In Spaced Noncontact Relationship To Specimen Patents (Class 374/120)
  • Patent number: 11867567
    Abstract: In a thermo-physical property measurement instrument, a light shield that shields from light except for an aperture is provided facing the front surface of a sample thin film of a sample. Heating light of repeated pulse that is output from a heating laser irradiates the sample thin film through the light shield. Temperature measurement light of continuous light that is output from a temperature measurement laser is applied to a measurement position a predetermined distance away from a heating light irradiation position on the sample thin film. A photodetector detects reflected light of the temperature measurement light off the sample thin film, and a computer acquires a thermo-reflectance signal that was digitally converted by an AD converter. The computer calculates a thermo-physical property value in the in-plane direction of the sample thin film of the sample on the basis of the acquired thermo-reflectance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: NETZSCH Japan K.K., NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS SCIENCE
    Inventors: Yohei Kakefuda, Susumu Kawakami, Tetsuya Baba, Takao Mori
  • Patent number: 11808633
    Abstract: An infrared thermopile sensor includes a silicon cover having an infrared lens, an infrared sensing chip having duo-thermopile sensing elements, and a microcontroller chip calculating a temperature of an object. The components are in a stacked 3D package to decrease the size of the infrared thermopile sensor. The infrared sensing chip and the microcontroller chip have metal layers to shield the thermal radiation. The conversion from wrist temperature to body core temperature uses detected ambient temperature and fixed humidity or imported humidity level to calculate the body core temperature based on experimental data and curve fitting. The skin temperature compensation can be set differently for different sex gender, different standard deviation of wrist temperature and external relative humidity reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: ORIENTAL SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Chein-Hsun Wang, Da-Jun Lin, Chun-Chiang Chen, Chih-Yung Tsai, Yu-Chih Liang, Ming Le, Chen-Tang Huang, Tung-Yang Lee, Jenping Ku
  • Patent number: 11400769
    Abstract: A tire includes tire frame members including bead cores, a bead filler, an inner liner, side-wall rubber and cushion rubber; and an electronic unit provided at an interface of tire frame members, the tire further including: a carcass ply which extends from one bead core to another bead core and includes a rubber-coated reinforcement cord, a belt disposed on the outer side in the tire-radial direction of the carcass ply, in which the cushion rubber is disposed at an end of the carcass ply or at an end of the belt, in which the side-wall rubber is disposed on an outer side in a tire-width direction of the cushion rubber, and in which the electronic unit is disposed between the cushion rubber, and the bead filler or the side-wall rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Toyo Tire Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuki Ohta
  • Patent number: 11391283
    Abstract: A vacuum pump exhaust system and an exhausting method of the vacuum pump supply a purge gas to the vacuum pump such that an amount of the purge gas satisfies one of following conditions: an amount of the purge gas flowing at a higher velocity than a backflow velocity of gas exhausted by the vacuum pump on at least a part of a downstream side of the temperature sensor unit, and an amount of the purge gas having a pressure of one of an intermediate flow and a viscous flow around the temperature sensor unit. The exhaust system further includes a purge gas supply unit capable of controlling a flow rate of purge gas introduced into the vacuum pump. This configuration can prevent process gas from flowing backward so as to change the composition around the temperature sensor unit, thereby accurately measuring the temperature of the rotating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 11215637
    Abstract: A method for obtaining optical spectroscopic information about a sub-micron region of a sample with quantitatively controlled depth/volume of the sample subsurface using a scanning probe microscope. With controlled probing depth/volume, the method can separate top surface data from subsurface optical/chemical information. The method can also be applied in liquid suitable for studying biological and chemical samples in their native aqueous environments, as opposed to air. In the method, a depth-controlled spectrum of the surface layer is constructed by illuminating the sample with a beam of infrared radiation and measuring a probe response using at least one of the resonant frequencies of the probe. The surface sensitivity is obtained by limiting the heat diffusion effect of the subsurface so as to confine the signal. The signal confinement is achieved through non-linearity of the acoustic wave with probe, as well as benefits gained by a high modulation frequency of the infrared radiation source at >1 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Bruker Nano, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Dazzi, Anirban Roy, Honghua Yang
  • Patent number: 11167604
    Abstract: A method for estimating the severity of conditions of use of a tire installed on a vehicle comprises the following steps: a step of measuring the speed of the vehicle and the load of the vehicle, a step of evaluating, as a function of the measurements performed, the power of the internal heat dissipations of the tyres, and a step of determining, as a function of this power, the internal temperature of the tyre, a step of recording the number of wheel revolutions performed and/or the time spent in conditions of use corresponding to a given temperature interval. There is also a system that makes it possible to implement said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: Serge Delacroix
  • Patent number: 10947960
    Abstract: A concentrated solar power (CSP) plant includes: a plurality of heliostats or a heliostat field; a substantially cylindrical solar energy receiver located atop a central tower and having an external surface covered with receiver panels and a heat shield adjacent the solar receiver, the heliostats reflecting solar energy to the external surface of the receiver, each receiver panel including a plurality of heat exchanger tubes configured to transport a heat transfer fluid, which are partly exposed on the external surface of the receiver; and a thermo-mechanical monitoring system for ensuring integrity of the solar receiver panel tubes in operation. The thermomechanical monitoring system includes at least: a plurality of thermal imaging devices located on ground and mounted each on a securing and orienting device, for measuring infrared radiation emitted by the external surface of the receiver and providing a panel temperature-dependent signal in an area of the external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: COCKERILL MAINTENANCE & INGENIERIE S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Dethier, Stephane Winand
  • Patent number: 10704963
    Abstract: Devices and corresponding methods can be provided to measure temperature and/or emissivity of a target. Emissivity of the target need not be known or assumed, and any temperature difference between a sensor and the target need not be zeroed or minimized. No particular bandpass filter is required. Devices can include one or two sensors viewing the same target as the target views different respective viewed temperatures. The respective viewed temperatures can be sensor temperatures, and a single sensor can be set to each of the respective viewed temperatures at different times. An analyzer can determine the temperature and/or emissivity of the target based on the respective viewed temperatures and on plural net heat fluxes detected by the sensors and corresponding to the respective viewed temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: EXERGEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jason N. Jarboe
  • Patent number: 10690641
    Abstract: A system for calibrating sensors includes at least one computer server configured to be in communication with at least one uncalibrated sensor and at least one calibrated sensor, and a calibration module stored on the server. The calibration module may be configured to receive calibrated sensor data from the at least one calibrated sensor, and output calibration data to the at least one uncalibrated sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua van Tol
  • Patent number: 10686183
    Abstract: Improved high energy capacity designs for lithium ion batteries are described that take advantage of the properties of high specific capacity anode active compositions and high specific capacity cathode active compositions. In particular, specific electrode designs provide for achieving very high energy densities. Furthermore, the complex behavior of the active materials is used advantageously in a radical electrode balancing design that significantly reduced wasted electrode capacity in either electrode when cycling under realistic conditions of moderate to high discharge rates and/or over a reduced depth of discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Zenlabs Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charan Masarapu, Yogesh Kumar Anguchamy, Yongbong Han, Haixia Deng, Sujeet Kumar, Herman A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10656022
    Abstract: The present invention provide a temperature sensor including a sensor main body having a contact surface for contacting with the upper surface of a battery cell, a mounting member holding the sensor main body and attaching it to the battery cell, and a coil spring arranged between the sensor main body and the mounting member. When viewing from an opposite side to the contact surface, the center P1 of the contact surface coincides with the center P2 of a trajectory connecting a pressing point pressed by the coil spring. When the mounting member is inclined due to inclination of a resin member mounted on the upper surface of the battery, the temperature sensor can absorb all inclinations by the coil spring, and prevent the contact surface away from the upper surface of the battery cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiraku Tanaka, Akinori Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10481005
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate measuring apparatus includes a light source unit generating irradiation light including light in a first wavelength band and light in a second wavelength band. An optical unit irradiates the irradiation light on a measurement object and condenses reflected light. A light splitting unit splits the reflected light, condensed in the optical unit, into a first optical path and a second optical path. A first detecting unit is disposed on the first optical path and detects first interference light in the first wavelength band in the reflected light. A second detecting unit is disposed on the second optical path and detects second interference light in the second wavelength band in the reflected light. A controlling unit calculates at least one of a surface shape or a thickness of the measurement object. The controlling unit calculates a temperature of the measurement object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Se Jin Oh, Tae Kyun Kang, Yu Sin Kim, Jae Ik Kim, Chan Bin Mo, Doug Yong Sung, Seung Bin Ahn, Kul Inn, Yun Kwang Jeon
  • Patent number: 10436650
    Abstract: An approach to nanoscale thermometry that utilizes coherent manipulation of the electronic spin associated with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color centers in diamond is disclosed. The methods and apparatus allow for detection of temperature variations down to milli-Kelvin resolution, at nanometer length scales. This biologically compatible approach to thermometry offers superior temperature sensitivity and reproducibility with a reduced measurement time. The disclosed apparatus can be used to study heat-generating intracellular processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Peter Christian Maurer, Hyun Ji Noh, Georg Kucsko, Mikhail D. Lukin, Hongkun Park, Minako Kubo
  • Patent number: 10420473
    Abstract: A wearable thermometer patch includes a substrate and a temperature probe unit mounted in the substrate and configured to measure temperature of a user's skin. The temperature probe unit includes a force sensor configured to measure contact force between the temperature probe unit and the user' skin, a plate, a first temperature sensor attached to a lower surface of the plate, and a second temperature sensor attached to an upper surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: VivaLnk, Inc.
    Inventor: Wei Shi
  • Patent number: 10365324
    Abstract: A system and a method capable of identifying a heat source position corresponding to a failure portion are provided. An analysis system according to the present invention is an analysis system that identifies a heat source position inside a semiconductor device, and includes a tester that applies an AC signal to the semiconductor device, an infrared camera that detects light from the semiconductor device according to the AC signal and outputs a detection signal, and a data analysis unit that identifies the heat source position based on the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Tomonori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10082464
    Abstract: A small-size reliable gas sensor that can reduce a measurement error can be provided. The gas sensor includes: a first light source (20); a first sensor unit (31) and a second sensor unit (32) disposed to receive light output from the first light source (20); a first substrate (41) having a first principal surface (411) on which the first light source (20) and the first sensor unit (31) are provided; and a second substrate (42) having a first principal surface (422) on which the second sensor unit (32) is provided. The first sensor unit (31) is disposed at a location where light output from the first light source (20) and reflected on the second principal surface (412) strikes the first principal surface (422) of the first substrate (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation
    Inventors: Edson Gomes Camargo, Satoshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 10066998
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting defects in a laminate of uncured, compacted composite sheets. After a number of plies of composite sheets are arranged and compacted, a burst of heat energy is applied to a top surface of the laminate and a digital thermographic camera captures images of the top surface. A computer processor measures heat characteristics of the top surface to identify regions of the top surface with different heat characteristics. Such different areas are identified as regions that include a defect. The defect regions can be repaired by applying additional compaction and/or by removing at least a portion of some layers, removing any foreign object debris, replacing the layers, and compacting the replaced layers. After any defects are addressed, the laminate is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Tyler M. Holmes, Gary E. Georgeson, Jeffrey G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9985572
    Abstract: A modular solar roadway/railway system (MSRS) and method (MSRM) utilizing interlocked solar/optical collection panels (SCP) having stacked solar collection strips (SCS) is disclosed. The SCS are configured with an optical input surface (OIS) configured to collect solar energy and a road support surface (RSS) configured to support automobile traffic. The SCS are stacked in an anti-symmetrical alignment pattern that allows solar energy to be efficiently collected while simultaneously supporting automobiles and other vehicles. The SCS as formed within the SCP are configured with a matrix of bottom photovoltaic cell cavities (PCC) that permit the SCP to be mated to a road/railway surface while simultaneously integrated with solar cells in the PCC for the generation of electricity. The MSRS may be configured in a flexible SCP array in rolled sheet form (RSF) suitable for installation via the use of a vehicle equipped with axial support for the RSF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Arthur Hastings
  • Patent number: 9921515
    Abstract: An optical writing device having; a plurality of light-emitting points; a photodiode configured to output a signal which represents a quantity of incident light from a predetermined light-emitting point selected from the plurality of light-emitting points; and a calculation section for calculating a temperature of the photodiode based on a magnitude of a photodiode dark current included in the signal output from the photodiode while the predetermined light-emitting point is OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventors: So Yano, Satoshi Masuda, Makoto Obayashi, Masayuki Iijima, Yoshikazu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9915511
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to unpowered railgun field validation for safe-arm fuzing. Embodiments use a wire coil having an induced electromotive force voltage. At least one positive duration circuit measures the positive portion of the induced voltage. At least one positive peak duration circuit measures the peak value of the positive portion of the induced voltage. At least one negative duration circuit measures the duration value of the negative portion of the induced voltage. At least one negative peak detector circuit measures the peak value of the negative portion of the induced voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael D. Haddon
  • Patent number: 9759693
    Abstract: A novel and useful method of visualization by detection of EM radiation being irradiated or reflected from objects in the imager's field of view using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation software tools. The methodology provides a verification method of antenna operation from an electrical point of view since bolometer performance cannot be estimated using regular antenna parameters such as directivity, gain, impedance matching, etc. as the bolometer does not behave as an antenna but rather behaves as an absorber. An incident wave is triggered on the absorber and the absorption of the bolometer structure is estimated using commercially available Finite Element Method (FEM) software (e.g., ANSYS® HFSS software, CST MICROWAVE STUDIO®, etc.). How much of the energy is reflected is subsequently measured. The energy which is not reflected is considered to be absorbed by the absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Corcos, Danny Elad, Noam Kaminski, Bernhard Klein, Lukas Kull, Thomas Morf
  • Patent number: 9706138
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for an infrared sensor assembly having a hybrid infrared sensor array. In one example, such a hybrid infrared sensor array may include a plurality of microbolometers and a non-bolometric infrared sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be a thermopile or other type of infrared sensor different from a bolometer-based sensor. The non-bolometric infrared sensor may be utilized to provide a more accurate and stable temperature reading of an object or area of a scene captured by the array. In some embodiments, the non-bolometric infrared sensor may also be utilized to perform a shutter-less radiometric calibration of the microbolometers of the array. An infrared sensor assembly may include, for example, the hybrid infrared sensor array, as well as a substrate including bond pads and/or appropriate circuits to obtain and/or transmit output signals from the non-bolometric infrared sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Teich, William A. Terre, Pierre Boulanger, Jeffrey D. Frank, John H. Distelzweig
  • Patent number: 9591968
    Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ARC DEVICES, LTD
    Inventors: Irwin Gross, Michael G. Smith, Mark Khachaturian, Martin Crawley, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull, Jason Bodnick
  • Patent number: 9443715
    Abstract: A method and device for determining temperature of a substrate in a vacuum processing apparatus during a process of the substrate are disclosed, the substrate to be measured is placed on a susceptor in the vacuum processing apparatus for a manufacture process, and the method includes: selecting i wavelengths from radiance emitted from the susceptor through a substrate, where i is a natural number greater than 1; obtaining at least i pieces of radiance corresponding to the selected i wavelengths; and calculating the temperature of the substrate based on the i pieces of radiance and the i wavelengths, by using a mathematical equation: E(?i)=T(d)×M(?i,T), where E(?i) is the ith radiant quantity corresponding to the ith wavelength ?i, T(d) is transmittance of the substrate, which is a function of thickness d of a film grown on the substrate, and M(?i,T) is blackbody radiation equation, which is a function of the ith wavelength ?i and the substrate temperature T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT INC, SHANGHAI
    Inventors: Yousen Li, Steven Lee, David Zhehao Chen
  • Patent number: 9028136
    Abstract: A method for determining a blackbody temperature of an electrical discharge may include providing a radiometer with a sensor aperture, positioning a viewing aperture sheet between the sensor aperture and the electrical discharge, and providing the viewing aperture sheet with a viewing aperture therethrough, determining an area of the viewing aperture, determining a distance of the sensor aperture from the viewing aperture, observing the electrical discharge with the sensor aperture through the viewing aperture to obtain radiometer data, and calculating the blackbody temperature based at least on the radiometer data, the area of the viewing aperture and the distance of the sensor aperture from the viewing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael M. Ladd
  • Patent number: 9028135
    Abstract: A non-contact pyrometer and method for calibrating the same are provided. The pyrometer includes a radiation sensor configured to measure at least a portion of a radiance signal emitted from a target medium and output a voltage that is a function of an average of the absorbed radiance signal, and an optical window disposed proximate the radiation sensor and configured to control a wavelength range of the radiance signal that reaches the radiation sensor. The pyrometer may further include a reflective enclosure configured to receive the target medium therein, wherein the radiation sensor and the optical window are disposed within the reflective enclosure, an amplifier in communication with an output of the radiation sensor, and a data acquisition system in communication with an output of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Asia N. Quince, Alexander Stein
  • Patent number: 9028139
    Abstract: A component in a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, where a temperature may be accurately measured by using a temperature measuring apparatus using an interference of a low-coherence light, even when a front surface and a rear surface are not parallel due to abrasion, or the like. A focus ring used in a vacuum atmosphere and of which a temperature is measured includes an abrasive surface exposed to an abrasive atmosphere according to plasma, a nonabrasive surface not exposed to the abrasive atmosphere, a thin-walled portion including a top surface and a bottom surface that are parallel to each other, and a coating member coating the top surface of the thin-walled portion, wherein a mirror-like finishing is performed on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the thin-walled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Yamawaku, Chishio Koshimizu, Tatsuo Matsudo
  • Publication number: 20150098486
    Abstract: An assembly for measuring a temperature of a fluid flowing through a tubing section is provided. The assembly can include the tubing section that can include a reduced-width portion. The reduced-width portion can traverse a circumference of the tubing section. The assembly can also include a temperature measurement component in thermal communication with an inner diameter of the tubing section. A temperature of a fluid flowing through the tubing section can be detected using the temperature measurement component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Michael McMillon, Robert Mitchell Neely
  • Patent number: 8998485
    Abstract: The laser anemometry probe (LAP) system with continuous coherent detection, with single-particle mode, comprises means (AN) for analyzing the measurement signals of the said probe (LAP) and means (MES_T) for measuring the temperature (T). The system comprises, furthermore, means (DET_CG) for determining icing conditions when means (DET_GEL) for detecting the presence of a liquid water drop detect the presence of a liquid water drop, and when the said temperature (T) is below the said third threshold (S3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Schlotterbeck, Xavier LaCondemine
  • Patent number: 8961006
    Abstract: Fiber optic sensing systems and methods. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic sensing system includes an optical fiber transmitting energy to a chemical vapor deposited diamond material proximate a substance in a well. The diamond material is deposited as a coating on a substrate. The substrate and coating are heated when the energy is transmitted by the optical fiber. This heats the substance in the well, which is detected to determine a property of the substance. In another embodiment, light energy is transmitted through the diamond material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: WellDynamics, B.V.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Gleitman
  • Patent number: 8944677
    Abstract: A test apparatus for testing an IR sensor of train undercarriage temperatures is disclosed. The IR sensor may be used to obtain infrared IR emission data by sensing a wheel or a wheel bearing of a rail vehicle. The test apparatus may comprise a heat emitter for supplying IR emissions at a reference temperature to the IR sensor. A support may support the heat emitter at a position spaced from the passage of the rail vehicle and in an orientation for directing the IR emissions at the IR sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Progress Rail Services Corp
    Inventors: Alessandro Agostini, Andrea Ricci
  • Patent number: 8920026
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a current sensing circuit corrects for the transient and steady state temperature measurement errors due to physical separation between a resistive sense element and a temperature sensor. The sense element has a temperature coefficient of resistance. The voltage across the sense element and a temperature signal from the temperature sensor are received by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a power dissipated by the sense element, which may be instantaneous or average power, and determines an increased temperature of the sense element. The resistance of the sense element is changed by the increased temperature, and this derived resistance Rs is used to calculate the current through the sense element using the equation I=V/R or other related equation. The process is iterative to continuously improve accuracy and update the current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kalin V. Lazarov, Matthew J. Maloney, Christopher Pollard, Edson W. Porter
  • Patent number: 8918226
    Abstract: A temperature measuring method accurately measures a sheet-like object even when the sheet-like object has an uneven temperature distribution throughout. In this method, temperature measurement is conducted in a measuring area where the sheet-like object is to be measured for its physical quantity or in the vicinity of the measuring area during determination of the physical quantity by a physical quantity measuring device. One or more temperature sensors are located at a position proximal to each sheet-like object that streams in a predetermined direction relative to the temperature sensors, and air is jetted out toward the sheet-like object for creating an air curtain that surrounds each temperature sensor so that a gauge workspace substantially confining the atmosphere therein is defined over one or both of the opposite surfaces of the sheet-like object. The temperature sensors detect the temperature in the measuring area or its vicinity within the gauge workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yamabun Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Tojo, Shunzo Hirakawa, Toshiyasu Toyoda, Masaru Iguchi, Katayama Yusuke
  • Patent number: 8911146
    Abstract: A method of measuring the wall temperature of a container blank, including the following operations: inserting a temperature probe into the blank in motion, upon completion of the operation of heating the blank in an oven; maintaining the probe in the blank in motion for a predetermined time; making a temperature measurement by the probe maintained in the blank without contact with the inner wall of the blank; and storing the temperature or the temperature profile thus measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Ertan Cetinel, Thierry Deau, Guy Feuilloley
  • Patent number: 8911147
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for analyzing thermal images is provided. The interface can be used to identify the temperatures at multiple areas of interest defined on an image. The areas can be denoted by configurable markers of different predetermined shapes. In some embodiments, the interface simultaneously displays temperature statistics relating to the user-identified areas of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Warnke, Thomas Heinke
  • Publication number: 20140334518
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-accessible mediums for determining a specific absorption rate (SAR) of a radio frequency (RF) radiation on an object(s) can be provided, which can, for example hardware arrangement configured to receive thermal information for a portion(s) of the at least one object, and determine the SAR based on the thermal information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: LEEOR ALON, CEM MURAT DENIZ, GENE YOUNG CHO, LESLIE F. GREENGARD
  • Publication number: 20140269825
    Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor includes an electrical conductor and a material spaced apart from the conductor and located within one or more of the responding electric field and responding magnetic field of the conductor. The conductor is electrically unconnected and is shaped for storage of an electric field and a magnetic field. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency associated therewith. The material is selected such that it experiences changes in one of dielectric properties and magnetic permeability properties in the presence of a temperature change. Shifts from the sensor's baseline frequency response indicate that the material has experienced a temperature change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stanley E. Woodard, Chuantong Wang, Bryant D. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140254627
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus (12) for measuring the temperature of a fluid stream (11), said apparatus comprising a movable frame (13, 14) having first end facing towards the fluid stream to be measured and an oppositely directed second end; a beam splitter (9) which is movably arranged in the frame for advancement into said fluid stream to open the fluid stream; an optical temperature measurement device (8) for determining the temperature of the fluid stream by measuring the thermal radiation from the fluid stream; and control means for controlling the movement of the frame and the beam splitter and controlling the performance of the optical temperature measurement device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Haosheng Zhou, Jeroen Petrus Wilhelmus Sap, Lars Bøllund, Per Steenbjerg
  • Patent number: 8814427
    Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes one or more temperature sensors (122) arranged to measure sample well specific temperatures from sample wells (111-117) arranged to store samples (103-109) to be optically measured. A processing device (121) of the optical measurement instrument is arranged to correct, using a pre-determined mathematical rule, measurement results obtained by the optical measurements on the basis of the measured sample well specific temperatures. Hence, the adverse effect caused by temperature differences between different samples on the accuracy of the temperature correction of the measurement results is mitigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Wallac Oy
    Inventors: Jyrki Laitinen, Markku Ojala
  • Patent number: 8810447
    Abstract: A calibration device, capable of calibrating a gain of a radiometer, includes an actuator and a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) unit. The actuator receives a calibration signal outputted from a control unit. The MEMS unit is coupled to the actuator, in which the actuator enables the MEMS unit to shield an antenna of the radiometer according to the calibration signal, such that the radiometer generates an environmental signal according to an equivalent radiant temperature received from the MEMS unit, and the control unit calibrates the gain of the radiometer according to the environmental signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Yen Huang, Chin-Chung Nien, Li-Yuan Chang, Chen-Ming Li, Ya-Chung Yu
  • Patent number: 8790006
    Abstract: A thermal measurement system that includes a light collection device and a detection system in communication with the device. The detection system includes two detection subsystems, wherein one subsystem is configured to detect light from a surface of an object, while the other subsystem is configured to detect light from the surface and a gas. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hejie Li, Samhita Dasgupta, Edward Randall Furlong, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan, Anquan Wang, Guanghua Wang, Stephen Thomas Walls, Lesley Ellen Brown
  • Patent number: 8777484
    Abstract: A resistance temperature sensor with a first temperature sensor element and a second temperature sensor element, wherein the first temperature sensor element comprises a first measuring path and the second temperature sensor element a second measuring path, wherein the first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate, wherein the substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c), and wherein a projection of the first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of the second measuring path on the expansion directions (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Wetzer GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Seefeld, Reinhard Buchner
  • Patent number: 8777483
    Abstract: The temperature measuring apparatus includes: a light source; a first wavelength-dividing unit which wavelength-divides a light from the light source into m lights whose wavelength bands are different from one another; m first dividing units which divides each of the m lights from the first wavelength-dividing unit into n lights; a transmitting unit which transmits lights from the m first dividing unit to measurement points of an object to be measured; a light receiving unit which receives a light reflected by each of the measurement points; and a temperature calculating unit which calculates a temperature of each of the measurement points based on a waveform of the light received by the light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Jun Yamawaku, Chishio Koshimizu, Tatsuo Matsudo, Kenji Nagai
  • Patent number: 8770836
    Abstract: A wireless temperature profiling system and the methods of making it are disclosed. The wireless temperature profiling system can include a photovoltaic substrate, a transponder, and a reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: First Solar, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Burgard
  • Patent number: 8753007
    Abstract: A system includes a sensing cell having a walled structure configured to receive a fuel sample within an interior space of the walled structure. The sensing cell also has at least one cooling surface located on at least a portion of the walled structure and configured to cool the fuel sample. The sensing cell further has an optical port configured to couple to one or more optical fibers and to provide first radiation to the fuel sample. In addition, the sensing cell has a mirror configured to reflect the first radiation in order to provide second radiation to the optical port. The optical port defines a collinear optical geometry for providing the first radiation to the fuel sample and receiving the second radiation through the fuel sample. The system also includes at least one cooler configured to cool the fuel sample in the sensing cell by cooling the at least one cooling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Haran, Sebastien Tixier, Stuart J. Heath
  • Patent number: 8740454
    Abstract: An optical fiber is provided with a first measurement portion and a second measurement portion provided with covering layers different at least in any one of heat capacity and heat conductivity. Then, the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located in the same measurement position and light is inputted from a temperature measurement device into the optical fiber. Thereafter, the temperature measurement device receives backscattered light generated inside the optical fiber to measure temperature distribution in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. An analyzer analyzes a variation over time of the temperature distribution outputted from the temperature measurement device to calculate a temperature and a wind velocity in a measurement position where the first measurement portion and the second measurement portion are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitus Limited
    Inventors: Fumio Takei, Kazushi Uno, Takeo Kasajima
  • Patent number: 8734009
    Abstract: A system, method and device determine the state of a beverage and communicate information regarding the beverage. A communication device runs an application that determines the start temperature of the beverage to be cooled and sets a desired end temperature. Thermochromatic inks are used on the container label or packaging of the container to convey temperature information. A camera of the communication device senses temperature information of an image of the container. The application then determines an amount of time for cooling the beverage also taking into consideration the type and size of container. The beverage is placed in a cooling device, a timer is initiated by the user, and the application later generates a message indicating the beverage has reached the desired end temperature. The user may link information generated from the application to social networking sites for purposes such as generating invitations to friends within the social network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Millercoors, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Morgan Kelly, Ray Alan Toms, Charles Ho Fung
  • Patent number: 8734008
    Abstract: An active sensor apparatus includes an array of sensor elements arranged in a plurality of columns and rows of sensor elements. The sensor apparatus includes a plurality of column and row thin film transistor switches for selectively activating the sensor elements, and a plurality of column and row thin film diodes for selectively accessing the sensor elements to obtain information from the sensor elements. The thin film transistor switches and thin film diodes are formed on a common substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Next Biometrics AS
    Inventor: Matias N. Troccoli
  • Patent number: 8727608
    Abstract: A moisture meter with non-contact temperature measurement capability having a housing, a moisture-detecting device coupled to or contained at least partially in the housing, and having an output related to measured moisture parameters, a non-contact, optically-based temperature sensing device coupled to the housing, having an output related to sensed temperature, an output display contained in the housing, for displaying measurements to a user, and circuitry contained in the housing for processing both the moisture-detecting device output and the non-contact temperature sensing device output, and transmitting the processed outputs to the output display. The moisture-detecting device can be either one or both of a contact-type moisture-detecting device such as a pad on the rear side of the housing, and a pin-type moisture-detecting device in a hand-held probe, and electrically coupled to the circuitry in the housing through a cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FLiR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald W. Blakeley, III
  • Patent number: 8727614
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a status of a sleeve for lining a system of pipes or conduits, the sleeve being impregnated with a curable resin, includes the steps of providing the sleeve, disposing at least one fiber optic sensor in thermally conductive contact with the sleeve, and generating, using the at least one fiber optic sensor, a positionally resolved thermographic image representative of a temperature of the sleeve as a function of position and time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Ulrich Glombitza