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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring microprocessor case temperatures during testing. A groove is formed on a top surface of a lid covering a microprocessor, extending from an edge of the lid toward the center of the lid, in order to accept an insulated portion of a thermocouple. Depending on the size and shape of a sensing end of the thermocouple, either a step or notch may be formed at the interior end of the groove, near the center of the lid, to accept a sensing end of the thermocouple. Microprocessor case temperature is sensed during testing by the thermocouple, which is placed, and optionally bonded, within the groove and the step or notch.

Abstract: A temperature monitor for monitoring a temperature of an electrically operated fluid dispenser having a coil mounted adjacent an armature within the dispenser. The coil selectively generates an electromagnetic field to move the armature between opened and closed positions. The temperature monitor includes current measuring apparatus for measuring a current in the coil and a comparator for comparing a measured current value to a desired current value. An indicator provides an indication representing a relationship between the measured current value and the desired current value. The temperature monitor also has different indicators for providing different indications representing different values of the measured current relative to a desired current value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inspecting electrical connections so as to determine the presence of fault connections between magnet wires and power leads are described. The apparatus includes a processing unit, a power supply unit, and a temperature sensing unit. The processing unit includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a central processing unit (CPU) and a plurality of input and output slots. The power supply unit includes a power lead connector configured to couple to the motor power leads and a power relay coupled to the PLC. The temperature sensing unit includes infrared thermometers to determine the temperature at the electrical connections between the stator magnet wires forming the motor windings and the power leads. The outputs of the thermometers are coupled to the programmable logic controller (PLC).

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for use in a secondary battery pack includes an NTC element and a current limiter element. The NTC element is disposed at a predetermined position to sense the temperature of a secondary battery incorporated in the secondary battery pack, and one end thereof is electrically connected to a temperature sensing terminal. The current limiter element is connected between the other end of the NTC element and a reference potential terminal.

Abstract: A thermal sensing system allowing the measurement of the temperature of multiple integrated circuit devices using a single thermal sensor. The thermal sensor is positioned proximally to a first integrated circuit device to obtain ambient temperature readings from the device. The thermal sensor also includes remote sensing capability to measure the temperature of a second integrated circuit device positioned away from the thermal sensor. The thermal sensing system may be used to monitor a microprocessor module for an overheat condition and respond accordingly.

Abstract: A three-phase a.c. motor for operation with a three-phase mains supply (1), with three single- or multiple-strand windings (2u, 2v, 2w) in a star configuration (2) in which terminals (U2, V2, W2) at the neutral ends of the windings (2u, 2v, 2w) are accessible outside the set of windings (2), with an electronic switch (4) so constructed and so connected by way of switch terminals (U3, V3, W3) to the neutral-end terminals (U2, V2, W2) that the latter can be electrically connected to one another during a process of turning on and disconnected from one another during a process of turning off, and with a control circuit (5) designed to control the electronic switch (4) and connected to the latter. By integration of the electronic switch (4) and the control circuit (5) within the terminal box of the three-phase motor, both the space required and the number of electronic components can be dramatically reduced in comparison to known three-phase motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to arrangements for measuring temperature in an intermittently operating semiconductor. The method comprises the following steps: establishing that the semiconductor is in an inactive period; connecting a measuring circuit to the semiconductor; measuring a temperature-dependent electric quantity of the semiconductor component; and converting the measured quantity to a temperature value that corresponds to the temperature of the semiconductor component.

Abstract: An electronic device for modeling the temperature of a motor by utilizing signals output from current sensors placed on motor power supply phases. Signals from the current sensors are sent to an interface that outputs a voltage which is an image of a summation a ratio of the motor currents sensed by each of the current sensors to a corresponding adjustment current for each of the phases. A calculation circuit utilizes the voltage as an input and outputs a charging current wave stream, the amplitude and the duration of the charging current being proportional to the summation the ratio. An RC type modeling circuit is provided to receive the charging current wave stream and to model the thermal state of the motor based on the charging current wave stream.

Abstract: A method of determining contact wear in a trip unit of a circuit breaker is presented. The trip unit includes a microcontroller and associated memories. An algorithm (program) stored in a memory of the trip unit measures temperatures relative to circuit breaker contacts and cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts, and utilizes them in a variety of analysis techniques within the trip unit to determine contact wear. These techniques include, by way of example, differential temperature analysis, measurement of cumulative energy dissipated in the breaker contacts, and calculated contact wear using sampled electrical currents and voltage and Ohm's law.

Abstract: A temperature pickup for an oil-filled transformer or tap changer has within a resistance thermometer standard housing, the circuitry for duty-factor-modulated output of a measurement signal, interference circuitry which can slur the resulting wave form and an interface circuit which subjects the output signal to polarity reversal to produce an output symmetrical with respect to ground potential. This enables zero crossings to be detected and the time lapse between zero crossings or passages to be ascertained and the temperature calculated from the duty-factor ratio.

Abstract: The temperature of a galette or godet is determined for the godets of a spinning machine for synthetic yarn, by evaluating the calibration curve for temperature as a function of voltage and current of the primary windings of the godets and a correction factor is established for temperature as a function of voltage. The automatic control is provided to effect that evaluation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to reproduce and display the winding temperature of an electric power transformer by deriving the measured and displayed temperature from the temperature of the coolant cooling the power transformer and the temperature of an electric heater fed with a current proportional to the load of the power transformer. A thermometer system is used for measuring the temperature and comprises of a hollow sensor element (7) and a mechanical transducer (2) connected through a capillary tube (6) with said element (7) to actuate a mechanical display and comprising several switches, the mutually connected cavities of sensor element (7), capillary tube (6) and transducer (2) subtending a closed pressure chamber filled with a test medium of which the pressure changes in relation to pressure.

Abstract: A method of determining a vehicle battery temperature by a non-linear dynamic model based on the physical concepts of thermal transfer and a system identification technique. The battery temperature model uses several available physical measurements from the vehicle, including the engine coolant temperature, surrounding air temperature, vehicle speed and the engine fan on/off state. This method also includes the estimation of an initial value of battery temperature before starting the iteration process by the battery temperature prediction from the dynamic model.

Abstract: A heat alarm for an electric panel cabinet that mounts a heat sensor in contact with a face surface of the electric panel cabinet to monitor the temperature of the cabinet and sound an alarm if the temperature of the cabinet exceeds an upper temperature limit. The heat alarm includes a mounting arrangement that permits the heat alarm to be mounted to a face surface of the electric panel cabinet. A sensor mounting arrangement within the heat alarm enclosure provides a bias force on the heat sensor to bias the heat sensor into contact with the face surface of the electric panel cabinet.

Abstract: Rotor temperature in induction motors is estimated without the need for any direct temperature sensors, by using only computer calculations based on data readily available in the motor control center. Thus for any given motor, it is generally possible to predetermine a relationship between rotor temperature and rotor resistance, so that by determining rotor resistance, rotor temperature can be calculated. Rotor resistance, in turn, can be calculated from measured information relating motor slip and motor torque. Any of several methods can be employed for determining torque and slip. Temperature estimation can be obtained by use of equivalent circuit methods, and additional relationships can be obtained from a simplified equivalent circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and regulating the temperature of a D/A converter, thereby reducing inaccuracies caused by temperature drift in the D/A converter comprises a heating device, preferably a transistor, in thermal contact with the D/A converter. The system further includes a temperature sensing control circuit coupled to the D/A converter and the heating device. The temperature sensing control circuit receives a desired temperature signal Vin which indicates a desired temperature for the D/A converter. The temperature sensing control circuit measures the temperature on the D/A converter by calculating a difference in voltage between the base voltage of the D/A converter and the power input signal to the D/A converter.

Abstract: A thermocouple is provided which measures the temperatures of structures at high RF potential, such as an RF electrode within a plasma CVD or plasma etch reactor. The thermocouple includes an outer conductive sheath that connects to the RF electrode at a first location, and a wire pair, connected to a second location of the RF electrode, that is used to sense the RF electrode temperature. The sheath--or a conductive member connected in circuit with the sheath--is wound into a coil to form an inductor with an impedance much greater than the impedance of the RF electrode. A large capacitor grounds the coil so that the thermocouple wires, extending through the sheath, and through and out of the coil, are available for diagnostic purposes. While RF current flows through the sheath, the wires experience the same magnetic field generated by the inductive coil, substantially grounding the thermocouple. Preferably, signal conditioning electronics remove any remaining DC bias voltages.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inspecting electrical connections so as to determine the presence of fault connections between magnet wires and power leads are described. The apparatus includes a processing unit, a power supply unit, and a temperature sensing unit. The processing unit includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) having a central processing unit (CPU) and a plurality of input and output slots. The power supply unit includes a power lead connector configured to couple to the motor power leads and a power relay coupled to the PLC. The temperature sensing unit includes infrared thermometers to determine the temperature at the electrical connections between the stator magnet wires forming the motor windings and the power leads. The outputs of the thermometers are coupled to the programmable logic controller (PLC).

Abstract: In order to monitor the temperature of an electric generator, the temperatures of a plurality of rods of a stator winding of the generator being cooled by a coolant, preferably a water-cooled stator winding, are detected. In order to detect a temperature deviation in each winding rod, a measured actual or real temperature value of each winding rod is compared with a reference value for the winding rod. The reference value is derived from parameters previously determined for the winding rod by reference measurement and from presently or currently detected, operation-relevant parameters of the generator. The parameters for each winding rod are derived from a temperature of the winding rod detected during the reference measurement and from a number of functions that corresponds to the number of parameters. The functions are derived from operation-relevant parameters detected during the reference measurement in different states of operation of the generator.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting overheating of a power integrated circuit includes a power device integrated in a semiconductor substrate and an overheating detection circuit. The overheating detection circuit includes a reverse biased pn junction formed in the same semiconductor substrate as the power device and having a reverse leakage current flow which is temperature dependent, and a voltage converter formed in the same semiconductor substrate as the power device and coupled to the pn junction for producing a voltage depending on the reverse leakage current flow. A threshold circuit is connected for receiving the voltage and producing a signal when the voltage exceeds a threshold voltage to indicate that the power device is overheated.

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting overheating of a power integrated circuit includes a power device integrated in a semiconductor substrate and an overheating detection circuit. The overheating detection circuit includes a reverse biased pn junction formed in the same semiconductor substrate as the power device and having a reverse leakage current flow which is temperature dependent, and a voltage convertor formed in the same semiconductor substrate as the power device and coupled to the pn junction for producing a voltage depending on the reverse leakage current flow. A threshold circuit is connected for receiving the voltage and producing a signal when the voltage exceeds a threshold voltage to indicate that the power device is overheated.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus and method of measuring the temperature at the bottom of a rotor slot in a rotating rotor using a temperature sensitive phosphor material. The temperature sensitive phosphor material is placed at the bottom of a rotor slot and is excited, as the rotor rotates, by an excitation source located at a location opposite the rotor, the excited radiation being detected at two spaced locations from the excitation source, the two spaced locations being located also opposite the rotor and spaced apart along the direction of the rotor. Then the decay rate of the detected radiation from the phosphor is determined and from this decay rate the temperature at the bottom of the rotor slot.

Abstract: An electrical control system for an electrically heated window in a motor vehicle has a voltage source including a generator, a voltage regulator for regulating a generator output voltage, a transformer switched between the generator and a heating window, the generator output voltage being increased before supplying to the heatable window, and a unit for measuring a temperature of the transformer and interrupting a communication between the transformer and the voltage source in the event of exceeding an adjustable limiting temperature.

Abstract: An arrangement provides for the electrical grounding of a temperature probe and allows its use in conjunction with a cooking appliance control circuit having a floating signal ground. An isolation transformer connects the temperature probe to the control circuit. A temperature sensing circuit includes two parallel voltage-dividing legs. One of the legs includes a primary winding of the isolation transformer, whereas the other of the legs includes a variable resistor allowing a consumer to set the predetermined temperature at which the control circuit will stop heating. Preferably the control circuit is used to control a full wave full bridge inverter connected to an AC input line by way of a bridge rectifier. The inverter is connected to a magnetron by way of a power transformer. The voltage-dividing legs are connected to receive gate pulses from the control circuit, which gate pulses also are used for controlling switches within the inverter.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the coil temperature of a direct-current motor by determining the resistance of at least one coil of the motor. The method includes measuring a parameter of the at least one coil while the motor is running. The measurement is made at a time interval in which the coil is without current. The measuring device includes a commutation circuit of the motor which generates a time interval used for measuring the current.

Abstract: Integral temperature measurement in electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion systems. An integral temperature measurement for electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion systems produces no additonal potential or voltage in the windings of such equipment. As a result, no conductive or semiconductive material can be used in a temperature sensor. The present invention utilizes the temperature dependency of the propagation conditions of sound or ultrasound in gases and also makes use of light waveguide technology. The sound or ultrasound is guided in a flexible capillary along a path along which an integral temperature measurement is to be taken.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring temperature along coil sections in a winding of an electromagnetic machine wherein each coil section comprises a plurality of electrical conductors. One or more hollow core conductors are placed in each coil section during manufacture of the coil sections. Before or after the stator core winding is installed, a distributed sensor probe is threaded through selected hollow core conductors for monitoring the temperature along the coil sections.

Abstract: A thermocouple selection switch for monitoring thermocouples positioned within tunnel furnace cars allows a plurality of thermocouples to be monitored, while, at the same time, avoiding the requirement of precisely aligning the tunnel furnace car with an external probe. The selection switch is comprised of a plurality of switch stations, each of which contain longitudinally extending contact rails which when contacted with an external probe at any point along the length of the contact rails establishes electrical contact with opposite sides or wires of thermocouple.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring temperature, including: a body which experiences a change in shape in response to a change in the temperature of the body; a rotatable device having an axis of rotation and an optical transmissivity which varies circumferentially and radially relative to the axis of rotation; a light conductor device disposed for passing a light beam along a beam axis which intersects the rotatable device at a location spaced from the axis of rotation; and an arrangement for rotating the rotatable device about the axis of rotation while the light beam impinges on the rotatable device such that the rotatable device permits light to be transmitted therethrough with an intensity which varies in time as a function of the distance between the beam axis and the axis of rotation, with one of the devices being mounted on the body such that a change in the shape of the body in response to a change in body temperature produces a corresponding change in the distance between the axis of rotation and the beam axis

Abstract: A remote sensing and communications system for installation on energized high voltage conductors is disclosed herein. The sensor modules are capable of measuring electrical, mechanical or environmental parameters in the vicinity of a high voltage conductor. The module digitizes and communicates the measured quantities via a communications subsystem mounted on and powered by an energized high voltage conductor without requiring a circuit interruption. Communications to a Central or Regional dispatch center at any desired distance from the sensing location is achieved using Ku-band or C-band spread spectrum satellite communications, or using the Geosynchronous Orbiting Environmental Satellites (GOES), or through fiber optic communications links.Individual subsystem modules are generally toroidal in shape and can be mounted on an energized high voltage conductor using a hot-stick or other means.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for electronically simulating, indicating and controlling the temperature of liquid cooled multi-phase electric power transformers. The temperatures of transformer windings are electronically computed from the actual top oil temperature and the computed incremental additional temperatures resulting from the transformer winding currents to determine the hottest spot temperature. The signals representative of the winding current for each phase of the multi-phase transformer are time processed to simulate the rate of rise of winding temperature resulting from those currents. A square-law function is generated to make a winding bias parameter for each winding. The signals representative of the actual and incremental additional temperature are added for each transformer phase and the largest signal, representative of the hottest winding is used to indicate and control the transformer temperature.

Abstract: A temperature sensor indicates imminent mechanical failure of a device by detecting a sharp rise in temperature of the device above a normal operating temperature range. The sensor is a flexible container filled with a signal fluid and closed by a plug having a melting point which is above the normal operating temperature range of the device. Tube flexure allows it to conform substantially to the shape of a surface on the device being monitored. Flexing the tube changes its internal pressure but has no effect on the plug, which responds only to changes in temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating and controlling the temperature of liquid cooled multi-phase power transformers. The winding temperatures of a transformer are electronically computed from the actual top oil temperature and the incremental additional temperatures resulting from the highest transformer load current to determine the hottest spot temperature. One curve from a family of curves representing the incremental temperature for various transformers may be selected or programmed by adjustments made which simulate the incremental additional temperature which results from transformer winding current. In this way the input current range, winding bias setpoint, winding bias curve, and time-constant can be chosen independently so that any electric power transformer may be simulated.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the temperature of liquid cooled power transformers. The winding temperature of a transformer winding is electronically computed from the actual top oil temperature and the incremental additional temperature resulting from transformer load current. One curve from a family of curves representing the incremental temperature for various transformers may be selected or calibrated by adjustments made which simulate the incremental additional temperature which results from transformer winding current. The total temperature value resulting from the addition of both the top oil temperature and the incremental temperature are used to control indicators, cooling fans, circuit trips and retain an indication of the highest temperature occuring during the time period of interest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for computing the life expectancy of electrical power transformers by computing the used life of a transformer at a rate determined by the Arrhenius function of the temperature of the transformer device being monitored.

Abstract: A novel test die for emulating the thermal characteristics of functional product dies includes a plurality of concentric emulator ring configurations fabricated about the die center, each having a plurality of heating resistors approximately forming a rectangle, a plurality of sense diodes located in proximity to the heating resistors and a plurality of hot spot resistors located in proximity to both the heating resistors and the sense diodes. Metallic interconnections are formed on the die which selectively provide each of the heating resistors and hot spot resistors with excitation signals and present signals from the sense diodes indicative of the voltage thereacross.

Abstract: A liquid-filled tube placed next to a generator winding section provides an indication of an abnormal hot spot which may develop along the winding. The tube is filled with a liquid which vaporizes to form a vapor bubble at the hot spot location. Acoustic energy is projected through the liquid in the tube and is normally received at the distal end of the tube. Presence of a vapor bubble blocks the acoustic propagation and forms a reflective surface for the acoustic energy which then is utilized to calculate distance to the vapor bubble. With a known pressure versus temperature relationship, the pressure of the liquid is controlled such that the hot spot temperature may be determined.

Abstract: A self contained hot stick mounted radio transmitting module may be temporarily pushed against the power conductor of an electrical transmission line. The module is capable of measuring the temperature of the conductor, and the temperature of the ambient air. It may also measure the electrical potential of the conductor. An alternative module is also capable of measuring current, potential, frequency and power factor (or the Fourier components thereof). The modules transmit these parameters to a local receiver where the data may be displayed. The receiver also may be connected by an appropriate data transmission link, to a power control center.The modules are donut shaped and open like a pair of jaws. One or more spring loaded temperature probes are located such that they may be pushed against a power line when a "donut" is mounted to a hot stick with the jaws open.Power to an open module is supplied by a battery.

Abstract: A hot-spot temperature monitor for determining the hot-spot temperature of a transformer. The hot-spot temperature monitor determines the largest current flowing in the transformer and using this value calculates a temperature gradient. The temperature gradient represents the difference in temperature between the hot spot and the top-oil temperature. The top-oil temperature is also measured. The hot-spot temperature is calculated by adding the temperature gradient to the top-oil temperature. The hot-spot temperature sensor controls the transformer cooling units and can activate various alarms and indicators as desired.

Abstract: A generator having stator windings which are water cooled includes a plurality of sensors each for measuring the temperature of cooling water as it is discharged from respective sections of the stator windings and prior to its collection in a common manifold. The outputs of the sensors are combined to obtain an average reading and during an initialization process, each sensor reading is subtracted from the average to derive a correction factor for that particular sensor, for that particular average. The generator is operated so that other averages are selected for the calculation of other sensor correction factors. When operating on line, the correction factors are utilized to obtain a value for a percent of average coil temperature in accordance with the relationship: ##EQU1## where T is the temperature indication provided by the sensor, AVG is the average of all of the sensor readings, and CF is the appropriate correction factor for that sensor for that average.

Abstract: An electrical component such as a transformer winding or choke coil is placed in a forced cooling circuit containing circulation pumps and coolers for a cooling medium and is subjected to forced circulation cooling. The thermal monitoring apparatus comprises a container housing therein a thermal sensor surrounded by a thermosensor winding. The container is connected by respective branch lines to the forced cooling circuit either upstream or downstream with respect to the circulation pumps. Cooling medium flows through the transformer or choke coil in the forced cooling circuit and through the branch lines leading to the container. Each branch line is provided with an equivalent hydraulic resistance of the transformer winding and the cooler. The thermosensor winding is connected to a current transformer which is supplied with a current which is proportional to the current flowing through the transformer or choke coil.

Abstract: A monitoring system for checking an electric rotary machine for local overheating including a sensing device for sensing the concentration of minuscule particles in a gas serving as coolant for the machine, and a supply device for supplying to the sensing device a test gas containing minuscule particles of gasifiable liquid. The test gas is supplied to the sensing device by the supply device to permit the sensing device to perform a sensing operation, so as to determine whether or not the sensing device is functioning normally.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one parameter of either an energized electrical power line conductor or at least one parameter adjacent to the power line conductor, on a real-time basis and transmitting signals indicative of the parameter to a remote location where the power line conductor itself is the transmission medium for transmitting the signals to the remote location. The transmitter is powered by either the electric or the electromagnetic field of the energized power line conductor and the transmitter receives induced energy from the conductor via a plurality of turns of wire wound around a mandrel, with the plurality of turns of wire formed as the secondary winding of a transformer, and with the mandrel being at the same electrical potential as the conductor.

Abstract: A door mounted electronic control assembly for a refrigeration apparatus, including a housing, an electronic circuit, structure for preventing the condensation of moisture on the circuit, and structure for mounting electrical components such as a temperature sensor for exposure to air within the refrigeration apparatus. The housing defines a heat retaining space in which the electronic circuit having heat generating components is disposed. Structure is provided to prevent heat from the heat retaining space from adversely affecting the operation of a temperature sensor that is carried on a spaced portion of the housing.

Abstract: The quantity of SF.sub.6 gas dissolved in a halogenated dielectric coolant used in transformers can be determined by heating a sample quantity of the sample gas coolant to the point of cavitation and comparing the temperature and pressure at which cavitation first appears to a graphic representation of the relationship between concentration, pressure and temperature to obtain the gas concentration from the observed temperature point.

Abstract: The self-generating thermal radiation properties of an optical fiber element are employed to determine the temperature, location and length of a hot spot, or region, of an object.

Abstract: An electronic control system to automatically determine the validity of an apparent overheating signal from an overheat monitor of a gas-cooled dynamoelectric machine and reduce machine load or indicate a monitor malfunction. Upon receipt of an apparent overheat signal by the control system, filtration of the monitored cooling gas is automatically initiated to remove pyrolysates released into the gas by overheated elements within the machine. A normal monitor response is thereby effected, provided the overheat signal is valid. If filtration of the monitored cooling gas fails to elicit a normal response within a preselected time period a monitor malfunction is indicated. The control system initiates a scheduled reduction in machine load either subsequent to validation of overheating or as verification is initiated, and if a valid indication of overloading persists, trips the excitation and remaining load from the machine.

Abstract: A winding temperature heater well for detecting the temperature of the oil about the coils in large transformers. The heater well comprising a temperature detecting device enveloped by a grid-patterned resistor element, the current through which varies directly with the current through the transformer, and a sleeve which protects the resistor and temperature detecting device from the oil. The heater well is embedded in a resin plate in such a manner as to allow calibration of the resistor from outside the plate.