With Electrical Component (e.g., Transformer) Patents (Class 374/152)
  • Publication number: 20080151964
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for diagnosing temperature sensor operation in an exhaust aftertreatment system. Temperature signals from first, second and third temperature sensors and a flow signal are received by a control circuit. The three temperature sensors are positioned in fluid communication with an exhaust flow path fluidly coupled to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, and the flow signal represents the flow rate of exhaust gas through the exhaust flow path. The control circuit determines average temperature differentials between each of the first, second and third temperature sensors as functions of the flow signal and corresponding ones of the first, second and third temperature signals, and produces a diagnostic fail signal if any of the differences between the average temperature differentials exceed a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Eric L. Hagen, Jaideep Prasad
  • Publication number: 20080145729
    Abstract: A system and method for determining whether a fuel cell stack is overheating. The system measures the temperature of end cells in the stack using end cell temperature sensors, and calculates an average end cell temperature based on the end cell temperature measurements. The system also measures the temperature of a cooling fluid being output from the fuel cell stack. The system determines if any of the measured end cell temperatures are outlying by comparing each end cell temperature measurement to the average. The system determines that the cooling fluid outlet temperature sensor has possibly failed if the cooling fluid outlet temperature is greater than the average end cell temperature and the cooling fluid outlet temperature minus the average end cell temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdullah B. Alp, David A. Arthur
  • Patent number: 7377689
    Abstract: According to one embodiment an apparatus to monitor the temperature of a transformer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fiber optic cable having a temperature sensing probe on one end embedded in windings of a transformer. An optical converter transmits light to the probe and receives light from the probe, and converts the light received to an electrical signal. The light received back from the probe is controlled by temperature of the probe. Monitors are used to monitor different parameters of the transformer. A controller generates a simulated winding temperature based on data received from the monitors and converts the electrical signal to a direct winding temperature. The controller analyzes the operation of the transformer by comparing the direct winding temperature to the simulated winding temperature. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Qualitrol Corporation
    Inventor: Todd-Michael Balan
  • Patent number: 7369057
    Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Twerdochlib, David Bateman
  • Publication number: 20080103724
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems associated with and/or having components capable of, detecting a temperature of an integrated circuit in real time during testing are disclosed herein. In exemplary embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a register to store a temperature limit for the integrated circuit; a temperature sensor formed on the integrated circuit to sense a temperature of the integrated circuit, and output a signal indicative of the temperature sensed, based at least in part on the temperature sensed; and testing logic coupled to the register and the temperature sensor to record a temperature violation if at any time during a testing mode of operation the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor violates the stored temperature limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Mo S. Bashir, Arun Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 7362550
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric motor comprising a temperature monitoring device which is provided with at least two temperature sensors that have different temperature characteristics and are connected to terminal clamps by means of electrical wires, whereby it is possible in an advantageous manner to connect regulating devices having different temperature sensor input characteristics to the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Rexroth Indramat GmbH
    Inventors: Ingolf Groening, Bernd Schnurr
  • Patent number: 7357571
    Abstract: An infrared inspection and reporting process and system obtains inspection data on site via a portable computer. An actual temperature of a component derived from an infrared image and a temperature delta between the temperature of the component and the maximum temperature for the component is calculated to determine if there is a problem. A criticality level is assigned for each problem component from a plurality of criticality levels each having a predetermined range for the temperature delta. The criticality level provides an accurate and consistent assessment of component conditions. The inspection data is up linked to a home server from the portable computer and is made available to the customer via an interactive, on-line web application. The customer can interact with the inspection dating including an interactive prediction of energy savings if the problem component is repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Predictive Service, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Frankel, Joseph Cobb, Shawn Goertzen
  • Patent number: 7356426
    Abstract: A thermal management system is described which may be implemented on a semiconductor die. The system may include a thermal sensor thermally coupled to the die to sense the temperature of the die and generate an output representing the sensed temperature, and an adjustable compensation circuit coupled to the thermal sensor to compensate the thermal sensor output. The adjustable compensation circuit may be applied to the thermal sensor or to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Jain, Animesh Mishra, Jun Shi, Pochang Hsu, David Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20080040067
    Abstract: Detecting, predicting, and diagnosing faults in a cooling system. According to one embodiment, a heat sink is in thermal contact with a heat-generating electronic component. When a temperature differential between the electronic component and the heat sink exceeds a set point, a fault signal is generated. The set point may be empirically or theoretically determined. The set point may be a static set point, or it may be a dynamic set point determined according to real-time operational parameters of the system. The system may be implemented with predictive failure analysis (PFA) to provide a more reliable, efficient, inexpensive, and robust computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Douglas Bashor, Henry Gaines McMillan, Challis Llewellyn Purrington, Michael Leo Scollard, Victor A. Stankevich
  • Publication number: 20080013596
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a breaker enclosure, a plurality of conductor connections, and a temperature sensor. The breaker enclosure contains internal components that include a trip unit. The plurality of conductor connections electrically couple the trip unit to a plurality of power conductors. The temperature sensor is located to sense heat radiated by the conductor connections and is positioned inside the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Dunne, Robert A. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20070183476
    Abstract: An electrical device for providing a visual alert to one of a neighbor and a home sitter that the temperature of the home has dropped below a predetermined temperature when a homeowner is absent. The device comprises a plug in unit for plugging into a standard three prong wall circuit. The plug in unit is designed to control three separate circuits. A solid state thermostat is disposed within the plug in unit, such thermostat having a preset temperature for activation. A switch is electrically connected to such thermostat for triggering a first circuit of such three separate circuits to turn off and for activating a second circuit and a third circuit of such three separate circuits when the temperature drops below the preset temperature. A lighted means is connected to the switch and the plug in unit for providing a visual alert when one of the temperature drops below the preset temperature or in an event of a power failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: William H. Marschner
  • Patent number: 7188997
    Abstract: Hot spots in power conductors are monitored by apparatus comprising a temperature probe embedded in an electrically insulative thermally conductive material in surface-to-surface contact with the power conductor, typically at a joint being monitored. The temperature probe is spaced from the power conductor by the electrically insulative thermally conductive material a distance sufficient to provide electrical isolation, while the material has sufficient thermal conductivity that the temperature probe is able to substantiate trends in temperature changes at the joint. The invention can be incorporated into existing electrically insulative supports for the power conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Tillman, Lawrence B. Farr, Robert Yanniello, Cathleen M. Clausen
  • Patent number: 7147367
    Abstract: A thermal interface composition undergoes a viscoelastic change at microprocessor operating temperatures to transfer heat generated by a heat source, such as a microprocessor to a heat sink. The composition includes a low melting alloy dispersed in a matrix. The matrix comprises a viscoelastic composition which softens at about the operating temperature of the heat source. The viscoelastic composition may include a thermoplastic elastomer, a compatible hydrocarbon oil, and a tackifying resin. In use, the thermal interface composition flows under pressure between the heat source and the heat sink to make thermal contact between the two. When the heat source is operated and reaches operating temperature, the viscoelastic composition softens and the low melting alloy melts at around the operating temperature to form a highly thermally conductive, generally homogeneous mixture which readily transfers heat to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Balian, Steven E. Bergerson, Gregg C. Currier
  • Patent number: 7131767
    Abstract: An electronic device includes at least one electronic component and a temperature sensor located adjacent the electronic component for sensing a temperature condition of the electronic component. A display is provided for electronically displaying the temperature condition sensed by the sensor. The electronic component, the sensor and the display are integrated with one another as a single, self-contained module. In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the electronic component includes at least one memory circuit for storing data therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: PNY Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Socci, Robert Wavra, Luis Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 7111983
    Abstract: A resistance temperature detector device and system are provided for measuring the temperature adjacent to windings within a stator assembly. The resistance temperature detector comprises a resistive element enclosed within a plurality of insulative layers, including insulation panels and adhesive. These surrounding insulation layers are sufficient to prevent partial discharge within any air gaps or low dielectric materials adjacent to the resistive element when the resistance temperature detector is disposed within a motor. A method for detecting temperatures between windings of an electrical machine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Hudson
  • Patent number: 7070324
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for system- and/or process-monitoring in connection with a measurement apparatus that determines/monitors at least one process parameter of a medium. The method and device enable statements to be made regarding the present and future functionality of a measurement apparatus, or individual components of the measurement apparatus. The temperature values (T) of the medium are ascertained directly or indirectly and a trend analysis regarding the thermal loading of the measurement apparatus or the thermal loading of individual components of the measurement apparatus is carried out on the basis of the ascertained temperature values (T) of the medium or on the basis of the derivatives of the ascertained temperature values of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Endress & Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventor: Thomas Budmiger
  • Patent number: 7033073
    Abstract: In order to determine the temperature in the winding region of an electric motor, especially linear motor, a measuring line made of uniform; electrically conductive material is integrated in a winding, preferably in sections between winding teeth. The measuring line may be configured as insulated double line which is short-circuited on one side. A change in the resistance value of the measuring line allows conclusion about a temperature change and is easy to ascertain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Hoppe
  • Patent number: 7021823
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement, in particular, for temperature measurement in an accumulator pack, with at least one cell (10) for storage of electrical energy, at least one cooling body (12) thermally connected with the cell (10) for cooling the cell (10), and at least one temperature sensor (14). The temperature sensor (14) is thermally connected with the cooling body (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Roepke, Rainer Glauning
  • Patent number: 7004622
    Abstract: A system for measuring a condition of a turbine engine component comprises an assemblage of at least a film comprising an electrically conducting material disposed on a film of an electrically non-conducting material, the assemblage being disposed on a surface of the turbine engine component without removing material from the turbine engine component to compensate for thickness of at least one of the films. The electrically non-conducting material has a thermal expansion coefficient such that each of the films remains adhered to adjacent films through at least one cycle of extreme operating temperature. In addition, communication links can be provided to transmit the measurement representing the condition of the turbine engine to a remote user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Canan Uslu Hardwicke, John William Devitt, Melvin Robert Jackson, Yuk-Chiu Lau
  • Patent number: 6998618
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flange-mounted condition monitor (30) that can be mounted to an access flange (21) on an access opening (20) on the housing (13) of a generator (10). The condition monitor (30) forms an integral part of the generator (10) and eliminates the need for complex systems of pipes and valves for transferring hydrogen samples from the generator (10) to the condition monitor (30). The flange-mounted condition monitor (30) provides greater sensitivity to overheat conditions, significantly reducing the risk of dangerous hydrogen leaks and eliminating costs associated with installing and maintaining a remote condition monitor and also reducing or eliminating the false alarms associated with water that collects in the piping of a remote condition monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 6991367
    Abstract: A circuit for determining temperature of an active semiconductor device disposed on a semiconductor substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The bridge has in each of four branches thereof a thermal sensitive device, one pair of such thermal sensitive devices being in thermal contact with an electrode of the active device. Another pair of such thermal sensitive devices is in thermal contact with the substrate. The thermal sensitive devices are resistors. The active device is a transistor. A tuning circuit is coupled to an output of the transistor, such tuning circuit having a tunable element controlled by a control signal fed to such tunable element. A processor is responsive to a voltage produced at an output of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and a signal representative of power fed to the transistor. The output provided by the Wheatstone bridge provides a measure of a temperature difference between the temperature of the transistor and ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Michael G. Adlerstein
  • Patent number: 6962435
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus (5) for condition diagnosing of an inductive power device (1), such as a transformer or reactor, having power windings (2) immersed in a fluid (3) being cooled by cooling devices (4). The diagnosing method basically compares and evaluates expected heat flows into and out from the inductive power device (1) system together with an actual and a previous heat content of such a system. From the heat flows the heat balance in the system may be obtained and is used for diagnosing the operation conditions of the inductive power device (1). The results from the condition diagnosing may be used as indicators (70) that can alarm operators, may be sent as a data signal (80) to remote and/or portable display means (85), such as a computer, or may be used as input data to control or simulation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Bengt-Olof Stenestam
  • Patent number: 6929396
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature prevailing in the stator unit of an electric drive includes a temperature sensor that is integrated into the windings of the stator unit and that transmits a temperature-dependent sensor signal. The sensor signal may be injected via an electrical transmitter unit into the signal processing unit of a position measuring device connected to the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Gramsamer, Erwin Bratzdrum, Robert Wastlhuber, Udo Ollert
  • Patent number: 6902319
    Abstract: A method of estimating an internal temperature of a vehicle battery is based on heat transfer between a heat source and the battery. In addition to the heat source, airflow generated by vehicle movement and radiator fans affects the internal temperature of the battery. The method estimates an initial internal temperature of the battery at engine startup based on how long the engine was off. The temperature of the heat source is determined. A transfer function is determined to represent the effect of the airflow. The method updates a current internal temperature of the battery based on the initial internal temperature and an integration of the transfer function and the heat source temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Zhijian James Wu, Jyh-Laing L. Lin, Dean Marshall, Brad Schoeff, Michel Trumbo, John G Hatfield, James Karlet, Yijun Tu
  • Patent number: 6893153
    Abstract: A temperature-indicating power adapter includes a case, a conversion module coupled to the case that receives a first voltage and produces a second voltage. The adapter also includes a temperature-indicating device that is also coupled to the case for indicating the temperature of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Cary J Hoffer, James F Bausch
  • Patent number: 6886977
    Abstract: A sensor measures temperature in stationary components of electrical machines using fiber optics. An optical fiber is embedded in a non-metallic ribbon. Notches are cut in the ribbon to effect bends that accommodate a shape of a stationary component. The ribbon and optical fiber are attached to the stationary component. A series of laser pulses can be injected from at least one end of the optical fiber, and the stationary component temperature can be monitored by interrogation of reflections from the series of laser pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Anthony Kaminski, Konrad Roman Weeber, Thomas Bonner, Todd Garrett Wetzel, John William Devitt, Veera Palanivelu Rajendran
  • Patent number: 6877897
    Abstract: The temperature of a semiconductor component is determined by way of a memory cell that includes a transistor and a capacitor. To that end, a signal is determined in dependence on a threshold voltage of the transistor and a value for the temperature of the transistor is determined in dependence on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jens Braun, Detlev Richter, Wolfgang Spirkl
  • Patent number: 6854881
    Abstract: In accordance with the presence or absence of heat, a transistor shows a relatively rapid change, while a cooling water CLW shows a relatively gentle change. The temperatures of both members settle down to approximately equal temperatures when no heat is generated in the transistor. At this time, the temperature of one of the transistor or the cooling water and the amount of energization of the transistor are used to estimate the temperature of the other member. This method is applied to other temperature estimations, such as estimation of the temperature between a stator coil and a stator iron core of a motor etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Nada
  • Patent number: 6853259
    Abstract: An apparatus compensates for voltage and temperature variations on an integrated circuit with: a voltage sensor having a digital voltage output; a temperature sensor having a digital temperature output; a register coupled to the voltage sensor and the temperature sensor, the register adapted to concatenate the digital voltage output and the temperature output into an address output; and a memory device having an address input coupled to the address output of the register, the memory device being adapted to store one or more corrective vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Gallitzin Allegheny LLC
    Inventors: Robert D Norman, Dominik J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6844720
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) having an armature positioned in au LVDT armature orifice, and the armature able to move along an axis of movement. The calibration apparatus includes a heating mechanism with an internal chamber, a temperature measuring mechanism for measuring the temperature of the LVDT, a fixture mechanism with an internal chamber for at least partially accepting the LVDT and for securing the LVDT within the heating mechanism internal chamber, a moving mechanism for moving the armature, a position measurement mechanism for measuring the position of the armature, and an output voltage measurement mechanism. A method for calibrating an LVDT, including the steps of: powering the LVDT; heating the LVDT to a desired temperature; measuring the position of the armature with respect to the armature orifice; and measuring the output voltage of the LVDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Robert J. Pokrywka
  • Patent number: 6817760
    Abstract: A current probe transformer temperature monitoring method determines an initial transformer temperature of the current probe as a function of the winding resistance of the transformer. A relative temperature of the Hall Effect device is also determined as a function of resistance change of the Hall Effect device. The initial transformer temperature and the relative Hall Effect device temperature are combined to produce a continuous transformer temperature indicative of the temperature of the transformer. The current signal to the multi-turn winding is removed when the continuous transformer temperature exceeds a threshold temperature value and a visual indication may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mende, Jonathan S. Dandy, Michael D. Stevens, Albert S. Crane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6794990
    Abstract: An electronic patch thermometer consists of a measuring apparatus attaching to or disposing on a targeted object (such as human body skin or a tongue surface, indoor or outdoor, surfaces of a container, water tanks, and the likes) and a receiving apparatus for receiving signals measured by the measuring apparatus. When the receiving apparatus is moved nearby the measuring apparatus and a measuring switch located on the receiving apparatus is pressed, the receiving apparatus generates a magnetic field transmitting to the measuring apparatus to generate electric power required. The measuring apparatus measures and induces temperature signals of the targeted object and transmits the signals by radio waves to the receiving apparatus which reads and displays the temperature value of the targeted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: K-Jump Health Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel C. M. Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040101027
    Abstract: A current probe transformer temperature monitoring method determines an initial transformer temperature of the current probe as a function of the winding resistance of the transformer. A relative temperature of the Hall Effect device is also determined as a function of resistance change of the Hall Effect device. The initial transformer temperature and the relative Hall Effect device temperature are combined to produce a continuous transformer temperature indicative of the temperature of the transformer. The current signal to the multi-turn winding is removed when the continuous transformer temperature exceeds a threshold temperature value and a visual indication may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Mende, Jonathan S. Dandy, Michael D. Stevens, Albert S. Crane
  • Publication number: 20040101024
    Abstract: A temperature recorder capable of storing, in time sequence, measured temperatures and measured times as temperature records in a memory incorporated therein, wherein, the temperature recorder is installed in a power line for temperature recording and, when the power line supplies a power in a normal temperature range, wirelessly transmits the temperature record to a monitor at a frequency of once every half day and, when an abnormal heating is detected from the power line, wirelessly transmits the temperature record as a temperature alarm record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Sigekazu Kawai, Hiroyuki Kuribara, Tsutomu Ishikura
  • Publication number: 20040091017
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature prevailing in the stator unit of an electric drive includes a temperature sensor that is integrated into the windings of the stator unit and that transmits a temperature-dependent sensor signal. The sensor signal may be injected via an electrical transmitter unit into the signal processing unit of a position measuring device connected to the drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Franz Gramsamer, Erwin Bratzdrum, Robert Wastlhuber, Udo Ollert
  • Patent number: 6711506
    Abstract: A plurality of system checks on a turbine component inspection system are monitored, and an end user interface element to cause an inspection of a turbine component to commence is enabled only upon determining based on the monitored system checks that the inspection system is in a predetermined state of readiness, thereby ensuring each turbine component inspected is stimulated with thermal stimulus having the same characteristics. Further, a binary passed or failed indicator is displayed to unequivocally inform the operator whether a turbine component being inspected passed or failed the inspection. In a preferred embodiment, thermal images of a turbine component's response to applied thermal stimulus, as well as status of automatically launched quantitatively analyses on the turbine component's response to the applied thermal stimulus are also displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Computerized Thermal Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice J. Bales, Brian A. Dalio, David G. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 6708575
    Abstract: In a sensor attachment structure, a lead wire connecting a sensor is pinched in a pinch portion provided at a tip side portion of an extending bar, proximate to the sensor. The pinch portion has a protrusion that protrudes from the end surface of the pinch portion toward the sensor. A contact surface of the protrusion is inclined toward the sensor from a protruding direction of the pinch portion to have an inclination angle equal to or larger than a deflection angle that is formed at the tip side of the extending bar against the extending direction of the lead wire. Accordingly, even when a tensile force F is exerted to the lead wire opposite to the sensor side, a component force of the tensile force F along the contact surface becomes zero or is directed to the base of the pinch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takamitsu Kusaba, Kazuo Kito, Hiroshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 6702457
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is directed to a thermal wake-up circuit and a thermal sensor that are utilized by another circuit. The thermal wake-up circuit monitors a temperature associated with the other circuit. The thermal sensor is activated by the thermal wake-up circuit when the temperature exceeds a first threshold level. The thermal sensor is deactivated by the thermal wake-up circuit when the temperature is below the first threshold level. In one embodiment, addition thermal sensors may be activated and deactivated by the thermal wake-up circuit. The thermal sensor and additional thermal sensors may be used to activate protection circuitry or to shut down the other circuit. Power consumption by the thermal sensor is minimized by maintaining the thermal sensor inactive until activated by the thermal wake-up circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030223474
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement, particularly for measuring the temperature of an accumulator cell, includes an object of measurement (10), a support element (14), and a temperature sensor (12) electrically connected with the support element (14). The temperature sensor (12) is mounted on the support element (14) and is thermally connected with the object of measurement (10). The invention relates further to an energy storage module with this type of measuring arrangement, as well as to an electrical apparatus with this type of energy storage module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stefan Roepke
  • Publication number: 20030219061
    Abstract: A liquid vessel capable of sensing the temperature of its liquid contents and outputting a time based on the temperature. The time can be, for example, an estimate of the time that remains before the contents reach a specified temperature range and/or an estimate of the time that remains while the liquid is within the specified temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Mark E. Seeger
  • Patent number: 6637930
    Abstract: A computer program for calculating temperature rise profiles of a power MOSFET for different current waveforms, either single waveforms or multiple waveforms. The user enters the device part number identifying the device, the device Rdson at maximum temperature, and various calculation data, such as the calculation resolution and thermal resistance coordinates. The user also selects the desired current waveform from a library of waveforms. The program then calculates thermal resistance constants for the device as a function of time, and generates an array of thermal resistance values for each waveform subdivision based on the calculation resolution chosen. The instantaneous power values at each current/time subdivision are then calculated by the program and an array of power X thermal resistance difference terms is generated for each time interval. These terms are then summed to generate the temperature rise profile, and the results are displayed graphically or textually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Butchers, Graham Tickner
  • Publication number: 20030185278
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement, in particular, for temperature measurement in an accumulator pack, with at least one cell (10) for storage of electrical energy, at least one cooling body (12) thermally connected with the cell (10) for cooling the cell (10), and at least one temperature sensor (14). The temperature sensor (14) is thermally connected with the cooling body (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Roepke, Rainer Glauning
  • Patent number: 6573704
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally isolating a temperature sensor mounted on a printed circuit board from a heat generating component mounted on the printed circuit board is provided. Generally, a thermal isolation region, which may be comprised of a plurality of openings in the printed circuit board, is disposed about the temperature sensor to interrupt conductive transfer of heat from the heat generating component to the temperature sensor. The openings extend sufficiently far into the printed circuit board to remove at least a portion of a conductive layer, such as a power plane from the region surrounding the temperature sensor. Electrical power and signals may be provided to the temperature sensor through regions intermediate the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell N. Mirov
  • Publication number: 20030067955
    Abstract: A computer program for calculating temperature rise profiles of a power MOSFET for different current waveforms, either single waveforms or multiple waveforms. The user enters the device part number identifying the device, the device Rdson at maximum temperature, and various calculation data, such as the calculation resolution and thermal resistance coordinates. The user also selects the desired current waveform from a library of waveforms. The program then calculates thermal resistance constants for the device as a function of time, and generates an array of thermal resistance values for each waveform subdivision based on the calculation resolution chosen. The instantaneous power values at each current/time subdivision are then calculated by the program and an array of power×thermal resistance difference terms is generated for each time interval. These terms are then summed to generate the temperature rise profile, and the results are displayed graphically or textually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Butchers, Graham Tickner
  • Patent number: 6527440
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to monitor temperature variation in electrical system generator components is provided. A temperature probe comprising temperature information conveyor that directly transfers temperature variation information to a temperature-sensitive light window is utilized. A pair of light guides can be employed, wherein the first conveys light to the light window from a light source, and light passing from the window is captured by the second light guide and conveyed to a light sensor. Within pre-selected temperature ranges light passes through the window, but pre-specified temperature variations will close the window thereby blocking the light so as to signal a critical temperature variation has occurred. The temperature information conveyor is chosen so as to have definite properties in terms of a heat conductivity coefficient to promote rapid, direct conveyance of temperature variation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6513972
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring temperature of one or more components of a multi-component system, such as a power generator system, using at least one temperature probe (20) are provided. Each temperature probe includes a temperature probe container (25) enclosing at least one light window (30) responsive to temperature variation and a light-guide pair (40) corresponding to each such light window (30). Each light guide pair (40) preferably has first (41) and second (42) strands for conveying light to the corresponding light window (30) and receiving light passing through a light window (30), respectively. Light can be provided from an external light source (51), and light passing through a light window (30) can be detected by an external light sensor (52). A temperature probe light window (30) passes light if its temperature is within a predetermined range or otherwise blocks light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6502047
    Abstract: A system compensates for temperature for an electrical parameter of an electronic unit that comprises a plurality of electronic devices. The system determines a measure of the electrical parameter of one electronic device at a reference temperature. The system further receives a first temperature profile and a second temperature profile and causes the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile to intersect at the reference temperature. The system then generates a combined temperature profile by combining the first temperature profile at temperatures below the reference temperature with the second temperature profile at temperatures above the reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Chi-Chieh Wen
  • Patent number: 6494617
    Abstract: A status detection apparatus for electrical equipment includes a plurality of distributed multiparameter sensors in a containment vessel or other fluid filled region of the electrical equipment. The sensors are capable of providing data relating to plural parameters of the fluid simultaneously at different positions in the fluid. The data provided by the sensors can be processed to permit localization of incipient faults or can indicate other operating states when combined with known flow data of the fluid through the electrical equipment. A method for detecting status of electrical equipment includes sensing parameters simultaneously at multiple locations in the fluid and determining operating status based on the sensed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Stokes, Steven H. Azzaro, Thomas G. O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 6480114
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a high impedance load on an output of a driver circuit having a power switching circuit providing output signals to a coil. Each output signal results from a drive signal that has a waveform comprising a higher magnitude initial peak period followed by a lower magnitude hold period. The driver circuit has a feedback circuit providing a difference signal as a function of a difference between an output signal and a corresponding drive signal. A diagnostic circuit connected to the driver circuit provides a high impedance error signal in response to detecting the difference signal crossing a threshold magnitude during a higher magnitude initial peak period of a drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Peter W. Estelle
  • Publication number: 20020136263
    Abstract: A temperature sensing probe assembly (2) for use with a heater (4), such as a radiant electric heater, comprises a tube (16) of ceramic material secured to a metal support bracket (20). The support bracket (20) is adapted to be secured to the heater (4) at a peripheral region (8A) of the heater and such that the tube (16) extends at least partly across the heater. The tube (16) has received therein at a first end (40) thereof an electrical component (38) having an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature. The component (38) has electrical leads (42, 44) electrically insulated from each other and extending along the tube and from the tube at a second end thereof. The support bracket (20) incorporates a tubular metal portion (28) which securely receives the tube (16) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Ravenscroft Wilkins