By Thermally Emitted Radiation Patents (Class 374/121)
  • Patent number: 8308354
    Abstract: A mechanism of a monitoring unit of an electric rotating machinery covered in a housing that intercepts photoelectron transmission, the mechanism has: a monitoring window penetrating a part of the housing and configured to allow passage of photoelectrons and not to allow passage of gas; a camera arranged outside the monitoring window and configured to receive radiated photoelectron generated in the housing and passing through the monitoring window and to generate image data from the radiated photoelectron; and a computing unit configured to process the image data. The computing unit has reference image data storage means for storing image data resulting from blackbody radiation occurring in a reference state in the housing, as reference image data, and temperature calculating means for comparing the image data with the reference image data, thereby to calculate the temperature in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Watanabe, Yuji Yao
  • Patent number: 8308353
    Abstract: An ear thermometer which includes a temperature detection element and infrared detection element arranged near the opening portion of a probe achieves a reduction in manufacturing cost while reducing the influence of thermal shock. This invention provides an ear thermometer incorporating, in a probe, a temperature detection element to detect an environmental temperature and an infrared detection element to detect infrared radiation emitted from a temperature measurement region in an earhole. The probe includes an end face portion having an opening in its distal end, an inner surface portion of a hollow cylindrical member, and an inwardly protruding engaging portion. A detection element housing is fixed to close the opening of the probe and to form an air layer between the detection element housing and the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8306774
    Abstract: A thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help insure that the probe is disposed in a desired position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: David E. Quinn, John A. Lane, Scott A. Martin, Craig M. Meyerson, Matthew D. Mullin, Henry J. Smith, III, Ray D. Stone
  • Publication number: 20120275485
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cargo deck for a cargo hold of an aircraft, comprising at least one temperature measuring device for non-contacting measurement of the temperature of a container, a pallet or a similar unit load device (ULD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Holzner, Benedikt Kieser, Martin Schmidseder, Thomas Huber
  • Publication number: 20120275488
    Abstract: An intelligent temperature measurement device that externally determines the temperature of wine in a bottle without penetrating the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Debra Fogel Harris
  • Publication number: 20120275487
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a non-contact thermometer that is operable to emit a first light having a first color to create a spot of a first color at a reference target and to detect the temperature of the reference target. The non-contact thermometer is additionally operable to establish a temperature difference threshold. In use, once a temperature difference threshold is selected and once the temperature of the reference target is detected, the non-contact thermometer may detect a temperature of another target. Further, if the detected temperature of the other target is outside of the temperature difference threshold as compared to the temperature of the reference target, the non-contact thermometer is operable to emit a second light having a second color to create a spot of a second color at the other target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventor: Michael L. AGRONIN
  • Patent number: 8300922
    Abstract: Methods are provided for using a programmable hand-held inspection system to direct an inspection process. Methods typically involve loading a survey template application software routine into the programmable hand-held inspection system where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process. Some embodiments involve wirelessly uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine. Generally an image representation of an area is provided on a display. The system may be used to guide an operator through at least one aspect of the inspection process or to perform steps in a survey. A location within the vicinity of the area may be identified using a global positioning system. A record may of the survey may be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: CSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Garvey, III
  • Patent number: 8292501
    Abstract: A cryogenic turbo-pump with an inducer and a system for detecting an onset of cavitation at the blade tips of the inducer. An IR imaging sensor is used to view the blade tips during operation of the turbo-pump for a temperature drop that indicates the onset of cavitation. The imaging sensor includes a means to vary the image capture rate to that the rotating blade tip will appear to be stationary in order to measure the blade tip temperature. A window is formed in the inducer housing in which the imaging sensor can view the blade tips during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth V Stein
  • Patent number: 8292500
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. An IR emitter emits an infrared signal from the probe. And an IR detector detects the infrared signal emitted by the IR emitter. The detection of the IR signal by the IR detector indicates that the probe is received in a probe cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Eric B. Holderle, Thomas G. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8282273
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring technique for collecting radiation intensity (blackbody emission) across a broad wavelength range. A solid state spectrometer (26) acquires spectra from a sample (10) in real time and resolves the spectra to a radiation intensity (I) versus wavelength (?) curve. This curve is fitted to Planck's equation using a non-linear least squares fitting analysis. The system can be configured to self-calibrate and then lock in an amplitude value (A) which is used in subsequent temperature measurements by fitting to the blackbody emission curve. Preferably, the spectrometer (26) is flat field corrected (36) in an initial step to counteract variations in the spectrometer response with wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: k-Space Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Darryl Barlett, Barry D. Wissman, Charles A. Taylor, II
  • Patent number: 8282274
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device for remotely detecting the temperature of a subject having an identifying feature and a target zone in a fixed relationship to the identifying feature comprising: a distance sensor which measures the distance between the subject and the distance sensor; a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature difference in a sensing zone; a digital image capture device for capturing a digital image of the subject; a means of tilting at least the temperature sensor along at least one axis, and preferably tilting and panning along two axes; a controller that actuates the tilting means; and a support for supporting the distance sensor, the temperature sensor and the digital image capture device; wherein the controller tilts the distance sensor using the tilting means to reduce the distance between the target zone and the sensing zone; and a temperature sensor that measures a temperature difference proximate to the target zone, to detect elevated temperature illness in humans or animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Autovision Technology Limited
    Inventors: Yuk-Wa Pang, Ho Wai Phyllis Leung, Chun-Kong Joseph Chan, Kin Wah Kong, Yat-Pui Wong, Kin-Ip Li
  • Publication number: 20120236902
    Abstract: An infrared sensor comprises: an electrical insulating film sheet; first and second temperature sensor devices which are provided on one side of the electrical insulating film sheet, and are located at a distance from each other; a pair of contact electrodes, with which the first and second temperature sensor devices are attached respectively, formed on one side of the electrical insulating film sheet; an infrared absorbing film provided on the other side of the electrical insulating film sheet opposite the first temperature sensor device; and an infrared reflector film provided on the same side as the infrared absorbing film opposite the second temperature sensor device. The first and second temperature sensor devices respectively comprise: a thermistor element; and a pair of electrode layers, in which one of them is in contact with the contact electrode, formed both on the upper and lower surfaces of the thermistor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Kenzo Nakamura, Sei Kitaguchi, Mototaka Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8267577
    Abstract: An object is to realize an ear thermometer that is configured to easily arrange a sensor in a sensor mirror and is suitable for mass production. The ear thermometer has a probe. The probe includes a probe body and a temperature measuring part joined with the probe body. The temperature measuring part includes a flange coupled with the probe body and a front end part extending from the flange, the front end part incorporating a sensor mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BIG ECHO NET inc
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120230364
    Abstract: A sensor array has a plurality of sensor elements, each of which has a rectangular frame shaped frame portion formed by connecting a plurality of frame pieces and a membrane that is constructed within the frame portion and has sensitivity as sensor, and the plurality of sensor elements are disposed in a planar shape in a state that the frame pieces in adjacent sensor elements are shared. The membrane has covexoconcave shape in which rectangular concave portions and rectangular convex portions are disposed in a web shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanori Maeda, Kenjiro Fujimoto, Takahiro Kawano, Atsushi Onoe
  • Patent number: 8251576
    Abstract: Multilayer articles such as thin-film solar cells can be effectively tested under thermal load in a mini-module that includes a chamber or enclosure in which one or more laminated multilayer articles are housed. The inner dimensions of the chamber, at least along the axis that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the laminated solar cells, are configured to remain substantially constant during testing. Cooling the laminated solar cells in the mini-module device causes the encapsulant material to shrink and thereby induces accelerated failures in the laminated solar cells and associated structures. A technique of detecting the presence of defects or failures is near infrared radiation thermography wherein NIR images of the laminated solar cells are taken during the cooling process. The color patterns manifested from the cooled laminated solar cells can reveal the location, nature and extent of the defect or failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mia Sole
    Inventors: Kedar Hardikar, Todd Krajewski
  • Publication number: 20120213248
    Abstract: A system and method for warm body presence detection, the system comprising a detection unit comprising a light focusing unit for absorbing light from an inspected region; and a thermal detection unit for receiving the absorbed light, sensing infrared radiation and generating a signal indicative of the sensed infrared radiation; and a processing unit for analyzing the generated signal and deciding based on the analysis whether a warm body presence has been detected. The method for warm body presence detection comprises receiving and analyzing by a processing unit inputs from a short wavelengths thermal detector and a long wavelengths thermal detector, the inputs comprise indications of the amount of emitted infrared radiation in the respective wavelength ranges inspected by each thermal detector, and deciding that a warm body presence has been detected in case the emitted infrared radiation values detected by both thermal detectors correspond to predefined values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: THIRD EYE SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Lior Segal, Yoel Motola
  • Publication number: 20120213247
    Abstract: A temperature measurement system including a measurement plate placed on a measurement plane specified on at least one of an intake opening and an exhaust opening of a rack storing an information processing apparatus or at a position being away from the measurement plane by a predetermined distance; and an infrared camera configured to capture an image of the measurement plate, where the infrared camera is placed at a position with which the measurement plane is not captured and the measurement plate is captured by the infrared camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Atsushi FURUYA, Junichi Ishimine, Yuji Ohba
  • Patent number: 8246245
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser-aiming device for a radiant thermometer, which comprises a laser adjustment seat, a laser device, and a prism having two inclined faces. The laser adjustment seat is arranged on a temperature detection device of the radiant thermometer. The laser device and the prism are arranged on the laser adjustment device. The laser device generates a laser beam. The prism is located at the illuminated side of the laser beam and coaxial with the laser device, refracting the laser beam into two laser beams that generate two laser spots designating the detectable area of the radiant thermometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Radiant Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lin, Allen Lo
  • Patent number: 8244488
    Abstract: A thermal inspection system includes a fluid source configured to supply a warm flow and a cool flow, indirectly or directly, to internal passage(s) of a component. The system includes an imager configured to capture a time series of images corresponding to a transient thermal response of the component to the warm and cool flows. The system further includes at least one flow meter configured to measure the warm and cool flows supplied to the component and a processor operably connected to the imager. The processor determines the transient thermal response of the component around a transition time. The flow supplied to the component switches from the warm flow to the cool flow at the transition time. The processor compares the transient thermal response around the transition time with one or more baseline values or with an acceptable range of values to determine if the component meets a desired specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Randolph Allen, Jared Michael Crosby, Christopher Joseph Uhl, Michael Orlando Cimini, Bianca Mary McCartt, James Walter Caddell, Jared Reece Reynolds, Robert William Tait, Andrew Frank Ferro
  • Patent number: 8235591
    Abstract: An intelligent corkscrew device which determines the temperature of the bottle and informs the consumer as to what type of wine is suitable for that temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the corkscrew provides a temperature readout. Alternative embodiments provide entertainment features such as voice or other audio indications related to the temperature. Still other embodiments include visual indication such as lamps which indicate what type of wine would be proper for the temperature of the bottle being measured. The corkscrew uses thermal measurement of the exterior of the wine bottle to measure the temperature. The measurement is made by a temperature sensing device, such as a thermistor or infrared detector on the end of the lever arm or other suitable location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Debra Fogel Harris
  • Patent number: 8235588
    Abstract: In a method for automated, contactless and non-destructive testing of a material joint (4), a dynamic threshold value is varied between a minimum threshold value and a maximum threshold value, with regions of a heat flow dynamics through the material joint (4) being determined which represent values of the heat flow dynamics exceeding the dynamic threshold value. The regions of the heat flow dynamics are examined with respect to an abrupt change in perimeter. An Abrupt change in perimeter occurs if a boundary (7) between a molten zone (5) and a non-molten but still adhering zone (6) of the material joint (4) is being crossed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thermosensorik GmbH
    Inventors: Roman Louban, Juergen Zettner, Christoph Doettinger
  • Patent number: 8231271
    Abstract: A removable protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Lane, David E. Quinn, Ray D. Stone, Scott A. Martin, John R. Strom
  • Publication number: 20120183013
    Abstract: There are many industrial applications in which non-contact temperature sensing is useful for increasing production speed and quality, such as printing, laminating, extrusion, and metal forming. Disclosed is a non-contact temperature determining apparatus which uses two wide wavelength bands integrating sensors to determine the radiance ratio of a target and thereby determine a corresponding temperature of the target. Also disclosed is a non-contact temperature determining apparatus in which a beam splitter passes one wide wavelength band to a sensor and reflects another distinct wide wavelength band to another sensor from which temperature can be determined. A disclosed embodiment of the dual waveband temperature detector improves upon traditional and currently available ratio pyrometers by further reducing the cost of the system, making installation and use easier, and improving temperature detection for low temperature industrial applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Exergen Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Stein, Francesco Pompei
  • Publication number: 20120177083
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an infrared thermometer with an infrared sensor. The infrared thermometer is adapted for determining a temperature on at least one predetermined spot on or in a human or animal body and further comprises recognition means for recognizing if the sensor is properly positioned on said at least one predetermined spot. Further shown is a method of operating an infrared thermometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MICROLIFE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Wen-Teng Lin, Gerhard Frick
  • Patent number: 8215831
    Abstract: A sensor element for detecting electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the infrared range, comprises one or more heat-sensitive portions provided on a substrate and one or more influencing layers for influencing the absorption and/or reflection of the electromagnetic radiation to be detected. The heat-sensitive portion(s) and/or the influencing layers are arranged on the substrate in accordance with the thermal properties of the influencing layers, preferably asymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Excelitas Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Henrik Ernst, Hermann Karagözoglu, Martin Hausner, Guido Lauck, Jürgen Schilz
  • Publication number: 20120170611
    Abstract: A smart radiation thermometry system including a turbine component is provided. The thermometry system also includes at least one smart real time processing sub-system electrically coupled to at least one detector array via at least one high-speed multi-channel ADC. The at least one smart real time processing sub-system calculates temperature and emissivity of the turbine component based upon a computed radiance temperature, reflection correction and multi-wavelength algorithm. The smart real time processing sub-system also transmits data indicative of the temperature, emissivity and other plurality of parameters within a pre-determined time period to a communication unit. The smart real time processing sub-system also outputs emergency alarm signals and controls either directly or via a controller one or more actuators coupled to the gas turbine based upon the data to ensure optimum operation of the gas turbine within safe operating limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanghua Wang, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan, Jordi Estevadeordal, Sean Patrick Harper
  • Patent number: 8210741
    Abstract: An apparatus determines cooling characteristics of an operational cooling device used for transferring heat from an electronic device. The operational cooling device is thermally coupled to a heat pipe. The heat pipe has an exposed surface for selective application of heat thereon. Heat from a localized heat source is selectively applied to at least one region of the exposed surface. The heat source is preferably capable of being varied both positionally relative to the exposed surface and in heat intensity. A heat shield is preferably positioned around the exposed surface of the heat pipe to isolate the operational cooling device from the heat from the localized heat source. A temperature detector repeatedly measures a temperature distribution across the exposed surface while the cooling device is in a heat transfer mode. The temperature distribution is then used to thermally characterize the operational cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, James A. Lacey, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120163409
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser-aiming device for a radiant thermometer, which comprises a laser adjustment seat, a laser device, and a prism having two inclined faces. The laser adjustment seat is arranged on a temperature detection device of the radiant thermometer. The laser device and the prism are arranged on the laser adjustment device. The laser device generates a laser beam. The prism is located at the illuminated side of the laser beam and coaxial with the laser device, refracting the laser beam into two laser beams that generate two laser spots designating the detectable area of the radiant thermometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin LIN, Allen Lo
  • Publication number: 20120163410
    Abstract: A thermal detector includes a substrate, a support member, a heat-detecting element, a thermal transfer member, a first light-absorbing layer and a second light-absorbing layer. The support member is supported on the substrate so that a cavity is formed between the substrate and the support member. The heat-detecting element is supported on the support member. The thermal transfer member includes a connecting portion connected to the heat-detecting element and a thermal collecting portion formed over the heat-detecting element and having a surface area larger than a surface area of the connecting portion as seen in plan view. The first light-absorbing layer contacts the thermal transfer member and disposed between the thermal transfer member and the support member. The second light-absorbing layer contacts the thermal transfer member and disposed on the thermal transfer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushi TSUCHIYA
  • Patent number: 8201996
    Abstract: A passive wavelength-division multiplexing fiber-optic temperature sensor, as well as a distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing system, incorporates at least one wavelength-division-multiplexing optical coupler, so that any given sensor interfaces optically by at least one designated optical wavelength, thus providing means for any given fiber-optic temperature sensor to be distinguished from other fiber-optic temperature sensors of similar design operating on the same optical fiber system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: IPITEK, Inc.
    Inventor: Celestino John Gaeta
  • Patent number: 8192076
    Abstract: A thermal sensor that includes a ceramic body formed of NTC thermister ceramic, heat sensing part electrodes, temperature compensation part electrodes, external electrodes, and a cavity. A heat sensing part, which is the surface layer of the ceramic body, is heated by, for example, radiant heat transfer, reducing the resistance value of a thermister ceramic layer between the heat sensing part electrodes. Since the heat of the heat sensing part of the ceramic body is insulated by the cavity and thus prevented from diffusing, the heat capacity of the heat sensing unit is reduced, obtaining high sensitivity and high responsiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Nawai, Tadamasa Miura
  • Patent number: 8192077
    Abstract: A method for measuring the differential emissivity between two sites on the surface of a body and the temperature of the two sites. The method includes a plurality of measurements of the infrared radiation arising from each of the two sites under a number of different conditions. Some of the measurements include irradiation by external infrared radiation at a known wavelength and intensity. The infrared radiation arising from each of the sites may include emitted radiation, reflected ambient radiation, and reflected external radiation. Additionally, the temperature determined using the method described can be used to calibrate infrared imaging devices used to inspect the entire body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Publication number: 20120133934
    Abstract: A technique for determining the temperature of a sample including a semiconductor film 20 having a measurable optical absorption edge deposited on a transparent substrate 22 of material having no measurable optical absorption edge, such as a GaN film 20 deposited on an Al2O3 substrate 20 for blue and white LEDs. The temperature is determined in real-time as the film 20 grows and increases in thickness. A spectra based on the diffusely scattered light from the film 20 is produced at each incremental thickness. A reference division is performed on each spectra to correct for equipment artifacts. The thickness of the film 20 and an optical absorption edge wavelength value are determined from the spectra. The temperature of the film 20 is determined as a function of the optical absorption edge wavelength and the thickness of the film 20 using the spectra, a thickness calibration table, and a temperature calibration table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: K-SPACE ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl Barlett, Charles A. Taylor, II, Barry D. Wissman
  • Patent number: 8186873
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for determining thermal resistance values of building materials through the use of infrared cameras. In one example, an infrared camera may be used to capture one or more infrared images of a wall. Using temperatures obtained from the images, a thermal resistance value such as an R-Value associated with the wall may be determined. Potential cost savings associated with adjusting the thermal resistance value may also be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Madding
  • Patent number: 8186876
    Abstract: A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Mullin, Michael J. Anson, John A. Lane, David E. Quinn, Henry J. Smith, III, Ray D. Stone
  • Publication number: 20120128025
    Abstract: Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Huppi, John Benjamin Filson, Fred Bould, David Sloo, Matthew Lee Rogers, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Publication number: 20120114012
    Abstract: A heating cooker including an infrared ray detection device is disclosed. The heating cooker includes a body, an inner case disposed within the body, and provided therein with a cooking chamber to cook food, a detection hole formed at one side wall of the inner case, to allow an infrared ray generated in the cooking chamber to exit outwardly from the cooking chamber, a path change unit disposed in the vicinity of the detection hole, to change a path of the infrared ray passing through the detection hole, and an infrared sensor disposed to be spaced apart from the path change unit, to receive the infrared ray, the path of which has been changed. The path change unit is rotatable to enable the infrared sensor to receive infrared rays having different paths while being generated in different regions in the cooking chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Hoe CHOI, Yeon A. Hwang, Ki Hing Noh, Jeong Su Han, Ji Hoon Ha, Tae Gyoon Noh
  • Patent number: 8167483
    Abstract: Temperature measurement instruments and methods are provided for visually identifying a selected area of a target with a light beam. After imaging infrared radiation from a measurement area on a target, a selected area satisfying a temperature criterion is determined. An actuator system moves a light beam relative to the instrument and measurement area to visually identify the selected area. In some embodiments the actuator system may repeatedly move the light beam to visually identify the selected area of the target as the instrument is moved and the selected area's position changes within the measurement area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: John Steffen Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120101769
    Abstract: A system (8) for monitoring a high-temperature region of interest in a turbine engine (10) is provided. The system includes an internally cooled stationary vane (12) located in a path of a working gas of the turbine. A monitoring port (14) is located in the stationary vane. A monitoring instrument (16) is operatively connected to the monitoring port of the stationary vane to provide a field of view of the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Paul J. Zombo, Dennis H. Lemieux, Clifford Hatcher
  • Patent number: 8158428
    Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a combustion duct of a combustion system of a combustion turbine engine while the combustion turbine engine operates, wherein the combustion duct comprises a hot side, which is exposed to combustion gases and, opposing the hot side, a cold side. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a photodetector aimed at the cold side of the combustion duct, the photodetector being configured to detect a visible change to the cold side of the combustion duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pradeep Aadi Gopala Krishna, Dullal Ghosh, Saurav Dugar, Matthew Paul Berkebile, Anthony Wayne Krull
  • Patent number: 8157438
    Abstract: A thermopile, utilizing the Seebeck effect, is placed into a blackbody cavity or other ambient heat source, where the hot junctions are inside the heat source, and the cold junctions are outside the heat source, and thereby produces a voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: John Lee Warren
  • Patent number: 8152365
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for determining at least one optical characteristic of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. Once the optical characteristic is determined, at least one parameter in a processing chamber may be controlled for improving the process. For example, in one embodiment, the reflectivity of one surface of the substrate may first be determined at or near ambient temperature. From this information, the reflectance and/or emittance of the wafer during high temperature processing may be accurately estimated. The emittance can be used to correct temperature measurements using a pyrometer during wafer processing. In addition to making more accurate temperature measurements, the optical characteristics of the substrate can also be used to better optimize the heating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Janis Timans
  • Patent number: 8147137
    Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber, a pedestal for supporting a substrate disposed within the processing chamber, and an optical pyrometry assembly coupled to the processing chamber to measure an emitted light originating substantially from a portion of the pedestal or substrate. The optical pyrometry assembly further includes a light receiver, and an optical detector. The optical pyrometry assembly receives a portion of the emitted light, and a temperature of the substrate is determined from an intensity of the portion of the emitted light near at least one wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kailash Kiran Patalay, Aaron Muir Hunter, Bruce E. Adams
  • Patent number: 8147129
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with automatic testing equipment for testing infrared sensors on integrated circuits is provided. The apparatus includes an infrared source, a heat mass, and an electronic frequency modulator. The infrared source is modulated according to a predetermined test frequency such that the infrared source emits an infrared test signal representative of a test temperature and corresponding to the temperature of the heat mass and the predetermined test frequency. A signal processor, electrically coupled to an integrated circuit having an infrared sensor, receives a sensed signal from the infrared sensor in response to the infrared test signal and uses the sensed signal according to the predetermined test frequency to determine a measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Grubb, Gerard Blaney, Eamon Culhane
  • Patent number: 8136984
    Abstract: A portable noncontact thermometer comprising a housing defining an aperture for ingress of incident thermal energy in a field of view. A graphical display is fixed with respect to the housing. The thermometer further comprises a thermopile array including a plurality of thermopile elements positioned inside the housing so as to be impinged by the incident thermal energy. The thermometer further includes processing circuitry in electrical communication with the thermopile array. The processing circuitry is operative to produce on the graphical display a thermal image of the field of view. The processing circuitry is further operative to determine a temperature of a target location within the field of view based on electrical signals derived from a subset of the thermopile elements. The subset of thermopile elements may be a single thermopile element located approximately at a center of the thermopile array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Heinke
  • Patent number: 8136985
    Abstract: An IR tip assembly includes a shroud having at least one feature that permits releasable attachment of a disposable cover fitted to a shroud. When the disposable cover is fitted to the shroud, at least one air gap is defined between the shroud and the disposable cover. An IR sensor disposed within the IR tip assembly is mechanically and thermally coupled to a heat sink. The at least one defined air gap creates a thermal isolation between the disposable cover and the disposed IR sensor. There can also be airflow through the at least one air gap. Apparatus and methods to create the airflow are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Lane, David E. Quinn, Scott A. Martin, Ray D. Stone, Matthew D. Mullin, Craig M. Meyerson
  • Patent number: 8128280
    Abstract: A non-invasive method of measuring the temperature of a subject through a portable infrared thermometer includes measuring a temperature related to room temperature and detecting an infrared radiation coming from a region of interest of the subject. The region of interest can be a forehead or an auricle area of the subject. The portable infrared thermometer detecting the infrared radiation determines a surface temperature of the region of interest. A corrective parameter is determined based on the temperature related to the room temperature, and the surface temperature measured by the portable infrared thermometer on the surface portion of the forehead or of the auricle area is corrected using the corrective parameter. The real inner temperature of the subject is determined based upon the correcting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tecnimed S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Bellifemine
  • Patent number: 8126672
    Abstract: An ear-type thermometer which measures body temperature using a temperature detection element 21 that detects ambient temperature and an infrared detection element 22 that detects infrared radiation from a measurement site within the aural cavity, the 2 elements housed in a probe 3, wherein the ear-type thermometer comprises a probe cover 10 which can be detachably provided with the probe, a detection switch 60 which detects that the probe cover is attached or detached to the probe, and two temperature conversion coefficients 52a and 52b which corrects body temperature based on the detection result from the two detection elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiji Yamaguchi, Hideo Harada
  • Publication number: 20120042813
    Abstract: A row crop unit for use in an agricultural seeder includes a furrow opener for opening a furrow in the soil, a seed metering system for metering seed to be placed in the furrow, and a seed placement system for placing seeds in the furrow. The seed placement system and the seed metering system are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow. A furrow closer covers the seed in the furrow with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow between the furrow opener and the furrow closer. An optional packaging tube holds a temperature sensor or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube. A larger diameter tube may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube. A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: James Z. Liu, Nikolai R. Tevs, Elijah B. Garner
  • Publication number: 20120032810
    Abstract: A system includes a radiation sensor configured to direct a field of view toward a conduit within a heat recovery steam generator, and to output a signal indicative of a temperature of the conduit. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the radiation sensor. The controller is configured to determine the temperature based on the signal, and to compare the temperature to a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rahul Jaikaran Chillar, Eric J. Kauffman, Adil Ansari