By Electrical Or Magnetic Heat Sensor Patents (Class 374/163)
  • Patent number: 5490476
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking deep-frozen food, which irreversibly indicates if an additional storage temperature has been exceeded, is described. A flat plastic bag having transparent walls, into which eutectic mixture having a liquid/solid phase transition in the range from 0.degree. to -50.degree. C. has been introduced, together with a magnetic dispersion consisting of finely divided magnetic pigments, has a heat-conducting connection to the material to be frozen. A magnetic stripe which contains a magnetically recorded pattern and which remains connected to the bag until the indicating apparatus together with the material to be frozen has been cooled below the limiting temperature is stuck to the bag. The magnetic stripe is then removed. If the permissible limiting temperature is exceeded, the optically or magnetically readable structure produced by the magnetic stripe in the indicator bag is eliminated, permitting easy checking of the deep-frozen food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Magnetics GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald J. Veitch, Helmut Jakusch, Peter Heilmann
  • Patent number: 5483414
    Abstract: Electrical impedance detector for measurement of physical quantities, in particular of temperature. The detector comprises electrodes (11,14), between which the electrical impedance (C;R) that represents the physical quantity to be measured is measured. Between these electrodes (11,14) there is an active material whose impedance properties are a function of the physical quantity to be measured. The active material of the detector is a very thin thread-like glass or glass-ceramic fibre (10), which has been manufactured by means of the glass-drawing technique. Further, a process for the manufacture of said detectors is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Vaisala Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Turtiainen
  • Patent number: 5373141
    Abstract: A circuit for controlling the temperature of a system by sensing a temperature is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Kyung Ko
  • Patent number: 5373205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for limiting current through a switching device supplying current to a load. A control evaluates a model representing the switching device temperature as a nonlinear function of current and time. The model compares the temperature of the switching device to a maximum allowable temperature. The current limit is defaulted to peak current; and in response to the model detecting a temperature in excess of the maximum allowable temperature, a nominal current limit is set. The current limit reset to peak current after the model detects a switching device temperature a predetermined magnitude below the maximum allowable temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Cincinnati Milacron Inc.
    Inventors: Rickey L. Busick, Mark S. Taylor, Stephen T. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5257864
    Abstract: Zero-cross points of an ac voltage waveform (v) applied to a heat-sensitive wire (1) and an ac current waveform (i) flowing into the heat-sensitive wire (1) are detected by a zero voltage detection unit (3) and a zero current detection unit (4), and the interval between the zero-cross points of voltage and current is measured by a measuring unit (7). The measured interval corresponds to the phase angle (.phi.) between the voltage and current waveforms, and the phase angle (.phi.) depends on the specific resistance (.rho.) and permitivity (.epsilon.) of the heat-sensitive wire (1). This relation is utilized for temperature measurement. The relation between the phase angle (.phi.) and the specific resistance (.rho.) and permitivity (.epsilon.) is independent of the size of the heat-sensitive wire. Therefore, the temperature can be correctly measured even when the wire is made of a material which is not rigid enough to keep its size constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Hamanishi Sangyo Company
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Nomura
  • Patent number: 5255981
    Abstract: A temperature sensor has a body whose thermal expansion is evaluated in the event of a change in temperature, there being deposited on the body a layer which has a layer structure containing less than 8% by weight of phosphorus, preferably containing up to 3% by weight of phosphorus, up to 2% by weight of an element of main group IV or main group V, in particular antimony, and up to 5% by weight of a transition metal element, in particular cobalt. The percentages by weight resulting from the sum being increased up to 100% with nickel. The layer modifies the magnetic flux in a coil arrangement comprising at least one coil. This change in the magnetic flux in the coil arrangement is evaluated and the change in the magnetic flux being detected as a change in the inductance. The change in length of the body and the change in temperature are deduced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Edmund Schiessle, Khaldoun Alasafi, Ralf Gutohrlein
  • Patent number: 5249866
    Abstract: A method for thermal environment sensing utilizing superconducting materi finds utility in the production of low power cryogenic flow meters, bolometers, level detectors and other types of thermal environment sensors. A device for determining the first and second derivatives (dV/dI and d.sup.2 V/dI.sup.2) utilizes a ramped current until a set value of the first derivative (dV/dI) is achieved, the current supply being placed in a feedback mode to maintain the first derivative constant and monitoring any changes in the second derivative (d.sup.2 V/dI.sup.2) which indicate changes in the thermal environment. Alternatively, the second derivative is maintained constant and the first derivative is measured. Any parameter which is indicative of the non-linearity of the relationship between the voltage and the current can be utilized instead of the second derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: William P. Dube, Loren F. Goodrich, John M. Moreland
  • Patent number: 5230564
    Abstract: A monitoring system for printed circuit boards which are air-cooled utilizes temperature sensors which have thermal diodes embedded directly into the integrated circuits. The thermal diodes are part of the fully-functioning integrated circuit which utilize voltages on the board for driving so that no added power sources are required. The thermal diode has a voltage which is inversely proportional to the temperature and can be calibrated so that a given voltage can be converted into a given temperature. This can be utilized by a logic controller to monitor and control cooling. Pressure sensors are also used with the temperature sensors to monitor air pressure along the ducts leading to the printed circuit boards. Pressure sensors also utilize voltages from the board for driving and have an amplification circuit to increase the signal. The pressure reading can also be utilized by a logic controller for controlling and monitoring the cooling of the boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Cray Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Bartilson, Elliot F. Schlimme
  • Patent number: 5224777
    Abstract: A temperature measurement equipment in which the accuracy of temperature measurement is improved by smoothly connecting the characteristic curves measured by two sensors having different characteristics, and dividing the characteristic curve into a plurality of curves, in particular in the vicinity of 4 K., digital processing being performed with a set resolution for each of these divided regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Soichiro Hayashi, Masami Simizu, Katsuto Ishii, Yoshio Tanaka, Hiroyasu Okamura
  • Patent number: 5222811
    Abstract: A temperature sensor has a holder for housing a temperature sensing element therein, a terminal, and an electrical lead wire connecting the temperature sensing element and the terminal. The lead wire has a first end portion thereof electrically connected with the temperature sensing element and a second end portion thereof welded to the terminal. The lead wire is fastened in a variety of ways to the terminal to receive mechanical loads exerted by the lead wire. The terminal may be formed with a hole therein through which the lead wire is passed from one side of the terminal to the other. The lead may be soldered to the terminal at the hole. The terminal may also be formed with a cutout through which the lead wire is passed and is soldered at a portion closer to the temperature sensing element than the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sotsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 5201840
    Abstract: A temperature transducer for the cylinder head of a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine. It comprises a housing with a lead that forwards signals from a sensor sensing the temperature of the coolant. The housing accommodates not only a coolant-temperature sensor but at least one component-temperature sensor that rests against a component in the cylinder head and has a separate lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Andreas Sausner, Klaus Mertens
  • Patent number: 5174656
    Abstract: A device for measuring the temperature of humans having a measuring device which is placed in contact with the skin and a triggering mechanism for activating the temperature measurement. The triggering mechanism is activated by a change in polarization impedance which is measured by a sensor. The sensor's impedance may vary as a result of contact with bodily fluids, such as urine or sweat. After the temperature measurement is made, the results may be transmitted, displayed, or stored in the memory of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Simon Dotan
  • Patent number: 5149197
    Abstract: The temperature of a quartz crystal oscillator is determined by comparison of a pair of inharmonically related overtone oxcillations of the same vibrational type, e.g. a thickness shear mode, and of the same overtone order. The use of inharmonically related signals relaxes the contraints on crystal design. The technique may be employed in a crystal controlled frequency synthesizer to provide a feedback signal for maintaining constant output frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: George H. S. Rokos, Peter E. Morley
  • Patent number: 5098200
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring system provides a first, coarse temperature output signal, and a second, fine temperature output signal based on the first, coarse output signal. The fine output signal has a higher resolution than the coarse output signal, and permits fine temperature control of an apparatus at a variable control output. The fine output signal is automatically calibrated upon switching from the coarse to the fine signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: MDT Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Kenneth A. Johnson, Charles E. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5094546
    Abstract: An IC temperature sensor has a reference voltage circuit for providing a reference voltages; a voltage comparing circuit provided with first and second input transistors constructed such that a ratio of sizes of emitters of the first and second input transistors is set to a predetermined ratio; a device for inputting outputs from the reference voltage circuit to the base of the input transistors; a device for providing a predetermined potential for the other input transistor; and a device for outputting a voltage signal proportional to temperature with the difference in size between the emitters of the input transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 5064296
    Abstract: Integrated semiconductor circuit for thermal measurements, comprising at least a thermal signal comparator (8), the comparator (8) being provided with a signal feedback loop containing a DA signal converter (3), more specifically, the comparator (8) being a temperature or a heat current comparator, the DA signal-converter (3) comprising a thermal output and the signal feedback loop comprising components for the transfer of thermal signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Bronkhorst High-Tech B.V.
    Inventors: Johan H. Huijsing, Frank R. Riedijk
  • Patent number: 5056928
    Abstract: In a subject fluid, there is placed an apparatus for measuring a change in state of the fluid, said apparatus having a tubular body which, in turn, contains therein at least one heating sensor employing so-called hot wire method. A quantity of the fluid is introduced into the tubular body and a temperature of the heating sensor is measured by the heating sensor itself as the quantity of the fluid having been introduced into the tubular body is maintained in a state of laminar flow or a static state. The laminar flow is generated by fluid impeller means such as impeller vane, screw-type vane or propeller vane assembly or uniaxial eccentric pump. The static state is maintained y providing gateway means for passage of the fluid into or out from the tubular body and closing such gateway means. A temperature of the fluid having been introduced into the tubular body and maintained in said laminar or static state is measured and discharged out from the tubular body upon completion of said temperature measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuichi Aoki, Yukihiro Saiki, Katushtoshi Tanno, Yasuhiko Shiinoki, Tomoshige Hori, Kensuke Itoh, Tetsuo Nakamura, Osato Miyawaki
  • Patent number: 5044770
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thermometer for hot asphaltic concrete application. The improved thermometer includes a housing holding a thermometer body and a temperature probe being connected to the thermometer body by a cable. The housing also includes means to store the temperature probe as well as retract the cable after it has been extended from the thermometer housing. The temperature probe may also include an extendable portion which permits measurement of temperatures at great depths in hot asphaltic concrete mixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Cyrus Haghkar
  • Patent number: 5031125
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the electron temperature of plasma includes a first probe which is inserted in the plasma to detect the floating potential. Two sequentially generated pulses of distinct voltages are added to the detected floating potential and these summed voltages are then sequentially applied to the plasma via a second probe. The current in the second probe is detected and the electron temperature is then calculated from the values of the voltage pulses and the currents detected by the second probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Rikagaku Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Kazuo Shimizu, Hiroshi Amemiya, Yuichi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5022766
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device including a housing for attachment to a wall of a building in an inconspicuous and decoratively functional housing. The housing can come in a variety of shapes and may be designed to complement the interior decor of a room. The housing itself includes a head portion which protects the delicate sensor head from contact with a foreign object which could damage the sensor. Insulation is provided around the sensor cap to prevent the sensor from being influenced by the wall temperature. A seal is provided at the back of the sensor housing to prevent interior wall air from entering the sensor housing and providing a false reading of the ambient room air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Jack M. Phipps
  • Patent number: 5018875
    Abstract: A digital thermometer having a probe with a sensing and casing end. The casing end includes a generally transversely extending pivot boss having a first and second end. A sensor is positioned within the sensing end of the probe for sensing the temperature proximate the sensing end and for generating an electrical signal proportionate to the sensed temperature. A casing supports the casing end of the probe and includes supports for receiving the first and second ends of the pivot boss such that the pivot boss can pivot with respect to the casing. Circuitry is positioned within the casing and is electrically connected to the sensor for receiving the electrical signal and converting the electrical signal to a digital temperature signal. A display on the casing receives the digital temperature signal and displays the sensed temperature such that the casing can pivot with respect to the probe for allowing the digital display to be viewed from a plurality of perspectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: PSG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tunis A. Cook
  • Patent number: 5013160
    Abstract: An integral mouth-piece has a flexible nipple portion and a stop ring flange portion and is used in a combined electronic clinical thermometer and pacifier which easily and safely takes the temperature of either an infant or a small child. The combined electronic clinical thermometer and pacifier includes a housing, a temperature sensitive element, a circuit board, a temperature oscillating circuit, a body temperature measuring circuit and a digital display device. The housing has a front face and is mechanically coupled to the stop ring flange portion. The temperature sensitive element has a transducer and a pair of wire leads. The transducer is disposed in the flexible nipple portion of the integral mouth-piece. When the flexible nipple portion is inserted into the mouth the transducer detects a body temperature. The circuit board is disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventors: Darryl D. Massey, Michael D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 4970670
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the temperature of a plurality of turbine blade shroud segments includes indicia carried by each shroud segment. A sensor produces input signals in response to the indicia. A temperature sensor measures the temperature of the sensor producing the input signals. A first circuit, responsive to the temperature sensor, corrects the input signals to compensate for the effects of temperature on the sensor. A second circuit determines the temperature of each shroud segment based on the corrected input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Twerdochlib
  • Patent number: 4958936
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a temperature sensing assembly incorporating a temperature sensor element, and a measuring and processing unit for determining and displaying the temperature, wherein the temperature sensing assembly and the measuring and processing unit are physically separable from each other. The temperature sensing assembly includes a code for recording information of the temperature characteristic or the like of the incorporated temperature sensor element. With the aid of the code, the measuring and processing unit is capable of correcting nonuniformity in the characteristic of the mutually exchangeable temperature sensing assemblies, to thereby assure a correct reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Tamaki Sakamoto, Toshiyuki Kobayashi, Norihito Yamamoto, Tamio Miyake
  • Patent number: 4941753
    Abstract: High resolution absorption microscopy, spectroscopy and similar applications are implemented by providing for a measurement tip which is maintained spaced from a sample under investigation sufficiently close so as to equalize thermal levels in the tip and the sample; generally within about 10 Angstroms. Energy is applied to the sample being investigated and either a steady state or dynamic junction potential is measured. The junction potential is representative of local sample temperature. The close separation can be maintained by techniques employed in scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy or capacitance microscopy. In the event the close separation is maintained using scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, then a switching arrangement is provided for connecting a conductive film (either of the sample or supported on a sample) to either a suitable potential or ground and simultaneously connecting the STM tip either in a feedback loop or to a device for measuring the junction potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventor: Hemantha K. Wickramasinghe
  • Patent number: 4934831
    Abstract: A temperature sensing element (thermocouple, thermistor, or resistance temperature detector) for high temperature application is housed inside a metal tube, with lead wires to the temperature sensing element insulated from each other and the tube by a compactable mineral insulation material such as magnesium oxide. Initially the insulation material is in the form of a molded cylindrical preform with two lengthwise passages through which the lead wires are inserted. After the wires are inserted through the preform, the tube is placed around the preform and compressed to reduce its diameter. This crushes and tightly packs the insulation material around the lead wires. A strain relief and moisture seal may be provided at the end of the tube away from the temperature sensing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Claud S. Gordon Company
    Inventor: Arthur O. Volbrecht
  • Patent number: 4930222
    Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer includes a temperature sensing unit, an arithmetic unit for calculating a body temperature from the signal from the temperature sensing unit, and a display unit for displaying the a temperature converted in the arithmetic unit, a memory unit for sequentially updating and storing the measured body temperatures, recalling the information in the memory unit being recalled and displayed in the display unit for a predetermined length of time after a power switch is thrown or when a power "ON" switch is released after the power switch is thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakanishi, Yutaka Ikemoto, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4915508
    Abstract: A probe for measuring heat includes an elongate rod fitted within a sheath, and a plurality of annular recesses are formed on the surface of the rod in a spaced-apart relationship to form annular chambers that are resistant to heat flow. A longitudinal bore extends axially into the rod and within the cylinders defined by the annular chambers, and an integrated heater and thermocouple pack is dimensioned to fit within the bore. In construction, the integrated pack includes a plurality of wires disposed in electrical insulation within a sheath and a heater cable. These wires include one common wire and a plurality of thermocuple wires. The common wire is constructed of one type of conductive material while the thermocouple wires are each constructed of two types of materials so that at least one thermocouple junction is formed therein. All of the wires extend the length of the integrated pack and are connected together at their ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Delta M Corporation
    Inventors: Reg W. McCulloch, Ralph E. Dial, Wilber K. R. Finnell
  • Patent number: 4904997
    Abstract: A combined alarm and display belted clinical thermometer being wound on an arm of a user which comprises a thermal sensor to sense the temperature of the user. The sensing signals are converted and the measured value is displayed on an LCD display. The belted clinical thermometer also comprises a comparator which is preset witha reference value to comparing the measured temperature with a reference temperature and; if the measured temperature is significantly larger than the reference temperature, an alarm is triggered to sound. Further to the basic design, the belted clinical thermometer can be equipped with a transmitter which can signal a remote receiver to sound an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventors: Daniel Chen, Houng Y. Liu
  • Patent number: 4895454
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method providing for the automatic temperature measurement with a precision which is required for the correction of errors introduced by temperature in a coordinate measurement made on a workpiece. To achieve this automatic temperature measurement, a self-sufficient sensor assembly is attached to the workpiece carrier or the workpiece itself and includes a temperature sensor, a measuring electronic circuit and a voltage supply. The sensor assembly runs through the material flow on the pallet with the workpiece and wirelessly transmits the measured temperature values of the workpiece to appropriate remote stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Bernd Kammleiter, Karl Schepperle
  • Patent number: 4863283
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector for a repeating immersion thermocouple lance for molten metal baths which includes a temperature sensor in the connector for sensing the temperature of the lance to detect temperature build up at the cold junction of the thermocouple which could provide a false EMF reading to distort the bath temperature reading of the thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Richard A. Falk
  • Patent number: 4863279
    Abstract: An operative temperature sensing system including a first circuit including an air temperature sensor for providing a first signal which is a function of the air temperature within a room, a second circuit which provides a second signal which is a function of the mean radiant temperature within a room, and a third circuit for providing an output signal which is a function of the average of the first and second signals which in turn is a direct function of the operative temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Morris L. Markel
    Inventors: Morris L. Markel, Albert F. Glassman
  • Patent number: 4854723
    Abstract: Full-range temperature indicators used for the display of a temperature scale represented by the number of lamps illuminated based on the temperature of a thermocouple being detected by IC amplifier circuitry, diodes, switching transistors trigger-driven by contacts, illuminating a proper number of indicating lamps for a showing of the detected temperture. Also a particular range of temperature can be preset at upper and lower limits by a rheostat for sequential flashing of the indicating lamps around the limits set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: Fwu-Long Her
  • Patent number: 4848926
    Abstract: A combined fluid flow and temperature monitor composed of: a housing defining a fluid flow path having an inlet end and an outlet end, the housing having a support member; a flexible, elongated member having a first end secured to the support member and a second end located within the flow path, the elongated member having a portion adjacent the second end which is disposed in the flow path and which extends transverse to the direction of the fluid flow in the flow path, and the elongated member being positioned and oriented such that the second end experiences deflection relative to the first end in response to fluid flowing through the flow path and by an amount proportional to the rate of flow of fluid through the flow path; a deflection sensing device secured to the elongated member for producing an electrical signal indicative of the amount of deflection of the second end relative to the first end, the deflection sensing device having output conductors on which the electrical signal appears; a temperatur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Maurice A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 4846583
    Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer which computes a predicted body temperature value from a series of temperature data generated during a given time period, displays the predicted value for a given time in the course of body temperature measurement and, then, has the predicted value display superceded by a measured temperature display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventor: Norihito Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4842419
    Abstract: A sensing device for monitoring engine coolant temperature comprises a two leaded thermistor, a single lead thermistor and a single lead bimetal switch in a compact shell. The switch and one thermistor are electrically grounded to the shell. A bimetal leaf is welded to the end of the shell and its free end extends to an adjustable central contact. A spring assembly biases the grounded thermistor against a shelf near the end of the shell. The leaf and the spring assembly are canted at an angle to conserve space. The other thermistor is supported by an insulated closure in one end of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Nietert
  • Patent number: 4842417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirectly measuring the solid-liquid interface equilibrium temperature dynamically excites the heat flux flowing through a coldfinger arrangement followed by a statistical estimation of the interface temperature, solid layer heat conductivity and thickness ratio, bulk liquid temperature and thermal heat transfer coefficient. The coldfinger includes a pair of substantially concentric and substantially cylindrical members arranged one within another so as to have an outer member and a venturi-shaped inner member and a space therebetween. The members are arranged such that a gas flows through the inner member and a space between the inner and outer members of the coldfinger and then exits the coldfinger arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro A.S.
    Inventor: Odd A. Asbjornsen
  • Patent number: 4832504
    Abstract: A method for measuring a surface temperature of a sensor being heat-transferably contacted with a subject fluid by employing an electrically heating method in which the surface temperature is measured while passing an electrical current through an electrical conductor included in said sensor. In this measuring method, the surface temperature is expressed as a function of a specific value inherent in the sensor, an amount of the electric current supplied to the electrical conductor, and a temperature of the electrical conductor. The sensor is heat-transferably contacted with another fluid whose physical properties are previously known, a surface temperature of the sensor contacted with the another fluid is determined by satisfying a relational equation between the physical properties of the another fluid and the surface temperature, and the specific value inherent in the sensor is determined by using the determined surface temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoshige Hori, Kensuke Itoh
  • Patent number: 4833689
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic clinical thermometer comprising a temperature sensing unit, an arithmetic unit for calculating the body temperature from the signal from this temperature sensing unit, a display unit for displaying the body temperature converted in this arithmetic unit, a memory unit for sequentially updating and storing the measured body temperatures, and a means of calling the information in the memory unit and indicating in the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakanishi, Yutaka Ikemoto, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4813790
    Abstract: A thermometer for orally measuring the temperature of a living being comprises a mouthpiece for insertion into the mouth of a living being. A temperature sensitive element is on the mouthpiece. There is at least one raised protuberance on the surface of the mouthpiece for engagement with the mouth of the living being during use of the thermometer to inhibit the thermometer from sliding out of the mouth. A visual temperature display is associated with the temperature sensitive element for indicating the temperature being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Frankel, Calvin W. Wingo
  • Patent number: 4783175
    Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus including a circuit capable of analog-converting without using an operational amplifier, a centrigrade temperature value directly detected as an electric signal to a fahrenheit temperature value and being devised so as to digitally display a measured temperature selectively in both the centrigrade and the fahrenheit temperature scales selectively A-D converting the centigrade temperature value directly detected and the fahrenheit temperature value analog converted from the centigrade temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: Hideo Sugimori
  • Patent number: 4770545
    Abstract: A temperature sensor comprises a temperature sensing element (20) in an inverted cup-shaped casing (17+18), the casing (17+18) is held slidable in vertical direction on a rod-shaped supporting member (23) with a spring (27) therebetween to enforce the cup-shaped casing (17+18) upward, thus relatively moving portions of the casing (17+18) and the supporting member (23) is covered under the inverted cup-shaped casing (17+18), preventing undesirable trouble in the sliding due to contamination by overflowed meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Takada, Tadao Kanno, Noboru Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 4762429
    Abstract: In an electronic clinical thermometer comprising a temperature oscillating circuit having a temperature sensor for detecting the body temperature; a body temperature measuring circuit for making data on the body temperature in response to an output signal of the temperature oscillating circuit; a digital display device having seven-segment digital patterns for displaying the body temperature in response to a signal of the body temperature measuring circuit; and a battery voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage drop of a battery, a first additional pattern and a second additional pattern are provided between two adjacent digital patterns of the digital display device and also an additional pattern decoder for driving the first and second additional patterns is provided, and the additional pattern decoder and decoders provided for driving the two digital patterns are controlled by an output signal of the battery voltage detecting circuit, whereby a battery life warning mark having the shape of the bat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toyoharu Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 4755958
    Abstract: A temperature measuring apparatus has temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature and producing a signal representative thereof, an A/D converter for converting the signal into a digital output signal, a memory for storing as temperature data the output signal of the A/D converter, read-out means for reading out corresponding temperature data from the memory and applying it to a processor, and wait means for setting a wait state by the read signal from the processor until the A/D conversion of the A/D converter is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirohisa Mizuhara
  • Patent number: 4747413
    Abstract: A continuous temperature monitoring apparatus for a human infant includes a garment adapted to be worn on an infant's torso, over the armpits, which includes a temperature sensor located in an armpit of the garment for sensing the infant's temperature. The sensor is functionally coupled with a display on the garment, transmits a radio signal indication of infant armpit temperature to a display device remote from the infant or both. Electronic temperature sensor embodiments are functionally coupled to an electronic display device located on the infant by a flexible lead or by radio transmission to a remotely located electronic display. Non-electrical systems include temperature responsive, chemical liquid crystal displays thermally coupled by flexible metallic, heat transferring arms with a more rigid, massive, metallic heat absorbing element positioned against the infant's armpit for thermally coupling the heat responsive chemical display with the infant's armpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Harry S. Bloch
  • Patent number: 4743121
    Abstract: A clinical electrothermometer is provided with an elongated casing having a tapered extension, a temperature-sensing probe element mounted to the tip of the extension, an electronic circuit connected to the probe element and including a display for displaying the sensed temperature, and a battery for supplying electrical power to the circuit. The casing is integrally formed from a window member of a transparent synthetic resin including a window portion facing the display and a body member of an opaque synthetic resin, by joining the members into a distinctive, but one-piece unit by multi-color injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Takagi, Toshiaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 4735512
    Abstract: An electrical clinical thermometer comprises a thermometer for measuring a temperature value, a storage device for storing the previous temperature value, a detection device for detecting whether the previous temperature value is present, a display responsive to the detection device for displaying the previous temperature value if measured, or otherwise displaying that the previous temperature value was not measured, and a control device responsive to the thermometer for controlling the display to display the current temperature value in place of the previous temperature value in the case where the current temperature value is measured by the thermometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4729672
    Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer including electronic circuitry and a battery housed in an elongate casing having at one end an extended, slender tip provided with a temperature sensing unit covered by a metal cap. The distal end of the slender tip has a plurality of annular ribs around its outer periphery, the annular ribs being covered by the metal cap. The annular ribs and the inner surface of the metal cap define air-filled chambers which prevent liquids from invading the interior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 4728199
    Abstract: In a temperature measurement device, output signals from a temperature measuring sensor having been stored in a recording element are displayed when a judging element detects that a manipulatable switch is closed. Temperature measurement is begun including displaying the temperature when said judging element detects that the switch is opened after it is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Kyushu Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Murai, Junzo Murata, Masahiro Hosono, Isao Imagawa
  • Patent number: 4725150
    Abstract: An electronic thermometer of the present invention includes: a temperature sensor for sensing temperature and outputting a digital signal value representative thereof; a temperature conversion data storage unit having at least a first data storage area for storing temperature conversion data of relatively high resolution and a second data storage area for storing temperature conversion data of relatively low resolution; a read-out element for, when the digital signal produced by the temperature sensor is within a first range, reading-out corresponding temperature conversion data from the first data storage area according to the value of the digital signal, and, when the digital signal, produced by the temperature sensor is within second range, reading out corresponding temperature conversion data from the second data storage area according to a selected value of the digital signal, and a display for displaying a temperature corresponding to the temperature conversion data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Junichi Ishida, Tamio Miyake