Abstract: A method (and system) of predicting a thermal state of a transient thermal system, includes combining sensor outputs and thermal parameters to construct a consistent set of estimates of internal temperature of a transient thermal system.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprises an ignition source, a test stand that extends a sample of the product over the ignition source, and a means for measuring thermal transfer across the sample. The apparatus may further comprise a means for measuring thermal transfer across each layer of the sample. A method for testing properties of a product comprising a thermal barrier layer comprises supporting a sample of the product over an ignition source, heating the sample via the ignition source, and determining a thermal differential across the sample. The method may further comprise determining a thermal differential across each layer of the sample.

Abstract: Temperature states of a clinical thermometer body and an environment are estimated by temperatures measured by a first temperature sensor integrally formed together with an infrared sensor arranged to the distal end of a probe and a second temperature sensor arranged on the bottom side of a probe holder, and processes suitable for the respective temperature states are performed. An estimation error or the reliability of an estimation value is calculated by the temperatures to notify a user of the estimation error or the reliability by an LCD or the like.

Abstract: A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a first heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of a heat pipe requiring testing. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a second heating member located therein for heating the evaporating section of the heat pipe. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe. An enclosure encloses the immovable portion and the movable portion therein and has sidewalls thereof slidably contacting at least one of the immovable portion and the movable portion.

Abstract: A deep-area temperature calculating device 441 calculates the temperature Tcore of a deep area on the basis of a first body-surface temperature and second body-surface temperature from body-surface sensors 31A and 31B, and on the basis of a first intermediate temperature and second intermediate temperature from intermediate sensors 32A and 32B. Since the temperature Tcore of the deep area is determined from two body-surface temperatures and two intermediate temperatures, the temperature Tcore of the deep area can be calculated regardless of the heat resistance of the thermometer without making any assumptions regarding the heat resistance of the area that extends from the deep area of the human body to the body surface. Thereby, the temperature Tcore of the deep area can be calculated and the body temperature can be measured with high precision regardless of differences in the body type or contact with clothing or bedding.

Abstract: The cold junction temperature of the channels on a multi-channel terminal block are accurately determined for each terminal pair without affixing a thermistor to each terminal. One embodiment provides accurate cold junction measurement of a six channel device (12 terminals) by mounting or directly affixing only three sensors (e.g., thermistors). The present technique decreases cost by reducing the number of sensors to less than the number of channels or terminals, while providing for accurate cold junction measurement at each channel.

Abstract: Briefly, a processor and a method to calibrate a temperature reading of a digital thermometer. The calibration is done by using a first temperature value measured by an analog temperature sensor located at one point on the processor die and a second temperature value measured by a digital temperature sensor located at a second point of the processor die.

Abstract: In a method for detecting defects in sheet metal segments of electric generators and motors, wherein between the sheet metal pieces of the sheet metal segment an electric insulating layer is arranged, respectively, and wherein between the sheet metal segments a cooling channel is provided, respectively, magnetic induction is generated within the sheet metal segments by applying externally a magnetic field and the temperature of the heat generated within the sheet metal segment is measured in the cooling channel.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing on-die temperature at multiple locations using a minimum number of pins is described. Thermal diodes coupled to pins are placed on a die to measure the temperature at various die locations. Voltage is applied to the pins to determine the temperature at each given diode location. The polarity of the voltage applied across the pins determines what diodes are selected for measurement.

Abstract: An approach for digitally measuring temperature in support of a monitoring application is disclosed. Multiple probes, according to one embodiment, are deployed for sensing environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, liquid level, flow). Each probe has a thermally conductive cylindrical housing containing one or more digital temperature sensors. In addition, one of the probes includes analog inputs (e.g., Brix probe, level sensor, and flow sensor). The probes share a common fixed size bus and communicates data from the sensors to a controller. Based upon the collected data, the controller can initiate, for example, a pump-over in a winemaking process. The controller can interface with a data network to a monitoring system configured to store and analysis the collected data. The monitoring system supports access of the stored data over a public data network, such as the global Internet.

Abstract: A circuit for determining temperature of an active semiconductor device disposed on a semiconductor substrate and a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The bridge has in each of four branches thereof a thermal sensitive device, one pair of such thermal sensitive devices being in thermal contact with an electrode of the active device. Another pair of such thermal sensitive devices is in thermal contact with the substrate. The thermal sensitive devices are resistors. The active device is a transistor. A tuning circuit is coupled to an output of the transistor, such tuning circuit having a tunable element controlled by a control signal fed to such tunable element. A processor is responsive to a voltage produced at an output of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and a signal representative of power fed to the transistor. The output provided by the Wheatstone bridge provides a measure of a temperature difference between the temperature of the transistor and ambient temperature.

Abstract: An in situ breast tumor temperature profile measuring probe includes a rod, thermal sensors and electrical output leads. The thermal sensors are formed in spaced apart holes in an outer insulating layer of the rod and a common electrical input lead to provide an electrical input signal to the thermal sensors is disposed below and has portions exposed at the holes and electrically connected to the thermal sensors. The thermal sensors receive the electrical input signal from the common electrical input lead, sense the temperature of biological matter adjacent to the thermal sensors and produce an electrical output signal correlated thereto. Each electrical output lead mounted to the outer insulating layer is in electrical contact with a different one of the thermal sensors to receive the electrical output signal from the one thermal sensor and output the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing the temperature of an integrated circuit having a multiple core microprocessor is described. Specifically, thermal sensors are placed at potential hot spots throughout each microprocessor core. A thermal management unit monitors the thermal sensors. If a thermal sensor identifies a hot spot, the thermal management unit adjusts the operating frequency and voltage of that microprocessor core accordingly.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: In a method apparatus for measuring the temperature of a semiconductor substrate during processing thereof in a processing chamber, a resonant circuit formed on the substrate surface is energized by an electromagnetic field radiation device, and disturbances in the electromagnetic field are detected to determine the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit. The temperature of the substrate is determined as a function of the resonant frequency. The substrate is moved into and out of processing chamber by a transfer arm, and the radiation device is disposed on the transfer arm or mounted on the processing chamber. Multiple resonant circuits may be provided, which are energized by movement of the transfer arm, without transferring the substrate.

Abstract: A heater cable is deployed in a well bore to elevate the temperature of the wellbore above the temperature of the surrounding fluid and the formation. One or more fiber optic strings are included in or carried by the heater cable which is placed along a desired length of the wellbore. At least one fiber optic string measures temperature of the heater cable at a plurality of spaced apart locations. Another string is utilized to determine the temperature of the wellbore. The heater cable is heated above the temperature of the well bore. The fluid flowing from the formation to the wellbore lowers the temperature of the cable at the inflow locations. The fiber optic string provides measurements of the temperature along the heater cable. The fluid flow is determined from the temperature profile of the heater cable provided by the fiber optic sensors.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: The apparatus which is located separately from the RTD includes means for measuring the resistance of a plurality of RTDs present at a selected site, the RTDs being those of a number of different RTD types. The module includes means for storing the resistance/temperature map for each of the plurality of RTDs and for determining the temperatures associated with said resistances from the resistance/temperature maps. The resulting plurality of temperatures for each RTD, respectively, is then transmitted in a known order to a remote protective relay which determines the correct temperature for each RTD connected to the module.

Abstract: A hose for carrying liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, within a predetermined elevated temperature range. The hose includes a tube or body portion which has an inlet end adapted to connect to a source of liquid, such as a supply tank, and a discharge end adapted to a connect to a liquid dispensing apparatus, such as an adhesive dispensing gun. At least two temperature sensing devices, each having an output end, are also operatively associated with the tube to sense the temperature of the liquid therein. An adapter has a first end selectively connected to the output end of the first temperature sensing device. The adapter also has a second end adapted to connect to a controller which is compatible with the first temperature sensing device and not the second temperature sensing device. With the first temperature sensing device connected to the adapter, it is operative to sense the temperature of the liquid in the tube.

Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly utilizing a multipoint thermocouple. The assembly comprises a vessel, e.g. a chemical reaction pressure vessel, into which a thermocouple is inserted. The thermocouple utilizes an elongated sheath having a plurality of sensors therein. The sensors are arranged to detect temperature at a plurality of unique locations within the vessel.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: A method for determining oxidation in turbine buckets allows for conditional based maintenance of the turbine buckets. The method includes measuring a temperature of a turbine bucket and comparing the measured temperature to a temperature of a reference turbine bucket to determine the condition of the bucket. The method provides useful temperature data to determine if the turbine should be stopped and the bucket serviced. This method may be used in place of interval based maintenance to increase bucket life, reduce bucket failure, and increase turbine operating time.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in a device for detection of vulnerable plaque in a vessel based on a temperature increase of the vessel's wall. The device may be a guide wire having an extendable assembly having resilient delivery wires for placing the temperature sensor in contact with the vessel's inner wall.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A multipoint thermocouple for sensing temperature. The thermocouple comprises a sheath having a plurality of conductor pairs disposed within the sheath. Each conductor pair has two conductors of dissimilar materials joined at a unique junction point along the sheath. The unique junction points permit sensing of temperature at different locations along the length of the multipoint thermocouple.

Abstract: A heat flux measuring device for transporting through a heated chamber, the device having an array of sensors, each sensor comprising first and second surfaces bounding a region, a thermally insulating layer substantially occupying said region, and means for providing a signal which is a measure of the temperature difference across the layer. The said first surface of each sensor is in thermal contact with a heat sink and the said second surface of each sensor is exposed.

Abstract: An oven analyzer for profiling a conveyor oven is disclosed that accurately and precisely determines the physical characteristics of an oven and stores such information so that it can be outputted to a computer for analysis. In one embodiment, the oven analyzer includes a pallet that moves through the conveyor oven. The pallet houses an electronic data logger that is coupled to multiple sensors. The electronic data logger has memory for storing information obtained from the sensors. A first sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature within the oven. A second sensor is mounted within a metal mass of known thermal characteristics and detects the ovens ability to heat an object. A third sensor detects the position of the pallet within the oven. The electronic data logger stores the data received from the sensors in the memory for selective output to a computer for analysis or printing.

Abstract: A sensor link is disclosed that simplifies connections between multiple temperature sensors positioned on a test board and a data logger that stores temperature information received from the temperature sensors while passing through the conveyor oven. In one embodiment, the sensor link includes multiple input ports for connecting to the temperature sensors. Conductors within the sensor link connect the multiple temperature sensors to an output port. In one aspect, a single cable extends between the sensor link and a data logger. The data logger stores temperature information received from the temperature sensors while the test board is passed through a conveyor oven. The sensor link can also have additional temperature sensors for providing additional temperature information about the conveyor oven. For example, an ambient temperature sensor may be positioned on the sensor link to provide the ambient temperature of the conveyor oven.

Abstract: A multipoint thermocouple for sensing temperature. The thermocouple comprises a sheath having a plurality of conductor pairs disposed within the sheath. Each conductor pair has two conductors of dissimilar materials joined at a unique junction point along the sheath. The unique junction points permit sensing of temperature at different locations along the length of the multipoint thermocouple.

Abstract: A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.

Abstract: A status detection apparatus for electrical equipment includes a plurality of distributed multiparameter sensors in a containment vessel or other fluid filled region of the electrical equipment. The sensors are capable of providing data relating to plural parameters of the fluid simultaneously at different positions in the fluid. The data provided by the sensors can be processed to permit localization of incipient faults or can indicate other operating states when combined with known flow data of the fluid through the electrical equipment. A method for detecting status of electrical equipment includes sensing parameters simultaneously at multiple locations in the fluid and determining operating status based on the sensed parameters.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensors connected to two or more groups of wires such that individual sensors can be addressed. No two sensors are connected to the same two wires. The groups of wires are connected to multiplexers or the like to address particular wires connecting a unique sensor. Dramatically improved accuracy is obtained by connecting rectifiers in series with the sensors to significantly reduce reverse current through a sensor that can lead to significant errors.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the parameters of a normally occurring turbine exhaust gas temperature profile is provided. From that characterization the characteristics of a filter function to eliminate or significantly reduce the strength of aliased signals from that normally occurring pattern are established. Sensors to provide filtering functions for that purpose include a distributed gradient thermocouple system and a resistance thermometer system. Examples of such sensor systems are disclosed. The method and related sensors improve the detection limits associated with exhaust gas temperature profiles used to monitor, diagnose, and control gas turbines.

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 high temperature capable probe housing for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The rake is preferably made of silicon nitride or silicon carbide and is capable of withstanding the hostile environment within a gas turbine engine at temperatures greater than 1,200 Celsius while only passively cooled. The rake is a substantially elongated member extending between an at least partially open first end and a closed second end. The rake has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines an internal cavity beginning at the at least partially open first end and extending toward the closed second end. The exterior surface extends between the two ends and has a leading face having a plurality of openings upon which the flow generally impinges. The openings extend between the exterior surface and interior surface and are configured to receive a sensor.

Abstract: A lightweight elongate flexible temperature probe includes several temperature sensors embedded inside multiple layers of a thin film polyimide or polyester in which two of the layers are thin film copper etched to form conductors to the sensors. The conductors are in abutting electrical contact with the sensors.

Abstract: A system for measuring average temperature including a plurality of measurement thermocouples (10,12,14) connected in parallel to measurement apparatus (24) by two signal wires (22) of a material different to that of the measurement thermocouples (10,12,14). Compensation thermocouples (26,28,30) are located at the cold junctions (16,18,20) of the measurement thermocouples (10,12,14) and connected to the measurement apparatus (24).

Abstract: The apparatus which is located separately from the RTD includes means for measuring the resistance of a plurality of RTDs present at a selected site, the RTDs being those of a number of different RTD types. The module includes means for storing the resistance/temperature map for each of the plurality of RTDs and for determining the temperatures associated with said resistances from the resistance/temperature maps. The resulting plurality of temperatures for each RTD, respectively, is then transmitted in a known order to a remote protective relay which determines the correct temperature for each RTD connected to the module.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in a device for detection of vulnerable plaque in a vessel. Vulnerable plaque is detected in the vessel based on a temperature increase of the vessel's wall.

Abstract: A monitor, and method, for monitoring temperatures at various specific times and locations in a test or manufacturing process, and for comparing those temperatures with reference profiles of optimum temperatures. Both the monitor and the method are especially well suited for checking the temperatures of various zones of reflow ovens used in mass soldering the connections of electronic components on circuit boards. The monitor is designed to distinguish clearly among respective temperatures at several points on tops and bottoms of circuit boards.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied in a device for detection of vulnerable plaque in a vessel based on a temperature increase of the vessel's wall. The device may be a guide wire having an extendable assembly having resilient delivery wires for placing the temperature sensor in contact with the vessel's inner wall.

Abstract: An oven analyzer for profiling a conveyor oven is disclosed that accurately and precisely determines the physical characteristics of an oven and stores such information so that it can be outputted to a computer for analysis. In one embodiment, the oven analyzer includes a pallet that moves through the conveyor oven. The pallet houses an electronic data logger that is coupled to multiple sensors. The electronic data logger has memory for storing information obtained from the sensors. A first sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature within the oven. A second sensor is mounted within a metal mass of known thermal characteristics and detects the ovens ability to heat an object. A third sensor detects the position of the pallet within the oven. The electronic data logger stores the data received from the sensors in the memory for selective output to a computer for analysis or printing.

Abstract: A method of generating a temperature measurement for a batch or a continuous stream of material. The method includes providing a particle having a signal that changes at a pre-determined temperature; inserting the particle into the batch or continuous stream; and detecting a signal change from the particle to thereby generate a temperature measurement for the batch or continuous stream. A suitable system for use in carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for integrated (embedded) semiconductor wafer temperature measurement equipment and processes. An integrated wafer temperature measurement apparatus, comprising: a substrate; a placement resource formed in said substrate; a sensor lead located in said placement resource, said sensor lead having a first end and a second end; a sensor coupled to said first end of said sensor lead and located in said placement resource; and a sensor lead cover coupled to said substrate. The systems and methods provide advantages in that reliability is enhanced, installation and removal are facilitated, and accuracy is improved by obviating any shadowing of the substrate and reducing temperature gradients near the sensor.

Abstract: An embodiment of a thermal drop detector in accordance with the present invention includes an array configured to define a plurality of cells each of which is configured to detect thermal changes in an area of that cell resulting from deposition of a drop adjacent that cell. This embodiment of a thermal drop detector additionally includes a thermally conductive layer over each of the cells to protect each of the cells from physical contact with the drop. A method of thermal drop detection in accordance with the present invention includes depositing a drop on a thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material overlaying a thermally sensitive array. The method additionally includes measuring via the thermally sensitive array a thermal change resulting from deposition of the drop on the thermally conductive material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for continuously monitoring temperature at multiple locations within a controlled temperature unit (CTU) using RTDs that can be removed and reinserted. The key to the method is the collection of data using an RTD fixed in a phenolic thermowell, which in turn is inserted through a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated sleeve in the wall of the CTU. The temperature information is transmitted from a data module to an interfaced computer system where it may be presented to the operator in a graphical, tabular or text format or stored in memory. The temperature probes are easily removable so as to facilitate calibration without disruption of the contents of the CTU and can be consistently replaced in the same location within the CTU.

Abstract: A sample and a scanning probe microscope system are used as the detector for an infrared spectrometer to circumvent the diffraction limit of conventional infrared microscopy, and to provide spectroscopic images with a greatly improved spatial resolution, potentially as low as a few tens of nanometers. The beam from an infrared spectrometer is directed at the sample. The sample is heated to the extent that it absorbs infrared radiation. Thus the resulting temperature rise of an individual region depends upon the particular molecular species present, as well as the range of wavelengths of the infrared beam. These individual temperature differences are detected by a miniature thermal probe. The thermal probe is mounted in a scanning thermal microscope. The scanning thermal microscope is then operated used to produce multiple surface and sub-surface images of the sample, such that the image contrast corresponds to variations in either thermal diffusivity, surface topography or chemical composition.

Abstract: This invention makes use of a electronically controlled heating device to form a region of constant high temperature on one side of the insulating material, and causes most of the heat transfer to concentrate in a longitudinal heat flux, which flows across the direction of the thickness of object-to-be-tested, to achieve the effect of one-dimensional heat transfer. When the temperatures on both sides of the insulation material being tested come to a stable state, the temperatures, the thickness of the material, and the heat flux, are measured and used to calculate the heat conductivity. The difference between the ideal two-dimensional heat transfer and the one-dimensional heat transfer can be corrected by the results of a theoretical model. The apparatus has been used to test a material with known heat conductivity. The result of the test conforms well with the expected value.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a semiconductor wafer temperature measuring method for use in reflector plate-equipped infrared annealing furnaces, infrared heating epitaxy furnaces, and other semiconductor wafer processing equipment that employs lamps as the heat source, the method affording easy and accurate measurement of substrate surface temperature, thereby enabling control of the heat source on the basis of these measurements. Characterizing features are the provision of a slit or small hole to the reflector plate and measuring light from the semiconductor wafer surface in the perpendicular direction by means of a scanning CCD sensor to allow substrate temperature to be measured on the basis of the radiant light distribution peak; and the provision of slits in a plurality of locations on the reflecting plate without impairing the function thereof, so that substrate temperature distribution can be measured accurately.

Abstract: An oven analyzer for profiling a conveyor oven is disclosed that accurately and precisely determines the physical characteristics of an oven and stores such information so that it can be outputted to a computer for analysis. In one embodiment, the oven analyzer includes a pallet that moves through the conveyor oven. The pallet houses an electronic data logger that is coupled to multiple sensors. The electronic data logger has memory for storing information obtained from the sensors. A first sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature within the oven. A second sensor is mounted within a metal mass of known thermal characteristics and detects the ovens ability to heat an object. A third sensor detects the position of the pallet within the oven. The electronic data logger stores the data received from the sensors in the memory for selective output to a computer for analysis or printing.