By Thermally Emitted Radiation Patents (Class 374/121)
  • Publication number: 20040240517
    Abstract: Remote sensing of the temperature of a greybody or blackbody radiator is effected by passing its radiation (24) through a modulated infrared filter spectrometer. The infrared filter comprises, in sequence, a band pass filter (20), a first polariser (21) which polarises the radiation, an electro-optical element (22) which splits the polarised radiation into two orthogonally polarised components, and a second polariser (23). A lens (28) images the radiation leaving the second polariser onto a detector (27). The electrical signal from the detector (27) is input to a numerical analyser. The electro-optical element (22), typically comprising a birefringent crystal assembly (25) and a birefringent trim plate (26), is configured so that the net optical delay of the orthogonally polarised components passed through it is such that the recombined components are at or near a peak or trough in their interferogram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: John Howard
  • Publication number: 20040233968
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Tabata, Hiroyuki Ota, Yoshihide Onishi, Yoshihiko Ogura, Tetsuya Sato, Taiga Sato
  • Patent number: 6821016
    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 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Taiga Sato, Hiroyuki Ota, Tetsuya Sato, Yoshihide Onishi
  • Publication number: 20040228386
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Tabata, Hiroyuki Ota, Yoshihide Onishi, Toshihiko Ogura, Tatsuya Sato, Taiga Sato
  • Patent number: 6817758
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a surface temperature of an object body, by calculating a temperature at each picture element of an image of the object body, on the basis of a radiant intensity ratio at each pair of corresponding picture elements of a first and a second image which are obtained with respective radiations having respective first and second wavelengths which are selected from a light emitted from the surface of the body, by a first filter which permits transmission therethrough a radiation having the first wavelength which is selected according to a radiant intensity curve corresponding to a wavelength of a black body at a lower limit of a temperature measurement range, and which is within a high radiant intensity range in which the radiant intensity is higher than a radiant intensity at a normal room temperature, and a second filter which permits transmission therethrough a radiation having the second wavelength which is selected within the high radiant intensity range, such that the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignees: Noritake Co., Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Yano, Misao Iwata, Miyuki Hashimoto, Kuniyuki Kitagawa, Norio Arai
  • Patent number: 6817757
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring food information in a food service facility. Each of a plurality of remote sensor units may be installed at a food receptacle. Each remote sensor unit gathers temperature or other food data from at least two sources, which may be built-in or auxiliary temperature sensors, intelligent food receptacles, or other external food data sources. The collected data may be transmitted, witlessly or not, to a central computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: A la Cart, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040223533
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Dishaw, Terry Eckel
  • Patent number: 6814484
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring a surface temperature of an object body, by calculating a temperature at each picture element of an image of the object body, on the basis of a radiant intensity ratio at each pair of corresponding picture elements of a first and a second image which are obtained with respective radiations having respective first and second wavelengths which are selected from a light emitted from the surface of the body, by a first filter which permits transmission therethrough a radiation having the first wavelength which is selected according to a radiant-intensity curve corresponding to a wavelength of a black body at a lower limit of a temperature measurement range, and which is within a high radiant-intensity range in which the radiant intensity is higher than a radiant intensity at a normal room temperature, and a second filter which permits transmission therethrough a radiation having the second wavelength which is selected within the high radiant-intensity range, such that the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Noritake Co., Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Yano, Misao Iwata, Miyuki Hashimoto, Kuniyuki Kitagawa, Norio Arai
  • Publication number: 20040218661
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining the temperature profile of the surface being sprayed or otherwise treated, the apparatus comprising four electric arc spray guns (1) spraying molten steel. The guns (1) are connected to a six-axis industrial robot (2) which is adapted to move them over the surface of the ceramic substrate.(3). The metal deposited by the spray builds up a metal shell referred to as the sprayform. The temperature profile of the sprayform surface (3) is recorded periodically by a thermal imaging camera (4) positioned directly above the surface (3). When the field of view of the camera (4) is not obscured by the robot (2), the arc spray guns (1) or their cables (5), the thermal image of the whole sprayform surface (3) can be recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Jones, Stephen Richard Duncan, Ronald Daniel
  • Publication number: 20040218659
    Abstract: Sensing in an elevated-temperature environment is provided using a sensor system having a sensor housing with an exterior wall with a window-support region having an outwardly facing external face, and a window through the window-support region of the exterior wall and affixed to the exterior wall. A sensor unit contained within the sensor housing receives an input signal through the window. A thermal-insulation layer is on the external face of the window-support region of the exterior wall at a location immediately adjacent to the window. The sensor system is operated in an environment wherein the window-support region of the exterior wall is heated to a temperature of greater than about 100° C. in the event that no thermal-insulation layer is present. In a typical application, the sensor system is attached to an aircraft such that the external face is in a forward-facing orientation, and the aircraft is operated such that the external face is heated by aerodynamic heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: William H. Wellman, Aldon L. Bregante, Rao S. Ravuri
  • Patent number: 6811306
    Abstract: An infrared ear thermometer includes a detector head housing, a heat sink, a recess formed in the heat sink, a thermopile sensor mounted within the recess, a thermistor, and temperature determination circuitry. The recess defines an aperture that limits the field of view of the thermopile sensor. The thermal capacities and conductivities of the heat sink and the thermopile sensor are selected so that the output signal of the thermopile sensor stabilizes during a temperature measurement. A method of determining temperature using the ear thermometer takes successive measurements, stores the measurements in a moving time window, averages the measurements in the moving window, determines whether the average has stabilized, and outputs an average temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan Gerlitz
  • Publication number: 20040184508
    Abstract: The invention provides a temperature monitoring system for a semiconductor test handler. A preparation stage brings a test device to a predetermined temperature for testing at a test platform at said predetermined temperature. At least one radiation sensor, such as a thermopile device, is employed in the test handler for detecting a surface temperature of the test device by measuring radiation emitted from the test device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching Man Stanley Tsui, Sai Kit Wong, Shing Kai Yip
  • Patent number: 6793389
    Abstract: An integrated sensor comprising a thermopile transducer and signal processing circuitry that are combined on a single semiconductor substrate, such that the transducer output signal is sampled in close vicinity by the processing circuitry. The sensor comprises a frame formed of a semiconductor material that is not heavily doped, and with which a diaphragm is supported. The diaphragm has a first surface for receiving thermal (e.g., infrared) radiation, and comprises multiple layers that include a sensing layer containing at least a pair of interlaced thermopiles. Each thermopile comprises a sequence of thermocouples, each thermocouple comprising dissimilar electrically-resistive materials that define hot junctions located on the diaphragm and cold junctions located on the frame. The signal processing circuitry is located on the frame and electrically interconnected with the thermopiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhijeet V. Chavan, James H. Logsdon, Dan W. Chilcott, Han-Sheng S. Lee, David K. Lambert, Timothy A. Vas
  • Publication number: 20040179575
    Abstract: An on-engine radiation thermometer that simultaneously measures, through a common optical waveguide probe, long wavelength infrared radiation and short wavelength radiation, enables accurate temperature measurement and condition monitoring of ceramic thermal barrier coatings used on metal blades of gas turbine engines. This in turn enables operation at higher combustion temperatures, thereby optimizing coating use, and provides warning signals that are indicative of potential blade failure due to barrier coating spall and other conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Markham
  • Patent number: 6789936
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared thermometer and a temperature calculation method suitable for determining the body temperature at different measurement sites, for example, on a person's forehead or in the ear. The thermometer includes a device for attaching a demountable probe head. Provision is made for different probe heads that are adapted to fit the different measurement sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kraus, Frank Beerwerth, Klaus Amsel
  • Patent number: 6786634
    Abstract: A method of measuring a temperature of an object body in an electric furnace, based on an intensity of a radiant energy emitted from the object body, the electric furnace being provided with an electric heater operable by application of a drive voltage thereto to heat the object body, the method comprising: a radiant-energy detecting step of detecting an intensity of a radiant energy emitted from the object body; a stray-light noise eliminating step of determining as a noise an intensity of a radiant energy of a stray light which is emitted from an inner wall surface of the electric furnace toward the object body and reflected by a surface of the object body, according to a predetermined relationship between the intensity of the radiant energy of the stray light and the drive voltage applied to the electric heater and based on an actually applied value of the drive voltage, and subtracting the intensity of the radiant energy of the stray light determined as the noise, from the detected intensity of the radian
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Noritake Co., Limited, Kuniyuki Kitagawa
    Inventors: Miyuki Hashimoto, Kenji Yano, Misao Iwata, Kuniyuki Kitagawa, Norio Arai
  • Patent number: 6786637
    Abstract: The temperature of an electronic device at specified locations is determined by measuring the phonon frequency shift at the location of interest caused by operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Bristol
    Inventors: Martin Hermann Hans Kuball, Jonathan Michael Hayes
  • Publication number: 20040170215
    Abstract: An imager temperature sensor and a current correction apparatus are provided which use dark pixel measurements from an imager chip during operation together with a fabrication process constant as well as a chip dependent constant to calculate chip temperature. The chip temperature may be used to generate a current correction signal. The correction signal is used to tune a current on the imager chip to correct for temperature variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Giuseppe Rossi, Gennadiy A. Agranov
  • Publication number: 20040156420
    Abstract: A pyrometer for use in measuring temperatures in a furnace, has a lens-tube for supporting an optical head in a port of the furnace for viewing an interior of the furnace along a line of sight. The optical head converts infrared radiation to electrical signals. A photometer circuit connected to the optical head processes the electrical signals and a scaling circuit connected to the photometer circuit scales the electrical signals. An output circuit connected to the scaling circuit receives the scaled electrical signals and produces output signals for display or control of the furnace. A power supply connected to the scaling circuit powers the photometer, scaling and output circuits. Calibration in the scaling circuit scales the electrical signals to be most sensitive to a wavelength of middle infrared radiation to which at least one gas component in the furnace is semi-transparent, for measuring the temperature of the at least one gas component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: John T. Huston, John W. Berthold, Thomas E. Moskal
  • Publication number: 20040151229
    Abstract: A signal (Snormai) is provided to a heat element of a temperature sensor, which is recorded as a step response (Lruh, Lbew). From the difference of the step response compared with the reaction adaptively determined with the temperature sensor at zero air circulation, air flow or no air flow is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Anton Ruettiger
  • Publication number: 20040141543
    Abstract: A method for obtaining position data relating to a probe in the ear canal whereby a probe is inserted into the ear canal, the method further comprising the steps of:—determine the distance from the distal portion of the probe to at least one point of the internal circumferential surface of the ear and/or car canal,—obtaining position data using first transducing means associated with the distal portion of the probe and second transducing means fixed relative to the head of the person, where the first transducing means is transmitting a magnetic field, and the second transducing means are detecting the magnetic field generated by the transmitter. The invention also relates to an apparatus for obtaining position data relating to a probe in the ear canal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Preben Damgard Jensen, Tom Olesen
  • Patent number: 6758595
    Abstract: In the imaging pyrometer, at least three types of pixels (L, S, V) for sensing electromagnetic radiation in at least three different spectral ranges are arranged in a mosaic pattern. In a neighborhood, there are two types of pixels with relatively narrow spectral sensitivity ranges in the infrared (IR), a first one (L) for sensing longer IR wavelengths and the other one (S) for shorter IR wavelengths. Additionally, there is a third pixel type (V) present for receiving electromagnetic radiation in a broader band such as the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. This is preferably realized by placing a mosaic filter pattern directly on pixels of an appropriate optoelectronic image sensor, for example by evaporation and photolithographic definition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Csem Centre Suisse d' Electronique et de Microtechnique SA
    Inventor: Peter Seitz
  • Publication number: 20040114661
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a viewing window of a detector substantially clean includes enclosing the detector within a housing, and moving a target surface relative to the viewing window to create an airflow adjacent the viewing window. The housing can include an aperture through which the viewing window of the sensor views the target surface. Motion of the target surface creates an airflow velocity adjacent the viewing window for maintaining the viewing window substantially clean. To increase the accuracy of the detector, a high emissivity area is provided on an outside surface of the housing which faces the target surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Exergen Corporation
    Inventor: Francesco Pompei
  • Patent number: 6749334
    Abstract: An ear thermometer probe structure comprises a shell body. A hollow thermal absorption component is disposed in the shell body, and contacts several positioning points one the inner wall of the shell body. An air gap is formed at the part of the thermal absorption component not contacting the shell body. A wave guide is disposed in the thermal absorption component. The rear section of the wave guide tightly contacts the thermal absorption component, and the front section thereof is separated from the shell body by an air gap. A filter is disposed at the front end of the wave guide to let infrared rays be transmitted. An annular sealing pad is located between the filter and the top of the shell body. A sensor is disposed behind the wave guide and fixed on the thermal absorption component. The sensor is separated from the thermal absorption component and the wave guide by an annular air room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Radiant Innovation Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Lin
  • Publication number: 20040109490
    Abstract: A temperature determining device is composed of a temperature detecting unit that detects a temperature of a determination object member based on an intensity of infrared rays from the object member, a unit for determining a temperature for correction that determines a temperature of an opposing member opposed to the object member or a temperature of a member whose temperature changes in correlation to a change in the temperature of the opposing member, and a calculating unit that corrects the detected temperature obtained by the temperature detecting unit using the temperature as the temperature for correction obtained by the unit for determining a temperature for correction. Thus, stable temperature determination can be performed accurately without being influenced by infrared rays from around a determination object member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Asakura, Keisuke Fujimoto, Masaaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20040109489
    Abstract: A test wafer for use in wafer temperature prediction is prepared. The test wafer includes: first semiconductor layer formed in a crystalline state; second semiconductor layer formed in an amorphous state on the first semiconductor layer; and light absorption film formed over the second semiconductor layer. Next, the test wafer is loaded into a lamp heating system and then irradiating the test wafer with a light emitted from the lamp, thereby heating the second semiconductor layer through the light absorption film. Thereafter, a recovery rate, at which a part of the second semiconductor layer recovers from the amorphous state to the crystalline state at the interface with the first semiconductor layer, is calculated. Then, a temperature of the test wafer that has been irradiated with the light is measured according to a relationship between the recovery rate and a temperature corresponding to the recovery rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shibata, Yuko Nambu
  • Patent number: 6742927
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infrared thermometer wherein control means signal or determine a correct positioning of the intensity transducer tasked with measuring the infrared radiation emitted by the patient whose temperature needs to be known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: La Tecnica S.r.l.
    Inventor: Francesco Bellifemine
  • Patent number: 6742925
    Abstract: The verification of accuracy of an IR thermometer is provided at any temperature in the range of −25° C. to +100° C., preferably at the room temperature. The magnetic surface of a thermo-conductive mat of the present invention is applied to any metallic surface in a room. The user waits to give the contact thermometer arranged on the mat time to reach thermal equilibrium, and then aims the beam of the IR thermometer at the black body target on the mat. The reading of the IR thermometer is then compared with the reading of a contact thermometer, which is attached to the mat adjacent to the black body target. The lightweight, portable, low-cost temperature verification mats of the present invention can be used for verification of IR thermometers in different customer environments, such as in industrial environments, and with retail equipment, or home appliances, including ovens and freezers, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Cole-Parmer Instrument Company
    Inventor: Wilhelm Maccarone
  • Publication number: 20040095985
    Abstract: The invention provides a dual-use infrared thermometer, including a main body and a probe, wherein the probe is formed at the top end of the main body; a hollow sleeve, whose shape is corresponding to the probe to be sleeved onto the probe for forming a forehead-type probe; and a temperature detection device, provided inside the main body to sense the infrared emissions and then convert the emissions into electronic signal, while a build-in temperature calibration procedure is employed to calculate the measured temperature. Alternatively,an interface switch device is provided on the surface of the probe, extending to the internal of the main body to be electrically connected to the temperature detection device. Thus, by detecting whether the hollow sleeve has been sleeved on the probe, the temperature detection device will be activated to switch to either the ear temperature calibration procedure or the forehead temperature calibration procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kun Yuan Ko, Tao Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 6738724
    Abstract: The invention provides a passive two-stage multiwavelength approach for measuring temperature, emissivity and stray-light levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Devon R. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 6733173
    Abstract: A pyrometer for use in measuring temperatures in a furnace, has a lens-tube for supporting an optical head in a port of the furnace for viewing an interior of the furnace along a line of sight. The optical head converts infrared radiation to electrical signals. A photometer circuit connected to the optical head processes the electrical signals and a scaling circuit connected to the photometer circuit scales the electrical signals. An output circuit connected to the scaling circuit receives the scaled electrical signals and produces output signals for display or control of the furnace. A power supply connected to the scaling circuit powers the photometer, scaling and output circuits. Calibration in the scaling circuit scales the electrical signals to be most sensitive to a wavelength of middle infrared radiation to which at least one gas component in the furnace is semi-transparent, for measuring the temperature of the at least one gas component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Diamond Power International, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Huston, John W. Berthold, Thomas E. Moskal
  • Patent number: 6735379
    Abstract: A radiant energy sensor is adapted to detect radiant heat energy incident on a surface. The energy sensor has a body portion with a pair of sides. A temperature sensor is located on each side of the body portion. In use the body portion is mounted on the surface such that one of the sensors is located between the body portion and the surface, thereby being masked by the body portion from heat energy otherwise incident on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Mark John Arrowsmith, Tak-Ming Chung, Erwin J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040086022
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infrared thermometer, especially an ear thermometer for measuring temperature, comprising an infrared sensor, a measuring tip which can be heated by a heating element, an actuating device which can be operated by a user, a control device and a display device. The invention also relates to a method for measuring temperature, especially by means of a radiation thermometer having a heatable measuring tip. Said control device switches off the heating element after the user has actuated an actuating device. After a certain amount of time, a plurality of temperature measurements are successively carried out, and the temperature to be displayed is determined from said measured temperatures or an error message is generated. At the latest, after a maximum measuring time has elapsed or after a maximum number of temperatures have been measured, the temperature to be displayed or an error message is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Bernhard Kraus, Alexander Klos
  • Publication number: 20040076217
    Abstract: A wave-collecting device of a non-contact type thermometer comprises a main body. An ellipsoid groove is disposed in the main body. The groove can be composed of at least two inclined planes. An opening is disposed at the bottom of the ellipsoid groove and located above a focus thereof. An ellipsoid reflecting mirror is disposed on the surface of the ellipsoid groove. A sensor is disposed below the opening at the bottom of the ellipsoid groove. The detection head of the sensor is located at the focus. In addition to being directly incident onto the sensor, infrared rays emitted by a target at the other focus of the ellipsoid groove can be reflected by the ellipsoid reflecting mirror once to be focused onto the sensor. Therefore, stable and reliable infrared energy reception can be accomplished. Moreover, the advantage of low cost can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Lin
  • Publication number: 20040071186
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a method of sensing the temperature of a molten metal vehicle is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes utilizing at least one thermal imager located to the side of the molten metal during the dispensing of the molten metal and capturing at least one thermal image for determining the rotational position of the molten metal vehicle by calculating an area of the molten metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Ignatowicz
  • Publication number: 20040066834
    Abstract: Arrangement that supports a temperature sensor comprising a terminal probe, applied on the outside of a preferably cylindrical body, and comprising an elastic ring arranged in contact with said body and provided with a hole accommodating said terminal probe; the elastic ring is interrupted by a split-like gap that increases the elastic adaptation ability thereof. Preferably, on the outside of said ring there is provided a perimetrical groove and said hole is obtained by appropriately shaping of inner surfaces of said groove. On the inside of the ring there may be provided a through-slit, so that the groove is capable of being spread apart in correspondence of said hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Pietro Massimo Ren
  • Publication number: 20040057494
    Abstract: An ear thermometer is tested at the time of manufacturing calibration for determining a temperature coefficient to be stored in information storing means. Based on the temperature coefficient, signal processing means compensates an undesirable temperature deviation caused by a change of an ambient temperature upon temperature taking, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the ear thermometer. Also, a method is provided for calibrating the ear thermometer by determining the temperature coefficient without increasing additional cost and calibration procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Simon Tsao, Nien-Yu Weng, Yung-Chang Chang, Chien-Chang Liao
  • Patent number: 6709154
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation thermometer with multiple sensor elements for detecting infrared radiation from differing regions, a radiation sensor with multiple infrared sensor elements, and a method for determining a temperature using a radiation thermometer equipped with such a radiation sensor. The radiation sensor (10) includes multiple optical elements (45, 50, 55) which are associated with a single or multiple sensor elements (30) and define the solid angle from which radiation can impinge on the respective sensor elements. A method for taking a patient's temperature using an ear thermometer equipped with a radiation sensor of the present invention is based on the tympanic membrane having a higher temperature than the ear canal. Hence part of the sensor elements that view the tympanic membrane will detect a higher temperature than the remaining sensors that view the ear canal. Accordingly, only temperature signals from the tympanic membrane are used for evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Janotte
  • Publication number: 20040050164
    Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructively testing material to enable detection of any damage sites, comprising means for generating localised heating at any damage site in the material, and means for imaging the material to enable detection of any localised heating at the damage site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Bates
  • Publication number: 20040052297
    Abstract: A thermal monitoring system, including multiple infrared sensors, performs real-time monitoring and alarming for any out of tolerance thermal conditions occurring during a manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: RAYTEK
    Inventors: Quint McDonald, Nick Wigen
  • Publication number: 20040047392
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring ear and forehead temperature, in which an accessory is added in a traditional infrared ear thermometer allowing the measurement of heat radiation emitted from the forehead. The measurement modes can be automatically or manually switched, and the measurement results can be converted into corresponding temperature figures readable to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Shu-Mei Wu, Yao Ou-Yang, Xing Ou-Yang, Chao-Wang Chen
  • Publication number: 20040047393
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, William Earl McKinley
  • Publication number: 20040042528
    Abstract: A device and a method for testing numerous different material samples on a substrate, in particular catalytically active material samples, having a temperature evaluation unit for determining a material temperature which includes an infrared radiation detection unit. The infrared radiation detection unit detects the numerous different material samples on the substrate using local resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Brinz, Wilhelm Maier, Ulrich Simon
  • Publication number: 20040037346
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing the temperature of an integrated circuit having a multiple core microprocessor is described. Specifically, thermal sensors are placed at potential hot spots throughout each microprocessor core. A thermal management unit monitors the thermal sensors. If a thermal sensor identifies a hot spot, the thermal management unit adjusts the operating frequency and voltage of that microprocessor core accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Rusu, Simon M. Tam
  • Patent number: 6695886
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pyrometer system and comprises an elevator tube. The elevator tube comprises an inner tube and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube in telescoping arrangement and extending from a top to a bottom thereof, the arrangement defining a fluid passageway therebetween. The elevator tube further comprises a port associated with the outer tube that is operable to transmit a cooling gas therethrough into the fluid passageway. A pyrometer head is coupled to the bottom of the inner tube and is operable to transmit and receive radiation through the inner tube. The system further comprises a spider collar coupled to at least one of a top of the inner tube or outer tube, and is operable to support a work piece for thermal measurement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Brown, Robert David Meadows, David Tao, Mathias Koch
  • Patent number: 6695472
    Abstract: In a device for measuring the temperatures of axles and/or bearings to locate hot-boxes or overheated brakes in rolling stock, in which the infrared rays of the measuring points are directed onto an infrared receiver (8) via an oscillating mirror (9), whereby infrared rays emitted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rails are detected in the scanning plane defined by the oscillation of the oscillating mirror (9), at least two deviation mirrors (1, 2) are arranged within the scanning plane at a distance (a) from one another transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rails. The deviated infrared rays of the deviation mirrors (1, 2) are detected in a chronological sequence in accordance with the oscillation of the oscillating mirror (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: VAE Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Nayer
  • Patent number: 6694174
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an infrared thermometer with a heatable probe head, in particular a clinical thermometer for taking a patient's temperature in the ear, and to a heatable protective cover. The probe head possesses a radiation inlet zone at its forward end. A heating element is also arranged there. The heating element is either connected to a protective cover adapted to be fitted over the probe head or secured to the forward end of the probe head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Kraus, Alexander Klös, Elke Kahler, Frank Beerwerth, Horst Mannebach
  • Publication number: 20040028116
    Abstract: An ear thermometer probe structure comprises a shell body. A hollow thermal absorption component is disposed in the shell body, and contacts several positioning points one the inner wall of the shell body. An air gap is formed at the part of the thermal absorption component not contacting the shell body. A wave guide is disposed in the thermal absorption component. The rear section of the wave guide tightly contacts the thermal absorption component, and the front section thereof is separated from the shell body by an air gap. A filter is disposed at the front end of the wave guide to let infrared rays be transmitted. An annular sealing pad is located between the filter and the top of the shell body. A sensor is disposed behind the wave guide and fixed on the thermal absorption component. The sensor is separated from the thermal absorption component and the wave guide by an annular air room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Lin
  • Patent number: 6676288
    Abstract: A process for thermal imaging scanning of a swaged heater of an anode subassembly of a hollow cathode assembly, comprising scanning a swaged heater with a thermal imaging radiometer to measure a temperature distribution of the heater; raising the current in a power supply to increase the temperature of the swaged heater; and measuring the swaged heater temperature using the radiometer, whereupon the temperature distribution along the length of the heater shall be less than plus or minus 5 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Michael J. Patterson, Timothy R. R. Verhey, George C. Soulas
  • Publication number: 20040004989
    Abstract: A method of temperature measurement for measuring a temperature of an object to be measured that is heated by a heating source in a multiplex-reflection environment by using two radiation thermometers provided at a measurement part separated from the object to be measured is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Shigeoka