Abstract: A water sampling system having multiple collection channels configured to collect multiple samples of a fluid as the fluid flow rate and level changes with respect to time. The system is designed to connect to and sample urban storm water runoff outfalls, pipes and drains.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting a non-immersion type temperature sensor to a tank, such as a water heater tank, that is designed for an immersion-type temperature sensor. In one example, a mounting adaptor may include a proximal cavity extending from a proximal end toward a distal end and a distal cavity extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. A wall fluidly isolates the proximal cavity from the distal cavity. The mounting adaptor is mounting to the mounting spud of an immersion type water heater tank, such that the distal cavity of the mounting adaptor is filled with water from the water heater tank. A non-immersion type temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to or in the proximal cavity and in thermal communication with the water in the distal cavity.

Abstract: A sampling port includes an elongated flexible support tube having an interior surface bounding a first passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first passageway being closed at the first end of the support tube and open at the second end of the support tube. An elongated flexible sampling tube has an interior surface bounding a second passageway extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the second passageway being open at the first end of the sampling tube, at least a portion of the sampling tube adjacently extending along the length of the support tube and being connected to the support tube. A flange encircles and radially outwardly projecting from the support tube and the sampling tube at a location spaced apart from the first end of the support tube and the first end of the sampling tube.

Abstract: A box mapper has (i) a frame configured to receive a sample box of RFID-tagged sample vials and (ii) a set of antennae configured to read the vial RFID tags of the sample vials to determine the identity and position of each sample vial in the sample box. In one embodiment, the set of antennae include two mutually orthogonal subsets of biphase digit antennae.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sensor comprising a support member, a sample sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a sample support electrically coupled to a first set of interconnects, and a reference sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a ring coupled to a second set of interconnects, in which the ring is positioned adjacent to and surrounding at least a portion of the sample support of the sample sensor.

Abstract: A sensor module (38, 40, 42) for a tissue processor (20) has a thermal sensor (66) for measuring a temperature of a container (30, 32, 34) of the tissue processor (20), and further has a position sensor for detecting a working position of the container (30, 32, 34).

Abstract: A temperature sensitive label may be affixed to a temperature sensitive item. The temperature sensitive label conveys when the item has reached a tripping temperature. The tripping temperature may be a temperature at which the item is compromised. To convey this, the label changes properties and functions with a message to convey that the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. For example, the label may reveal, block, or alter a message that conveys whether the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. The message may be part of the label or separate from the label.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating container having thermal insulation and a temperature indicator in the side wall or the bottom of the container visible from outside the container. A method for making such a container is also provided.

Abstract: A safety lid is disclosed for use in combination with a drinking cup. In one embodiment, a body of integrally molded construction is provided that is shaped to fit a lip of the drinking cup. A fluid passageway traverses the body to permit a liquid in the drinking cup to be sipped therethrough. Microcomponents are embedded in the body and operably connected for measuring a temperature of the liquid and if the measured temperature is outside of a temperature range closing the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive label may be affixed to a temperature sensitive item. The temperature sensitive label conveys when the item has reached a tripping temperature. The tripping temperature may be a temperature at which the item is compromised. To convey this, the label changes properties and functions with a message to convey that the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. For example, the label may reveal, block, or alter a message that conveys whether the item has been exposed to the tripping temperature. The message may be part of the label or separate from the label.

Abstract: A beverage container has a wall with a thickness that progresses from relatively thinner to relatively thicker in a selected direction that travels around the container. A permanent graphics pattern is applied to the outer surface of the wall to progress in the same direction across the container. A layer of thermochromic ink is applied to the outer surface of the container wall to initially mask the graphics pattern (or at least portions thereof) progressing across the container wall. The thermochromic ink layer is of a composition that reacts to heat or cold and changes from opaque to transparent when the temperature transferred to it through the wall of the container changes to a relatively higher or relatively lower transition temperature.

Abstract: A sampling device for thermal analysis of solidifying metal, particularly compacted graphite iron, includes a container (2) essentially cylindrical, open at the top intended to be immersed down into and filled with a liquid metal to be analyzed, at least one temperature responsive sensor member (4), preferably two, a protective tubing (14) concentrically enclosing said sensor(s), arranged inside said container (2) and supported by a sensor support member (15) arranged above said container and attached to the container (2) by legs (16) and intended to guide and keep the sensors (4) in position, when immersed in the solidifying metal sample quantity (3) during analysis, wherein container (2) has an interior surface (17) intended to contact the sample quantity (3) during analysis, and an exterior surface (18) intended to contact the ambient atmosphere, the surfaces (17 and 18) being joined at the mouth (12) of the container (2), being equally spaced forming a closed insulating space (8), and the container (2) ha

Abstract: The invention provides a sampling vessel for thermal analysis of molten metal in which the time required for analysis can be shortened and the temperature change rate in eutectic can be reduced as compared with a conventional sampling vessel, so that the eutectic temperature can be obtained easily accurately for a short time. In order to realize the above, the diameter D of a sample chamber 11 is set to be in the range of 16 to 24 mm, the depth L of the sample chamber is set to be 36 mm or more, and the distance LS from an opening 11a of the sample chamber 11 to a temperature sensor 2 is set to be in the range of 7 to 22 mm. Accordingly, the time required for the temperature to reach the eutectic point can be shortened, and the gradient of a cooling curve in eutectic can be reduced.

Abstract: An intravenous solution bag includes a temperature sensing device in the form of a temperature sensing strip. The strip includes a temperature scale and corresponding temperature sensitive substances that change color or illuminate the scale indicators to visually indicate solution temperature. The strip may be formed integral with the bag, may be attached to the bag exterior surface, may be laminated to the bag exterior surface or may be encased with the bag within a solution bag liner. Further, the temperature sensing strip may be affixed to bottles containing intravenous or other solutions, where the strip is attached to the bottle exterior surface or to a label affixed to the bottle to measure and indicate temperature of fluid contained therein as described above. Moreover, the temperature sensing strip may be employed by a receptacle or delivery tube of an infusion apparatus to measure and indicate solution temperature prior to or during infusion.

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.

Abstract: A thermochromic device for use relative to a product container for providing a thermochromic indication of a temperature of a volume of product that is retained within an open inner volume of the container comprising a first image display and a second image display. The second image display and, possibly, the first image display could incorporate a layer of thermochromic material with an active temperature range. The active temperature range for the second image display could be above or below room temperature. The first image display can be thermochromic or non-thermochromic, and a thermochromic third image display could be provided. Where first, second, and third image displays are included, the second and third image displays could have active temperature ranges that are both above, both below, or to each side of room temperature. The image displays could be coupled to a side wall or to an upper surface of a product container.

Abstract: The invention provides a sampling vessel for thermal analysis of molten metal in which the time required for analysis can be shortened and the temperature change rate in eutectic can be reduced as compared with a conventional sampling vessel, so that the eutectic temperature can be obtained easily accurately for a short time.

Abstract: A spoon with temperature display comprises a spoon body, a thermistor, a lead wire, a temperature detector, a temperature display, a cell, and a cell cover. When a user holds a spoon of this invention for filling food, the impedance of the thermistor is changed because heat is conducted from the food to the spoon bowl. Temperature of the food is then detected and converted by the temperature detector into digits and shown in a temperature display panel to keep the user informed of the food's temperature for prevention of scald.

Abstract: A coffee cup contains a temperature indicating device which informs the user as to whether the liquid within is too hot to comfortably drink, too cold, or otherwise. The temperature-indicating device is thermochromic, changing color as a function of temperature. In one embodiment, three segments are printed onto the cup lid using thermochromic ink. One of these segments changes color to indicate the liquid is cool, another when the liquid is warm, and a third when hot. In another embodiment, the cup itself is printed with the thermochromic ink, and changes color to indicate the temperature of the liquid. In yet another embodiment the material of which the cup and lid are made is itself thermochromic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a main chamber in fluid communication with a temperature-moderating chamber. Preferably, a valve, actuated by a spring-biased button preferably positioned on a handle of the container, opens and closes an aperture within the temperature-moderating chamber to permit a hot beverage to flow from the main chamber into the temperature-moderating chamber. A lid having a sipping hole is provided to allow the consumer to consume the beverage from the temperature-moderating chamber.

Abstract: Temperature Indicating Beverage Cup comprising: a ceramic beverage holding cup, an integral, applied thermochromatic display fixedly printed on the outside wall of said ceramic cup, said thermochromatic display having a plurality of printed segments, each said segment correlating to a temperature range, and said segments revealing a written or numeric display as the temperature causes said thermochromatic to transition from opaque to transparent.

Abstract: A cup for indicating temperature of contents thereof and a method of making. The cup includes a body that is cup-shaped and a temperature sensitive strip that is disposed on the body and indicates the temperature of the contents thereof. The body includes an outer cup and an inner cup that is disposed in, and is in intimate contact with, the outer cup. The temperature sensitive strip has a shape and is removably adhered on the longitudinal wall of the inner cup, just above the base thereof. The outer cup has a bore that has a shape, a pair of vertical edges, and extends through the longitudinal wall thereof, just above the base thereof. The shape of the bore matches the shape of the temperature sensitive strip so as to allow the temperature sensitive strip to be viewed through the bore.

Abstract: A steaming pitcher for preparing hot beverages with a liquid crystal thermometer attached to an exterior surface of the pitcher for detecting the temperature of any liquid contained therein. The liquid crystal thermometer eliminates the need for conventional food service thermometers that are placed in the liquid being heated.

Abstract: A method for measuring the melt temperature in a melt vessel, where the vessel wall, at least partially, is made of a material transparent for infrared light; said material, at the interior of the vessel, is coated with a material having a high and stable emission factor (e>0.5; de/dT<0.001); the temperature of the inside of the vessel wall is used as a measure of the melt temperature close to the wall; and said temperature at the inside of the vessel wall is measured by use of optical pyrometry applied from the outside of the melt vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for measuring the temperature of an object (3) has a temperature sensor (5) with at least one optical fiber (7) and a temperature measurement system (10), wherein the optical fiber (7) of the temperature sensor (5) is supported by a support element (15, 17, 18). With this apparatus, the temperature even of smaller object (3) can be measured easily and accurately. A method for producing the sensor includes placing at least one optical fiber on an adhesive side of a first foil and then placing a second foil on the adhesive side of the first foil.

Abstract: A sampling device for use when performing a thermal analysis of a sample of molten metal solidifying from a melt, includes a double-walled container having an upwardly opening mouth and a part-spherically curved bottom, A closed space between the walls is thermally insulated. A tubular holder is supported to extend from the mouth substantially to the bottom of the container, for receiving a temperature sensor. By preference at least one wall of the container is treated or coated to reduce thermal emissivity.

Abstract: An automatic ice-making mechanism for a refrigerator includes a tray having a groove on its bottom surface. A temperature sensor is mounted in the groove. The temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive element disposed at a top of the groove, an insulating member disposed beneath the temperature-sensitive element, and a housing pushing the insulating member upwardly against the walls of the groove. The housing has a pair of ribs, each rib carrying a projection that fits into a respective eye formed on the bottom of the tray. The ribs are elastically flexible toward one another to enable the projections to be removed from the eyes.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring the temperature of molten masses uses a receptacle having at least one strip-shaped or wire-shaped carrier and an opening on its upper side, with a thermoelement placed inside the receptacle. In order to make available a sensor arrangement for the exact determination of the liquidus temperature of molten cryolite, the receptacle is made of metal. A temperature measuring device with a sensor arrangement of this type, has at least one carrier mounted at its end facing away from the receptacle in a sleeve, the sleeve being detachably connected to a mounting device. In addition, a process for measuring the liquidus temperature of molten cryolite in a receptacle vibrates the receptacle during the cooling of the molten cryolite.

Abstract: A temperature indicating container apparatus includes an inner container portion made from substantially heat insulative material. A thermochromic-substance-containing portion is juxtaposed against an outside surface of the inner container portion, such that color changes of the thermochromic-substance-containing portion can be seen from outside the inner container portion. The thermochromic-substance-containing portion may be in a form of a jacket around the outside surface of the inner container portion. The jacket may include a plurality of windows. An outermost container portion may be located outside both the thermochromic-substance-containing jacket and the inner container portion. The outermost container portion is light transmissive such that color changes of the thermochromic-substance-containing jacket can be seen from outside the outermost container portion. A bridge element bridges top portions of the inner container portion and the outermost container portion.

Abstract: A hot beverage mug automatically senses the temperature of its liquid contents and generates an accurate aural and/or visual indication of the temperature sensed. The temperature is sensed by a thermistor in a resistive capacitive (R/C) circuit which operates to yield a signal of variable frequency corresponding to the temperature sensed. An integrated circuit (IC) logic controller treats this electrical signal as an input which triggers a further electrical signal from the IC controller to an aural or visual display generating device such as an annunciator, a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD) or a simulated voice expressing the temperature sensed. The power for the R/C circuit, the IC and the aural/visual indicator(s) is supplied from a battery and controllable by a switch activated either manually or automatically upon sensing the pressure of the liquid contents or by physical contact with the mug handle.

Abstract: Measurement and display of the temperature of a cooking surface of a cooking utensil is provided by a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple in thermal contact either directly with the cooking surface or through a clamp on the side of the cooking utensil in close proximity to the cooking surface, and a temperature measuring and display electrically connected to the temperature sensor and located on the handle of the cooking utensil or on the upper end of the clamp for convenient viewing of the temperature of the cooking surface at a location away from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A measuring cup with a thermometer mounted on an exterior surface thereof for measuring the temperature of a liquid prior to placing it in the cup. The cup can be used in many operations involving a liquid which have a critical temperature requirement. One such operation is breadmaking in which water, once it has been warmed to a desired temperature, is added to yeast or, alternately, to a flour mixture containing yeast. To use the cup in breadmaking, the cup is placed under a stream of warm water and, when the thermometer indicates the water has reached the desired temperature, the water in a measured amount is added to the cup.

Abstract: An immersion probe for determining a liquidus temperature of a molten metal sample during solidification has a first refractory body with an immersion face, an interior sample chamber, and a passageway between the immersion face and an end wall of the chamber. A heat sink is positioned within the chamber adjacent the end wall and an insulating shield is positioned within the chamber adjacent the heat sink, each having an aperture corresponding to the inlet tube. The insulating shield sinks thermal energy from within the chamber at a second rate R.sub.2 slower than a first rate R.sub.1 of the interior walls of the chamber. A liquidus temperature sensor is positioned within the chamber away from the insulating shield. To determine the liquidus temperature, the probe is immersed in the molten metal, and a molten metal sample flows into the chamber through the passageway. When the flow ceases, the heat sink solidifies an adjacent portion of the molten metal and seals the sample within the chamber.

Abstract: A multiusage thermometer comprises a body portion capable of selectively detachably engaging thereto at least a first sensing portion, a second sensing portion, a third sensing portion and a fourth sensing portion each of said sensing portions having a first engaging member at a first end thereof, said body portion integrally forming a second engaging member at one end thereof for electrically and complementarily connecting thereto said first engaging member of each of said sensing portions. This invention offers a thermometer being multiusable and having a body portion capable of being selectively detachably engaged with other sensing portions of various usages based on the situation one faces.

Abstract: In measuring a cooling curve by means of thermal analysis of cast iron, a compressed powder moulding or sintered moulding of tellurium, bismuth, boron, zinc and/or aluminum is fixed to the inner surface of a cooling curve measuring cup, and a melt is poured into said cup when primaly crystalized and eutectic temperatures based on the metastable solidification of iron, cementite and silicon cleary appear. This method allows the carbon equivalent, carbon content and silicon content of the cast iron to be determined and the physical and mechanical properties of the iron to be estimated. Additionally, said compressed metallic powder moulding or sintered moulding is arranged at and fixed to said cooling curve measuring cup used in the method, while enclosing a thermocouple.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting nodularity of a hypo or hyper eutectic cast iron melt during casting is described. The method is particularly useful for NiMg-treated melts but can also be used for rare earth treated melts. A small sample of the melt is poured into a sample cup to which up to 0.025% wt bismuth is added and a cooling curve is produced during cooling. In a NiMg treated melt, a .DELTA.T (TER-TEU) of at least 9.degree. C. indicates good nodularity. In an RE treated melt, a .DELTA.T of less than 6.degree. C. at a TER/TEU of 1140.degree. C. also indicates good nodularity will be observed upon the solidification of the melt.

Abstract: Method and an apparatus for, in the most preferred embodiment, measuring the temperature of liquid, such as urine, contained in a container using a new thermometer, referred to herein as a thermometer insert, including, at least, a thermal scale member mounted to an elongated backing member. The elongated backing member is resilient and "springs" back to its normally flat condition if bent. The thermal scale member includes an temperature indication region and numeric temperature indicia, and senses and indicates the temperature of the liquid in the container. The thermometer insert is placed into the container either before or after the liquid is deposited into the container. The thermometer insert and the wall of the container cooperate to hold the thermometer insert in engagement with the container wall so that the thermal scale member is capable of being observed through the container wall. After being used, the container, with the thermometer insert therein, can be reused or discarded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the core body temperature of infants or persons without volitional bladder control utilizing minimal urine volume. The device employs a readily deployed collection surface contiguous with a sump or reservoir into which the collected urine contacts a superabsorbent powder. Affixed to the reservoir is a peak temperature sensor for indicating the maximum temperature of the urine and thereby the core body temperature of the donor.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for determining the flash point of a liquid or solid material to be tested by measuring the pressure obtained in the measuring chamber after an ignition. According to the invention, a liquid or solid is placed into a measuring vessel and the measuring vessel is heated. The measuring vessel is tightly closed with a cover. At a given temperature the generated vapor-air-mixture is ignited and the pressure increase occurring due to the temperature increase is taken as a measure for the size of the flame for determining the flash point. The pressure increase is preferably measured with a piezoresistive pressure transducer. The temperature of the heated cover is measured with the temperature sensor and the sample temperature with the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system for a gauge well in a liquid storage tank with a floating roof including a floatable container located inside the gauge well and having a flexible laterally or radially serrated flange extending outward from the float and in contact with the inside of the well pipe to prevent vapor from the liquid stock from rising in the pipe. There may be a pair of such flexible flanges vertically spaced apart with the lower seal being just above the level of the liquid stock in the well pipe. A tape is attached at its lower end to a weight in the well pipe below the float and its upper end is connected to a winch outwardly of the upper end of the well pipe. A vertical passageway through the float is provided for the tape to pass freely therethrough and the float is freely slidable on the tape. The container includes a closed opening which is selectively opened to fill with the liquid stock at any selected level in the tank.

Abstract: An overheating detection circuit has a simple circuit construction and may be formed in the same substrate as that of a power integrated circuit. It can produce a large output signal in response to detection of a temperature within a preselected range of detection temperatures. The circuit includes a reversely biased junction having a temperature dependent reverse leakage current, means for amplifying the reverse leakage current, and means for producing a voltage in accordance with the amplified reverse leakage current and for producing a signal when the voltage exceeds a threshold voltage to indicate that the power integrated circuit is overheated.

Abstract: The device of the invention consists of a temperature sensitive device embedded in a matrix which provides a useful heat flow pattern. Apparently the device exploits the difference in the thermal conductivities of air versus other media, such as water or slurries, to function. Plastics are the preferred matrix material for most applications. The insulating and non-wettability properties of plastics may contribute to the observed useful properties as well. The chemical resistance of certain plastics can provide additional useful variations. The invention is especially useful as an aid to fishing. The device readily and simply identifies which waters have the best chance of containing fish. Other examples are municipal drinking water tanks, liquid cargo tanks, oil and water wells, etc.

Abstract: A grain probe for sampling and measuring the physical characteristics of stored grain in situ. The probe has a telescopic shaft with a meter fixedly attached to one end thereof and a novel grain probe tip fixedly attached to the opposite end thereof, a grain receiving chamber within the tip, an environmental measuring element is affixed within the grain receiving chamber and is directly coupled to a readout meter; and there is provided a novel mechanism for automatically closing the grain receiving chamber to grain kernels while the probe tip is being inserted into stored grain and automatically opening the grain receiving chamber to grain kernels for sampling and direct contact with the environmental measuring element to provide instantaneous physical characteristic information as the probe tip is slightly withdrawn from the stored grain.

Abstract: Apparatus for the simultaneous and uniform sampling of grain and recording of temperature from various predetermined locations within a grain storage facility. The apparatus consists of a drive section made of high strength material, such as steel, to which is attached a downwardly spiraling flight which enables the device to be driven into or out of stored grain. Attached above the drive section are sampling sections of equal length made of a light strong material, such as aluminum. Each of the sample sections has a sampling gate, which when opened receives samples of grain from each of the predetermined locations within the grain storage facility. Additionally, the device incorporates a thermometer within each of these sampling sections which is attached and secured in position by an alignment bar which additionally serves to positively join each of the sections to the other. Below the drive section is attached a shorter sampling section which comprises the tip of the probe.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring sterilization of biologically contaminated material from hospitals and the like. An autoclave sterilization unit heats biologically contaminated materials with steam for a time sufficient to kill the contaminants therein. A biological indicator probe provides for inserting a test vial into the central portion of the materials being treated. After sterilization, the probe is removed and the test vial is cultured to determine whether the spores of the Bacillus stearothermophilus, or the like (e.g. Bacillus sp.) present are still viable. If the test vial has been completely inactivated, it is an indication that decontamination of the other materials in the autoclave is complete. The test probe comprises a rod of heat resistant material having an end chamber closable by a rotatable sleeve. In a position aligning window openings in the chamber and in the sleeve, the test vial may be inserted. Rotation of the sleeve locks the test vial in place.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for accurately measuring core body temperature is disclosed. The device utilizes freshly voided urine and the temperature thereof has been found to be an accurate measurement of said core body temperature. The device includes a receptacle having a well therein and a means for measuring temperature which preferably is a chemical thermometer. The well holds a sample of at least about 25 cc and includes a pedestal for mounting the temperature measurement device thereon so that in use the temperature measurement device will be submerged in the sample. Any conventional temperature measurement device may be used, including a chemical thermometer, an electronic thermometer, or the conventional mercury-in-glass thermometer. The device is intended to be stackable and disposable in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: An end-fill molten metal sampler is provided with a ball type check valve within the entrance passageway to the sample cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the melting and boiling points of gas has a heat insulating tank, an inner tank within the insulating tank, a sample cell within the inner tank with a sample gas temperature measuring system. A piping system is provided having a heating route and a cooling route. The heating route has a heating flow rate control valve and a heating heat exchanged heated by a heating source connected in series with the control valve. The cooling route has a cooling flow rate control valve and a cooling heat exchanger connected in series with the cooling flow rate contorl valve. The heating and cooling routes are in parallel. The heating source for heating the heat exchanger has a Joule-Thomson expansion valve while the cooling part for cooling the cooling heat exchanger is coupled to a compressor for compressing and supplying a refrigerant such as Freon.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing a ground-meat sample for compositional analysis and an apparatus for performing the method are disclosed. The method comprises a series of steps. The first step includes obtaining a predetermined quantity of ground meat. Next, the meat is formed into a layer having a predetermined thickness. Then, a first portion of the layer is isolated from the remainder. The isolated first portion is then urged into an elongated, hollow member having an axis, an open end, and a resistive end movable along the axis relative to the open end. The isolated first portion and the resistive end are then urged together so as to produce a substantially air void-free isolate out of the first portion.

Abstract: A molten metal sample cup is provided with a temperature sensor to detect phase change in molten metal within the cup as the sample solidifies. A blob of material which promotes the formation of carbides is disposed within the cup. The exposed surface of the blob is limited by locating the blob within a recess in a bottom wall of a cavity so that the exposed surface of the blob is a predetermined uniform amount which is less than the total surface of the blob.