Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of determining the temperature in a system, said system comprising a molecular heater fraction and a molecular thermometer fraction, and to an integrated system for temperature determination and temporally and spatially resolved thermal profile detection, and to uses of such system.

Abstract: An improved thermal history sensor having multiple polymeric substrates with unique compositions is disclosed. By positioning the sensor adjacent to an item subject to thermal stressors, each of the polymeric substrates react with a different rate of crystallization and thus yield a specific measure of infrared (IR) absorption spectra, for example. By comparing these measurements for each polymeric substrate, a thermal history fingerprint may be obtained. This thermal history fingerprint may then be compared to baseline data to yield information about the item, such as the expected remaining useful lifetime of the item.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method that allows the heat flux distribution on an object surface to be measured even when the heat flux is an unsteady or short-duration phenomenon, and that does not depend on the material of the object; and to provide a system for measuring the heat flux distribution on an object surface with the aid of this method. In the method for measuring the heat flux on an object surface in accordance with the present invention, the emission intensity of a temperature-sensitive paint that varies with the temperature of the object surface is chronologically captured and sensed as video information at a high frame rate, an image of the temperature distribution on the object surface is obtained based on characteristics between the emission intensity and temperature calibration, and the heat flux in each domain is calculated by the Cook and Feldermann method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an ion-implanted wafer by annealing and activating the ion-implanted wafer by heating or charging or both, and measuring the thermal wave absorbance generated from the activated wafer.

Abstract: The problem of the invention is to find a polymer mixture which forms an inter-polymer complex by being responsive to temperature even under neutral to alkaline conditions. According to the invention, a temperature responsive inter-polymer complex capable of showing thermal responsiveness in an aqueous solution, which contains a poly-N-acetylacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol, polyacrylamide or polymethacylamide, is applied to separating agents, immobilized enzymes, denatured protein modifiers, separation method or concentration of microorganisms, purification or concentration of nucleic acids, drug-releasing microcapsules and the like.

Abstract: A test wafer for use in wafer temperature prediction is prepared. The test wafer includes: first semiconductor layer formed in a crystalline state; second semiconductor layer formed in an amorphous state on the first semiconductor layer; and light absorption film formed over the second semiconductor layer. Next, the test wafer is loaded into a lamp heating system and then irradiating the test wafer with a light emitted from the lamp, thereby heating the second semiconductor layer through the light absorption film. Thereafter, a recovery rate, at which a part of the second semiconductor layer recovers from the amorphous state to the crystalline state at the interface with the first semiconductor layer, is calculated. Then, a temperature of the test wafer that has been irradiated with the light is measured according to a relationship between the recovery rate and a temperature corresponding to the recovery rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an ion-implanted wafer by annealing and activating the ion-implanted wafer by heating or charging or both, and measuring the thermal wave absorbance generated from the activated wafer.

Abstract: An athletic mouthguard including a U-shaped mouthguard body and a temperature-sensing device. The temperature-sensitive device is maintained by the mouthguard body and includes an indicator portion adapted to visually indicate information indicative of temperature. The temperature-sensing device is positioned such that upon placement of the mouthguard body within a user's mouth, the temperature-sensing device is also within the user's mouth. In this regard, the temperature-sensing device is adapted such that functioning thereof is unaffected by jarring of the mouthguard body as the user participates in an athletic activity. In one preferred embodiment, the temperature-sensing device is a thermometric strip located along an outer wall of the mouthguard body.

Abstract: A temperature-indicating target length (15) of an expanding fluid thermometer (11) imbedded inside an object (91) moving in the flow (81) is achieved at a target point (21) along a flow and is measured by a measuring means at a location outside of the flow; where the measuring means can be radiating energy (31) projecting an image (32) of the target length outside the flow, and the measuring means can be causing the fluid length to be locked at the target length, removing the object from the flow, and measuring the target length outside the flow.

Abstract: A method of measuring the effective temperature inside a sealed container having a headspace is provided. A liquid solvent is added to the container, and a solid compound is added to the liquid solvent to create a saturated solution. Vapor of the saturated solution is allowed to equilibrate in the headspace of the sealed container, and a volume thereof is transferred to a chromatographic column, where chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor are taken. A temperature within the sealed container is then calculated based upon the chromatographic readings of the equilibrated vapor, wherein the temperature calculation is based upon the concentrations of the liquid solvent and the solid compound in the equilibrated vapor.

Abstract: A temperature sensor having a capillary tube or stem, sealed at both ends, with a thin bore defined therein is applied to the measurement of temperatures having a range of about −100° to +400° Centigrade. A bulb comprising a liquid reservoir, is provided at one end of the capillary tube, in liquid communication with the bore, and is generally filled with an ionic thermometric liquid. In the operation of the temperature sensor, temperature is measured by the height of the liquid in the bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which can measure a temperature in contact with foodstuffs directly or around foodstuffs during the cooking process. Particularly, the present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which inhibits the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the thermometer and is coated with an antibacterial compound such as titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sensing element mounted with a body. The sensing element comprises a portion made with a shape memory alloy. The sensing element mounts with the body, fixedly at two ends. The fixed mounting at one end, however, is configured so that it can be converted to allow a moveable relationship between the body and the sensing element. While the mounting is fixed, the sensing element is prevented from indicating temperature deviations, and the apparatus can be stored and handled freely. After the mounting is converted to provide a moveable relationship, however, a temporary temperature excursion can cause the SMA portion to contract, providing a discernible change in the relationship between the sensing element and the body.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for monitoring the temperature of items such as food products, blood products, tissue cells etc. This device comprises a medium that changes its physical state from one phase to a second phase, for example, from solid to liquid, at a critical temperature. These changes in phases cause an irreversible change in a detectable parameter, which permits the detection of a change in the temperature during the handling of the monitored item.

Abstract: As is well known, the influencing variables most important for a sense of comfort are considered during regulation in controlled heating and air conditioning units. Incipient condensation on the windshield or other windows in particular is to be prevented thereby. Sensor modules, inter alia, are employed for this purpose, which have, for example, a capacitative thin-layer sensor. An additional thermopile is provided for determining the window temperature. The present idea eliminates the determination of the window temperature, for which purpose a sensor working capacitatively in the exemplary embodiment is brought directly to the window temperature and a direct thermal coupling of the sensor with the window occurs via a metal plate connected directly to the sensor and a thin adhesive film. The metal plate can thereby form one of the electrodes of the sensor itself or be connected to said electrode in a direct thermal manner. The use of the sensor in the sensor module is a further preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95 to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative measuring method of argon impurity contained in high purity oxygen by means of triple point and &ggr;-&bgr; phase transition of oxygen, and also to a cryostat employed in quantitative measuring of argon impurity contained in high purity oxygen.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the signal retention of a liquid crystal sensing element comprising an embossed cavity containing the liquid crystal and a cover layer sealing the liquid crystal in the cavity by heat treating at about 95° C. to about 120° C. for a time sufficient to cause the embossed cavity to shrink to substantially its original form thereby forcing the liquid crystal to be forced up against the cover layer to form a domed structure. Essential to the success of the process is incorporation in the cavity of about 10 to about 50% by volume of air based on the volume of the cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the temperature of substrates in a thermal processing chamber in the presence of either an oxidizing atmosphere or a reducing atmosphere is disclosed. Specifically, temperature determinations made in accordance with the present invention are generally for calibrating other temperature sensing devices that may be used in conjunction with the thermal processing chamber. The method of the present invention is generally directed to heating a substrate containing a reactive coating within a thermal processing chamber in an oxidizing atmosphere or reducing atmosphere. As the wafer is heated, the reactive coating reacts with gases contained within the chamber based upon the temperature to which the substrate is exposed. After heated, the thickness of any coating that is formed on the substrate is then measured for determining the temperature to which the substrate was heated.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of a moving substrate includes an air gun with a powder inlet port in communication with the outlet port of a powder reservoir, an air inlet port in communication with a pressurized air source, and an outlet nozzle spaced from and directed toward the moving substrate. The air gun is activated by the air pulses to spray controlled amounts of the powdered phosphor onto the moving substrate, where the phosphor assumes the temperature of the moving substrate. A laser produces light pulses, and optics direct the light pulses onto the phosphor on the moving substrate, in response to which the phosphor emits a luminescence with a decay rate indicative of the temperature of the phosphor. A collection lens is disposed to focus the luminescence, and a photodetector detects the luminescence focused by the collection lens and produces an electrical signal that is characteristic of the brightness of the luminescence.

Abstract: To find the core temperature of the foodstuff, the package can be fitted with an aperture (3) through which a temperature sensor (11) is inserted into the foodstuff. The temperature sensor is connected to a temperature detection instrument at an end projecting from the aperture (3) and the foodstuff heated to the predetermined temperature, the temperature curve being stored in the temperature detection instrument so as to be fetched. For cooling, the foodstuff with the sensor is, for example, taken out of the oven and reconnected to the temperature detector, in which the temperature curve during cooling is stored so as to be fetched.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a fluorescing phosphor is provided, together with an apparatus for performing the method. The apparatus includes a photodetector for detecting light emitted by a phosphor irradiated with an excitation pulse and for converting the detected light into an electrical signal. The apparatus further includes a differentiator for differentiating the electrical signal and a zero-crossing discrimination circuit that outputs a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to the time period between the start of the excitation pulse and the time when the differentiated electrical signal reaches zero. The width of the output pulse signal is proportional to the decay-time constant of the phosphor.

Abstract: In determining a color temperature in a color display device, the present invention comprises the steps of: producing a patch set I composed of a plurality of patches which appear gray under respective illuminant components and producing a patch set II composed of a plurality of patches to be a metameric pair with a neutral gray emitted from the respective illuminant components, under a specific illuminant; visually detecting peripheral illuminant components by selecting patch having identical color to that of patch having an equivalent energy spectral reflection degree in the patch set I; and determining a color temperature of the display device from the patch set II by using the detected illuminant component. Thus, the present invention provides color temperature information in producing a profile of the device required by a CMS by determining the color temperature of the display device considering the peripheral illuminant component without using a colorimeter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multivariate method of inverting paleothermometer and age indicator data to derive the temperature history of rocks. The method uses kinetic models of geologic material transformations and a simple but flexible representation of bed temperature history to invert the paleothermometer data. The method inverts the data by employing a genetic algorithm computation and kinetic model S. The result is a family of temperature histories which more accurately and more completely characterize temperature histories consistent with the rock samples than is possible by prior art methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature profile of a surface exhibiting spatial and/or temporal variations in temperature, e.g., the surface of a machine or a biological system, is disclosed. The inventive method involves forming a layer of chemiluminescent material in thermal contact with the surface. The chemiluminescent activity is selected to be a function of temperature by suitable dye choices. The resulting luminescence is detected.

Abstract: An anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector assembly detecting anomalous temperature rise of a braking element so as to prevent braking force from being lowered owing to occurrence of fade and also prevent the braking element from being inactive owing to occurrence of vapor-lock, which contributes to reliability and safety of a brake. The anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector includes a rotatable member and a temperature-rise member which is a part of a group of braking elements which act on the rotatable member so as to provide braking force thereagainst, the temperature-rise member rising in temperature when brake force is provided against the rotatable member. The anomalous braking element temperature-rise detector assembly further includes a hydrogen absorbing material for absorbing hydrogen at ordinary temperature and discharging hydrogen when the temperature-rise member rises to anomalous temperature.

Abstract: A high resolution thermometer operated by the pressure of a solid/liquid se mixture is characterized by a vessel containing the mixture, a pressure sensor and a pressure indicator. A relatively small change in the temperature to be measured causes the proportion of solid and liquid in the vessel to change, thereby producing a dramatic change in pressure which can be measured with greater accuracy than the relatively small temperature change. Temperature is determined by converting the pressure to temperature using the appropriate thermodynamic relationship.

Abstract: An integrated temperature monitor (ITM) is placed in a protective carrier and the carrier is placed in a base. Thermally conductive adhesive is injected around the carrier. A cover is placed on the base, forming a container around the ITM. The adhesive holds the carrier in the container holding the base and cover together. Two screws also hold the base and cover together as the adhesive cures. The base has slots for seizing wire. The container is attached to a device with thermally conductive adhesive and the seizing wire. A bar code label is placed on the container. The end of the container is cut to expose the carrier and monitor and create an opening to remove the ITM from the container.

Abstract: A freeze indicator comprising a frangible ampule containing a liquid which expands upon freezing, a dye soluble in the liquid and a nucleating agent, the nucleating agent and the liquid having substantially similar space groupings, the ampule being enclosed within a blister of transparent film, the blister being adhered to a backing, the inner surface of the blister being coating with an absorbent layer comprising a binder wettable by the liquid and a filler, whereby upon rupture of the ampule the liquid containing dye is absorbed by the absorbent layer thereby causing a color change in the absorbent layer visible through the transparent film.

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: A method for determining the maximum temperature attained by an article formed of a nickel-based superalloy includes furnishing an article made of a nickel-based superalloy having a gamma/gamma-prime structure at intermediate temperatures and a single phase structure at high temperatures and characterized by a predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma prime phase present and temperature over a transition temperature range. The article is heated with a temperature profile including a maximum temperature within the transition temperature range, and thereafter cooled to ambient temperature to produce a distribution of coarse gamma-prime particles and fine gamma-prime particles in a gamma matrix. The fraction of coarse gamma-prime particles present in the article is measured, and compared with the predetermined continuous relation between equilibrium volume fraction of gamma-prime phase as a function of temperature, to determine a maximum temperature reached by the article.

Abstract: A temperature sensor comprising a hollow shield including a cone shaped tip portion and a substantially cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion surrounds a high temperature collection rod (e.g., a lightpipe or optical fiber). The collection rod is arranged to collect radiant energy from the cone shaped tip portion and transmit the radiation to a fiber optic cable attached to the opposite end of the collecting rod.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring an object piece of qualified equipment in a nuclear power plant includes passive means for detecting a total integrated dose of radiation received by the object piece, means for determining a thermal history of the object piece, and means for housing the passive detection means and determining means in close proximity to the object piece. In order to generate and maintain evidence to assure that qualified equipment used in such stations will operate on demand, the passive detection means and determining means mounted in close proximity to the object piece are exposed to the environment of a normally operating power plant and periodically analyzed to determine whether the qualified life of the object piece may be extended.

Abstract: The temperature of an object (10) is measured by monitoring the thermal Doppler broadening of resonances in its neutron transmission characteristics, as neutrons (11) pass through it from a source (12) to a detector (14). Various surfaces (18, 20, 24) of the object are each plated with a different element, such as platinum, iridium and rhenium respectively. By monitoring the Doppler broadening of resonances due to platinum, the temperature of the platinum surface (18) can be determined; and the temperatures of the iridium surface (20) and the rhenium surface (24) are determined likewise.

Abstract: A process for determining a relative temperature distribution at a surface of a high temperature member to be used in a gas containing oxygen at high temperatures is disclosed. The process comprises the step of determining the relative surface temperature distribution of the member by measuring concentrations of oxygen at the surface of the member, which surface is composed of silicon carbide or silicon nitride. The process may also include the step of quantitatively determining a distribution of temperatures at the surface of the member by measuring concentrations of oxygen at the surface of the member, determining a relationship between temperatures and concentrations of oxygen on a surface of a standard member, and comparing the measured oxygen concentrations at the surface of the member with those of a standard member with reference to this relationship.

Abstract: Whether a compound will thermoparticulate, that is, decompose to produce particles detectable by an ion chamber monitor or a condensation nuclei monitor and, if so, at what temperature, is predicted by determining the decomposition products of the compound, eliminating the compound if none of its decomposition products are greater than 25 .ANG., and using the temperature at which the decomposition products greater than 25 .ANG. have a vapor pressure of 10 millimeters as an estimate of the temperature at which the compound will decompose to produce products detectable by the monitor. Also disclosed are compounds which have been found to thermoparticulate at low temperatures.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a rapidly rotating article, including a strobe capable of emitting radiant energy and positioned to radiate energy onto the article, a light source positioned to illuminate a temperature-sensing means on the article, a light detector to measure changes in the light reflected by the temperature-sensor and a control device to energize the strobe in response to reflected light from the detector.

Abstract: A system for measuring the temperature of an item comprises means for supplying a beam of neutrons to expose the item to the beam; means for monitoring the transmission characteristics of the item to neutrons; and means for obtaining from the result of the monitoring an indication of the temperature of the item.

Abstract: A temperature indicating device which comprises a plurality of panels in a fixed array. Some of the panels are adapted to undergo a reversible change in appearance at a given temperature whereas the remainder are adapted to undergo irreversible change in appearance at a given temperature. The device is useful in indicating the temperature which an object has achieved as well as its actual temperature.

Abstract: A liposomal thermograph is employed to monitor the thermal history of goods in transit or storage. The liposomal thermograph becomes fluorescent if the temperature of the goods exceed an operating range. The liposomal thermograph is bi-directional, i.e. it becomes fluorescent if the temperature transgression either falls below a set value on the lower end of the operating range or if it rises toward the upper end of the operating range. The activation of the liposomal thermograph is abrupt at the lower end of operating range. However, at the upper end of the operating range, the liposomal thermograph displays a ramp effect, i.e. the onset of fluorescence is progressive and depends upon the duration of the transgression and the magnitude. The liposomal thermograph is made from a sachet which is filled with a suspension of liposomes which have been loaded with an amphphilic anionic fluorescent dye, preferably having a sodium counterion.

Abstract: A temperature warning device for monitoring the temperature of an article and for providing a dependable signal that a preselected temperature has been reached. The device includes an axially extending bore into which a heat responsive element, a driver, and a sensing indicator are arranged. The bore is normally sealed by a closure plug to prevent failure due to contaminants. Upon reaching a preselected temperature the element exerts force against the driver which in turn forcibly removes the closure plug, exposing the indicator.

Abstract: A cryogenic thermometer using molecular luminescence determines temperature. A sensor material is used which is capable of emitting radiant energy from a spin multiplet when excited, the excited state being characterized by a large zero field splitting (ZFS), and in which two of the sublevels split by the ZFS are radiative in the visible or near infrared region and are optically resolvable from each other. Spin-lattice relaxation rates between the sublevels are much larger than the sublevel decay rates to other states in order that their populations remain close to thermal equilibrium during optical pumping. The relative intensity of the two bands of radiation is determined and the temperature calculated therefrom. Xanthione (XS) dissolved in n-hexane may be used as a sensor material in the optimum range of 3 to 10K, with estimated precision varying between 0.4 mK and 3.0 mK within this range.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature sensing probe for implantation into a human body or other object that is being heated either by ultrasonic radiation alone or by a combination of ultrasonic and electromagnetic (radio frequency or microwave) energy. Several embodiments are described of probes adapted to measure temperature in an ultrasound field without errors being introduced by direct absorption of ultrasonic energy or by viscous heating, even when plastic fiber is utilized.

Abstract: An integrated-optic waveguide apparatus uses a photoelastic substrate for sensing temperature changes. Optical channels are formed in a photoelastic crystal substrate by depositing film stripes thereon to cause stress-induced changes in the relative refractive index responsive to changes in the substrate temperature. Absorption and coupling or switching of light waves between the channels provides a variable light intensity as a function of temperature. A single-mode temperature sensor of the interferometer type provides high sensitivity without requiring a secondary reference light source. Multimode temperature sensors are also described which exhibit a wide dynamic range useful up to several hundred degrees C. at a slight compromise in sensitivity.

Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus utilizing the temperature dependence of the characteristics of fluorescence and afterglow emitted from a fluorescent substance by exciting the substance. The fluorescence and afterglow emitted by the excited fluorescent substance are detected and converted to electric signals. The fluorescence signal and afterglow signal are integrated for a predetermined period of time to obtain an integral amount of light. The temperature is determined by comparing the integral amount of light with the temperature characteristics of an integral amount of light preset for the fluorescent substance.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature sensing probe is implanted into a human body or other object that is being heated, either by ultrasonic radiation alone or by a combination of ultrasonic and electromagnetic (radio frequency or microwave) energy. In order to measure temperature in an ultrasound field without the probe introducing errors, the probe is made to be substantially thermally non-conducting, made of materials that do not absorb compressional energy, and has a small diameter relative to the length of the ultrasonic heating waves.

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: A technique of temperature measurement wherein an object or environment to be measured is provided with a phosphor material layer that emits at least two optically isolatable wavelength ranges whose intensity ratio depends upon the object or environment temperature, the emitted radiation being brought to a detector by an optical system that may include an optical fiber. Several specific applications of this technique are disclosed, such as temperature monitoring of electrical equipment and industrial processing, medical temperature instrumentation including the use of disposable elements that contain a small quantity of the temperature dependent phosphor, special and multiple probes, the use of liquid phosphors, and a phosphor paint for monitoring surface temperatures.

Abstract: A transducer for the measurement of temperature incorporates a fiber optic coupler having a coupling efficiency which varies in relation to the index of refraction of a thin layer of index matching liquid, such as index matching oil, placed between the optical fibers of the coupler. Since the index of refraction of the liquid varies predictably with temperature, the coupling efficiency of the transducer may be used to directly measure the temperature of the coupler and its surroundings.

Abstract: A temperature probe measures temperature changes within biological material while the tissue is being irradiated with microwaves. In order to measure tissue temperatures accurately a probe must be designed to function in a microwave field while causing minimum perturbation to the microwave field. This generally requires a probe being constructed of dielectric (non-metallic) material which utilizes physical phenomena which are thermally dependent yet unaffected by electromagnetic fields at the field strength and frequencies of interest. In one embodiment the structure of the probe basically includes an optical fiber bundle for conducting light both toward and away from a temperature sensitive luminescent element located at one end of the optical fiber bundle, the source for exciting the temperature sensitive element and a light responsive detection element located at the output end of the optical fiber bundle for detecting light emitted from the temperature sensitive element which is temperature dependent.