With Other Measuring Device Patents (Class 374/142)
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Patent number: 6189367Abstract: Provided is a mass and heat flow measurement apparatus comprising sample and reference microresonators, such as sample and reference quartz crystal microbalances; sample and reference heat flow sensors, such as sample and reference isothermal heat conduction calorimeters; and sample and reference heat sinks coupled thermally to the heat flow sensors. The apparatus may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample on a surface of the sample microresonator and also to measure heat flows from the sample on the surface of the sample microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensors, which are coupled thermally to the corresponding sample or reference microresonators. Also provided is a method for measuring the mass of a sample and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventors: Allan L. Smith, Ingemar Wadso
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Patent number: 6126313Abstract: A dual display temperature/pressure gauge (10) for a container (8) of compressed liquefied gas includes a planar strip of material having a display side (12) which is visible when the strip is placed in contact with a container (8) of compressed liquefied gas; a temperature display region (14) on the display side (12) which includes a first set of numerals representing a range of measured temperature readings; a pressure display region (16) on the display side (12) which includes a second set of numerals representing a range of internal vapor pressure readings calculated to correspond to the the temperature numerals; and thermochromic liquid crystal means for displaying the appropriate numerals corresponding to the measured temperature and calculated internal vapor pressure within the container. The gauge is useful for many gases, such as nitrous oxide.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Robert Schiller
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Patent number: 6125692Abstract: A density sensor for monitoring a rate of leakage from the case of electrical switchgear filled with dielectric gas under pressure, the sensor comprising a fixing support mounted from the outside in the thickness of the case and communicating with the dielectric gas. A radiator is placed around the fixing support of the density sensor, thereby enabling a measurement artifact that is due to the exposure of the case and of the sensor to solar radiation to be transformed in such a manner that any risk of untimely crossing of a low density threshold is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: GEC Alsthom T & D SAInventor: Jean Marmonier
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Patent number: 6122678Abstract: A multifunction sensor device which provides various transducer functions including means for performing temperature sensing, ambient light sensing, motion detection, switching functions and a means to put the device in an on, off or auto mode. The device has utility in environments such as that found in offices, schools, homes, industrial plants or any other type of automated facility in which sensors are utilized for energy monitoring and control, end user convenience or HVAC control. Key elements of the invention include overcoming the difficulty of mounting diverse sensors or transducers within the same device or housing; permitting these various sensors to exist in a single package that can be mounted to a wall in a substantially flush manner; and eliminating the requirement of an air flow channel in the device, thus minimizing any adverse effects on the motion detecting element or sensor as well as providing built in partial hysteresis.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: David P. Eckel, Gaetano Bonasia, James A. Porter
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Patent number: 6106151Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arranged in a casing which is partly filled with a fluid (2) and which comprises a rotatable shaft (3) situated in the casing (1), where the sensor comprises a revolution counter sensor (6) for measuring the speed of revolution of the shaft (3) and on the other hand a temperature sensor (7) for measuring the temperature of the fluid (2). The revolution counter sensor (6) and the temperature sensor (7) form a unit which is situated in the casing (1) and above the surface of the fluid (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Stig-Erik Johannesson
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Patent number: 6106149Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor, such as an isothermal heat conduction calorimeter; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The microresonator may be used to measure changes of mass due to a sample at its surface, and heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator, may be used to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator to the heat sink. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Allan L. SmithInventor: Allan L. Smith
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Patent number: 6090050Abstract: A thermometric apparatus useful for recording temperatures, after sensing contact with, or proximity to, a dermal surface is disclosed. The apparatus also provides various visual and aural mechanisms for indicating alarm conditions to the user. A method for thermometric diagnosis using temperatures acquired from bilateral dermal surfaces is also disclosed. The apparatus and method are especially useful in the early diagnosis of plantar foot surface pre-ulceration conditions which may be present in diabetic persons.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Salix Medical, Inc.Inventor: George P. Constantinides
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Patent number: 6086251Abstract: A process for operating a thermocouple (2), which is arranged in a gas atmosphere and is maintained at a working temperature that is increased compared with the gas temperature by means of an a.c. power source (11). The determination of the thermal power introduced into the gas atmosphere and the temperature measurement are made possible with one measuring element. The thermocouple voltage is compared with a predetermined reference voltage U.sub.B arising from the working temperature of the thermocouple, a difference signal is formed between the thermocouple voltage and the reference voltage U.sub.B, and the a.c. power source (11)is influenced with the difference signal such that the thermocouple voltage is maintained at a constant value relative to the reference voltage U.sub.B.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Drager Medizintechnik GmbHInventor: Hartmut Stark
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Patent number: 6082894Abstract: A temperature and passive infrared sensor module in which a temperature sensor is mounted so as to not be adversely affected by heat generating electrical components of the sensor module. One embodiment comprises a wallswitch-mounted unit which is designed to be mounted in a wallswitch electrical outlet box with a semi-cylindrical front of the sensor projecting forwardly therefrom. A top section of the projecting semi-cylindrical front has a front curved window, behind which a passive infrared sensor and an ambient light sensor are positioned. A bottom section of the projecting semi-cylindrical front is formed by a removable clip-in door which is provided with air flow vents in a bottom surface and also in projecting front and side surfaces thereof to provide a circulating air flow around a temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Thomas J. Batko, John R. Baldwin
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Patent number: 6065867Abstract: A method for measuring temperature and electrolyte level of a molten electrolysis bath in a cell for production of aluminum by electrolysis of alumina includes the steps of: (a) piercing the crust of a solidified bath with a crust breaker and immersing into the electrolyte, an extremity of a temperature probe to a sufficient depth until an initial temperature reading of at least 850.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Aluminium PechineyInventors: Benoit Sulmont, Pierre Homsi, Olivier Granacher
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Patent number: 6062728Abstract: An oven analyzer for profiling a conveyor oven is disclosed that accurately and precisely determines the physical characteristics of an oven and stores such information so that it can be outputted to a computer for analysis. In one embodiment, the oven analyzer includes a pallet that moves through the conveyor oven. The pallet houses an electronic data logger that is coupled to multiple sensors. The electronic data logger has memory for storing information obtained from the sensors. A first sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature within the oven. A second sensor is mounted within a metal mass of known thermal characteristics and detects the ovens ability to heat an object. A third sensor detects the position of the pallet within the oven. The electronic data logger stores the data received from the sensors in the memory for selective output to a computer for analysis or printing.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Electronic Controls Design, Inc.Inventors: Rex L. Breunsbach, Paul M. Austen
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Patent number: 6056436Abstract: Cascaded waveguide sensors with different sensitivities to temperature and strain produce independent temperature and strain measurements. In one embodiment a first sensor is formed of a first optical material having a corresponding first sensible thermomechanical response and a second sensor is formed of a second optical material having a corresponding second sensible thermomechanical response. The first and second thermomechanical responses are sufficiently different so as to produce independent temperature and strain measurements. Particular embodiments employ intrinsic or extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers (IFP, EFP),sensors, in-line fiber etalon (ILFE) sensor and a fiber-optic Bragg grating.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: James S. Sirkis, Harmeet Singh
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Patent number: 6036360Abstract: A mirror is moved in parallel to a print card to reflect the infrared radiated from the print card. The reflected infrared is detected by a detector such as an infrared camera though a wind rectifying plate which can permeate the infrared but interrupts the air stream between the inside and outside of a card rack. The signal corresponding to the detected infrared is processed by a personal computer to measure the temperature distribution.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junji Takata, Shinichi Saikawa
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Patent number: 6030116Abstract: A system capable of measuring the heat and moisture transfer characteristics of thin materials such as clothing materials and the like simultaneously and accurately so as to obtain data for evaluating the suitableness of such material, for clothing. The sample 50 is set to partition the spaces 56 and 57, then the first and second types of air 1 and 2 which have been adjusted to the desired temperature and humidity flow into the temperature and humidity variation measurement section 53 in the desired amounts, respectively. The airs 1 and 2 are brought into contact with the temperature sensor 58 and the humidity sensor 59 at the inlet and outlet port of the section 53. An exchange of heat and moisture takes place between the air 1 and the air 2 through the sample 50. By measuring the temperature and humidity of the airs 1 and 2 at the inlet and outlet ports of the section 53, it is possible to understand the heat and moisture transfer characteristics of the sample 50.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yuichi Yanai, Mitsuo Sobajima, Tomiko Shiji
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Patent number: 6022139Abstract: In the oil temperature detecting method, an oil temperature sensor detects the temperature of oil in an automatic transmission. A controller receives the detected temperature and signals indicating a first and second potential. The first potential represents the ground potential of the automatic transmission, and the second potential represents the ground potential of a body of the vehicle. Based on the first and second potentials and the sensed oil temperature, the controller controls an operation of the automatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sunghong Kil
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Patent number: 5980105Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for optically measuring the temperatures of cryogenic fluids or of moving surfaces in such fluids by analyzing the decay in the luminescence of a doped crystal, the device comprising a light source for exciting said crystal, an optical fiber for transporting the light flux emitted by said source to the crystal and for returning to a detection assembly the luminescent light emitted by the crystal as a result, and a measurement probe past which the fluid or the moving surface moves, wherein the doped crystal is constituted by one of the crystals from the group comprising strontium fluoride doped with divalent ytterbium, SrF.sub.2 :Yb.sup.2+ ; and calcium fluoride doped with divalent ytterbium, CaF.sub.2 :Yb.sup.2+.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1995Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Societe Europeenne de PropulsionInventors: Jacky Y. Rouhet, Gilbert M. Tribillon, Stephane F. Bertrand, Georges Boulon
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Patent number: 5975757Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a topographical and thermal image of a semiconductor device. A probe (10) is made from a first ribbon of material (11) and a second ribbon of material (12) which forms a thermocouple junction (13). A probe tip (15) is then attached to the thermocouple junction (13) with an epoxy (14). In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a probe (20) has a point region (17) which is formed by bending a portion of the thermocouple junction (13) and coating the point region (17) is coated with a thermally conductive material. An optical signal is then reflected off a planar portion of the first ribbon of material (11), the second ribbon of material (12), or the thermocouple junction (13) so the motion of the probe (10,20) can be monitored by an optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Theresa J. Hopson, Ronald N. Legge
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Patent number: 5969238Abstract: A microprobe for thermoelectric microscopic measurements comprises a probe body (11), which consists of a doped or intrinsically conductive semiconductor material and has at least one thermoelectric contact surface (19). The probe body (11) can carry a metal or semiconductor layer (17), which is separated from the probe body (11) by an insulating layer (16) except in the area of the thermoelectric contact surface (19). A process for the production of a microprobe for thermoelectric microscopic measurements is also given.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschraft Zur foerderung der Wissenschaften E.V.Inventor: Robert Fischer
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Patent number: 5895117Abstract: A process correctly senses an outside temperature. In the case of vehicles, outside temperature sensors are conventionally provided which falsify measuring results due to environmental and outside influences. For example, the engine temperature heats the temperature sensor to a different degree according to the driving speed, the driving situation and condition or, shortly after the switch-off. The process correctly senses an outside temperature, by which a signal can be formed which corresponds to the actual value of the outside temperature. The outside temperature is sensed by a temperature sensor arranged in a vehicle. A corresponding temperature signal is generated. The vehicle operating and/or vehicle condition requirements are sensed. Correction values are determined as a function of the vehicle operating and/or vehicle condition requirements. Finally, the temperature signal emitted by the temperature sensor is changed corresponding to these correction values.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Wuertenberger
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Patent number: 5893051Abstract: Data of physical property values of a material to be cooked and thermal conduction operation procedures are stored, and data of the material and heating data are input, so that a heating output of a particular part of the material may be calculated based on a distance between the particular part of the material and a predetermined reference point. A temperature rise value per unit time of the particular part of the material is obtained from the input data of the material and the heating output. A thermal conduction operation is carried out in accordance with the stored operation procedures with the use of the temperature rise value.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruhiko Tomohiro
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Patent number: 5880584Abstract: A revolution-speed/temperature hybrid sensor includes a hybrid sensor unit which has a five-input-three-output convertor and outputs a revolution-speed/temperature hybrid signal, and a revolution-speed/temperature detector for separating the revolution-speed/temperature hybrid signal. The five-input-three-output convertor has an adder for adding the revolution speed signal of pulse waveform and temperature signal of analog form so as to generate a revolution-speed/temperature hybrid signal. By virtue of the five-input-three-output convertor, the revolution-speed/temperature hybrid sensor requires a smaller number of harnesses and is downsized compared to a conventional arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Arai, Hiroyuki Kuki, Hideo Seki
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Patent number: 5877688Abstract: A thermal object detecting method and apparatus. According to the method and apparatus, a thermal image of a measuring space is obtained by a two-dimensional thermal image detecting device. Then, position information of an object in the measuring space is obtained by an object distance detecting device, which determines a distance between the apparatus and the object. The output of the two-dimensional thermal image detecting device can be corrected using the distance data from the object distance detecting device.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuya Morinaka, Nobuyuki Yoshiike, Kazuhiko Hashimoto, Tetsuya Kawai
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Patent number: 5860740Abstract: A thermometer is provided with a ROM, in which a program for controlling a CPU and plural predetermined emissivity data are memorized, and is further provided with a RAM having plural registers, in which plural emissivity data are entered and memorized. One of these memorized emissivity data is selected and used for measuring a temperature of an object. The selected emissivity data and an output of a temperature sensor are amplified by an amplifier, and are supplied to an A/D convertor to obtain digital data. The CPU processes the digital data to obtain temperature data, and displays the obtained temperature data. With this structure of the thermometer, emissivity data can be set with a simple operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1995Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mikako Fujima
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Patent number: 5837944Abstract: A new Beverage Measuring System for simultaneously measuring and displaying the temperature and the amount of beverage remaining within a conventional beverage keg thereby eliminating guessing how much beverage remains in said beverage keg. The inventive device includes an electronic scale where a beverage keg is positioned on the cornice of said electronic scale, a beverage thermometer connected within the beverage dispensing hose or the scale, and a digital display electronically connected to said electronic scale and the beverage thermometer thereby displaying the temperature of the beverage and the number of servings of beverage remaining within the beverage keg.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventor: Michael R. Herot
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Patent number: 5829878Abstract: A digital fever thermometer includes a backlit LCD display, which may act as a non-audible annunciator indicating that a stable temperature has been achieved. The digital fever thermometer includes a photo detector and a single mode-select switch to determine when the backlight should be enabled. When the backlight is enabled, the thermometer activates the backlight, indicating that a temperature reading is complete.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Micro Idea Instruments, Ltd.Inventors: John Weiss, Donald S. Malin
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Patent number: 5829877Abstract: A measuring technique and method are provided to simultaneously determine the molecular density of several molecular species and the temperature within a closed process room in a melting or combustion process. In such processes in the industry, e.g. in metallurgic process industry, it is important to determine the temperature and the contents within the gas or flame without physically connect to or disturb the process. This has shown to raise large problems especially at high temperatures. The radio signal over a frequency band is measured on the outside of the process room through a window in the mantel covering as a function of frequency and registered on a computer as a radio spectrum. The system is calibrated by using a known signal transmitted through the process room. The spectral lines are identified by their frequency from a database. The temperature is determined from several lines of the same molecular specie and the molecular densities are determined from the intensities of the lines.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Lars B. B.ang..ang.th
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Patent number: 5813767Abstract: A system for monitoring combustion and pollutants developed in a combustion chamber comprising at least one longitudinal single mode laser diode emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation with a frequency modulated around the resonance frequency of a specific spectral absorption line of a component of the combustion gases, means for directing the beam into the combustion chamber along a path through the combustion gases to a radiation sensor and processing means connected to the sensor in order to identify the temperature of the combustion gases and the concentration of the component with the specific absorption line by the measurement of the intensity of radiation transmitted at various frequencies in a region surrounding the resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A. Azienda AnsaldoInventors: Bruno Calabro', Luis Frontini, Francesco Repetto
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Patent number: 5810477Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping the character and location of medium conditions for a planar surface. Energy is supplied to a head in close proximity to the planar surface to thereby raise the temperature of the object. The head is moved with respect to the planar surface while keeping the distance from the planar surface substantially constant. An increase, decrease or a rapid variation containing positive and negative temperature excursions is distinguished by electronic means. These variations are used to categorize disturbances or contact with the medium, and the location and type of condition is recorded in hard copy or by computer acquisition for later consideration in the file manufacture process. Additionally, magnetic and thermal information may be combined to provide an even more complete description of the nature of the condition, since the magnetic and thermal signals are descriptive of different physical phenomenon.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: David William Abraham, Timothy Joseph Chainer
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Patent number: 5803608Abstract: A method for generating a signal (TAn) responsive to the induction air temperature of an internal combustion engine. The signal (TAn) for the induction air temperature is determined from a signal (TMot) for the temperature of the internal combustion engine, from a signal (TU) for the ambient temperature, and from a correction factor K. Correction factor K is a function of a signal (mL) and/or a vehicular speed signal (v), signal (mL) representing either the induction air quantity or the air mass of the internal combustion engine. To enable the most accurate possible simulation of induction air temperature, even under changing operating conditions, the signal (TAn) for the induction air temperature is filtered, it being possible to variably select the time constant (ZK) of the filter in response to rising and falling induction air temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Randoll, Andreas Roth
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Patent number: 5797682Abstract: A system (10) for simultaneously measuring temperature and CO, CO.sub.2 and HC gas content of vehicle (11) exhaust detects and analyzes a beam of infrared electromagnetic radiation (21) projected through a plume (13) of vehicle exhaust to assess the concentration of CO, CO.sub.2, and HC in the vehicle exhaust and detects and analyzes infrared electromagnetic radiation (15) emitted by the plume (13) to assess the temperature of the plume (13) and, consequently, whether the vehicle's (11) catalytic converter is operating in the cold or hot mode. Essentially simultaneous measurement is taken by intermittently interrupting the beam (21) of projected infrared electromagnetic radiation and detecting and analyzing the emitted infrared radiation (15) during the intervals of interruption when the beam (21) is not projected through the plume (13). Intermittent projection of the beam (21) is accomplished by insertion of a chopper wheel (22) between an infrared beam projector (20) and the plume (13).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Envirotest Systems Corp.Inventors: John Kert, Robert Stephens, Michael D. Jack
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Patent number: 5795065Abstract: A temperature-time-pressure detecting device for a closed heat treatment zone consists of a sealed discoidal-shaped capsule of substantially transparent material adapted for placement within the zone in a generally vertical position. The capsule is formed of two opposed preferably symmetrical circular shell walls sealed around their common rim and defining therebetween a central core region containing a shaped mass of a fusible indicating material having a defined melting point at least as high as the temperature to be detected. The central core region is surrounded by an inner and an outer annular chamber which are concentric with the core region and with one another.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: William L. Barham
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Patent number: 5792951Abstract: A measurement system including a plurality of self calibrating probes. Each probe has a sensor for providing a signal related to a physical parameter to be measured, and a connector for interfacing the sensor with a monitor. The connector includes a memory device for storing calibration data unique to the sensor. A cable interconnects the sensor with the connector. The monitor of the system includes a microprocessor for polling the storage device on the probe to extract the calibration data, and a software routine which converts the signal provided by the sensor into a calibrated signal and applies the extracted calibration data to the signal provided by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Cambridge AccuSense, Inc.Inventors: Raouf A. Ismail, Rajesh M. Nair
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Patent number: 5788925Abstract: The invention is a system and method for real-time monitoring and control of sterilization cycle parameters within a load-simulation device that simulates the same conditions as those within an acceptable standard challenge load to be sterilized. Integration of the device into the sterilizer control system allows critical sterilization parameter levels to be achieved and maintained within the simulated load throughout a sterilization cycle, thus resulting in a significant reduction in the number of unsuccessful cycles. A redundant parameter-monitoring system within the device is included. When acceptable sterilization parameter levels are shown to have been met, the sterile load is automatically released for use immediately upon completion of the cycle, thus eliminating the need for biological indicators and chemical integrators.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Steris CorporationInventors: Sanjeeth M. Pai, Peter E. Zell
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Patent number: 5772325Abstract: A probe (10) is formed to provide a topographical and thermal image of a semiconductor device. The probe (10) is made from a first ribbon of material (11) and a second ribbon of material (12) which forms a thermocouple junction (13). A probe tip (15) is then attached to the thermocouple junction (13) with an epoxy (14). In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a probe (20) has a point region (17) which is formed by bending a portion of the thermocouple junction (13) and coating the point region (17) is coated with a thermally conductive material. An optical signal is then reflected off a planar portion of the first ribbon of material (11), the second ribbon of material (12), or the thermocouple junction (13) so the motion of the probe (10,20) can be monitored by an optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Theresa J. Hopson, Ronald N. Legge
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Patent number: 5772326Abstract: A temperature and passive infrared sensor module comprising a sensor module housing having air flow vents therein in top and bottom or side surfaces to allow air to circulate through the sensor module housing. A temperature sensor is mounted in the sensor module housing in a position which is exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing. A passive infrared sensor is also mounted in the sensor module housing in a manner in which it is not exposed to air circulating through the sensor module housing, such that it is not adversely affected thereby. In one embodiment, a foam block is positioned around to encase and isolate the passive infrared detector. In several embodiments, the passive infrared sensor and temperature sensor are mounted on opposite sides of the printed circuit board such that air circulates around the temperature sensor only on one side of the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Thomas J. Batko, David P. Eckel
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Patent number: 5758970Abstract: Two electrical wires are connected to the surface of an electrically conductive solid body at two measurement points located on either side of a crack in the surface of the body. The two wires form a thermoelectric couple. A constant DC current is applied to the body. The two wires are connected to a device for measuring the extent of the crack and another device for measuring the temperature of the crack. By measuring the potential difference during application and interruption of the DC electric current to the body, it is possible to simultaneously obtain a measurement of the extent of the crack and a measurement of the temperature of the crack.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma"Inventor: Jean-Pierre Aubert
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Patent number: 5737243Abstract: A method for displaying the outside temperature within a motor vehicle in which measured values of the outside temperature are displayed with a greater time delay in the case of increasing temperature on an outside-temperature sensor than in the case of a decreasing temperature. In order to suppress erroneous display of the outside temperature, the time delay is varied as a function of the temperature of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AGInventor: Werner Wallrafen
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Patent number: 5713667Abstract: A diode is formed at the tip of a pointed portion of a probe of a scanning probe microscope. When the diode is forward biased, the current through the diode varies with the temperature of the diode. The magnitude of the current is an indication of the temperature of the tip of the probe. If the tip is scanned over a surface, a thermal map of the surface can be made and hot spots on the surface located. In some embodiments, the pointed portion of the probe is made of a semiconductor material (for example, silicon). A layer of a metal (for example, platinum) is made to contact the semiconductor material of the pointed portion only at the tip of the pointed portion, thereby forming a very small temperature sensing Schottky diode at the tip of the pointed portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Roger Alvis, Andrew N. Erickson, Ayesha R. Raheem Kizchery, Jeremias D. Romero, Bryan M. Tracy
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Patent number: 5700089Abstract: In an electrical resistive-load battery testing system, apparatus and methods disclosed for independently monitoring and reacting to both the temperature of the load and the power actually consumed by the load. The signals derived by the temperature and power monitoring aspects of the invention may be used for any useful purpose including visual and/or audible indicators to alert an operator that the system has exceeded predetermined operating levels. The load may be of a carbon-pile construction, though other loading arrangements are possible. The load-temperature monitoring aspect to the invention includes an optical sensor supported to receive thermal radiation from the load, and output an electrical signal representative of the level of radiation emitted by the load. Means connected to receive the electrical signal from the optical sensor are further provided to perform an operational function if the level of radiation emitted by the load exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Ferret Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Donald C. McKinnon
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Patent number: 5681110Abstract: A water monitoring device including a substantially transparent, buoyant housing which floats in the water. A water temperature transducer provides a voltage proportional to the water's temperature. A processor processes the voltage into a primary digital signal, and a driver drives a digital display according to the primary digital signal. The display is disposed within the housing and displays the temperature such that it can be read through the housing. The display is translucent so that it can be illuminated from its back side. The lower portion of the housing is structured to refract underwater light from outside the housing onto the back of the display. A rechargeable battery powers the device, and a solar panel recharges the battery. The upper portion of the housing is structured to refract light from outside the housing onto the solar panel. A control module controls the rate of recharging of the battery so that the battery's temperature remains within a preferred range.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1995Date of Patent: October 28, 1997Inventor: Alessandro Burzacchi
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Patent number: 5669635Abstract: A loose-leaf binder stiffener, which has a body (20) with an integral U-shaped channel portion (28) that grips the upper edge of a binder for holding it in an open and flat position. The channel portion includes an upper leg (32) with a wedge shaped end (36) that is forced between the binders spine (22) and ring holding rigid strip (38). A C-shaped portion (56) of the body (20) holds and stores pens or pencils and a raised upright member (60) adds stiffness. Three embodiments of the upright member (60) include a card holder (62), a beam (68), and a second C-shaped member (56').Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventors: Ronald A. Wilson, Robert V. Tucker
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Patent number: 5634718Abstract: A detector of X-ray and the like in which very good resolution of energy can be obtained. The device is based on two basic components. The first is the x-ray absorber in which an x-ray interacts with a film and converts its energy into heat. Because the absorber is operated at cryogenic temperatures, approximately the range of 0.01 Kelvin to 1 Kelvin, its heat capacity is small and causes a measurable temperature rise. The second component of the invention is a base layer of normal metal which absorbs the heat generated by the x-ray. The third component of the invention is the method to detect the temperature rise. This thermometer is based on a normal metal-insulator-superconductor tunnel junction, where part of the base layer is the normal metal. When the tunnel junction is electrically biased at a voltage slightly below the gap voltage of the superconductor, the electrical current that flows through the junction is sensitively dependent on the temperature of the normal metal.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of CommerceInventors: John Martinis, Michael Nahum, Steve Castles
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Patent number: 5611624Abstract: A method wherein (a) a voltage to be measured (U.sub.e) is amplified with a gain proportional to the ratio between the reference voltage (V.sub.ref) of an analogue-to-digital converter (3) and the extent of the voltage range; (b) the reference voltage (V.sub.ref) is amplified with a gain proportional to the ratio between the lower terminal (U.sub.1) of the voltage range and the extent of the voltage range; and (c) the analogue input of the converter (3) is supplied with the resulting amplified voltage difference. The method is useful for measuring a temperature by means of a thermocouple and measuring the temperature of an oxygen sensor in a motor vehicle exhaust line.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jean-Marc Tornare
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Patent number: 5564830Abstract: The invention describes a procedure and an arrangement for measurement of temperature and thickness of layer during a deposition or coating process. As coating or depositing processes known technologies of semi-conductor manufacturing arrangements, plasma devices, ion devices, and other dry-etching arrangements may be used. The invention can also be applied to the manufacture of optical coatings. As a consequence of interference of the thermal radiation of the substrate at the growing layer, the emissivity .epsilon. changes continuously during coating or depositing, therefore, a pyrometric measurement of temperature may not be applied. This basic problem is solved by the invention, which uses a reflectometer, which determines the reflectivity R of the wafer. According to the law of conservation of energy .epsilon.=1-R so that with said reflectometer the actual emissivity of the whole (multi-layer) system may be determined. The measurement of temperature then is effected by means of a determination equation.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Inventors: Friedrich Bobel, Norbert Bauer
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Patent number: 5551780Abstract: A method for determining characteristic features of processes forming radicals by sensing the temperature and/or the concentration of radicals with detectors in zones that are monitored by at least 2 detectors.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: RWE EntsorgungInventors: Franz Wintrich, Dieter Kaiser, Holger Eisenloher, Kurt-Henry Mindermann
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Patent number: 5511415Abstract: A gas flow temperature probe includes a sensor device for sensing the ambient gas cooling rate and temperature; a prenormalizer circuit responsive to and remote from the sensor device for detecting gas cooling rate and temperature signals from the sensor device and for providing calibration data unique to the probe for normalizing the detected gas cooling rate and temperature to generate a normalized gas flow and temperature sensed by the probe; and an elongated flexible cable interconnecting the sensor device and the prenormalizer circuit for transmitting the ambient gas cooling rate and temperature signals from the sensor device to the prenormalizer circuit; a gas flow temperature monitor circuit includes a multiplexer circuit for real time sampling of a number of probes; a scheduler circuit for defining the sampling rate; and a normalizer circuit for combining the gas cooling rate and temperature signals and the calibration data from the prenormalizer circuit for each probe and generating normalized gas flType: GrantFiled: January 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Cambridge Aeroflow, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh M. Nair, Vivek Mansingh, Raouf A. Ismail
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Patent number: 5484205Abstract: A temperature indicator has a substrate (1) comprising several distinct juxtaposed zones (I to VIII), each being covered by a first thermosensitive material (A) and at least one second thermosensitive material (B, C) each of which reacts within a predetermined temperature range which is different for each zone but of constant scope. There is no overlapping of the temperature ranges of each material is within each zone. Each of the thermosensitive materials (A,B,C) has a portion of its range of reaction temperatures in common with a portion of the temperature range of one of the materials (A,B,C) of an adjacent zone. This overlapping is lower by one step in each of the temperature ranges. With three thermosensitive materials per zone, 24 sensing elements are available, which enables obtaining 18 times a single non-active sensor, namely 18 temperatures at the step resolution. The temperature is read at the side of the non-active zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Asulab S.A.Inventors: Joachim Grupp, Jean-Charles Poli
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Patent number: 5447248Abstract: The instant invention provides a liquid container that may be configured as an insulated container or vacuum flask. The liquid container may indicate the temperature and remaining amount of liquid within the container. The liquid container may include a housing surrounding a beverage compartment in fluid communication with a transparent tube. A float may be retained within the transparent tube by stop elements located at the top and bottom of the tube. A graduated scale may be located on the exterior of the housing and associated with the float to indicate a liquid level within the beverage chamber. The float may be configured as a temperature-sensitive spherical element that indicates the temperature of the remaining beverage in the container. A cholesteric liquid crystal deposit, luminescent or fluorescent material that changes color or emits light in the range of 60.degree. to 212.degree. for a beverage such as hot coffee.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Inventors: Kimberly J. Rodriguez, Jimmy Rodriguez
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Patent number: 5448173Abstract: With a view to enabling errors in the space potential to be automatically corrected by detecting a floating potential in each of a plurality of probes and to remove the errors in measurement based on the corrected space potential to thereby realize the accurate measurement of the space potential, there is provided a triple-probe plasma measuring apparatus, which comprises: a circuit for measuring electron temperature and electron density of a plasma with use of triple probes; a circuit for detecting and holding a floating potential difference; a differential voltage adding circuit; a fixed voltage source; and a change-over switch, the apparatus being capable of determining a difference in the floating potentials at the position of said probes, and superimposing the potential difference determined on the fixed voltage.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignees: Nihon Kosyuha Kabushiki Kaisha, Nichimen Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kibatsu Shinohara, Tsuku Umezawa
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Patent number: 5445453Abstract: A method for airborne surveying is disclosed to acquire, process and calculate the apparent thermal inertia of earth surface materials during flight and by post-flight processing. Two separate airborne surveys are conducted during a diurnal solar cycle to determine the maximum and the minimum radiant temperatures of the earth surface materials. The albedo of the earth material is determined and is used to calculate the apparent thermal inertia of the earth surface materials. Spatial rectification of the two surveys is accomplished by use of differential global positioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: Texaco Inc.Inventor: Alfredo E. Prelat