With Compensation For Sensor Nonlinearity Or Lead Impedance Patents (Class 374/172)
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Patent number: 6997605Abstract: The device for detection of the temperature in the interior of a vehicle, particularly for an air-conditioning system of a vehicle, is provided with an interior temperature sensor (28) arranged in a housing (18) arranged in or at a wall (12) adjacent to the interior (14) of the vehicle and being at least partially adjacent to the interior (14) of the vehicle, and a radiation sensor (30) detecting solar radiation leading to the heating of the housing (18) of the interior temperature sensor (28). Further, the device is provided with a compensation temperature sensor (36) arranged behind the wall (12) and such that it is thermally decoupled from the interior temperature sensor (28) and detecting the heat of air and/or assemblies behind the wall (12), which leads to a falsification of the measured value of the interior temperature sensor (28). The two temperature sensors (28,36) and the radiation sensor (30) are combined in a common assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbHInventors: Ralph Trapp, Bernd Stich, Otto Knittel, Marwin Hamann
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Patent number: 6910804Abstract: An RTD system includes multiple pluralities of RTDs and RTD bank assembly to which each plurality of RTDs are connected. Each RTD bank assembly includes a current source for the RTDs connected thereto, a multiplexer switching system for switching the current source successively between the RTDs, and a measurement function for measuring the voltage drop across the RTDs produced by the current source. The system includes a circuit for determining resistance of the RTD from the current applied thereto and the voltage drop there across. The system further includes a plurality of low pass filters associated, respectively, with each RTD, wherein the low pass filters are charged before the voltage measurement is made. The system includes a precharging arrangement where the low pass filter associated with the next RTD in a voltage sampling sequence is precharged, so that the delay between sampling of the voltage from the low pass filters associated with successive RTDs is significantly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Carl V. Mattoon, Travis L. Mooney
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Patent number: 6908224Abstract: A centrifuge temperature pre-calibration apparatus including a memory storage device having correction coefficients for temperature, a controller, an un-calibrated temperature sensor and a calibrated temperature display device connected to a computer which based on data from these connections calculates a slope of a line and calculates actual temperature based on this slope and an offset value. The slope is determined by the ratio of the difference between a second data point and a first data point of the calibrated temperature display device and the difference between the second data point and the first data point of the un-calibrated temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LPInventors: Harvey Schneider, David M. Carson, Ellen Deutsch
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Publication number: 20040223534Abstract: The device for detection of the temperature in the interior of a vehicle, particularly for an air-conditioning system of a vehicle, is provided with an interior temperature sensor (28) arranged in a housing (18) arranged in or at a wall (12) adjacent to the interior (14) of the vehicle and being at least partially adjacent to the interior (14) of the vehicle, and a radiation sensor (30) detecting solar radiation leading to the heating of the housing (18) of the interior temperature sensor (28). Further, the device is provided with a compensation temperature sensor (36) arranged behind the wall (12) and such that it is thermally decoupled from the interior temperature sensor (28) and detecting the heat of air and/or assemblies behind the wall (12), which leads to a falsification of the measured value of the interior temperature sensor (28). The two temperature sensors (28,36) and the radiation sensor (30) are combined in a common assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbHInventors: Ralph Trapp, Bernd Stich, Otto Knittel, Marwin Hamann
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Publication number: 20040208225Abstract: A slope correction signal setting unit is configured to output selectively one of a plurality of direct current signals according to the sensed temperature parameter signal. Levels of the plurality of direct current signals are determined to correspond to the predetermined temperature dependent characteristic of the sensor signal. An analog amplifying circuit is connected to the slope correction signal setting unit and configured to amplify the outputted direct current signal according to the sensed temperature parameter signal. An analog arithmetic circuit is connected to the analog amplifying circuit and configured to carry out a predetermined arithmetic operation based on the amplified direct current signal and the sensor signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventor: Yuzuru Otsuka
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Publication number: 20040190592Abstract: A remotely programmable integrated sensor transmitter device for measuring and reporting a physical quantity of a given medium comprises a sensor for measuring a physical quantity of a medium and providing an electrical output as a function of the property measured, a scaler module for receiving the electrical output and for producing a scaled analog signal as a function of the physical quantity and a scale selection input, and a data interface for receiving programming data from an external computer and for providing the scale selection output to the scaler module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: INTEMPCO CONTROLS, LTD.Inventor: John Lojen
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Patent number: 6749335Abstract: An adjustment and calibration system for post-fabrication treatment of an on-chip temperature sensor is provided. As explained in detail below, the adjustment and calibration system includes at least one adjustment circuit, to which the on-chip temperature sensor is responsive, and a storage device that selectively stores control information (1) associated with a state of the adjustment circuit and/or (2) from a tester that writes such control information to the storage device, where the control information stored in the storage device is subsequently selectively read out in order to adjust the adjustment circuit to a state corresponding to the control information.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Spencer Gold, Pradeep Trivedi, Lynn Ooi
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Publication number: 20040013165Abstract: Described are a device and a method for correcting a temperature signal, in particular, a temperature signal which characterizes the temperature of the gases which are fed to the internal combustion engine and/or which are emitted by the of an internal combustion engine. A first correction takes into account the response of the sensor. A second correction takes into account the dynamic behavior of the internal combustion engine and/or of the associated components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Holger Plote, Andreas Krautter, Michael Walter
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Patent number: 6554470Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus to measure p-n junction device temperature by testing a device with M-Levels of applied collector current, sensing changes in output characteristics, and calculating the device current offset error and leakage current error due to parasitic parallel resistance where the leakage current error due to parasitic parallel resistance may be treated and eliminated as current offset error. Application of M levels of excitation values, where M is greater than or equal to four, eliminates device series parasitic effects, comprised of voltage offset and a series parasitic resistance, and parallel parasitic effects, comprised of current offset error and leakage current error due to parasitic parallel resistance, from temperature measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Hong Zhang, William Robert Rypka, Emy Tan, Mansour Izadinia
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Patent number: 6519546Abstract: A transmitter in a process control system includes a resistance-based sensor sensing a process variable and providing a sensor output. Self heating circuitry coupled to the sensor provides a self heating signal related to the sensor. Analog-to-digital conversion circuitry coupled to the sensor output provides a digitized sensor output, and transmitter output diagnostic correction circuitry provides an auto corrected output as a function of the self heating signal output or in another embodiment, the transmitter outputs a residual life estimate of the sensor as a function of the self heating index. A novel method of calculating the self heating index is also disclosed, which is applicable to various methods for providing a diagnostic transmitter output.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Evren Eryurek, Jogesh Warrior
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Patent number: 6449574Abstract: A device in a process control system includes an electrical element which has a resistance. Self heating circuitry coupled to the element provides a self heating signal related to the resistance of the element. Diagnostic circuitry provides a diagnostic output as a function of the self heating signal output.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignees: Micro Motion, Inc., Rosemount Inc.Inventors: Evren Eryurek, Jogesh Warrior, Andrew T. Patten
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Patent number: 6402371Abstract: A radiation detector for axillary temperature measurement comprises a wand having an axially directed radiation sensor at one end and an offset handle at the opposite end. The radiation sensor is mounted within a heat sink and retained by an elastomer in compression. The radiation sensor views a target surface through an emissivity compensating cup and a plastic film. A variable reference is applied to a radiation sensor and amplifier circuit in order to maintain full analog-to-digital converter resolution over design ranges of target and sensor temperature with the sensor temperature either above or below target temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Exergen CorporationInventors: Francesco Pompei, Janus Ternullo
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Publication number: 20010019574Abstract: A radiation detector for axillary temperature measurement comprises a wand having an axially directed radiation sensor at one end and an offset handle at the opposite end. The radiation sensor is mounted within a heat sink and retained by an elastomer in compression. The radiation sensor views a target surface through an emissivity compensating cup and a plastic film. A variable reference is applied to a radiation sensor and amplifier circuit in order to maintain full analog-to-digital converter resolution over design ranges of target and sensor temperature with the sensor temperature either above or below target temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Applicant: Exergen CorpInventors: Francesco Pompei, Janus Ternullo
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Patent number: 6224255Abstract: A temperature pickup for an oil-filled transformer or tap changer has within a resistance thermometer standard housing, the circuitry for duty-factor-modulated output of a measurement signal, interference circuitry which can slur the resulting wave form and an interface circuit which subjects the output signal to polarity reversal to produce an output symmetrical with respect to ground potential. This enables zero crossings to be detected and the time lapse between zero crossings or passages to be ascertained and the temperature calculated from the duty-factor ratio.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbHInventors: Manfred Stadelmayer, Karsten Viereck
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Patent number: 6183131Abstract: A temperature sensor corrects the parabolic curvature error in the output signal without attempting to linearize the reference voltage itself. A temperature sensor produces a temperature output signal that is a function of the ratio of a temperature dependent voltage to a reference voltage. The temperature sensor uses a nonlinear reference voltage, e.g., the reference voltage conforms to a curve with an approximately hyperbolic shape over a temperature range, so that the ratio of the temperature dependent voltage to the hyperbolic reference voltage will be linear. The hyperbolic reference voltage is generated by summing a reference voltage with an appropriate temperature dependent voltage. The “gain” or slope of the ratio is altered by adjusting a scaling factor. Finally, the offset of the ratio is adjusted so that the temperature sensor produces the appropriate output signal at ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Peter R. Holloway, Ravi Subrahmayan, Gary S. Sheehan
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Patent number: 6169442Abstract: An IC monitoring chip (10) for remotely monitoring the output of a thermal diode (5) formed in the substrate of a CPU (2) for monitoring the temperature of a thermal plate (3) of the CPU (2) comprises a signal conditioning circuit (12) which relays the output from the diode (5) to an analog-to-digital converter (14), which in turns outputs a two's compliment signal to an adder (22). The adder (22) adds the two's compliment signal to a temperature offset value stored in a temperature offset register (17), which compensates for the temperature difference between the diode (5) and the thermal plate (3). Comparators (24) and (25) compare the output from the adder (22) with upper and lower predetermined temperature limits in upper and lower limit registers (19) and (20) for determining the temperature of the thermal plate (3). The temperature offset value is stored in ROM (35) of the computer (1) and is written to the register (17) each time the computer (1) is powered up.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Meehan, John Blake, David Thomson
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Patent number: 6099163Abstract: A circuit for correcting a non-linear output of an electronic temperature sensor due to a non-linear drift over an operating range of temperature. The circuit includes a first circuit portion for adjusting a bias voltage of the sensor to a select initial voltage. The circuit also includes second circuit portion interfacing with the first circuit portion. The second circuit portion comprises at least one electronic element with a non-linear drift over the operating range of temperature, but in a direction opposite that of the drift of the temperature sensor. Thus, the drift of the electronic element alters the bias voltage over the operating range in a manner that compensates (at least partially) for the non-linear drift of the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Airpax Corporation, LLCInventor: Shaun Goodwin
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Patent number: 5857777Abstract: A smart temperature sensing device 10 includes a sensor 16 and a memory 25 on a sensor unit 14. The memory contains a plurality of custom nonlinear calibration coefficients which uniquely characterize the sensor 16. A temperature system includes the smart temperature sensing device 10 and a FSAU 12 having a processor 28 which downloads the calibration coefficients and utilizes them in converting electrical signals from the sensor 16 into temperature values that represent the temperature at the sensor 16. A method of calibrating a sensor 16 includes measuring an output signal of the sensor 16 over a temperature range, thereby obtaining a plurality of paired data points. The paired data points are used in a curve-fitting algorithm to obtain coefficients to a polynomial that characterizes the nonlinear temperature-voltage relationship of the sensor 16. The coefficients are stored within the memory 25 until downloaded by the processor 28 for use in signal conversion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Claud S. Gordon CompanyInventor: William C. Schuh
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Patent number: 5764246Abstract: A printing apparatus has a control unit for controlling the driving of a print head in accordance with a temperature measured by a sensor which is provided on a movable carriage for mounting the print head. The control unit controls a sensor such that the sensor measures the temperature when the carriage is in a position where the heat from motors or the like in the printing apparatus does not affect the sensor on the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masafumi Wataya, Shinji Kanemitsu, Makoto Kashimura, Makoto Takemura, Shinya Matsui, Toshiyuki Onishi, Tetsuhiro Nitta, Yasuhiro Unosawa, Satoshi Saikawa, Masaru Satou, Hiroshi Yoshino
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Patent number: 5655841Abstract: An error-compensated temperature measurement system has a temperature sensor, an amplifying circuit and a compensation circuit for compensating non-linearities in the amplifying circuit of the temperature sensor. Specifically, the amplifying circuit has an analogue to digital converter exhibiting non-linearity characteristics, and the compensating circuit automatically compensates these non-linearities as well as correcting for the self-zero and self gain characteristics of the amplifying circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Whessoe Varec, Inc.Inventor: Harvey Storm
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Patent number: 5639163Abstract: A pair of on-chip thermal sensing diodes are formed together and interconnected with a common cathode to form a differential sensing pair. A pair of precision resistors external to the chip generates two constant currents, one for each diode, with a ratio of one to the other on the order of 100 to 1. The precision resistor values are selected so that variations about the nominal values of metal and via resistances between the diode contacts and the chip contact pads (e.g. C4 contacts) are negligible compared to the precision resistor values. Leads, connected respectively to two pads on the chip, couple a differential output of the anode voltages of the diode pair to the input of a high impedance amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Evan Ezra Davidson, Francis Edward Bosco, Charles Kyriakos Vakirtzis
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Patent number: 5495093Abstract: A soldering system is disclosed having a stored program microcontroller by which one or more temperatures can be selected for a soldering iron tip. The system then automatically maintains such tip temperature during the soldering operation. The programmed microcontroller is coupled through input/output and interface circuits to a heating control that in turn is connected to the iron heater element for switching AC power in units of full waveform cycles across the element while the temperature of the tip is measured by a resistor sensor and an associated bridge measurement circuit so as to produce a signal that is applied to an input of the microcontroller forming a feedback loop. This causes the resistor sensor and hence the iron tip to reach the desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1993Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Edsyn, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Griffith
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Patent number: 5351010Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a resistor and/or an environment occurring as a voltage across a measuring resistor (e.g., a voltage across a temperature-dependent resistor) by comparing it with a reference value that occurs as a voltage across a reference resistor (e.g., a voltage across a temperature-stabilized reference resistor) to determine, for example, temperature. A total of four voltages are measured. That is, positive and negative currents are passed through the measuring resistor and the resulting first and second voltages across the measuring resistor are detected. Positive and negative currents then are passed through the reference resistor and the resulting third and fourth voltages across the reference resistor are detected. The difference between the first and second voltage and the third and fourth voltages is determined to eliminate the effect of thermo-electric voltages in the lines to the resistors and the lines of the contact terminals in the switches.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1992Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignees: Hans Leopold, Hans StabingerInventors: Hans Leopold, Hans Stabinger, Klaus P. Schrocker
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Patent number: 5345064Abstract: A temperature probe conditioner, while developing a voltage output proportional to probe temperature, generates a verify and a calibration output. A verify output to check the correctness of the conditioner's output voltage and a calibration output to confirm the range of the conditioner as well as to calibrate the port of an external circuit. These signals are connected to a microprocessor or similar device which makes decisions on whether to turn cooking elements "on" or "off" or to stop due to detected errors.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: Appliance Control Technology, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Hesse
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Patent number: 5317520Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled remote resistance measurement system is disclosed wherein the connection leads to the three- or four-wire resistance temperature devices (RTDs) are multiplexed via a four-channel analog multiplexer at the input of the unit. A separate two-channel multiplexer is also used to multiplex a fifth input for measurement of a reference resistor. The output of the multiplexer is coupled to a voltage-to-frequency converter, wherein the frequency output is utilized as an input to the microprocessor-based controller. The microcontroller can check for broken wires by addressing the multiplexers to individually isolate any of the connecting wires to the remote RTD sensors. The output of the multiplexer is monitored in a Test Mode by connecting a known impedance to the multiplexer output to determine if any RTD connections are defective.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1991Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Moore Industries International Inc.Inventor: Jonathan Castle
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Patent number: 5282685Abstract: An electronic thermometer for use in food and dairy processing is disclosed. The thermometer utilizes a passive trimming circuit in conjunction with high quality Resistive Temperature Devices (RTDs), along with four-wire measurement circuitry to create an extremely accurate signal so that all probes are interchangeable and require no adjustment to maintain accuracy. The current source is modulated to linearize the RTDs response over a broad temperature range. To substantially eliminate the possibility of false temperature readings, dual RTDs and redundant electronic circuitry are employed, along with a detection circuit which will blank out the display should an error be detected. To prevent undue display blanking, a rapid temperature change sensing circuit will temporarily override the display blanking feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: Anderson Instrument Company, Inc.Inventor: John H. Koegler
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Patent number: 5281872Abstract: A current detectable transistor T.sub.r comprises a main transistor in which a main current flows and a sense transistor for detecting the current flowing in the main transistor. A sense resistance R.sub.S having a temperature coefficient .alpha..sub.S suitable for maintaining the constancy of a sense voltage V.sub.S regardless of a temperature change .DELTA.T is provided at the emitter of the sense transistor. Because the sense voltage V.sub.S can be measured between the two ends of a sense resistor R.sub.S with little temperature drift, the sense voltage V.sub.S obtained as a detection result remains constant regardless of the temperature change .DELTA.T, thereby enabling a current to be detected with high precision.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1993Date of Patent: January 25, 1994Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki SeisakushoInventor: Shogo Mori
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Patent number: 5226733Abstract: The voltage across a temperature responsive diode supplied with constant current is sensed and applied to two analog amplifiers with different gains. The output from each amplifier is applied to a sample and hold circuit. The output from each sample and hold circuit is applied to an analog to digital converter to produce two binary signals. The minimum binary value of one signal corresponds to the minimum voltage drop; the maximum to the drop at an intermediate temperature. The minimum binary value of a second signal corresponds to the drop at the intermediate temperature and the maximum binary value of this signal corresponds to the drop at a maximum temperature. Both binary signals are applied to the multiplexer which selects one signal to address a stored temperature in a look-up table.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1992Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael D. Mitchell, David C. Smith
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Patent number: 5224777Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Soichiro Hayashi, Masami Simizu, Katsuto Ishii, Yoshio Tanaka, Hiroyasu Okamura
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Patent number: 5195827Abstract: The temperature at a semiconductor device having a generally non-linear, temperature dependent relationship between a pair of device parameters is determined by applying a plurality of sequential excitations to the device at different excitation levels, sensing the levels of the device parameters that correspond to the sequential excitations, and determining the device temperature from the sequential device parameter levels. The device may include a p-n junction, and is preferably a bipolar transistor whose collector current and base-emitter voltage serve as the parameters from which the temperature is obtained. Using three sequential excitations, an accurate temperature reading can be obtained that substantially cancels the effects of the transistor's parasitic base and emitter resistances. p-n junction diodes and Schottky diodes may also serve as the device, in which case the current through and voltage across the diode are used to determine temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1992Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan M. Audy, Barrie Gilbert
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Patent number: 5178468Abstract: Provided are a temperature measuring probe separable from a main body which includes a signal processor, and an electronic clinical thermometer equipped with this probe. The temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit supported by a flat, flexible, strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet- or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided between the base member and coating member, with the flexibility and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Shiokawa, Makoto Ikeda, Kiyoshi Sohma, Masami Iriki, Kinji Uchino, Yoshikatsu Kawashima, Masahiro Kusakabe
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Patent number: 5149200Abstract: A temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit having a temperature sensing body supported by a flat, flexible strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet-, or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided to the base member and coating member, with the flexibility and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core. The core includes at least one cavity. The thickness of the core member at a portion of the at least one cavity being approximately the same as that of the temperature sensing body. The core member has a smoothly diminishing thickness from the at least one cavity toward the rearward end of the probe.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Shiokawa, Makoto Ikeda, Kiyoshi Sohma, Masami Iriki, Kinji Uchino, Yoshikatsu Kawashima, Masahiro Kusakabe
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Patent number: 5088837Abstract: Provided are a temperature measuring probe separable from a main body which includes a signal processor, and an electronic clinical thermometer equipped with this probe. The temperature measuring probe includes a temperature measuring circuit supported by a flat, flexible, strip-shaped base member, in which the temperature measuring circuit is sealed by a coating member, such as a film, and/or a filler, one end thereof being treated to form a connector. This structure allows the overall probe to be formed into a film-, sheet- or plate-like configuration. Preferably, a core member is provided between the base member and coating member, with the flexiblity and rigidity of the overall probe being decided by selecting the thickness, material and cross-sectional configuration of the core. The temperature measuring circuit preferably is composed of the minimum number of required circuit elements, and individual probes are provided with interchangeability by trimming, selection of characteristics or other treatment.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1989Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Shiokawa, Makoto Ikeda, Kiyoshi Sohma, Masami Iriki, Kinji Uchino, Yoshikatsu Kawashima, Masahiro Kusakabe
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Patent number: 5066141Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer of the present invention can maintain a high precision of prediction in a wider range of changes in temperature by storing a plurality of prediction methods and setting a prediction method for the equilibrium temperature in accordance with changes in detected temperature with the passage of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1990Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Ikeda, Makoto Toriumi
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Patent number: 5038303Abstract: A method and apparatus accurately measures temperature even if a temperature difference exists between cold junctions of the main thermocouple. An auxiliary thermocouple is connected to one leg of the main thermocouple to provide cold junction compensation. Extension leads are connected to both cold junctions to take thermo emf from the thermocouple. The leads are made from a material having a thermoelectromotive characteristic in agreement with the thermoelectromotive characteristic of the other leg at low temperatures at which the cold junction compensation is provided. A converter converts the thermo emf of the composite thermocouple into temperature. The converter can separately set interpolations for converting the thermo emf of the auxiliary thermocouple into thermo emf of the main thermocouple and for coverting the sum of the converted thermo emf and the thermo emf of the main thermocouple into temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1989Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: Yamari Industries, LimitedInventor: Hideo Kimura
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Patent number: 4901257Abstract: Method and apparatus for calibrating a temperature measuring device by operating a heat source at a preset temperature as determined by a temperature sensing resistor and a digitally calculated temperature which varies nonlinearly with the resistance of the resistor, and obtaining the coefficients for the calculation by operating the device at a preset temperature and comparing this temperature with that of a standard temperature measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1987Date of Patent: February 13, 1990Assignee: King Nutronics CorporationInventors: Daniel Y. Chang, Bradley C. Waldron, James M. Walthers, Sr.
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Patent number: 4847794Abstract: A method of error compensation for transducers having non-linear characteristics is shown. A computer-supported measuring circuit is used. In a first factory alignment, the output characteristic of the transducer is set so that it can be linearized by the computer using a power function. The appropriate exponent of the power function is stored. At the place of use, at least three calibration measurements are performed with the installed transducer using defined calibration measured values substantially spanning the measuring range of the transducer equidistantly. The power function is solved with the calibration measuring results and the stored exponent, so that the constants not yet known can be calculated. During every following service measurement, the actual measuring result is put into the now solved power function. The result of the equation is then outputted as the error-compensated measuring result.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1986Date of Patent: July 11, 1989Assignee: Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Franz Hrubes
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Patent number: 4844623Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes: an oscillator capable of changing from a connection between a reference and a capacitor and a resistance bulb and the capacitor. A counter is used for counting the oscillation frequency of the oscillator, and a clock is used to measure the time needed for the counter to count up to a specified number. The thermometer uses a memory circuit for preliminarily storing data to be used in a linearization process. A control circuit is included for linearizing the temperature to be detected by suppressing certain count pulses on a count by count basis according to data stored in a one-bit ROM. The temperature is then displayed by a display device.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1987Date of Patent: July 4, 1989Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshihiro Wada
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Patent number: 4788490Abstract: A method for measuring resistance of an electromagnetic servovalve associated with a brake torque limiting control system. The servovalve is controlled by two parallel connected controllers, one a current driver controller and the other a voltage driver controller whose output is dependent upon the resistance value being measured. The method includes a short series of sequential steps and computation executed by the voltage driver controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1987Date of Patent: November 29, 1988Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Andrew M. Valaas
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Patent number: 4636092Abstract: A diode thermometer wherein a current source is operated to cause a temperature sensing diode to be subjected to operation at a first current level and then a second current level different from the first current level. A voltage generated from the diode by the switching of the current is applied to a circuit which up integrates the voltage for a certain time interval at the conclusion of which a known reference voltage is applied to the integrator, of opposite sense to the previous signal so that the integrator now integrates in the opposite direction. A capability is provided such that the integrator starts from a zero reference level when it begins to integrate, and when it is integrating the known reference signal it returns toward this zero reference. A comparator detects return of the integrator output signal to the zero reference.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Inventor: Dennis J. Hegyi
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Patent number: 4629336Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer capable of executing plural temperature prediction functions in which elapsed measurement time is a variable, each function prescribing a temperature change up to a final, stable temperature. One of the temperature prediction functions is set, and actual body temperature is sensed at a specific point in time. Then, based on the sensed temperature and selected function, a final temperature is obtained at least twice in accordance with a time series and the temperatures are compared to obtain a difference between them. When the difference falls outside prescribed limits, a new temperature prediction function is selected, a final temperature is obtained based thereon, and the foregoing process is repeated until a difference is found which lies within the prescribed limits. The final temperature obtained at such time is delivered as an output indicative of measured temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1985Date of Patent: December 16, 1986Assignee: Terumo Corp.Inventor: Hideo Ishizaka
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Patent number: 4627745Abstract: There is disclosed a fast responding temperature transducer circuit which provides an accurate steady-state output representing temperature in short periods of time. The circuit includes a temperature sensor which is sampled during alternate periods of time so that during one period, the temperature sensor provides a signal representing temperature, and during the alternate periods, the sensor output is shorted to prevent heat dissipation within the temperature sensor. The system may be used to achieve steady-state outputs in environments requiring fast response without a loss of accuracy and operable over wide temperature ranges.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1983Date of Patent: December 9, 1986Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventor: Billie F. Rider
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Patent number: 4628316Abstract: A circuit and method to compensate for thermal effects on potentionmeter based sensors by presenting two input signals at different times to a comparator; the first utilizing one leg of the potentiometer and the second utilizing both legs. The comparator output will change states after receiving each input signal. The time periods between the receipt of the input signal and the outputs' change of state are stored.The quotient of the time periods cancels out most of the thermal effects on the potentiometer and is still a representative of the original potentiometer signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1984Date of Patent: December 9, 1986Assignee: Chrysler Motors CorporationInventor: Salim A. Momin
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Patent number: 4624582Abstract: Apparatus for making a transition from leads (12-26) of a temperature measuring thermocouple to extension wires (44-58) within a hermetically sealed cable sheath (60) of small diameter. The interior of the cable sheath (60) is shielded from electromagnetic radiation by an electrically conductive liner (62). A thermally conductive, electrically insulating material (66) surrounds the intermediate junctions (28-42). The temperature of the intermediate junctions (28-42) is measured (64) providing a signal to compensate the voltage generated by the temperature measuring thermocouples due to the thermoelectric effect of the intermediate junctions (28-42).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1984Date of Patent: November 25, 1986Inventors: Lionel A. Banda, Thomas J. Devon
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Patent number: 4619140Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for the electrothermal measurement of level with a resistance sensor (1) which can be fed by a source of constant current (3), a flow-of-operation control (12) for timed operation of the circuit arrangement in scanning periods is provided. By the flow-of-operation control the resistance sensor is heated periodically, namely only during a heating time (t.sub.0 to t.sub.1) at the start of a scanning period. By the flow-of-operation control the compensation voltage is, in this connection, detected by the resistance sensor and provisionally stored. At the end of the heating time another detection is effected, this time of the measurement voltage. By dividing the measurement voltage by the compensation voltage a value which is analogous to the level of a fluid surrounding the resistance sensor is formed. This value contains practically no disturbing variables.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1984Date of Patent: October 28, 1986Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AGInventor: Frank Kuhnel
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Patent number: 4575806Abstract: An improved system for precisely measuring temperatures at remote locations using a microprocessor and resistance temperature detectors is achieved by providing means for pre-selecting a particular temperature range and using this temperature range information to generate a comparison level for determining the measured temperature. By employing the present invention, the fixed number of bits used to produce the temperature information output is concentrated over a limited range of temperatures, thereby achieving greater precision, since each information bit represents a much smaller number.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1982Date of Patent: March 11, 1986Assignee: Gould, Inc.Inventors: Wilbert H. Aldrich, Alan Rich, Dennis Picker
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Patent number: 4563098Abstract: A gradient compensated temperature probe including a probe body and a temperature responsive element in the probe body at a measuring location couplable to a conventional temperature sensing circuit. The probe further includes a heating element spaced apart from the temperature responsive element for heating the probe to compensate for a temperature gradient along the probe. The probe further includes a bridge circuit, the legs of which each include a temperature dependent resistor located in the probe body between the heating element and the temperature responsive element. A comparator detects a temperature difference between the two temperature dependent resistors to control the application of power to the heating element to provide temperature gradient compensation for the probe.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1983Date of Patent: January 7, 1986Inventor: David S. Bartran
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Patent number: 4541734Abstract: An electronic clinical thermometer capable of executing plural temperature prediction functions in which elapsed measurement time is a variable, each function prescribing a temperature change up to a final, stable temperature. One of the temperature prediction functions is set, and actual body temperature is sensed at a specific point in time. Then, based on the sensed temperature and selected function, a final temperature is obtained at least twice in accordance with a time series and the temperatures are compared to obtain a difference between them. When the difference falls outside prescribed limits, a new temperature prediction function is selected, a final temperature is obtained based thereon, and the foregoing process is repeated until a difference is found which lies within the prescribed limits. The final temperature obtained at such time is delivered as an output indicative of measured temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1983Date of Patent: September 17, 1985Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Ishizaka
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Patent number: 4525792Abstract: A fuel-gauging system has a capacitive probe mounted in a fuel tank and supplied with an alternating voltage V.sub.s from a drive unit. The output of the probe is rectified by a diode mounted in the tank, prior to supply to a measuring unit. The voltage V.sub.D across the diode varies with temperature and is measured periodically by reducing the input voltage V.sub.s by a known factor X. The voltage V.sub.D is calculated by the measuring unit from the two output currents I.sub.1 and I.sub.2 produced respectively at the two different voltages V.sub.s and V.sub.s /X. The capacitance and hence the depth of fluid is calculated using the known voltage V.sub.D across the diode. The drive unit has a transformer that is used to reduce the voltage periodically by switching between different tappings of its secondary windings.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1983Date of Patent: June 25, 1985Assignee: Smiths Industries Public Limited CompanyInventor: Peter Clinton
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Patent number: 4516865Abstract: A resistance thermometer in which a temperature sensing resistor is connected in parallel with a series combination consisting of a signal output resistor and a compensating resistor. By choosing the resistance ratio between two resistors to be equal to the ratio of the desired resistance value to the error of the temperature sensing resistor, the output voltage developed on the signal output resistor reflects the voltage expected on the temperature sensing resistor without the resistance error thereof. The temperature sensing resistor and the compensating resistor constitute a circuit unit which is detachable from the rest of the resistance thermometer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1983Date of Patent: May 14, 1985Inventor: Sugimori Hideo