Abstract: A temperature monitoring apparatus includes a monitoring device and an alarm device. The monitoring device includes a first thermal sensing unit adapted to be placed in contact with a target object for measuring temperature thereof, a user input unit for setting a predetermined temperature range, a processing unit to verify whether the temperature of the target object as measured by the first thermal sensing unit falls within the predetermined temperature range, a display unit for showing the predetermined temperature range and the temperature of the target object thereon, and a signal transmitting unit for transmitting an alarm enable signal when the temperature of the target object does not fall within the predetermined temperature range. The alarm device includes a signal receiving unit for receiving the alarm enable signal, and an alarming unit for generating an alarm output when the signal receiving unit receives the alarm enable signal.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer includes an elongated shell, a metal tip in one end of the shell, a circuit board mounted within the shell, a temperature sensor mounted in the top of the metal tip for producing a signal indicative of the temperature of the metal tip, two conducting wires connected in parallel between the temperature sensor and the circuit board, and a heat insulator stuffed in the metal tip to hold down the temperature sensor and the conducting wires against the inside wall of the metal tip and to present a temperature loss during measuring of the electronic clinical thermometer.

Abstract: A temperature sensor comprises (a) a first voltage generating circuit that generates and outputs a first voltage having a positive or negative temperature coefficient in proportion to the absolute temperature; (b) a second voltage generating circuit that generates a second voltage having an opposite sign of temperature coefficient compared to the first voltage and outputs a reference voltage that does not have a temperature coefficient based on the second voltage; and (c) a comparator that compares the first voltage output from the first voltage generating circuit with the reference voltage output from the second voltage generating circuit.

Abstract: A furnace temperature detector includes a spike thermocouple attached to a heating chamber; an overheat thermocouple attached to the heating chamber; an inner thermocouple installed inside a reaction tube; a temperature controller connected to the spike thermocouple and the inner thermocouple; an overheat controller connected the overheat thermocouple; and a control switch for directing the output line of the overheat thermocouple. When the furnace overheats, the overheat thermocouple detects the overheating and generates and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the overheating to the overheat controller; the overheat controller generates and outputs an overheat control signal.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer contains inside its main body not only a temperature detecting device and a display device for displaying the measured body temperature but also a buzzer for outputting a warning sound. The buzzer is formed with a piezoelectric plate on an oscillating plate, having an elongated shape and being securely supported only at mutually opposite end parts in its longitudinal direction, and these end parts remain fixed in the primary mode of oscillation. A resonance chamber is formed between the buzzer and its support structure. A buzzer cover, which serves to secure the buzzer by contacting it only at its end parts, also contacts the main body in a direction opposite from the support structure so as to propagate the buzzer oscillations to the main body.

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus including a sensor element made of a magnetically soft material operatively arranged within a first and second time-varying interrogation magnetic field, the first time-varying magnetic field being generated at a frequency higher than that for the second magnetic field. A receiver, remote from the sensor element, is engaged to measure intensity of electromagnetic emissions from the sensor element to identify a relative maximum amplitude value for each of a plurality of higher-order harmonic frequency amplitudes so measured. A unit then determines a value for temperature (or other parameter of interst) using the relative maximum harmonic amplitude values identified. In other aspects of the invention, the focus is on an apparatus and technique for determining a value for of stress condition of a solid analyte and for determining a value for corrosion, using the relative maximum harmonic amplitude values identified.

Abstract: An integrated sensor comprising a thermopile transducer and signal processing circuitry that are combined on a single semiconductor substrate, such that the transducer output signal is sampled in close vicinity by the processing circuitry. The sensor comprises a frame formed of a semiconductor material that is not heavily doped, and with which a diaphragm is supported. The diaphragm has a first surface for receiving thermal (e.g., infrared) radiation, and comprises multiple layers that include a sensing layer containing at least a pair of interlaced thermopiles. Each thermopile comprises a sequence of thermocouples, each thermocouple comprising dissimilar electrically-resistive materials that define hot junctions located on the diaphragm and cold junctions located on the frame. The signal processing circuitry is located on the frame and electrically interconnected with the thermopiles.

Abstract: An instrument measures the LED junction temperature directly by taking advantage of the linear relationship between the forward current driven through the LED, the forward drop of the LED, and the junction temperature to determine the LED junction temperature.

Abstract: An infrared photo-detector focal plane array includes detectors with quantum well layers that are spectrally “tuned” to impinging radiation by modulating the voltage biases applied across each quantum well layer. Read out circuits, interfaced with each detector of the array, process the photo-currents received from each detector to determine the absolute temperature of the remote infrared source from which the impinging radiation originated.

Abstract: A composite wire is provided as a connection wire for electric temperature sensors, the wire having a core made of a nickel-based alloy which self-passivates at the core surface, wherein the core has a jacket made of platinum. A suitable nickel-based alloy which self-passivates at the core surface contains chromium in a range of about 16 to 22-wt %, preferably about 20-wt %.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for utilizing an inductive coil fluid level sensor to measure the temperature of the fuel, or fuel vapors, in a fuel tank depending upon the location of the sensor within the tank. The inductive coil sensor is connected to a Fuel Control Unit containing the sensor electronics to drive the inductive coil sensor and read the corresponding fuel or fuel vapor temperature.

Abstract: A four current transistor temperature sensor comprises a p-n junction, preferably the base-emitter junction of a bipolar transistor, which is driven with four different currents in a predetermined sequence. Each of the four currents induces a respective base-emitter voltage, which is measured. The temperature of the transistor is calculated based on the values of the four driving currents and the four measured base-emitter voltages. The four driving currents (I1, I2, I3 and I4) are preferably arranged such that I1=2*I3, I2=2*I4, I1/I2=A and I3/I4=A, where A is a predetermined current ratio. I1 and I2 produce respective base-emitter voltages which are subtracted from each other to produce &Dgr;Vbe1, and I3 and I4 produce respective base-emitter voltages which are subtracted from each other to produce &Dgr;Vbe2. When so arranged, the difference between &Dgr;Vbe1 and &Dgr;Vbe2 is entirely due to the effect of series base and emitter resistances rb and re.

Abstract: A thermal sensor incorporating an improved retention clip is disclosed herein. The improved retention clip is both easily fabricated from either sheet stock or wire stock and is designed to be easily and securely assembled to the sensor housing and provides a convenient easy to use retention system for attaching the sensor to a tubular or generally cylindrical conduit member. The retention clip includes a gently angled lead-in portion which aids in guiding the clip into the conduit with little force coupled with a more sharply angled retention portion that substantially increases the force required to dislodge the sensor once assembled. Additionally, the clips are designed to minimize contact surface engagement with the conduit so as to minimize crevice corrosion. Portions of the clips may be covered with a suitable material to further limit the possibility of localized corrosion as well as to insulate the clip from the conduit member while also resisting relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement for making it possible to pick up movable components for transporting purposes and/or to set them down in order to place them for example on a device which is to be produced. Therefore, a measuring arrangement may reliably measure the presence of the movable component at an opening of a tubular element. The measuring arrangement here measures, on the basis of a temperature measurement, the gas through flow through the tubular element, which, in turn, can be related directly to the presence or absence of a component at the opening.

Abstract: There is provided a temperature control system for a humidity sensor, which is capable of eliminating impurities attached to a sensor element of the sensor efficiently and sufficiently while preventing the sensor element from being cracked due to heat generated by a heater in a state of condensation formed thereon, and suppressing attachment of impurities to the sensor element, thereby making it possible to preserve an excellent detection accuracy of the humidity sensor. The temperature control system controls the temperature of the sensor element of the humidity sensor arranged in an exhaust pipe for detecting humidity within the exhaust pipe. A heater heats the sensor element. The temperature of the sensor element is detected.

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: A method and apparatus for mapping the character and location of small surface variations on a planar surface. Energy in the form of pulses is supplied to an object in close proximity to the planar surface to thereby raise the temperature of the object and at part of the surface. A change in temperature of the object is detected when it is in proximity to the variation to define the location and character of the variation. By supplying the energy in the form of pulses, the size of the thermal signature produced in the planar surface is limited wherein a more accurate and more sensitive mapping method and apparatus are provided. The energy supply may be thermal energy or optical energy but preferably is electrical energy which heats a resistive element. Preferably, the object is a magnetoresistive head of a disk drive assembly and the surface may be that of a magnetic recording material. The change in temperature is detected by monitoring the resistance of the magnetoresistive coil of the head.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer has a probe including a variable-temperature heater and one or more temperature sensors and may also include a heat flux sensor. Physical variables such as temperature, time rate of change in temperature and/or heat flow rate are directly measured at positions on the surface of a patient while being heated by the heater through a thermally insulating member. Such measured values are used to solve a heat transfer equation rewritten as lower-order equations. Measurements may be controlled to be taken at a desired timing such as at specified intervals. The probe for contacting the patient's body may be planar or in an elongated bar-shape.

Abstract: A method of determining the temperature of a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle is described, in which the temperature of the hydraulic pump is determined with the help of a model and by measuring the motor voltage (Um) and the power supply voltage after turning it on. The model has a state observer with which a temperature-dependent estimator is formed for the estimated temperature of the pump motor or the hydraulic pump. The estimator is determined at a defined time after turning on the power supply voltage, and the temperature of the hydraulic pump (1) is determined with the help of an empirical comparison table or curve. The estimated temperature or the change in temperature is used to correct or improve on the brake pressure control of the hydraulic brake system, in particular in the case of an anti-skid system (ABS) and/or an anti-spin control (ASC).

Abstract: A temperature sensing apparatus including a sensor element made of a magnetically soft material operatively arranged within a first and second time-varying interrogation magnetic field, the first time-varying magnetic field being generated at a frequency higher than that for the second magnetic field. A receiver, remote from the sensor element, is engaged to measure intensity of electromagnetic emissions from the sensor element to identify a relative maximum amplitude value for each of a plurality of higher-order harmonic frequency amplitudes so measured. A unit then determines a value for temperature (or other parameter of interest) using the relative maximum harmonic amplitude values identified. In other aspects of the invention, the focus is on an apparatus and technique for determining a value for of stress condition of a solid analyte and for determining a value for corrosion, using the relative maximum harmonic amplitude values identified.

Abstract: In a temperature sensor, especially in a temperature sensor using a resonator, based on a frequency of one oscillator circuit (resonator), frequencies of the other one or more oscillator circuits (resonators) are measured, and frequency-temperature characteristics of a plurality of resonators are synthesized in order to realize an accurate temperature sensor which does not require an accurate frequency reference regardless of a temperature change, and has a linear characteristic and a wide measurable temperature range. Also, two oscillator circuits have two resonators respectively with quadratic characteristics in which quadratic coefficients are the same and linear characteristics are different from each other, and a difference between oscillation frequencies of both oscillator circuits is obtained.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer has a probe including a temperature sensor and a heat flux sensor which are controlled to make measurements at specified time intervals. The measured values are used in solving the equation of heat conduction to estimate the temperature of an internal body position. A heater may be included to preheat a body part in order to reduce the time required for measurement. The probe may use two temperature sensors to measure temperatures at two body surface positions through insulating members which are different in thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring temperature is disclosed. The device, for example, can include a thermocouple configured to generate a voltage indicative of a junction temperature; a memory device configured to store a unique device ID and to store data; a logic unit connected to the thermocouple and the memory device; an I/O interface connected to the logic unit, the I/O interface configured to communicate with a computer system; and an internal temperature sensor connected to the logic unit, the internal temperature sensor configured to determine a cold junction temperature.

Abstract: Sub-micron chemical analysis of the surface and sub-surface of a sample material is performed at, above or under atmospheric pressure, or on for a sample material submerged in a substance. A thermal and/or topographic image of the surface of the sample material is obtained. A location for study is selected using the image. The activation device is positioned over the selected location and surface and/or sub-surface products are ablated, desorbed or decomposed from the sample material to a chemical analyzer for analysis.

Abstract: An improved electronic thermometer for measuring human body temperature includes a stem and a cartridge located in the stem. The cartridge has a slide trough, a brake member and a stopping block located at one end thereof, and a sensor means and a trigger means located therein. The trigger means includes an impact pin located in the slide trough, a sway contact strip engaged with the brake member and a contact pad engaged with the stopping block. The thermometer may be turned on or off by swinging and is watertight.

Abstract: A cost-effective electronic thermometer comprises a rigid case attached to a flexible probe stem in a lap joint. The distal end portion of the relatively rigid case is affixed to the flexible probe stem at the lap joint by a molding weld between the case and the flexible probe. A substantially rigid insert is positioned partially within an axially extending passageway defined by the stem such that a sensor cap can be mounted around the insert. A temperature sensor in sensor cap is connected to an electronic processor with display that is positioned within case and powered by a battery.

Abstract: Serial bus modules with unique multibit identifications that may be searched with multiple modules on a single bus. Modules may contain temperature history per integrated Arrhenius temperature dependent signal. Modules may be packaged as tokens or as two or three lead plastic plastic, also with the three lead packages further functionality as sensors or switches may be incorporated into the modules.

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: Precise sensing and controlling of temperature during in-situ testing of a structure used in an integrated circuit by fabricating or placing a heat source element adjacent to the structure and by fabricating or placing a temperature sensing element adjacent to the structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for manufacturing a protective cap which is adapted to be fitted to an ear canal temperature measurement probe of an infrared radiation thermometer and to be introduced into a body cavity. The protective cap (1) is formed of a base body (3) of plastic material having its one end open and its opposite end closed by a window film (7) transparent to infrared radiation. In a first step of the process, at least one hole (5) is made in a sheet-, film-, web- or plate-shaped base body material intended to form the base body (3). In a second step of the process, the perforated base body material (6) is covered at least in the area of the hole (5) with a window film (7) fabricated from a plastic material transparent to infrared radiation and joined to the base body material (6) in an immovable manner.

Abstract: A panel connector for securely connecting an edge connector of a temperature gradient sensing probe having a support shaft to a monitoring circuit is disclosed. The panel connector includes a base having a top side containing a support shaft receiving channel therein. A plurality of resilient electrical contacts formed from a first conductive material and at least one resilient electrical contact formed from a second conductive material, which is dissimilar from the first conductive material, reside on the top side of the base. The connector is provided with a cover for clamping the edge connector and the support shaft of the temperature sensing probe in the connector.

Abstract: A temperature detector comprising temperature sensing circuitry, calibration circuitry, and power regular circuitry. The temperature sensing circuitry has an output that varies with temperature to create a temperature variation. The calibration circuitry is coupled to receive the output that varies with temperature to create a temperature variation. The calibration circuitry interprets the temperature variation and outputs a valve that represents the temperature. The power supply regulator circuitry coordinates power to the temperature sensing circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the temperature of a discrete power semiconductor from an analog integrated circuit that is copackaged with the power semiconductor on a heat sink, given a knowledge of the thermal capacitances of the power semiconductor and of the analog integrated circuit, the thermal resistance between the power semiconductor and the analog integrated circuit, the thermal resistances between the power semiconductor and the heat sink and between the analog integrated circuit and the heat sink.

Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer including a thermistor, a probing bar, a main body, an electronic device, a display, an inner shell and a buzzing device. The probing bar is highly flexible to minimize discomfort or irritation arising from the measurement of the body temperature of a person. The electronic device can be easily joined with the inner shell such that the electronic device is held securely by the retainers of the inner shell.

Abstract: A cost-effective electronic thermometer comprises a rigid case attached to a flexible probe stem in a lap joint. The flexible probe extends away from the case in a taper of both width and thickness. A sensor with sensor cap are mounted a the distal end of the probe stem. The temperature sensor is connected to an electronic processor with display that is positioned within case and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A drop detection apparatus has a thermosensitive substrate for receiving drops of ink and providing a signal representative of a change in the temperature in the thermosensitive substrate which is caused by the ink drops deposited on the thermosensitive substrate. The thermosensitive substrate is made from a pyroelectric material, such as, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and lead zirconium titanate (PLZT). As a result, a drop detection apparatus has a substantially simplified structure for detecting drops of ink ejected from large numbers of jets. Furthermore, since a drop detection apparatus relies on the temperature difference between the thermosensitive substrate and the drop of ink which is substantially small in size, the drop detection apparatus can be made substantially small in size, therefore suitable for a small sized ink jet apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature sensing and indicating device, comprising a housing, a microprocessor and an arm. The arm is retractable and extendible into and out of the housing, such that the length of the arm external to the housing can be varied in a predetermined manner. A probe having a temperature sensor therewithin is enclosed by the arm such that varying the external length of the arm exposes varying lengths of the probe whereby the exposed length of the probe is designed to be inserted into a medium such that the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the medium and converts the temperature sensed into a signal. Through the utilization of a programmable microprocessor, the signal is conditioned and converted and drives a display causing the display to provide a visual indication of the temperature sensed. The visual indication is comprised of a digital numeric display and an analog display.

Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of a hot wall comprising a measuring element (2) housed in a bearing piece (6) and held in contact with the hot wall (1) using clamping means (12) fitted on a support bridge (11). The invention finds its application especially in metallurgical, petroleum-based, chemical and nuclear plants, cement works, glass works and thermal steam-production power plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic device for sensing and indicating the presence of electromagnetic interference in the vicinity of a electronic thermometer and preventing the display of a core body temperature reading when the electromagnetic interference exceeds a predetermined threshold. Disclosed is a tympanic thermometer comprising circuitry and a microprocessor that takes a a plurality of voltage readings from the null input of an operational amplifier in the circuitry. After taking into account ambient temperature conditions into the temperature calculations, the microprocessor compares the average value of the voltage readings taken from the null input against a predetermined threshold in the memory of the microprocessor. If the value exceeds the predetermined threshold, then the microprocessor prevents the display of the core body temperature and directs a display to write an error message.

Abstract: A thermometer based on CB tunnelling includes a sensor component and devices for measuring its voltage-current dependence. The sensor includes a chain of several, at least ten, nanoscale tunnel junctions and connection electrodes for connecting the measurement devices to the ends of the chain. The temperature is determined in a manner that is, as such, known, on the basis of the characteristic quantities of the descriptor G/G.sub.T of the voltage-current dependence. The measurement array of the sensor includes several tunnel junction chains connected in parallel, for decreasing the total impedance of the array.

Abstract: The electronic clinical thermometer of the present invention has a temperature sensing portion (3), a control signal generating circuit (2) for generating a control signal for controlling operation of each of structural elements, a converting circuit (4) for converting an output signal generated from the temperature sensing portion into a digital signal, a temperature measuring section (6) for measuring the temperature based on the digital signal, storage circuits (7) for storing and updating a maximum value of the temperature measured by the temperature measuring section in order. Data comparing circuits (8) are provided for comparing the temperature stored in the storage circuits with a present measured value. Temperature rise detecting means (21) is provided for detecting a rising amount of the temperature based on a compared result of the data comparing circuits, and a buzzer (103) is provided for informing the rise of the temperature based on a signal of the temperature rise detecting means.

Abstract: A self-verifying temperature sensor and method for measuring and verifying the true thermodynamic temperature of a system. The sensor is constructed of various combinations of the following temperature-dependent elements: thermoelements, resistive elements, capacitive elements and other inductive elements. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is constructed of resistive element connected between four thermoelement wires. A fifth thermoelement wire is connected to the resistive element. The sensor produces a data signature from various voltage, resistance, inductance, and capacitance measurements. Measurement electronics collect and condition the data signature. A computer analyzes the data signature and provides the system operator with a verified sensor temperature, thus, allowing the system operator to recognize and account for drift or decalibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A digital fever thermometer includes a backlit LCD display, which may act as a non-audible annunciator indicating that a stable temperature has been achieved. The digital fever thermometer includes a photo detector and a single mode-select switch to determine when the backlight should be enabled. When the backlight is enabled, the thermometer activates the backlight, indicating that a temperature reading is complete.

Abstract: A combination contact temperature probe/wafer support includes a thermocouple enclosing probe head of low thermal mass and large contact area supported by a support means such that 1) there is a high thermal resistivity connection between the support means and the probe head, and 2) the probe head is self orienting under the weight of the wafer so that the contact area is maintained coplanar with the surface of the wafer.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for detecting the temperature of an automatic gearbox which has a temperature sensor and a starter-interlock contact switch in the gearbox component and, externally with respect thereto, a gearbox control device to which signal information from the temperature sensor and from the starter-interlock contact switch can be fed via separate signal lines. The temperature sensor and the starter-interlock contact switch are connected to a common signal line which leads to the gearbox control device, specifically in a series or parallel circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A self-verifying temperature sensor and method for measuring and verifying the true thermodynamic temperature of a system. The sensor is constructed of various combinations of the following temperature-dependent elements: thermoelements, resistive elements, capacitive elements and other inductive elements. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is constructed of resistive element connected between four thermoelement wires. A fifth thermoelement wire is connected to the resistive element. The sensor produces a data signature from various voltage, resistance, inductance, and capacitance measurements. Measurement electronics collect and condition the data signature. A computer analyzes the data signature and provides the system operator with a verified sensor temperature, thus, allowing the system operator to recognize and account for drift or decalibration of the sensor.

Abstract: A heat flow transducer comprises one or more thermoelectric cooler (TEC) devices mounted in a core of heat resistant material which is subjected to the heat flow to be measured. Multiple TECs are thermally in parallel and electrically in series.

Abstract: A temperature sensor assembly for measuring ambient temperature and including a housing defining an enclosure. A temperature sensor is mounted within the enclosure. The housing includes a brass cap and a liner for conducting heat from the brass cap to the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is mounted on the brass liner and is electrically insulated from the brass liner by a thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A temperature detecting circuit generates an output signal depending on temperature and unaffected by variations of power supply voltage. The temperature detecting circuit provides a diode which generates a voltage across two terminals depending on the temperature, a first resistor connected to the anode of this diode, a second resistor whereof one end is earthed, first and second transistors for applying a fixed voltage to the first and second resistors, third and fourth transistors supplied by the current flowing through the first and second resistors, fifth and sixth transistors to the bases of which the emitter currents of the third and fourth transistors are applied, and seventh and eighth transistors to the bases of which the emitter currents of the fifth and sixth transistors are applied. The output current from the output terminal 20 varies according to the temperature, but does not vary with the power supply voltage.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer for measuring body temperature has a temperature sensor for detecting a sensed temperature and for producing an output indicative of the sensed temperature and a temperature rise detector for detecting whether the sensed temperature is rising. If the sensed temperature is rising, the temperature rise detector produces a temperature rise signal. The thermometer is provided with circuitry for generating an audible signal in response to the temperature rise signal. The device thus audibly indicates that the sensed temperature is rising and that the temperature measurement is proceeding normally. The temperature sensor includes a thermosensitive oscillator, the oscillating frequency of which changes depending on a change in its temperature, and a reference oscillator for generating a reference signal. A temperature counter counts an output signal from the thermosensitive oscillator on the basis of the reference signal.