With Heat Exchanger Or Conductor Patents (Class 374/165)
  • Patent number: 5683181
    Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for enhancing remote infrared (IR) temperature measurement of a low-emissivity sample includes a flexible membrane of a high-emissivity material for converting thermal energy from the sample into IR energy, an enclosed shroud, an IR camera, a light source, and at least one fan. The membrane is coupled to the enclosed shroud at one end of the shroud for supporting the membrane. The shroud includes at least four walls and an end wall opposite the membrane to define an interior space. The end wall includes an imaging window formed therethrough for accommodating the IR camera, which is provided for detecting IR energy radiated from the membrane. The light source is disposed in the interior space and mounted to the shroud for illuminating the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5601367
    Abstract: A temperature sensor includes a first sensor section having first and second conductors connected at their one ends and defining macroscopic current paths directed in different directions with respect to that of a magnetic field and having resistance values such that the magnetic field produces identical changes in resistance therein, a similarly constituted second sensor section having third and fourth conductors connected to the second and first conductors, and heat coupling means for keeping the temperature of the first and second sensor sections uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Ministry of International Trade & Industry
    Inventor: Koichi Nara
  • Patent number: 5527111
    Abstract: The invention provides a contact temperature sensor consisting of a planar contact plate, a thermocouple element attached to the contact plate for determining the temperature of the contact plate, and a deflectable and tiltable holding system. The connection lines to the thermocouple element are wound around a tube. By vulcanisation with a rubber-elastic material, a one-piece elastic formed body is produced which connects together the contact plate, holding piece and inner tube. Through the rubber-elastic spring action and the deflectability and tiltability of the contact plate with reference to the surface of the object of measurement, and improved flow of heat to the contact plate and improved measurement results are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Pruftechnik Dieter Busch AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Lysen, Johannes G. Holzl
  • Patent number: 5312187
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of safety pin with an attached multi-function thermometer which consists mainly of a temperature display and pulse tone emitting integrated circuit board. The enclosure of the aforesaid integrated circuit board can be fabricated in the shape of various animals or cartoon characters. A safety pin is mounted on the rear side of the enclosure for fastening the device onto the clothing of an infant. Extending from the integrated circuit board is a coiled conductor connected to a threaded seat that is fastened in screw-on fashion to a heat sensor rod contained in a pacifier nipple. As an infant sucks the pacifier nipple, the oral temperature of the infant is measured by the heat sensor rod and the temperature reading is shown via a liquid crystal display on the integrated circuit board. The integrated circuit board also has specially designed temperature setting functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Kuen-Hwang Chiu
  • Patent number: 5283412
    Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for an induction-type cooking appliance is disclosed with a heat measuring device for an induction-type cooking hob including a heat conductor for measuring the temperature of a sauce pan or its contents independently of its diameter or its bottom surface configuration. A heat conductor includes modifications which minimize the effects of currents provided by the induction heating. The device allows for the measurement of temperature during induction heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Compagnie Europeenne Pour l'Equipment Menager - Cepem
    Inventors: Didier Gouardo, Serge Boyer, Pierre Pitot
  • Patent number: 5141335
    Abstract: A thermocouple connector for measuring the temperature of a surface includes a heat conductive casing having a hollow interior and a linear ridge on one side. The apex of the linear ridge forms a contact zone with the surface. A pair of thermocouple leads extends into the hollow interior of the casing, and are attached to the casing at and parallel to the linear ridge. The contact zone is sufficiently wide in relation to the distance of the contact zone from the leads such that welds along the side of the contact zone penetrate the contact zone, but do not penetrate so far as to burn the leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Alltemp Sensors Inc.
    Inventors: David Wannamaker, Paul Poechman, Michael Baldock
  • Patent number: 5040901
    Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a metallic heating member, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and an electrical insulating thin film formed on the inner surface of the heating member, the temperature sensor being fixedly mounted on the inner closed-end surface of the heating member, the outer closed-end surface of which faces an object to be measured. The arrangement enables blood temperature to be highly accurately and effectively measured without the need of deeply inserting the heating member into the blood flow passageway and without being influenced by undesirable ambient temperature because the temperature sensor is enclosed by the heating member have a closed-end cylindrical construction. Furthermore, the arrangement can prevent extraneous voltage from being applied on the blood through the use of the electrical insulating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seigo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5017018
    Abstract: A clinical thermometer which employs an infrared sensor and is constructed so as to prevent the occurrence of a temperature measurement error caused by a change in temperature of a tip portion (of a housing a temperature measuring portion) during temperature measurement. In one embodiment a heat insulator is attached to the tip portion to prevent a rise in temperature of the tip portion. In a second embodiment, the tip portion is formed of a metal of good heat conductivity in the shape of a net for example to improve the heat radiating property of the tip portion, thereby preventing a rise in temperature of the tip portion. In a third embodiments, a temperature sensor is attached to the tip portion to correct a temperature measurement error caused by a change in temperature of the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Iuchi, Yukio Nakamori, Atsushi Kawasaki, HIrokatsu Yashiro, Yoh-ichi Nagatake
  • Patent number: 4886371
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of a thermostatically controlled centrifuge cell. The sensor comprises a metallic element including a flange and a widened portion. The flange is adapted to be fixed in intimate contact against an area of an internal wall of the cell, in direct heat transfer relation with said internal wall; and the widened portion of the metallic element is spaced from the flange, includes a lateral surface having a surface area significantly larger than the area of contact between the flange and the internal wall of the cell, and is adapted to be positioned inside the centrifuge cell in heat transfer relation with the atmosphere therein. The metallic element forms an internal bore; and a temperature responsive prove is secured in that internal bore in heat transfer relation with the metallic element to sense, and to generate a signal indicative of, the temperature of the metallic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Jean L. Fondin
  • Patent number: 4822570
    Abstract: A valve supports a thermal sensing apparatus within an outlet nozzle of a reaction vessel. The valve includes a head with a socket closed by a disc and a stem providing a bore communicating with the socket and a measuring end defined by the disc. The sensing element of the sensing apparatus is located to a sensing position at the measuring end of the valve for fast response to a thermal change in the contents within the vessel. Substantially any form of sensing element may be incorporated in the valve and the sensing element is spring biased toward the measuring end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: De Dietrich (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lerman, Jean M. Hamert
  • 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: 4751495
    Abstract: A system, utilizing an analog pulsed signal, is for monitoring the condition of a system, by way of illustration, a multi-circuit electrically heat-traced substrate. The system senses the temperature of the substrate at the end of a heat traced circuit, converts the temperature to a pulsed signal, and drives the pulsed signal along the heat tracing to the control and distribution panel for the heat tracing in direct opposition to the AC which powers the heat tracing. A receiver converts the pulsed signal to a digital temperature read-out. Utilization of an analog pulsed signal enables the system to be used in a multi-circuit system without interference or signal mixing from adjacent circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventor: Richard B. Whitman
  • Patent number: 4721533
    Abstract: An immersion pyrometer having an outer casing comprising a mixture of graphite and a refractory metal oxide for contact with molten metal, an inner sheath enclosed by said outer casing, said inner sheath comprising a closed end metal tube wherein the closed end is in heat transfer contact with said outer casing, and a thermocouple within said inner sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: System Planning Corporation
    Inventors: R. Michael Phillippi, David C. Greenspan, Ernie Tokay
  • Patent number: 4626643
    Abstract: A heat sensor adapted to be brought into contact at a forward end with a product heated in a microwave oven whose temperature is to be measured comprises an elongate tubular body consisting a protective armor. This body is open at the forward end. A thermally conductive pad is disposed in the body at its open forward end and projects from the body. A heat-sensitive electrical component is incorporated in the pad. A cable extending along the inside of the body connects this component to a temperature measurement electrical circuit. The open forward end of the body and the pad contact the product conjointly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Michel Minet
  • Patent number: 4573336
    Abstract: For continuously drawing wire the temperature of the wire at each die is measured and the drawing speed is adjusted so the hottest running one of the dies is just below an overheated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Erik Hagglund
  • Patent number: 4560973
    Abstract: A thermometer is provided which is insertable between two lamella of a heat exchanger. The thermometer exhibits a double channeled insulated pipe or tube for receiving the uninsulated leads which are connected to a temperature sensitive resistance at a supporting connection with a cap surrounding a heat conducting mass. The other end of the double channeled tube is inserted into a connector device which in turn leads to a relieved connecting cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Grimm, Wolfgang Volz, Ottmar Supper, Martin Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 4558959
    Abstract: A thermocouple, for measuring the temperature of flat strip moving horizontally through a furnace, extends vertically into the furnace and can move vertically within a fixed guide assembly. The ceramic insulated thermocouple element, inside an outer thermocouple member, can move within the outer thermocouple member, in response to the urging of a spring, and has a contact pad composed of a metal with a melting point such that a layer of molten metal forms on the contact pad from frictional heat from the moving strip. In a second embodiment, for measuring vertically moving strip, with the thermocouple assembly horizontally positioned, the thermocouple assembly includes a second spring to urge the thermocouple assembly horizontally into the furnace against the moving strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Dean G. Thomas, Robert J. Kopnicky
  • Patent number: 4545690
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating the temperature of the environment into which a reaction vessel may be placed is provided by a container holding a thermally efficient fluid. The container has an identical external configuration substantially identical to the reaction vessel and is adapted to be positioned within the environment in place of the reaction vessel. A temperature sensor in thermal communication with the thermally efficient fluid provides an electrical parameter indicating the temperature of such fluid and thus the environment of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Zysman, Malbone W. Greene
  • Patent number: 4523859
    Abstract: The thermometric cell for cryogenic calibration includes several superimposed annular chambers fitted around a massive metal body part. Each cell includes a partition floor acting as a heat exchanger and provided with concentric grooves. Into each chamber is introduced a measured quantity of a substance to fill the grooves and having a first sort characteristic phase transition temperature. The invention especially applies to calibrating thermometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Georges Bonnier, Yves Hermier
  • Patent number: 4483632
    Abstract: A panel assembly for terminating a plurality of thermocouple leads is disclosed. The panel assembly has sufficient mass that it can stabilize at the temperature of the surrounding air. All thermocouple termination posts are of a common metal such as copper so that all subsequent leads can be copper and thereby reduce termination errors due to subsequent thermoelectric effects. A temperature measuring device is embedded in the mass of the panel assembly for measuring the temperature of the termination points of the thermocouple leads. Recorder jacks are provided so that an external recorder may record the outputs of the thermocouple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation
    Inventors: Keith L. Dewey, Eugene C. Varrasso
  • Patent number: 4480930
    Abstract: A pulsed coolant thermocouple temperature measuring system is arranged to measure temperature above a limit operating temperature of the thermocouple includes a rake which is disposed across a hot gas path combustion turbine. Multiple thermocouple are disposed in respective channels in the rake to sense the temperature of hot gas from surplus which enter the thermocouple channels through respective sampling ports in the rake. The sample gas flows merge with a common channel and exhaust through a hot gas sample valve. When any of the thermocouples reaches a limit temperature, a coolant valve is opened as the hot gas valve is closed so as to drive coolant air into the common channel over the thermocouple through the thermocouple channels and the sampling ports into the hot gas path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Egon A. DeZubay, Kenneth D. Weeks
  • Patent number: 4477687
    Abstract: An improved thermocouple and method for making the thermocouple and installing same on the fireside of heat exchanger tubes or the like for monitoring surface temperature which includes a thermocouple assembly made from mineral oxide insulated metal sheathed thermocouple wires where a pair of thermocouple wires or conductors extend through a metal sheath in spaced apart and insulated relation from each other and from the sheath and are connected together at an end to define a hot junction member adapted to be mounted in engagement with the surface being measured, which hot junction is defined by a disk or bar-shaped member extending from the end of the sheated conductor assembly beyond the insulation and sheath but not in contact with the sheath. Installation on a heat exchanger tube includes welding the sheath to the tube which pressurizes the hot junction against the temperature measured surface and defines a heat energy path that bypasses the hot junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Philip F. Finney
  • Patent number: 4456390
    Abstract: A portable, battery operated noncontact temperature measuring device including a lens for collecting infrared radiation and a thermopile for producing a signal indicative of the intensity thereof. The thermopile signal is amplified, linearized and summed with an ambient temperature signal derived from a temperature responsive element, e.g. a diode chip mounted immediately adjacent a cold junction of the thermopile. The resulting composite temperature signal is then processed and displayed. The ambient temperature signal is also utilized to control the impedance of a dual field effect transistor, which in turn controls the gain of the amplifier. Thus, temperature induced variations in the responsivity of the thermopile are compensated by corresponding changes in the gain of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Wahl Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Junkert, Henry P. Voznick
  • Patent number: 4443117
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus is equipped with an input/output unit for delivering data to externally located equipment and for receiving data from the externally located equipment, or with an input unit for receiving data from the externally located unit, and is adapted to generate correlation data between data delivered by a sensing system provided within the measuring apparatus proper, and data delivered by a standard measurement system which can be disconnected from the measuring apparatus. The correlation data is generated by a data processing device located outside or located within the measuring apparatus, through the intermediary of the input/output unit or the input unit. The generated correlation data is stored, in non-volatile fashion, in a storage section located in the measuring apparatus, in such a manner that the data can be read out of the storage section in response to the data from the sensing system contained within the measuring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Terumo Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Muramoto, Susumu Kobayashi, Hideo Ishizaka
  • Patent number: 4436438
    Abstract: The platinum resistive sensor of a temperature measuring surface probe has a resistance greater than the resistance to which the associated meter is calibrated. This provides a compensation that is a function of temperature and decreases errors due to heat loss from the probe. An immersion probe having no heat loss can be used interchangeably with the same meter by adding sufficient fixed resistances in the circuits of the two probes to provide equal resistance outputs to the meter from both the probe that experiences no loss and the one that does, with the meter being calibrated to a standard resistance curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Wahl Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry P. Voznick
  • Patent number: 4417470
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature sensor which has a very rapid response to changes in fluid temperature. The configuration of the sensor is especially adapted for use in oil and gas wells to protect electrical components from mechanical damage. The electrical circuit provides a wide range of temperature readings with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver W. McCracken, James H. Bostock
  • Patent number: 4416553
    Abstract: A temperature-sensing apparatus for a hand-held surface contact probe is disclosed wherein a hollow shank extends from a handle and a temperature-sensitive sensor means, such as a thermocouple, is mounted at the distal end of the shank. A ball and socket are provided at the end of the shank, the ball being secured to the end of the shank and the ball and socket having closely enveloping interengaging surfaces, each of high thermal conductivity. The conductors to the temperature sensor means are held in place by insulation which prevents the conductors from flexing so that they will not break due to such repeated flexing. The socket has a flat contact surface which is adapted to be pressed into contact with an object the temperature of which is to be measured and the heat flow path is from this contact surface through the interengaging surfaces of the ball and socket to the temperature sensor means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Noral, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Huebscher
  • Patent number: 4411535
    Abstract: A probe of very low thermal mass and fast response for a digital electronic clinical thermometer using an extremely small temperature-responsive element with leads supported between coaxial tubular members. The temperature-responsive element, with adjacent lead portions is supported on at least one substantially hemispherical cup, also of low thermal mass adhered to the ends of the tubular members. Preferably a pair of hemispherically ended cups enclose a thermocouple junction and the associated lead portions, although a thermistor may also be used as the temperature-responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Timex Medical Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jack Schwarzschild
  • Patent number: 4398169
    Abstract: A ceramic thermometer resistance element comprises a coil-shaped resistor for measuring temperature inserted in a ceramic tube together with ceramic spherical filler particles of 40 to 150 .mu.m to thereby fix the resistor. The ceramic spherical filler particles are previously calcined at temperatures much higher than the upper limit of the temperature-measuring range of the element. The filler particles exhibit a liquid-like character and, accordingly, can fill up the gaps between the ceramic tube and the coil-shaped resistor and the gaps of the coils thereof, so that the filler particles hold the resistor statically in the ceramic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Masaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4358957
    Abstract: A thermoelectric temperature sensing apparatus in which the thermoelectric reference junction is not maintained at a constant temperature but instead heat is supplied to it or extracted from it at a predetermined, preferably constant, rate by a heater or cooler. The open circuit output voltage of the apparatus is referenced to this predetermined rate of heat supply or extraction to determine the temperature of the other thermoelectric junction. Where the heater or cooler is input responsive, the output voltage of the thermoelectric circuit is referenced to the heater or cooler input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Teledyne Isotopes
    Inventors: Victor R. Lougheed, John W. McGrew
  • Patent number: 4355911
    Abstract: A temperature sensing probe device having an elongated tubular handle or arm at the end of which a probe head member is mounted in a socket to provide limited universal movement and including a small flat ring-like surface to be positioned on and assuring excellent contact with the surface at which the temperature is to be determined, the head member being constructed of relatively thin material arranged as a composite assembly to reduce the mass thereof and assembled with thermal cementitious material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Inventor: John Tymkewicz
  • Patent number: 4349281
    Abstract: A temperature sensor for mounting on a mast of a helicopter has a heat sensor positioned within a central openining in a radially finned heat exchanger. The heat sensor and heat exchanger are spaced rearward from the mast on a tubular sensor support. Long wires helically coiled within the sensor support connect the sensor and terminals on a bracket soldered to the mounting base. The rearward mounting of the heat sensor and the spacing of the heat exchanger and sensor from the mast on the sensor support and the coiling of a long wire within the sensor support between the sensor and terminals on the base and the filling of the sensor support with polyurethane foam resin ensure that the sensor senses air temperature remote from its base and does not sense temperature of the element on which the base is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Pacer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Onksen, Leonard Spadafora
  • Patent number: 4348870
    Abstract: A temperature probe for use with an air conditioning device of the type including a heat exchanger subject to possible freeze-up, such as an evaporator tube array. The probe includes a substantially rigid support member having an elongated portion with a temperature sensor mounted thereto, as within a recess therein, for insertion into the tube array. Electrical temperature signals from the sensor are transmitted, as by electrical leads, to a use location and device. The rigid support member of the probe includes a limiting portion extending transversely of the elongated portion for limiting insertion into the tube array and thereby positioning the sensor. A second temperature sensor may be located on the support member so as to be external of the tube array for developing the air temperature signal. Both sensors may be thermistors. The elongated portion of the support member is sized for close-fitting insertion between a pair of fins which normally extend transversely of the tube runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Stein, Donald W. Hutchison