By Thermally Emitted Radiation Patents (Class 374/121)
  • Patent number: 7390122
    Abstract: An automated ball mounting process is disclosed in which solder balls are tested by heating the solder balls to a temperature between the eutectic temperature of lead-tin and the melting temperature of a lead free solder ball. If the heated solder balls melt they are standard solder balls. If they do not melt they are lead free solder balls. Solder balls that are input into the automated ball mounting process are automatically tested to determine solder ball type. When the test indicates that the wrong type of solder ball is being used an error message is indicated and the solder ball mounting process stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kong Lam Song, Peng Cheong Choe, Tic Medina
  • Publication number: 20080144696
    Abstract: A heat gun includes an infrared surface thermometer measuring the surface temperature of a target and a surface temperature indicator readable by an operator of the heat gun, and a nozzle directing heated air at the target. The infrared surface thermometer is pivotally mounted on the heat gun adjacent the nozzle, so as to be aimed at targets at varying distances from the nozzle. The surface temperature indicator is mounted on the heat gun at the end of the heat gun nearest the operator. Optionally, a laser mounted on the thermometer is used to aim the thermometer at the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Diversified Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Bruggeman, Stephen Kohs
  • Patent number: 7387436
    Abstract: A probe includes, a substantially L-shaped cylindrical probe body coupled through a cable to a measuring device and a temperature measuring section connected to the probe body. The temperature measuring section includes a flange portion connected to the probe body and an end portion extending from the flange portion and mounting a sensor mirror in the interior. The sensor mirror includes a cylindrical holder having a concave reflection surface in the interior, a coupling shaft extending from the cylindrical holder, a first sensor for measurement and a second sensor for correction supported in a front space of the cylindrical holder by lead wires, respectively, and a cover sheathing a front surface of the cylindrical holder. The respective lead wires supporting the first and second sensors pass the temperature measuring section and probe body and are electrically connected to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bio Echo Net
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20080137709
    Abstract: A patch having an infrared (IR) target is placed proximate to the surface of a mammal. The patch may include an insulator for protecting the target from exterior, ambient IR and may include bar codes or other indicia uniquely associated with either the patch or the mammal. The patch may also include a bio-reactive agent for indicating characteristics such as the pH of the mammal's skin. The patch may also include a thermometer for sensing the level of IR radiation from the IR target and may include a display of the temperature associated with such a level. The patch may also include a transmitter for wirelessly communicating information about such level to a remote location. A method of using the patch is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Quinn, Scott A. Martin, John A. Lane, Clare L. Corcoran, Craig M. Meyerson
  • Patent number: 7380981
    Abstract: A first thermistor 8 and a second thermistor 9 are arranged forwardly and rearwardly of a thermopile sensor 5. A thermopile chip 55 is arranged and interposed between the first thermistor 8 and an integrated thermistor 57. A sensor cover is mounted in contact with front and side portions of a can portion 59 of a thermopile casing 56. A temperature or a radiant quantity of infrared rays on the front portion of the can portion is estimated from a temperature change of the integrated thermistor per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Tabata, Hiroyuki Ota, Yoshihide Onishi, Yoshihiko Ogura, Tetsuya Sato, Taiga Sato
  • Patent number: 7364355
    Abstract: A method of linearizing the output a infrared camera having an InGaAs includes determining the an equivalent black body temperature of an object by utilizing a plurality of calibration constants determined by collecting data from a number of temperatures of the object, and determining a target temperature of the object by utilizing the equivalent black body temperature and the emissivity of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ircon, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ignatowicz
  • Patent number: 7364356
    Abstract: A method is provided for the contactless determination of the body core temperature of a person (7), wherein the surface temperature of the person (7) is detected at a measuring site (6) on the body by means of a temperature sensor unit (2) arranged at a spaced location therefrom. The sensor signal generated by the temperature sensor unit (2) is sent to an evaluating unit (3) for evaluating the sensor signal and for calculating the body core temperature, and the temperature signal generated in the evaluating unit (3) is sent to a display unit (4) for the optical display of the body core temperature determined. The temperature sensor unit (2) locally identifies a measuring area (8) on the body in a first step and the measuring area (8) on the body is resolved by the temperature sensor unit (2) in a second step such that the measuring site (6) on the body is detected and the detection is carried out by the temperature sensor unit (2) at this measuring site (6) on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd-Michael Dicks, Jochim Koch
  • Patent number: 7360945
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of a computer system, such as a notebook computer, is described. A sensor module is to mount within the computer system spaced from an interior surface of a chassis of the system, the sensor to measure an internal surface of a chassis of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Kardach, David Williams, Eric Distefano, Marlon Cardenas, Jim Hermerding
  • Patent number: 7357571
    Abstract: An infrared inspection and reporting process and system obtains inspection data on site via a portable computer. An actual temperature of a component derived from an infrared image and a temperature delta between the temperature of the component and the maximum temperature for the component is calculated to determine if there is a problem. A criticality level is assigned for each problem component from a plurality of criticality levels each having a predetermined range for the temperature delta. The criticality level provides an accurate and consistent assessment of component conditions. The inspection data is up linked to a home server from the portable computer and is made available to the customer via an interactive, on-line web application. The customer can interact with the inspection dating including an interactive prediction of energy savings if the problem component is repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Predictive Service, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Frankel, Joseph Cobb, Shawn Goertzen
  • Publication number: 20080075141
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an infrared clinical thermometer, which comprises a casing, a temperature-sensing unit at one end of the casing, and a display unit on the casing, wherein the current and former measurement results are simultaneously presented on the display unit to facilitate the comparison of the measurement results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent WENG, Jason Liao
  • Patent number: 7346386
    Abstract: Body temperature measurements are obtained by scanning a thermal radiation sensor across the side of the forehead over the temporal artery. A peak temperature measurement is processed to compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and the sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature through a minimum in the range of 96° F. and 100° F. The radiation sensor views the target surface through an emissivity compensating cup which is spaced from the skin by a circular lip of low thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Exergen Corporation
    Inventor: Francesco Pompei
  • Patent number: 7338206
    Abstract: A dual-use thermometer including a main body and a probe secured thereto for receiving heat radiation emitted from a first area and a second area. A non-detachable cap which is secured to the main body and the probe are movable relative to each other, thereby allowing the non-detachable cap to surround the probe for receiving heat radiation emitted from the first area and reveal the probe for receiving heat radiation emitted from the second area by movement of the non-detachable cap or the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mesure Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Yih Yu
  • Patent number: 7340293
    Abstract: An approach to noninvasively, remotely and accurately detect core body temperature in a warm-blooded subject, human or animal, via thermal imaging. Preferred features such as the use of in-frame temperature references, specific anatomical target regions and a physiological heat transfer model help the present invention to overcome pitfalls inherent with existing thermal imaging techniques applied to physiological screening applications. This invention provides the ability to noninvasively, remotely and rapidly screen for diseases or conditions that are characterized by changes in core body temperature. One human application of this invention is the remote screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), since fever is a common, early symptom. Other diseases and conditions that affect the core body temperature of humans or animals may also be noninvasively and remotely detected with this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gary L. McQuilkin
  • Patent number: 7338204
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for measuring the transmission or attenuation of electromagnetic radiation through an object (6), said apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation emitter (2) and detector (3), characterised in that to perform transmission/attenuation measurements, the apparatus in configurable such that said emitter (2) is positioned immediately adjacent the surface of said object (6) and said detector (3) is positioned on an opposing side of the object (6) such that the detector (3) solely, or at least substantially receives electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the object (6) from the emitter (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: AgResearch Limited
    Inventors: Harold Keith Hill, Simon James Lovatt, Philip Edward Petch
  • Patent number: 7336987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the core temperature of an animal or human. Emissions from the eyeball are detected, at one or more wavelengths selected on the basis of various factors, including the ability of that wavelength to reach the interior of the eyeball. An illumination marker shines a spot of light on the eyeball, such that the spot corresponds to the area from which emissions are being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Laird W. Laurence, Jack C. Laurence, James D. King
  • Patent number: 7329044
    Abstract: Temperature states of a clinical thermometer body and an environment are estimated by temperatures measured by a first temperature sensor integrally formed together with an infrared sensor arranged to the distal end of a probe and a second temperature sensor arranged on the bottom side of a probe holder, and processes suitable for the respective temperature states are performed. An estimation error or the reliability of an estimation value is calculated by the temperatures to notify a user of the estimation error or the reliability by an LCD or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiga Sato, Hiroyuki Ota, Tetsuya Sato, Yoshihide Onishi
  • Publication number: 20080030347
    Abstract: A thermometer includes a circuit board disposed in a housing, a detector attached to the circuit board for detecting a temperature signal of a user, a processor device attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the detector for receiving the detected temperature signal of the user from the detector, and a displayer attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the processor device for displaying the detected temperature signal of the user. A warning device may be attached to the circuit board and electrically coupled to the processor device for generating a warning signal when the user is detected to be over-heated for allowing the user to be taken care of as early as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng Yi Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080002756
    Abstract: A system for enabling the measurement of a temperature in a furnace (30, 48) using a pyrometer (38) that includes a pallet support (32, 52) for supporting a pallet (40, 50) a given distance (c) above a furnace floor (31) and a pyrometer target (10, 60, 80) that includes a support member (12, 62, 82) and a target member (14, 68) separable from said support member (12, 62, 82) where the support member (12, 62, 82) has a height less than the given distance (c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Worrell, James Jay Cress
  • Patent number: 7314309
    Abstract: A body temperature detector is particularly suited to axillary temperature measurements of adults. The radiation sensor views a target surface area of the body and electronics compute an internal temperature of the body as a function of ambient temperature and sensed surface temperature. The function includes a weighted difference of surface temperature and ambient temperature, the weighting being varied with target temperature to account for varying perfusion rate. Preferably, the coefficient varies from a normal of about 0.13 through a range to include 0.09. The ambient temperature used in the function is assumed at about 80° F. but modified with detector temperature weighted by 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Exergen Corporation
    Inventor: Francesco Pompei
  • Publication number: 20070291820
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an infrared clinical thermometer, which can measure both the forehead and ear temperatures, wherein after moving the temperature sensing unit close to an intended site, the user can obtain the temperature of the intended site via merely pressing the forehead or ear temperature button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Gavin Yang, Jason Liao, Vincent Weng, Eileen Chen
  • Patent number: 7303331
    Abstract: A temperature measuring system, comprising an imaging device for focusing radiation towards a radiation detector, wherein the imaging device is a diffractive optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Harold Heyworth
  • Publication number: 20070268955
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid medium delivery system that measures a patient's temperature, and at least transmits that measurement to an infrared emitter. That emitter transmits an infrared signal corresponding to the measurement of the patient's temperature to a receiver. The receiver converts that infrared signal into a digital and/or analog signal that is transmitted to a device that records, and/or illustrates the measurement so medical practitioners can monitor the temperature without having to look at and/or for the fluid medium delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Hermann K. Pohl, William J. Kelner, William Rustay
  • Patent number: 7290926
    Abstract: An ear thermometer including a main body and a probe secured thereto for receiving heat radiation emitted from ear canal. A disposable sheath is operative to surround the probe and isolate the probe from contact with the ear canal. A non-detachable cap which is secured to the main body and the probe are movable relative to each other, thereby allowing the disposable sheath to be popped off of the probe by movement of the non-detachable cap or the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Mesure Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Yih Yu
  • Patent number: 7287902
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermographically inspecting a composite material or honeycombed type structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a thermal heat source configured to be either removably coupled to or positioned proximate to the composite material to generate a localized thermal field in a selected area of the composite material. A thermal imaging device generates a visible image of the generated thermal field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Morteza Safai, Gary E. Georgeson, John F. Spalding, Jr., Jeffrey G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7275867
    Abstract: A probe assembly of an infrared thermometer is capable of detecting the surface temperature of a thermal radiation source and is suitable for holding over human skin or inserting into a patient's ear canal for accurately taking human body temperature. The probe assembly comprises a taper plastic tube, a conductive shell, an infrared radiation sensor and an adiabatic supporter, wherein the plastic tube has a radiation collection end and the conductive shell has a first open end. The infrared radiation sensor is placed in the first open end of the conductive shell, and has a base against the adiabatic supporter. The infrared radiation sensor has a hot junction toward the first open end of the conductive shell and a cold junction toward the adiabatic supporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Oriental System Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Herman Lee
  • Patent number: 7275861
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a pyrometer used in temperature detection in a chemical vapor deposition system is provided. A calibration wafer with a reference region including a metal such as Al or Ag for forming a eutectic, and an exposed non-reference region without such a metal, are provided. Reflectivity measurements are taken from the reference region, and temperature measurements are taken from the non-reference region, over a range of temperatures including a known melting point for the metal eutectic. The pyrometer is calibrated based on the correlation of the known eutectic melting point with the change in reflectivity data obtained in the reference region, in light of the temperature data obtained from the non-reference region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Volf, Mikhail Belousov, Alexander Gurary
  • Patent number: 7249884
    Abstract: In the head portion, the thermopile is arranged substantially in the center of the head portion. The preamplifier board is arranged near the thermopile. The heat diffusion member made of a high heat conductive material is arranged so as to surround the thermopile and the preamplifier board. The main board and the laser diode are arranged between the upper surface of the head casing and the upper surface of the heat diffusion member. The power supply board and the laser diode are arranged between the down surface of the head casing and the down surface of the heat diffusion member. The thermopile, the preamplifier board, the main board, the power supply board, and the laser diodes are arranged out of contact with the heat diffusion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonari Torii, Choryon Oh
  • Patent number: 7246656
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner has an IR sensor that detects a temperature of air inside a vehicle compartment. The IR sensor is disposed on an instrument panel so that the sensor is disposed above switches and a face blowout port on the instrument panel. Accordingly, a detecting range of the IR sensor is prevented from interfering by hands of a driver or an occupant even when the switches are operated by the driver. Thus, the air conditioner is capable of stable air conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ichishi, Tatsuya Ito, Tatsumi Kumada
  • Publication number: 20070153871
    Abstract: A system for fast noncontact screening for fever human subjects by means of a thermal imaging camera. The camera is combined with a target gate that incorporates the reference blackbody targets and position detectors to identify the temperature scale and size of a subject. A thermal imaging snapshot is controlled by the position detectors. An afebrile subject produces pixels of a thermal image that fit within the predetermined normal temperature range calibrated by the reference blackbody targets and having no pixels above that range. Exceeding that range by at least two adjacent pixels is an indication of fever that triggers the alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Jacob Fraden
  • Patent number: 7237946
    Abstract: The inventive IR camera is used to identify areas of a surface in which there is an increased risk of condensation, by imaging the surface determining, from humidity and temperature values, a condensation temperature at which there is a risk of condensation on the surface, comparing the temperature in at least one image point registered by the camera to the condensation temperature coloring any image points having a temperature lower than the condensation temperature in a particular color, or grey tone, selected to indicate an increased risk of condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: FLIR Systems AB
    Inventors: Kjell Lindström, Christoph König
  • Patent number: 7239974
    Abstract: Techniques for monitoring thermal emissivity levels of human traffic within a plurality of sections of a zone of interest are presented. The thermal emissivity levels are monitored using an infrared detector with sensitivity range of less than fifty milliKelvin, and in some variations, about fifteen to thirty milliKelvin, such as a quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) equipped camera. Based on differential emissivity calculations, a determination is made whether the monitored emissivity level corresponds to at least one calibrated emissivity level associated with an explosive material. The monitored emissivity levels are calibrated to eliminate the effects of other synthetic objects such as clothing, personal items, and other harmless objects. The monitored emissivity levels are also buffered against changes in environmental factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: VIASPACE Security Inc.
    Inventor: Sandeep Gulati
  • Patent number: 7234862
    Abstract: An apparatus (295) using specular reflection spectroscopy to measure a temperature of a substrate (135). By reflecting light (100) from a substrate, the temperature of the substrate can be determined using the band-edge characteristics of the substrate. This in situ apparatus can be used as a feedback control in combination with a variable temperature substrate holder to more accurately control the processing conditions of the substrate. By utilizing a multiplicity of measurement sites, the variation of the temperature across the substrate can also be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Shane R. Johnson, Yong-Hang Zhang, Wayne L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7213968
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive sensing system and method including detecting (410) multiple areas of a target, for example, a hot adhesive material, by sensing changes in temperature with a corresponding number of thermal sensors, summing (420) an output of the thermal sensors, and evaluating (430) the summed output by comparing the summed output with a reference, the results of which may be assessed relative to a specified tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter B. Heerdt, Paul M. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7204639
    Abstract: A method for measuring a metal film thickness is provided. The method initiates with heating a region of interest of a metal film with a defined amount of heat energy. Then, a temperature of the metal film is measured. Next, a thickness of the metal film is calculated based upon the temperature and the defined amount of heat energy. A chemical mechanical planarization system capable of detecting a thin metal film through the detection of heat transfer dynamics is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Yehiel Gotkis, Mikhail Korolik
  • Patent number: 7192186
    Abstract: A multimeter with non-contact temperature measurement capability. The multimeter is contained in a housing, and has outputs relating to measured electrical parameters. There is also an output display contained in the housing, for displaying results to a user. A non-contact optically-based temperature sensing device is coupled to the housing, and has an output related to sensed temperature. Circuitry contained in the housing processes both the multimeter outputs and the temperature sensing device output, and transmits the processed output to the output display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Extech Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald W. Blakeley, III
  • Patent number: 7194107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method, and computer program for generating an image based on thermal data. The invention receives an array of pan band data having units of data in a first resolution, converts the received pan band data into a radiance value, and converts the radiance value into a power value. An array of thermal band data is received that has units of data in a second resolution. The received thermal band data is converted into a temperature value and the resolution of the temperature value is changed to match the resolution of the received pan band data. A color array is generated based on the received array of the pan band data and the array of the changed thermal band data. The color array, includes units having red, green, and blue values. An image is generated based on the generated color array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Turner, Pauline Joe, Ingrid L. Criswell
  • Patent number: 7179553
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting imperfections in a membrane electrode assembly of an electrochemical fuel cell, and more particularly for detecting defects within a proton exchange membrane in a membrane electrode assembly which is optionally sandwiched between conductive diffusion media layers or between conductive diffusion layers with at least one rigid solid that is transparent to infrared radiation. A potential voltage is applied across the membrane and the presence of a defect and preferably the location of a defect is determined by monitoring variations in intensity level of infrared radiation emitted from a surface of the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W Murphy, Brian A Litteer
  • Patent number: 7168316
    Abstract: A humidity meter with non-contact temperature measurement capability, including a humidity meter contained at least partially in a housing and having outputs relating to measured humidity parameters including humidity and ambient temperature, an output display contained in the housing, for displaying measurements to a user, a non-contact optically-based temperature sensing device coupled to the housing, having an output related to sensed temperature, and circuitry contained in the housing for processing both the humidity meter outputs and the temperature sensing device output, and transmitting the processed output to the output display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Extech Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald W. Blakeley, III
  • Patent number: 7169717
    Abstract: A method of producing a calibration wafer having at least a predetermined emissivity, including providing a wafer of semiconductor material; subjecting the bulk material of the wafer to doping with foreign atoms and/or generating lattice defects to obtain the predetermined emissivity; and coating the wafer to obtain a further optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Mattson Thermal Products GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Merkl, Markus Hauf, Rolf Bremensdorfer
  • Patent number: 7163335
    Abstract: The thread engagement verifier system provides for verifying the quality of a threaded connection 12 between upper and lower for tubular member 16, 18. One or more thermal radiation sensors 14 are used in combination with a data acquisition and processing computer 20 and an output device, such as a video display 12. The thermal radiation is generated by sliding friction between the tubular members, and the sensors 14 sense radiation at a plurality of external locations and output heat intensity signals to the computer 20. Torque may also be sensed via a sensor 32 and input to the computer 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond Dishaw, Terry Eckel
  • Patent number: 7164131
    Abstract: Using biased, electrical power feedback to an electrical heater, the output signal from a pyroelectric detector is made to follow the waveform of incident electromagnetic radiation. The feedback power is applied to the detector to reduce the rate of change of the detector temperature that would otherwise be caused by the absorbed radiation. The combined signals from the radiation and feedback power produce a response that follows the radiation waveform with a fast rise time and with substantially less droop than previously reported. The high fidelity of the response waveform allows for a substantial simplification of the optical chopper designs and electronics needed to implement electrical calibration. In contrast to previous electrical calibration with pyroelectrics that needed very specialized electronics, with this method a variety instruments can be used for reading pyroelectric signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Phelan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7150559
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive sensing system and methods including detecting (410) multiple areas of a target, for example a hot adhesive material, by sensing changes in temperature with a corresponding number of thermal sensors, summing (420) an output of the thermal sensors, and evaluating (430) the summed output by comparing the summed output with a variable reference, the results of which may be assessed relative to a specified tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter B. Heerdt, Paul M. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7140766
    Abstract: A device, method and system for sensing the temperature or temperature change of an environment. A typically in-vivo device includes an image sensor. The device may sense the dark current noise of the image sensor, and calculate the temperature or a temperature change of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Arkady Glukhovsky, Gavriel Meron, Gavriel J. Iddan
  • Patent number: 7140764
    Abstract: A method for reducing temperature measurement error in a tympanic thermometer. The present disclosure provides a tympanic thermometer including a heat sensing probe defining a longitudinal axis and an outer surface extending from a distal end of the tympanic thermometer. The heat sensing probe includes a thermally insulating sensor housing extending to a distal end thereof. Can-packaged temperature sensing electronics are mounted at the distal portion of the sensor housing. A thermally conductive nozzle is configured to direct heat flux to the temperature sensing electronics in the distal end of the heat sensing probe. The sensor can preferably include a lip extending radially therefrom and contacting the nozzle at at least one contact point to provide heat flux to the sensor can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventor: James Harr
  • Patent number: 7125163
    Abstract: An exemplary calorimeter includes a body configured to capture radiation generated by a source of the radiation, such as without limitation a laser, and absorb energy from the captured radiation. The calorimeter is simple to manufacture, operate, and maintain and is compact, highly accurate, able to withstand high power beams, and self-calibrating. NIST traceable electrical wires are used for the measurement. No fluids are used during measurements of the input radiation. A simple built in fluid or gaseous cooling system may be used post-measurement to reset the calorimeter temperature back to ambient for repeated measurement capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lynne C. Eigler, Yan S. Tam, Youssef Kohanzadeh
  • Patent number: 7119334
    Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal sensing and imaging using the electro-optic effect. A thermal detection system comprises a temperature sensing element that includes an electro-optic (EO) material layer having a length axis and characterized by a temperature dependent index of refraction, an electrical mechanism for inducing a chance in the index of refraction, a laser beam propagating lengthwise through EO layer for probing the refraction index change, and a light intensity meter for measuring a laser beam intensity change caused by the temperature dependent refraction index change. Thermal imaging is obtained by using a pixel array of such thermal sensing elements. The intensity reading may be done in either a cross-polarizer or a Mach Zehnder Interferometry reading configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Namal Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Lavi Secundo, Yoram Lubianiker
  • Patent number: 7118271
    Abstract: Calibrating temperature sensors of weathering devices by means of contactless temperature measurement A temperature sensor (10) which is, for example, designed as a black standard sensor and is typically used in apparatuses for artificial weathering of material samples, has in a known way a stainless steel plate (1) which is provided with a black coating (2) and is thermally coupled at its rear side to a platinum resistor (3). The output signal of the electric measurement transducer circuit connected to the platinum resistor (3) by means of feeder wires (4) can be calibrated with the surface temperature measured in a contactless fashion by a pyrometer (8). The calibration operation can be carried out under the conditions prevailing in a weathering device, that is to say while applying to the surface of the sensor the optical radiation of a xenon radiation source (7) and an airstream (9) parallel to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Atlas Material Testing Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Artur Schönlein, Martin Dickert
  • Patent number: 7114846
    Abstract: A two-color radiation thermometer includes an image pickup device having micro photo receiving units arranged two-dimensionally; a light diverging device for diverging incident light coming from a measuring object into two paths and irradiating the light on two different areas on a two-dimensional light receiving surface of the image pickup device; a wavelength limitation device for limiting wavelengths of the light irradiated on the two different areas to first and second wavelengths, respectively; and a temperature calculation device. The calculation device receives image signals corresponding to the first and second wavelengths respectively from the micro photo receiving units located at the two different areas, and calculates the temperature of the measuring object based on the two image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Tominaga, Kunihiko Ohkubo, Yasushi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7111981
    Abstract: A handheld instrument that accomplishes non-contact infrared (IR) temperature measurement, and the measurement of movement of an object. The instrument has a case, and a movement-sensing device coupled to the case and operable to be directed toward or placed against an object being measured, for generating an output signal based on the sensed movement. An IR detector, also carried by the case, senses IR energy emitted from a surface being measured along an IR-sensing axis that extends from the case, and generates an IR output signal. The sensed IR energy is converted to a temperature value, and the output signal from the current-sensing device is converted to at least a measured current value. A display device in the case displays instrument measurements to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Extech Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald W. Blakeley, III
  • Patent number: 7111980
    Abstract: Thermal image data of at least a region of a face of a person is provided. The thermal image data is transformed to blood flow rate data which includes a slope representative of the change of blood flow rate over time. The slope is compared to a slope threshold to determine a physiological state of the person. For example, it may be determined whether the person is deceptive or non-deceptive, e.g., deceptive with respect to an elicited response from the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ioannis Pavlidis, James A. Levine