract: To provide a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and root density characteristics at different depths of soil, a soil probe is inserted in the soil with a viewing and camera section extending above the soil. Similarly, the probe provides a profile of simultaneous moisture, temperature and presence of molds, insects or other foreign matter in grain or similar media including liquid as well as solid granulated material. The portion of the probe that is in the soil or other media includes a source of light or light conveyance and windows which transmit an image of the soil at various depths along the length of the probe through light conductors for further transmission to the viewing and camera section. Liquid crystals sense the temperature of the soil at different locations and light conductors transmit color changes of the liquid crystals to the surface so that a profile may be compiled of moisture, temperature and root patterns by observation of the transmitted images in the viewing section.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1982Date of Patent: May 1, 1984Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of NebraskaInventors: Marvin Twersky, William E. Splinter, Bruce C. Sandhorst
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Patent number: 4427866Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical connection system for a microwave oven including a chamber defining a housing, a source for transmitting microwave energy into the chamber, a turntable rotatably mounted within the chamber and defining stations for receiving articles to be heated and a drive mechanism for producing rotation of the turntable. A control circuit controls energization of the source in response to signal outputs from temperature responsive sensors positioned in the heating stations. The rotary coupling includes a stationary portion mounted on the housing and having stationary contacts connected to the control circuit and a rotary portion mounted on the turntable and having rotary contacts connected to the sensors and slidably engaging the stationary contacts during rotational movement of the turntable.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1982Date of Patent: January 24, 1984Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: John A. Pauly, John K. Malinoski
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Patent number: 4410756Abstract: A multipoint thermocouple assembly for monitoring temperatures at various locations in a utilization environment includes an elongate thermocouple support strap insertable lengthwise into a protective hollow well or the like. Mounted on the support strap are a plurality of thermocouples which are generally held against longitudinal movement relative to the support strap but the respective measuring junctions thereof are supported by respective camming members connected to a common cable for simultaneous longitudinal movement of the camming members relative to the support strap for urging the measuring junctions outwardly into thermally conductive engagement with respective wall portions of the well. The support strap and actuation cable are laterally flexible so that the assembly may be coiled for ease in fabrication, installation and shipping.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1982Date of Patent: October 18, 1983Assignee: Pneumo CorporationInventor: William H. Schwagerman
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Patent number: 4406550Abstract: A temperature monitoring and display system is used in conjunction with two or more low temperature sensors which produce output currents representative of the temperature being sensed. The currents produced are converted to voltages and applied through differential amplifier circuits to produce output analog signals representative of the sensed temperatures. These signals also are applied to a differential comparator which produces an output signal having a sign and magnitude representative of the difference in the sensed temperatures. A switch is used to select any one of the outputs of the first and second differential amplifiers or the comparator and to apply this output signal to an analog-to-digital converter, the outputs of which then are used to drive a suitable digital display.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1981Date of Patent: September 27, 1983Assignee: Lane S. GarrettInventor: Michael J. Gray
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Patent number: 4385519Abstract: A temperature profile detector comprising a surrounding length of metal tubing and an interior electrical conductor both constructed of high temperature high electrical resistance materials. A plurality of gas-filled expandable bellows made of electrically conductive material is electrically connected to the interior electrical conductor and positioned within the length of metal tubing. The bellows are sealed and contain a predetermined volume of a gas designed to effect movement of the bellows from an open circuit condition to a closed circuit condition in response to monitored temperature changes sensed by each bellows.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1981Date of Patent: May 31, 1983Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Richard D. Tokarz
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Patent number: 4385197Abstract: A multipoint thermocouple assembly for monitoring temperatures at various locations, for example, at different depths in a process vessel, includes a plurality of thermocouples, a protective tube well having a hollow interior, elongate guides in the protective well for guiding respective thermocouples along the interior of the protective well, and wedges in the guides at respective axial locations along the protective well for urging the measuring junctions of respective thermocouples into thermal transfer contact with the wall of the well. In one form of the invention, the guides may comprise plural channels on the exterior surface of an elongated support member, formed as by attaching fins or dividers to such exterior surface, or by providing a plurality of splines on such exterior surface. In another form of the invention, a plurality of elongated thin walled guide tubes are brazed or welded to the exterior surface of a plurality of longitudinally spaced support rings.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1981Date of Patent: May 24, 1983Assignee: Pneumo CorporationInventor: William H. Schwagerman
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Patent number: 4361037Abstract: A device for electric monitoring of the level of a liquid present in a container, with a temperature-dependent resistance probe which is immersed in the liquid the level of which is to be monitored, a source of constant current connectable, controlled by a timer, to the resistance probe, a circuit, controlled by the timer, for detecting and storing an initial voltage drop on the resistance probe at an initial time and a measurement voltage at a defined time after the connection of the source of constant current, and a circuit for evaluating these voltages by subtraction of the measurement voltage from the initial voltage and if necessary under circumstances inversion of the difference in order to form a display voltage which corresponds to the level.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1980Date of Patent: November 30, 1982Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AGInventors: Wolfgang Hauschild, Hans J. Baumgart
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Patent number: 4352290Abstract: A heat transfer measuring apparatus for a windowpane of a room includes a body portion defining an internal chamber with one open end adapted to fit against the inside surface of a windowpane. Within the chamber, which is thermally insulated from the ambient temperature conditions of the room inside such window is a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature within the insulated chamber. A shield portion is positioned within the apparatus at a location between the temperature sensing element and the window opening. The shield permits air transfer for transmission of thermal energy from such a windowpane into the chamber area where the temperature sensing element is located, but limits the direct transmission of solar or other radiant energy through such window against the temperature sensing element.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1980Date of Patent: October 5, 1982Inventor: John J. Neils