By Thermally Emitted Radiation Patents (Class 374/121)
  • Patent number: 7690841
    Abstract: The system developed for the continuos temperature measurement of molten metal (1), like in the case of the continuous casting machine tundish (2), uses an optical process to control the continuous casting machine speed, and it consists of an optical infra-red sensor (8) protected by a cooled jacket (30). This two-color sensor (8), fitted with optical fiber (9) and an optical signal converter (10), is focused inside a high thermal and light conductivity ceramic tube (15), and it enables accurate temperature readings of molten steel (1) in the tundish (2). This practical device avoids the inconvenience of the method currently being used. It reduces the operator's high temperature exposure time, lowers maintenance downtime, minimizes the operating risks, improves safety and enables fast, simple replacement, resulting in improved slab quality and, as a consequence, lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Usinas Siderurgicas De Minas Gerais S.A. Usiminas
    Inventors: Jose Raposo Barbosa, Luiz Fernando Marzano, Fabiano Correa Martins, Marlon Odilon Xavier Silva, Aloisio da Silva Gomes
  • Patent number: 7686505
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the indirect determination of local irradiance in an optical system; wherein the optical system comprises optical elements between which an illuminated beam path is formed and a measurement object which absorbs the radiation in the beam path at least partially is positioned in a partial region of the beam path selected for the locally-resolved determination of the irradiance and the temperature distribution of at least one part of the measurement object is determined by means of a temperature detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventors: Frank Meltzer, Axel Scholz
  • Patent number: 7682073
    Abstract: A conventional radiation thermometer encompasses an infrared radiation sensor and a heatable and/or coolable radiation incidence window. The method and radiation thermometer according to the invention use the established dependence of the sensor signal U of the infrared radiation sensor on the temperature Tw of the radiation incidence window W (or any other heatable or coolable optical element in the beam path) for verifying its proper functional operation. Applying the method according to the invention, the radiation incidence window (or perhaps another optical element in the beam path) is heated up or cooled by activating an associated electric heating or cooling device. The resulting change ?Uw in the sensor signal U is detected, preferably in continuous fashion, as a function of the window temperature Tw and analyzed or verified for any deviation from an acceptable value or permissible range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Kaz, Incorporated
    Inventor: Bernhard Kraus
  • Patent number: 7665892
    Abstract: This invention discloses an infrared thermometer for ear or skin temperature. The infrared thermometer comprises a body, an infrared sensing element, and a heat dissipating means. The heat dissipation means is provided behind or below the infrared sensing element for urging the air flowing in and out of the body, so as to contribute better heat dissipation and air circulation around the infrared sensing element. Hence the accuracy and stability of the infrared thermometer are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Actherm Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7661876
    Abstract: Infrared Ir Thermometer Calibration Systems and Methods are Disclosed in which the temperature of an IR thermometer calibration system is controlled such that radiation emitted by a target at a given input temperature is equal to the radiation emitted by a graybody heated to the input temperature and having an emissivity equal to an emissivity setting of an IR thermometer to be calibrated using the IR thermometer calibration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Frank E. Liebmann
  • Publication number: 20100027580
    Abstract: In order to derive the temperature in the mesopause region from hydroxyl (OH*) airglow, in which intensities of three lines of OH* emission and a basic position are measured during the night using ground-based IR spectrometers, a noisy OH* spectrum is smoothed by filtering out white noise superimposed on the measured OH* intensities, by means of a spectral analysis method in the form of a harmonic analysis and by means of adaptation using the Voigt function which is carried out in the form of a combination of a Lorentz distribution and a Doppler distribution. A decision is made on the quality of the adaptation of the smoothed spectrum obtained to the original spectrum using statistical characteristic variables and by selecting one of the two methods, harmonic analysis function or Voigt function, and the temperature is thus accurately determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Bittner, Kathrin Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 7655456
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical device (X1) including a mounting portion (10) for mounting an analytical tool (2) capable of outputting information for computation, a computation unit for conducting computation for analyzing a sample based on the information for computation, and a temperature detection unit (12) for outputting the temperature information. The temperature detection unit (12) is disposed in the mounting portion (10). The analytical device (X1) preferably further includes a temperature correction unit for correcting the computation results obtained in the computation unit, based on the temperature information. The temperature detection unit (12) includes, for example, a contact type temperature sensor (12A). In this case, the contact type temperature detection unit (12) may include a thermally conductive portion (12B) having a contact surface (12b) to be brought into contact with the temperature sensor (12A) and the analytical tool (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Eisaku Oshiman, Yasunori Shiraki
  • Patent number: 7651264
    Abstract: The object is to provide a laser processing apparatus, a laser processing temperature measuring apparatus, a laser processing method, and a laser processing temperature measuring method which can highly accurately detect the processing temperature when carrying out processing such as welding with laser light. A laser processing apparatus 1A for processing members. DR, UR to be processed by irradiating the members with laser light LB comprises a laser (semiconductor laser unit 20A) for generating the laser light LB; optical means for converging the laser light LB generated by the laser onto processing areas DA, UA; and a filter 30, disposed between the members DR, UR to be processed and the optical means, for blocking a wavelength of fluorescence generated by the optical means upon pumping with the laser light LB; wherein light having the wavelength blocked by the filter 30 is used for measuring a temperature of the processing areas DA, UA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsumoto, Tsuyoshi Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7651260
    Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus for determining the cooling characteristics of a cooling device used for transferring heat from an electronic device. The apparatus comprising a cooling device thermally coupled to a heat pipe. The heat pipe having an exposed surface for the selective application of heat thereon. A localized heat source is selectively applied to at least one region of the exposed surface. The heat source 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 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 cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Madhusudan K. Iyengar, James A. Lacey, Roger R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7651266
    Abstract: It is disclosed a device (100) for measuring a patient's temperature using an infrared thermometer (1) to detect the intensity of an infrared radiation coming from the body of that patient, whose temperature is wished to be known; the device further comprises a room-temperature sensor to send said temperature to a memory (38). A processing unit (33) receives as an input the room-temperature signal (B) and a temperature signal (A) proportional to the infrared radiation, the room-temperature signal (B) enabling the processing unit (33) to determine a corrective parameter to rectify the temperature (A) detected by the sensor member (7) and to determine the patient's real temperature. The invention allows the problem due to the non-stabilisation in the thermometer environment to be solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tecnimed S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Bellifemine
  • Patent number: 7651265
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Radiant Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Yang, Jason Liao, Vincent Weng, Eileen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100017163
    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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiji Yamaguchi, Hideo Harada
  • Publication number: 20100014555
    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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Publication number: 20100010743
    Abstract: A multi-sensor fire detector incorporates at least one acoustic resonator and other type or types of fire sensor. Other types include smoke sensors, gas sensors or optically based fire sensors. Outputs from the acoustic resonator can be processed with or without outputs from the other type or types of fire sensors to establish the presence of an alarm condition. Multiple acoustic resonators can be incorporated into the same detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Dragan P. Petrovic
  • Patent number: 7641385
    Abstract: A fixing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a non-contact temperature detecting element 81 allocated in non-contact with a heat roller, the sensing element detecting a temperature of the heat roller. The non-contact temperature sensing section 81 includes a thermopile P which detects a target temperature Pt of a heat roller 2, a temperature element CPU 100 which estimates an ambient temperature at the periphery of the thermopile P and computes an estimated ambient temperature SQt, and a thermister Q which detects an ambient temperature Qt at the periphery of the thermopile and outputs the ambient temperature Qt at an output voltage of a predetermined rate with respect to a total output voltage value corresponding to the estimated ambient temperature SQt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sone, Osamu Takagi, Satoshi Kinouchi, Yoshinori Tsueda
  • Publication number: 20090323759
    Abstract: Temperature measurement using a pyrometer in a processing chamber is described. The extraneous light received by the pyrometer is reduced. In one example, a photodetector is used to measure the intensity of light within the processing chamber at a defined wavelength. A temperature circuit is used to convert the measured light intensity to a temperature signal, and a doped optical window between a heat source and a workpiece inside processing chamber is used to absorb light at the defined wavelength directed at the workpiece from the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Sridhar Govindaraju, Karson Knutson, Harold Kennel, Aravind Killampalli, Jack Hwang
  • Patent number: 7637652
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting glass breakage using thermal imaging is provided. The system includes an infrared image detector for acquiring an infrared image of a monitored area, and a signal processor for processing the acquired images to determine removal of a glass door or window based on a comparison of the thermal signature of the acquired image against the thermal signature of a reference image. Specifically, signal processor subtracts the reference image data from the acquired image data, which results in a substantially uniform image when the acquired image matches the reference image. On the other hand, the image resulting from the subtraction exhibits significant non-uniformity when the acquired image does not match the reference image, as would be the case if the pane of glass of a door or window were broken, removed or opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20090309028
    Abstract: Real time performance of a combustion process is evaluated by comparing sensor data with a template. Sensor data is derived from a passive infrared system and corresponds to specific heat capacity. Analysis of the real time performance can be used to control a parameter of the combustion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vijendran G. Venkoparao, Gudi Ravindra
  • Publication number: 20090304042
    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: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventor: Michael L. AGRONIN
  • Patent number: 7628531
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a temperature sensing system are disclosed. In one respect, a dual light source configuration may be provided. A first light source may illuminate a sensing fiber and an anti-Stokes band may be detected. A second light source may illuminate a sensing fiber and a Stokes band may be detected, where the Stokes band is substantially similar to the anti-Stokes band of the first light source. A ratio between the anti-Stokes and Stokes band may be used to calibrate a temperature sensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SensorTran, Inc
    Inventors: Chung E. Lee, Kent Kalar, Michael E. Sanders
  • Patent number: 7628533
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting corrosion are provided. In one embodiment, a luminescent material coupled to a cladding of an optical fiber may be altered when exposed to corrosion. The backscatter emission of the luminescent material, which includes the altered optical properties, may be used to determine properties of the corrosion including, for example, thickness, or location of the corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SensorTran, Inc
    Inventors: Chung E. Lee, William Hallidy
  • Publication number: 20090296774
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for detecting the temperature of a substrate surface. In one embodiment, a method for measuring the temperature is provided which includes exposing the surface of the substrate to a laser beam radiating from a laser source, radiating emitted light from a portion of the surface of the substrate, through the shadow ring, and towards a thermal sensor, and determining the temperature of the portion of the surface of the substrate from the emitted light. The substrate may be disposed on a substrate support within a treatment region and a shadow ring may be disposed between the laser source and the surface of the substrate. The shadow ring may be selectively opaque to the laser beam and transparent to the emitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Blake Koelmel, Abhilash J. Mayur
  • Publication number: 20090296775
    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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keiji YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 7616872
    Abstract: Temperature measurement and heat-treating methods and systems. One method includes identifying a temperature of a first surface of a workpiece, and controlling energy of an irradiance flash incident on the first surface of the workpiece, in response to the temperature of the first surface. Identifying may include identifying the temperature of the first surface during an initial portion of the irradiance flash, and controlling may include controlling the power of a remaining portion of the irradiance flash. The first surface of the workpiece may include a device side of a semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mattson Technology Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Camm, Shawna Kervin, Marcel Edmond Lefrancois, Greg Stuart
  • Patent number: 7611278
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held infrared thermometer or radiometer (1) for measuring, remotely, the temperature of a target surface (3). In one embodiment, the radiometer includes an infrared detector (7), associated optical system (7), and associated circuitry and an LCD display (21). Built into or mounted on the radiometer is a distance measuring device (2), the operation of which is controlled by the radiometer. The device (2) includes an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver (12) and associated circuitry for calculating, from a comparison of the transmitted and received pulses, the distance of the radiometer from the target surface. The distance-to-target is displayed on the LCD display (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: White Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Patent number: 7611277
    Abstract: Egg candling methods and apparatus are provided wherein non-live eggs, inverted egg, and side air cell eggs can be quickly identified. A method of candling eggs includes exposing a plurality of incubated eggs to an environment having a temperature different from a temperature at which the eggs were incubated; obtaining a thermal image of the eggs; and analyzing the thermal image to obtain surface temperature information for each egg. The surface temperature information is utilized to designate each egg as live/non-live, inverted, or having a side air cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Embrex, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hebrank, Monika Garrell
  • Patent number: 7607825
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring formation of deposits of solid particles from flue gas onto furnace walls formed of welded-together tubes through which cooling medium flows. For the entire surface of the walls, the exact surface temperature is detected with infrared cameras, offset by 90° relative to one another, via a thermal image obtained of a surface development of the furnace. This exact surface temperature is compared with the temperature of the cooling medium from measurement locations. Individual images from the cameras are composed to form an overall development of the inner surface of the furnace walls. The coordinates of the deposits on the walls are determined from the overall development, and the thickness of the deposits is determined from the temperature comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: CMV Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Koschack, Günter Hoven, Bernhard Sobotta
  • Publication number: 20090262778
    Abstract: An electronic device according to the present invention includes an infrared ray absorbing section 12, which comes to have an increased temperature when irradiated with an incident infrared ray, and at least one heat sensing section 13, of which a physical property varies with the variation in temperature that has been caused due to the heat generated by the infrared ray absorbing section 12. The relative positions of the heat sensing section 13 and the infrared ray absorbing section 12 can be changed so as to switch their states from a first state, in which the infrared ray absorbing section 12 and the heat sensing section 13 are in contact with each other, into a second state, in which the infrared ray absorbing section 12 and the heat sensing section 13 are out of contact with each other, and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kimiya Ikushima
  • Patent number: 7602563
    Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Quality Vision International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Bloch, Fred J. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20090252195
    Abstract: A remote or contact measurement thermometer, in particular an infrared thermometer, includes an enclosure presenting a measurement portion by which a patient's body temperature is measured, and a display portion through which the temperature can be read. The enclosure is rigid with a case movable relative thereto about an axis of rotation passing through the enclosure, the case being able to assume two working positions relative to the enclosure (2), in a first of these positions the measurement portion (3) being external to the case (26) and in the second of which this latter covers the portion (3), the case (26) presenting an aperture (30) through which the display portion (4) can be accessed visually when the case is in its first working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Artsana S.P.A.
    Inventor: Salomon Scharer
  • Publication number: 20090238237
    Abstract: This invention relates to optical sighting apparatus systems, and to methods for visualization and for identifying remote target surface areas without physical contact for the purpose of measurement and/or of treatment of the remote surface. An arrangement of projected light beams indicates the position and size of the target surface in relation to a measurement detector or treatment device, so that the device is accurately directed to the target. In a preferred arrangement separate laser beams form a light distribution indication or brightness pattern at the target and the device is sighted toward the pattern on the target surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Publication number: 20090238238
    Abstract: A system combining the output of a thermal detection and imaging device with a capture and display device, such as a cordless or portable telephone/camera, is used to manage thermal information and displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Publication number: 20090238236
    Abstract: A first object of the invention is a radiation detector comprising an energy absorber (203), for absorbing incident radiation (RAD) and thus undergoing a temperature increase; and optical readout means, for detecting said temperature increase; wherein said optical readout means comprises input coupling means (202) for coupling a light beam (2011) to said energy absorber (203) by exciting surface plasmons resonance, a surface plasmons resonance condition being dependent on the energy absorber (203) temperature, and wherein said energy absorber (203) is separated from said input coupling means (202) by a dielectric layer (2032).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Karl Fleury-Frenette, Serge Habraken, Yvone Renotte, Jurij Hastanin
  • Patent number: 7591586
    Abstract: A method of precisely measuring temperature of an object without having to setting the emissivity of the object over a wide temperature range from low to high temperature with a single radiation thermometer. The temperature-measuring device of the present invention includes a reference object having an emissivity of substantially 1 in a prescribed wavelength range; a bandpass filter transmitting radiant energy in the prescribed wavelength range; and a radiation thermometer for observing temperature by taking in the radiant energy transmitted through the bandpass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventor: Akira Ohnishi
  • Patent number: 7585106
    Abstract: A temperature fixed-point cell is configured with a crucible composed of carbon and a fixed-point material enclosed in the crucible. The fixed-point material has a peritectic structure of carbon and a carbon compound. A thermometer is calibrated by installing the temperature fixed-point crucible in a furnace, increasing or decreasing the ambient temperature thereof, measuring the temperature of the temperature fixed-point cell with the thermometer, observing the state of temperature change, and using this state of temperature change as a basis for the calibration. This invention is aimed at realizing a fixed point in the temperature range exceeding the copper point and accomplishing great improvement in accuracy in the calibration of radiation thermometers, thermocouples and all thermometers used in high temperature ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yoshiro Yamada, Naohiko Sasajima
  • Publication number: 20090219970
    Abstract: Hand held infrared measurement devices are disclosed, having at least two separated laser sighting emitters (2), which together mark and define a sighting area on a target surface (7,7?,7?). In an embodiment of the invention, separate lasers (2) are provided which each produce a beam (6) used to illuminate a respective separate optical beam directing element (4), mounted between each laser emitter and the target surface (7,7?,7?). The element may be, for example, any of the optical glass fibers, a prism, or a lens, such as a diffraction beam splitter lens, or a refractive lens, each element directing laser light onto the target surface to produce a visually perceptible target marking. The element is preferably made of optical material such as glass or plastic (e.g., methyl methacrylate). Separate laser emitters permit greater brightness displayed on the target within safe operation limits than use of a single laser alone, even with a beam splitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Milton Barnard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Patent number: 7581876
    Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Revesz, Michael J. Collins, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090196324
    Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of a sheet material arranged such that it forms at least one side of a cavity, so as to enhance the effective emissivity of the sheet material in the vicinity of the cavity comprises: generating a thermal image of at least part of the inside of the cavity, the thermal image comprising a plurality of pixels each having a pixel value representative of radiation emitted by a respective region of the cavity; identifying a first subset of the pixels whose pixel values meet predetermined criteria; using the identified first subset to determine a line on the thermal image representative of optimal emissivity enhancement in the cavity; and selecting a second subset of the pixels based on the determined line and generating a temperature profile along the determined line derived from the pixel values associated with each of the second subset of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Land Instruments International Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Geoffrey Ronald Beynon, Ian Hamilton Ridley, Stuart Francis Metcalfe, Andrew Mellor, Ben Wileman
  • Publication number: 20090193875
    Abstract: Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. The device also includes a phenomenon origin locator to monitor the detection signal and project light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Radiaulics, Inc.
    Inventor: Nikolaos I. Komninos
  • Patent number: 7568833
    Abstract: Method for the certification of heater blankets by means of infrared thermography, in which a heater blanket (1) to be certified is enclosed in a vacuum bag (3,4,5,5?,8,9,10) arranged above a support (2) and thermally insulated therefrom, the vacuum is formed inside said bag and said heater blanket is connected until its temperature is stabilized at a predefined value, considerably higher than the ambient temperature, whereupon the best infrared image or images of said heater blanket (1) are recorded and stored by means of an infrared camera (14) situated opposite it, then interrupting the electric power supply to said heater blanket and processing the stored images so as to produce, finally, a certification report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas, S,A,
    Inventors: Fernando López Martínez, Jose Manuel Yebras Rivera, Juan Melendez Sanchez, Antonio De Castro González, Jose Manuel Aranda Gallego
  • Publication number: 20090168835
    Abstract: A portable noncontact thermometer comprising a hand-held housing defining an aperture for ingress of incident thermal energy from a target location. A thermometer module including a noncontact thermal energy detector is also provided. The thermometer module further includes at least one microcontroller operative to interpret electrical signals derived from an output of the noncontact thermal energy detector so as to determine temperature at the target location. A USB-HID communication interface is operative to permit electrical communication between the microcontroller(s) and a remote computer. A display device, fixed with respect to the housing, is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Heinke, Li Jun Lu
  • Publication number: 20090168837
    Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature of substrates to be coated is disclosed. The substrates have an opening or a cavity, and the substrates are successively moved past a source of coating material. At least one substrate's temperature is measured during coating by at least one temperature sensor and the measured temperature value is transmitted to a measuring device. The temperature sensor is disposed inside the substrate's opening or cavity so as to prevent coating of the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: VON ARDENNE ANLAGENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas HEISIG, Thomas MEYER
  • Publication number: 20090172591
    Abstract: A portable noncontact thermometer comprising a hand-held housing defining an aperture for ingress of incident thermal energy from a target location. A thermometer module includes a noncontact thermal energy detector impinged by the incident thermal energy. The thermometer module further includes a microcontroller operative to interpret electrical signals derived from an output of the noncontact thermal energy detector so as to determine temperature at the target location. A graphical display device, such as an LCD dot matrix display device, is fixed with respect to the housing. The display device is capable of providing a graphical user interface having multiple screens variously showing numbers, text and functional icons. Preferably, the screens will display function tabs located adjacent to corresponding buttons on the housing. The tabs will change depending on the varying function that may be implemented by pressing a respective button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Pomper
  • Publication number: 20090168836
    Abstract: A micromechanical structure, a temperature and/or radiation sensor, and a method for manufacturing a micromechanical structure are suggested, the micromechanical structure including a substrate and a thermoelement having a reference contact and a measuring contact, the substrate having a main substrate plane), the thermoelement having a first material between the reference contact and the measuring contact and a second material between the measuring contact and a further reference contact, either the first material being situated over the second material or the second material being situated over the first material between the reference contact and the measuring contact in a direction perpendicular to the main substrate plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Holger Hoefer, Axel Grosse
  • Publication number: 20090158954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-protection system (1) comprising at least one launching device (4) for initiating appropriate countermeasures against the threat, which comprises a sensor system (3) in the form of at least one sniper location detector or the like for detecting as well as locating a tank cover or rear cover position (6). A detection as well as a locating of the threat posed by the presence of a tank cover or rear cover position (6) ensues even before a shot is fired or before the threat. To this end, the launching device (4) is armed with pyrotechnic munitions (7), as a priority, irritation bodies or munition being integrated that, when fired, immediately produce an intense flash and/or smoke/fog (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Norbert Wardecki, Steffen Speer
  • Patent number: 7549792
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Michael E. Bisch, Joseph T. Gierer
  • Patent number: 7550725
    Abstract: Hand held infrared measurement devices are disclosed, having at least two separated laser sighting emitters (2), which together mark and define a sighting area on a target surface (7,7?,7?). In an embodiment of the invention, separate lasers (2) are provided which each produce a beam (6) used to illuminate a respective separate optical beam directing element (4), mounted between each laser emitter and the target surface (7,7?,7?). The element may be, for example, any of the optical glass fibers, a prism, or a lens, such as a diffraction beam splitter lens, or a refractive lens, each element directing laser light onto the target surface to produce a visually perceptible target marking. The element is preferably made of optical material such as glass or plastic (e.g., methyl methacrylate). Separate laser emitters permit greater brightness displayed on the target within safe operation limits than use of a single laser alone, even with a beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: White Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Barnard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Publication number: 20090147821
    Abstract: A method and device are described for controlling and/or attenuating aiming laser beam brightness in a hand held radiometer. The beam from the laser is directed at a target measurement surface and a transversely movable element member is interposed between the laser and the target to change the beam brightness on the target. In a preferred device a slidable or rotatable element intercepts the beam between the laser and target and a calibrated opening in the element of selected size and/or shape allows part of the beam to pass through the element to provide a safe brightness at the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Milton Bernard Hollander
  • Patent number: 7537381
    Abstract: A radiometer includes a sighting system which generates an image of an area on the surface of an object onto the IR detector. The distance between the object surface and the radiometer is measured by a rangefinder, controlled by the radiometer. From the distance one can calculate the size of the energy zone on the surface, as materialized on a radiometer sighting system display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: White Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Milton Bernard Hollander, Shahin Baghai
  • Patent number: 7537378
    Abstract: A wire disconnection inspecting device includes a vehicle position recognition unit for detecting that a vehicle has reached an inspection position; a preparation timing recognition unit for detecting that a step preceding by one is reached; a terminal for transmitting an operation signal to an ECU so as to make an electrical connection to a heating conductor; an infrared camera for imaging a rear shield of the vehicle; and a main processing unit for acquiring thermal image data from the infrared camera and inspecting disconnection of the heating conductor. The main processing unit recognizes that the vehicle has reached a step preceding by one according to the preparation timing recognition unit and makes electrical connection to the heating conductor via the terminal. The main processing unit acquires the image data from the infrared camera when the vehicle has reached the inspection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Keita Sekine, Kazuyuki Fukamachi, Katsumi Takeishi, John Cheek