Abstract: An optimized thermocouple system and a method of optimizing a thermocouple system having a plurality of thermocouple probes and a junction box is provided and includes examining the thermocouple system to identify a first thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes, wherein the first thermocouple probe includes a first positive leg and a first negative leg and is located electrically farthest from the junction box. The method includes calculating a first loop resistance between the first thermocouple probe and the junction box and configuring a second thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes having a second positive leg, a second negative leg and a second loop resistance such that the second loop resistance is substantially equal to the first loop resistance.

Abstract: An instrumented vane body is provided that includes a suction side and pressure side outer walls, an interior cavity, at least one supply conduit, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of sensor ports. The suction and pressure side outer walls extend chordwise between leading and trailing edges and between inner and outer radial ends. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with the interior cavity, and is in communication with the interior cavity through at least one of the inner or outer radial ends. The sensor ports are disposed in the leading edge and each is configured to receive a sensor, and are spaced apart from one another. Each sensor port is in fluid communication with at least one vent aperture, and each is configured to permit core gas to enter that sensor part and exit the vane body through the at least one vent aperture.

Abstract: A pressure and temperature probe of a gas turbine engine includes a base portion and an airfoil portion extending from the base portion to an end portion located at a distal end of the probe. The airfoil portion includes a leading edge located at an upstream end of the probe relative to a direction of airflow across the probe. A temperature sensor is located in a temperature sensor chamber located in the airfoil portion, and a temperature airflow hole in the end portion is configured to admit an airflow into the temperature sensor chamber around the temperature sensor. The temperature airflow hole is configured and positioned such that the airflow admitted via the temperature airflow hole has a turning angle of less than 90 degrees into the temperature sensor chamber.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a gas burner configured to selectively produce flue gases, and a heat exchanger for heating water in the water heater system. The water heater system is operable in a heating mode, and a standby mode. An exhaust assembly is in communication with the heat exchanger, and includes a condensate collector configured to receive the flue gases and condensate. A first temperature sensor is positioned to sense a temperature of the condensate within the condensate collector. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a rate of temperature change of the condensate. A controller is configured to determine a leakage when the rate of temperature change adjusts from a first state to a second state when the water heater system is in the standby mode after the water heater system was in the heating mode.

Abstract: An optimized thermocouple system and a method of optimizing a thermocouple system having a plurality of thermocouple probes and a junction box is provided and includes examining the thermocouple system to identify a first thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes, wherein the first thermocouple probe includes a first positive leg and a first negative leg and is located electrically farthest from the junction box. The method includes calculating a first loop resistance between the first thermocouple probe and the junction box and configuring a second thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes having a second positive leg, a second negative leg and a second loop resistance such that the second loop resistance is substantially equal to the first loop resistance.

Abstract: A stator structure and a gas turbine having the same are provided. The stator structure includes a plurality of rows of stators arranged on an inner peripheral surface of a casing, the stators being arranged alternately with a plurality of rows of blades arranged on an outer peripheral surface of a rotor, wherein each of the stators includes a vane including a first end and a second end, the first end of the vane being coupled to the inner peripheral surface of the casing by a first rotating member and a diaphragm coupled to the second end of the vane by a second rotating member. A first gap is formed between the first end of the vane and the inner peripheral surface of the casing, and a second gap is formed between the second end of the vane and the diaphragm. The vane may be provided with a slot part connected to the first and second ends of the vane to bypass a part of working fluid to the first and second gaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for an aircraft engine, characterized by at least one probe device for measuring a physical and/or chemical state in at least one measuring space within the aircraft engine, wherein the at least one measuring space is fluidically connected to a cavity, and at least one air-conducting device, which is fluidically coupled to the cavity in such a manner that a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, can be removed from the at least one cavity to a pressure sink. The invention also relates to an aircraft engine and to a measuring method.

Abstract: An optimized thermocouple system and a method of optimizing a thermocouple system having a plurality of thermocouple probes and a junction box is provided and includes examining the thermocouple system to identify a first thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes, wherein the first thermocouple probe includes a first positive leg and a first negative leg and is located electrically farthest from the junction box. The method includes calculating a first loop resistance between the first thermocouple probe and the junction box and configuring a second thermocouple probe of the plurality of thermocouple probes having a second positive leg, a second negative leg and a second loop resistance such that the second loop resistance is substantially equal to the first loop resistance.

Abstract: An annular air flow passage, particularly for a turbine engine, comprising two radially internal and external annular walls. A measuring element is elongated in a direction between the internal and external annular walls, and a first of the internal or external ends of the element is fixed rigidly to a first of the internal or external walls. The element includes at least one tubular cavity extending along the element and supplied with pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A sensor includes a detection portion and an output portion. The detection portion is made of a material that changes in accordance with a ratio of an actual amount of water to an amount of water causing a phase separation in an alcohol containing fuel. The output portion is configured or programmed to output a signal in accordance with a change of the detection portion.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device includes a probe unit on a first end and a sensor unit on a second end opposite the first end. The first end is introduced into an environment to be measured, such as an exhaust gas line from a combustion engine, and the second end is positioned in a region outside of the environment such that the sensor unit is at least partially insulated from a temperature of the environment. The probe unit, exposed to the temperature of the environment, achieves a temperature that corresponds to the temperature of the environment. The sensor unit is operable to sense the temperature of the probe unit and generate a corresponding electrical signal usable to determine a sensed temperature of the environment. The temperature of the environment can be determined on a cycle-by-cycle basis, and is usable for implementing advanced combustion strategies such as HCCI and SACI.

Abstract: A sensor device comprises an array of spaced apart sensor elements disposed in a pattern on a substrate. Each sensor element is connected electrically so that a physical variable measured by each sensor element independently can be recorded and/or displayed by an external instrument. The sensing device may be a temperature sensing device, in which case the sensor elements are temperature sensing elements such as negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. Alternatively the sensing device may be a strain or pressure sensing device, or an optical imaging device, in which case the sensor elements include piezoresistors or photoresistors. The sensor elements may be connected in a common source or write all-read one configuration, in a common output or write one-read all configuration, or in an array comprising X rows and Y columns, in a write X-read Y configuration.

Abstract: A total air temperature sensor includes an airfoil body extending from an airfoil base to an opposed airfoil tip along a longitudinal axis. The airfoil body defines a leading edge and opposed trailing edge. The airfoil body defines an interior flow passage with an inlet for fluid communication of fluid into the interior flow passage and an outlet for exhausting fluid out from the interior flow passage, and wherein the airfoil body defines a bleed passage through the airfoil body between the leading edge and the interior flow passage. A temperature probe is mounted within the interior flow passage for measuring temperature of flow through the interior flow passage to determine total air temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier and a method of monitoring the water level in the humidifier, the method comprising the steps of: detecting the temperature at the air outlet of the humidifier and generating temperature signals indicating the temperature thereof (310, 410); determining the water level in the humidifier according to the generated temperature signals (330, 430). The water level in the humidifier can be monitored using a rather simple structure yielding a high accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the circumferential distribution of temperature in a fluid, comprising a plurality of sensor ladders, each incorporating a plurality of temperature sensors, wherein a first one of the sensor ladders partially overlaps a second one of the sensor ladders, part of the first sensor ladder not overlapping the second sensor ladder.

Abstract: A system for determining a temperature of a medium, such as water, in a volume, such as a water heater tank. The system includes a temperature sensor array and a variable frequency voltage supply. A first temperature sensing unit of the temperature sensor array includes a temperature sensor in parallel with a capacitor. The capacitor is selected such that the impedance is low relative to the resistance of the temperature sensor at frequencies above a threshold and high at frequencies below a threshold. A second temperature sensing unit of the array includes a second temperature sensor. The temperatures sensed by the various temperature sensors in the array are determined by selectively varying the frequency of the voltage supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a temperature profile and the integral mean temperature and/or axis temperature in a thick wall or shaft. In order to determine a mean integral wall temperature during heating or cooling processes in a multilayer model, the mean integral wall temperature is calculated from the mean temperature of each layer. A multilayer model is used for determining the mean integral wall temperature during heating or cooling processes and draws upon the mean temperature of each layer.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus including a plurality of sensors, and a measurement device. The plurality of sensors being divided into sensor groups with each sensor group having a number of sensors. The groups being arranged such that the sensor groups are electrically matched. The sensors in a sensor group coupled in parallel with each other to form a sensor ladder. A measurement device is arranged to compare electrical signals from each sensor group and to output an indication signal, wherein the measurement device is coupled to each sensor ladder at an intermediate position and in that the coupling position of each sensor ladder are electrically equivalent to one another. Also provided by the present invention is a method of monitoring a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The combination of a temperature sensor and an inclination sensor or the combination of a temperature sensor and a tension monitor properly positioned in conjunction with an energized electrical conductor produces outputs that are dependent on the conductor's average temperature in real time. A transmitter is used to communicate this information in real time to a central location such that up to optimal or maximum power transmission is feasible through the conductor while maintaining a safe clearance to the ground. This allows for close monitoring of thermal expansion resulting from increased load as well as varying environmental conditions.

Abstract: In general, a sensor for measuring a temperature of an air stream includes a sensing element for detecting temperature. The sensor also includes connection lines connected to the sensing element. The connection lines are configured to allow the air stream to circulate through the connection lines, capture heat of the air stream, and provide the heat to the sensing element.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: An acoustic pyrometer measures the average gas temperature across a wide space of known distance, especially turbulent, high temperature gas loaded with caustic particulates. It includes an acoustic signal generator that generates a high amplitude acoustic signal with a short rise time and a detector positioned adjacent the signal generator that detects the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator and generates a first electrical signal corresponding in time to the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator. A receiver, positioned across the space from the signal generator, receives acoustic signals from the space and generates electrical signals corresponding to amplitude and frequency of the acoustic signals received in the receiver.

Abstract: An acoustic pyrometer measures the average gas temperature across a wide space of known distance, especially turbulent, high temperature gas loaded with caustic particulates. It includes an acoustic signal generator that generates a high amplitude acoustic signal with a short rise time and a detector positioned adjacent the signal generator that detects the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator and generates a first electrical signal corresponding in time to the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator. A receiver, positioned across the space from the signal generator, receives acoustic signals from the space and generates electrical signals corresponding to amplitude and frequency of the acoustic signals received in the receiver.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: An acoustic pyrometer measures the average gas temperature across a wide space of known distance, especially turbulent, high temperature gas loaded with caustic particulates. It includes an acoustic signal generator that generates a high amplitude acoustic signal with a short rise time and a detector positioned adjacent the signal generator that detects the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator and generates a first electrical signal corresponding in time to the onset of the acoustic signal in the signal generator. A receiver, positioned across the space from the signal generator, receives acoustic signals from the space and generates electrical signals corresponding to amplitude and frequency of the acoustic signals received in the receiver.

Abstract: A system for measuring average temperature including a plurality of measurement thermocouples (10,12,14) connected in parallel to measurement apparatus (24) by two signal wires (22) of a material different to that of the measurement thermocouples (10,12,14). Compensation thermocouples (26,28,30) are located at the cold junctions (16,18,20) of the measurement thermocouples (10,12,14) and connected to the measurement apparatus (24).

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for determining setpoint information in a HVAC system. Setpoint values are determined using occupant feedback provided by individual occupants over at least one of an Internet or Intranet communications network. According to a first aspect of the invention a setpoint is determined using fuzzy logic. According to a second aspect, historical setpoint data determined using occupant feedback is used to develop a neural network for predicting setpoint values.

Abstract: An apparatus accurately measures a temperature of a substrate in a thermal processing chamber. The apparatus has a support structure to support the substrate within the thermal processing chamber. A first probe is provided with an input end positioned to receive radiation from the substrate during thermal processing. A second probe is also provided with an input end positioned to receive radiation from the substrate during thermal processing. The second probe is positioned such that it is angularly offset from the first probe so radiation provided at an output end of the second probe is out of phase with radiation provided at the output end of the first probe. A junction receives and combines radiation from the output ends of the first and second probes. The radiation is combined to provide an accurate representation of the temperature of a local region of the substrate by compensating for a temperature gradient between the support structure and the substrate.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of a compartment of a refrigerator, the compartment utilizing at least two spaced apart temperature sensors, such that, even when one of the sensors malfunctions, the compartment is cooled without any degradation of efficiency. The sensors detect respective temperatures in the compartment. While the sensors are operating normally, the detected temperatures are stored. In the event one of the sensors malfunctions, an abnormal average temperature is calculated using: (i) previously stored temperatures of the abnormally operating sensor, and (ii) a temperature recently detected by the normally operating sensor. Thereafter, the calculated abnormal average temperature is compared with a reference temperature to control the operation of a fan.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a first temperature sensor integral with the thermostat and at least one and typically three remotely positioned temperature sensors. Switches are provided to select which one or more temperature sensors are employed to provide an averaged measured temperature. Voltages representative of the temperature ambient to each diversely placed sensor are applied to separate inputs to an analog multiplexer which transfers a single voltage to an analog-to-digital converter in accordance with address codes received from a processor. The output of the A-D converter, a digital count representative of the temperature measured by the currently selected sensor, is read by the processor and temporarily saved. Then, the next selected sensor is similarly processed.

Abstract: A tire pyrometer including a control box (12) and a tire probe (14), wherein the control box (12) includes a display panel (18) that can display up to twelve tire temperature readings at the same time. Display panel (18) can also display average temperatures for various temperature combinations of temperatures taken by tire probe (14).

Abstract: A poultry house controller (14) situated within a poultry house (12) regulates the relative humidity and temperature within the poultry house (12) via actuation of fans (22) and heaters (24) in response to temperature and humidity feedback signals from temperature sensors (16) and humidity sensors (18), respectively. The controller (14) can communicate with a host computer (16) and other controllers (14) situated at other houses (12). The controller (14) comprises an integrity check means (234) for checking temperature and humidity values detected by these sensors (16, 18). The integrity check means (234) ensures the accuracy of values by eliminating a value from consideration if it falls outside predefined range of the average of the other values received from other sensors. Additionally, the controller (14) utilizes watchdog timing signals (100) for ensuring continuous operation. The watchdog timing signals (100) are generated by a control program (108) and are sent to an alarm system (92).

Abstract: An averaging temperature probe is disclosed wherein a sensor strip extends from a mounting plate substantially across a stratified airflow. Temperatures at points spaced along the sensor strip are measured and averaged by circuitry to provide a more accurate representation of the actual or mixed airflow temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of average temperature change in the liquid in a storage tank. A series connected plurality of discrete, temperature sensitive elements, at predetermined spacings in the liquid provide a direct output reading representing average temperature change of the entire volume of liquid in the tank. The invention also includes the method for measuring the average temperature change of the liquid in the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content of a material in which the material is caused to flow continually through a sensor region, the spatially averaged temperature of the material being continually determined independently of the dynamic thermal response of the material. The loss and capacitance of the sensor is also continually determined, the moisture content of the material than being determined in response to the spatially averaged temperature and the loss and capacitance determinations independently of changes in the packing density of the material as it continually flows through the sensor region.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of liquid in a tank is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a plurality of temperature sensors spaced apart so that each temperature sensor senses the temperature of a predetermined volume fraction of the liquid in the tank; and a data processor associated with the temperature sensors and acting to process the temperature determined by each of the sensors to determine the volume weighted average temperature of the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: An operative temperature sensing system including a first circuit including an air temperature sensor for providing a first signal which is a function of the air temperature within a room, a second circuit which provides a second signal which is a function of the mean radiant temperature within a room, and a third circuit for providing an output signal which is a function of the average of the first and second signals which in turn is a direct function of the operative temperature.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting average temperature, particularly adapted for determining the average liquid temperature in an underground horizontally disposed cylindrical tank. The sensing element, in the form of a wire of known temperature versus electrical resistance characteristic is contained within an extensible cylindrical helical coil of plastic tubing which can be introduced into the tank and extended to the overall height of the liquid by gravity through a weight on one end of the coil or by the use of an extendible rod inserted into the center of the coil. The tubing is preformed or arranged relative to the extensible rod to present a greater number of coil turns at the center of the tank to compensate for greater liquid volume.

Abstract: A generator having stator windings which are water cooled includes a plurality of sensors each for measuring the temperature of cooling water as it is discharged from respective sections of the stator windings and prior to its collection in a common manifold. The outputs of the sensors are combined to obtain an average reading and during an initialization process, each sensor reading is subtracted from the average to derive a correction factor for that particular sensor, for that particular average. The generator is operated so that other averages are selected for the calculation of other sensor correction factors. When operating on line, the correction factors are utilized to obtain a value for a percent of average coil temperature in accordance with the relationship: ##EQU1## where T is the temperature indication provided by the sensor, AVG is the average of all of the sensor readings, and CF is the appropriate correction factor for that sensor for that average.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a signal analogous to the means temperature of fluid within a flow path is in a turbo machine. The fluid flowing in the flow path has a nonconstant temperature considered transversely thereto and defining a temperature profile. An elongate thermosiphon is immersed substantially entirely in said fluid flow and extend transversely thereto for sensing a thermal characteristic of the vapor therein.

Abstract: A temperature differential detection device for detecting the temperature differential between predetermined portions of a container wall is disclosed as comprising a Wheatstone bridge circuit for detecting resistance imbalance with a first circuit branch having a first elongated wire element mounted in thermal contact with a predetermined portion of the container wall, a second circuit branch having a second elongated wire element mounted in thermal contact with a second predetermined portion of a container wall with the wire elements having a predetermined temperature-resistant coefficient, an indicator interconnected between the first and second branches remote from the container wall for detecting and indicating resistance imbalance between the first and second wire elements, and connector leads for electrically connecting the wire elements to the remote indicator in order to maintain the respective resistance value relationship between the first and second wire elements.

Abstract: In the maintenance of turbine propeller aircraft and related engines, test method and apparatus to measure engine exhaust temperature and exhaust pressure, without pulling the engine. Test harness associated with instrumental Jet Calibrator is interposed between tailpipe and airframe exhaust pipe to establish the accuracy of interstage turbine temperature and exhaust gas temperature by graphic comparisons. Both engine exhaust gas temperature and exhaust pressure may also be obtained concurrently to effect "on wing" recompensation of interstage turbine temperature during test run maintenance of the engine.

Abstract: A device for detecting the amount of liquid in a vessel, such as a fuel tank of an automobile, using a torsion support member such as a torsion bar arranged between the vessel and the body of the automobile. The torsion displacement of the member corresponding to the amount of the liquid is detected in a detection circuit and processed in an electronic unit which includes a portion for generating a pulse width signal corresponding to the amount of the liquid on the basis of signals from the detection circuit, a portion for generating a signal having a pulse number proportional to the pulse width on the basis of the generated pulse width signal, and a portion for averaging at predetermined intervals the value corresponding to the pulse number of the signal from the pulse width detection portion using timing pulses generated at predetermined intervals and for displaying the average amount of the liquid digitally on a display portion.

Abstract: A thermal probe (10) for averaging temperature fluctuations over a prolonged period is formed with a temperature sensor (22) embedded inside a solid object (12) of a thermally conducting material. The solid object is held in a position equidistantly spaced apart from the interior surfaces of a closed housing (16) by a mount (14) made of a thermally insulating material. The housing is sealed to trap a vacuum or mass of air inside and thereby prevent transfer of heat directly between the environment outside of the housing and the solid object. Electrical leads (24) couple the temperature sensor with a connector (26) on the outside of the housing. Other solid objects of different sizes and materials may be substituted for the cylindrically-shaped object to vary the time constant of the probe.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermometer used for measuring furnace temperaes in the range of about 1800.degree. to 2700.degree. C. The thermometer comprises a broadband multicolor thermal radiation sensor positioned to be in optical alignment with the end of a blackbody sight tube extending into the furnace. A valve-shutter arrangement is positioned between the radiation sensor and the sight tube and a chamber for containing a charge of high pressure gas is positioned between the valve-shutter arrangement and the radiation sensor. A momentary opening of the valve shutter arrangement allows a pulse of the high gas to purge the sight tube of air-borne thermal radiation contaminants which permits the radiation sensor to accurately measure the thermal radiation emanating from the end of the sight tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the approximate temperature profile of a large curved surface such as the outer surface of a chemical or hydrocarbon conversion reactor. At least two arrays of wire having a temperature dependent electrical resistance are placed over the surface to be monitored, with the arrays being aligned in different directions to cover the surface with a grid of overlapping wires. By measuring the resistance of each wire and comparing this resistance to predetermine reference values, wires which pass through regions of elevated temperature compared to the remainder of the surface may be located. By attributing the elevated temperatures to the area covered by the intersecting wires which show an increased resistance the areas of high temperature on the surface may be located.

Abstract: Three or more temperature sensors are positioned at various selected locations in a building. These sensors are connected to an averaging circuit whose function is to provide an electrical signal which is functionally related to the average temperature of all these sensors. This electrical signal is compared with another signal which is related to a pre-determined reference temperature for the building. If the electrical signal related to the reference temperature is greater than the electrical signal related to the average temperature indicated by the sensors, a comparator circuit turns a boiler on to heat the building. When the reverse situation is true, the comparator circuit operates to turn the boiler off.