By Thermoelectric Potential Generator (e.g., Thermocouple) Patents (Class 374/179)
  • Patent number: 6511223
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Austen, Rex L. Breunsbach
  • Publication number: 20030016730
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Robert F. Poteet, Michael W. Rahn, Larry D. Welch
  • Publication number: 20020196834
    Abstract: A glass transition temperature Tg measurement system includes a probe point penetrating into a sample under test that has been heated by a heater to a temperature where the sample undergoes a phase change from a solid to a semisolid. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature while a motion transducer is used to measure the amount of penetration. The penetration amount sharply increases at the glass transition temperature. A portable unit can be used in the field to test the Tg properties of various composite materials used, for example, in structures including buildings and bridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Rafael J. Zaldivar, James P. Nokes, Gary F. Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20020182119
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Daily, Robert F. Poteet, Michael W. Rahn, Larry D. Welch
  • Patent number: 6485174
    Abstract: A meter equipped with thermocouples which measure the combustion gas temperature used to calculate the heat flux at selected locations of a boiler furnace wall comprised of a series of tubes conveying pressurized water and separated by membranes. The meter extends through an opening in the membrane and is mounted on the outside of the furnace wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Melvin John Albrecht, Scott Edward Hawk
  • Publication number: 20020172259
    Abstract: An electrical temperature measuring device with a temperature sensor that is arranged inside a protective tube. A plug-in connector, which is capable of withstanding high temperatures without significant changes in its insulation and contact properties, is arranged at the one end of said protective tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Marcus Bach
  • Publication number: 20020167990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the temperature of a gas, especially air, said temperature (so-called effective temperature) being measured at least according to speed (wind intensity) and humidity. The inventive device comprises a housing (4) having a wall (6), which essentially separates the inside (4c) of the housing (4) from the outside environment. The device also comprises a temperature sensor (14) arranged inside the housing (4), and has a heating device (10), which is also arranged inside, said housing (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Detlef Rengshausen, Bodo Rengshausen-Fischbach
  • Publication number: 20020159500
    Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, David L. Powell
  • Patent number: 6473708
    Abstract: A measuring instrument includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor and circuitry. The first and second temperature sensors each generate a signal indicative of the temperature of a medium being detected. The circuitry is configured to activate verification of temperature being sensed with the first sensor. According to one construction, the first temperature sensor comprises at least one thermocouple temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor comprises an optical temperature sensor, each sensor measuring temperature over the same range of temperature, but using a different physical phenomena. Also according to one construction, the circuitry comprises a computer configured to detect failure of one of the thermocouples by comparing temperature of the optical temperature sensor with each of the thermocouple temperature sensors. Even further, an output control signal is generated via a fuzzy inference machine and control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Arthur D. Watkins, Collins P. Cannon, Charles R. Tolle
  • Patent number: 6467951
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and characterizing microscopic thermoelectric material samples using scanning microscopes. The method relies on concurrent thermal and electrical measurements using scanning thermal probes, and extends the applicability of scanning thermal microscopes (SThMs) to the characterization of thermoelectric materials. The probe makes use of two thermocouples to measure voltages at the tip and base of a cone tip of the probe. From these voltages, and from a voltage measured across the sample material, the Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity and resistance of the sample material can be accurately determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Uttam Shyamalindu Ghoshal
  • Publication number: 20020150142
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Simon Ralph Sanderson
  • Patent number: 6464393
    Abstract: A surface temperature sensor head including a first layer made of a material of a heat conductivity higher than 100 W/mK, a second layer having a crossing tips of a thermocouple and a brazing material and a third layer made of a material of a heat conductivity higher than 100 W/mK, the brazing material unifying the crossing tips, the first layer and the third layer. The sensor head enables a temperature prober to measure temperatures of an object non-destructively with high spatial resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Tatoh
  • Publication number: 20020145538
    Abstract: An autonomous sensor system is provided for powering sensors using thermoelectric modules driven by thermal energy. The system includes solid-state thermoelectric (TE) modules for the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The TE modules are composed of p-type and n-type semiconductors that are interdigitated so that the p-type and n-type elements form thermocouples. The TE modules derive electrical power from thermal energy available in the immediate environment. The system also includes sensors that are powered by the TE module, wherein a corresponding free space signal is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Mark F. Bocko, Lally Richard W.
  • Publication number: 20020136263
    Abstract: A temperature sensing probe assembly (2) for use with a heater (4), such as a radiant electric heater, comprises a tube (16) of ceramic material secured to a metal support bracket (20). The support bracket (20) is adapted to be secured to the heater (4) at a peripheral region (8A) of the heater and such that the tube (16) extends at least partly across the heater. The tube (16) has received therein at a first end (40) thereof an electrical component (38) having an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature. The component (38) has electrical leads (42, 44) electrically insulated from each other and extending along the tube and from the tube at a second end thereof. The support bracket (20) incorporates a tubular metal portion (28) which securely receives the tube (16) therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Ravenscroft Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20020126734
    Abstract: A jig incorporates a thermocouple clamp for measuring the temperature of a soldering iron. With the jig and the thermocouple clamp, the method of taking the temperature of the soldering iron is made consistent. Consequently, any variations in temperature readings can be attributed to an actual change in soldering iron temperature and not to a variation in the technique for measuring the temperature. Thus, the temperature of the soldering iron can be controlled with high accuracy. This is important particularly in high-precision manufacturing processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: David Allen Murtishaw, Brian Michael Solomich, Edward Martinez
  • Publication number: 20020122459
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Dawn Key McFarland, Timothy John Turk, Andrew John Brewington, Lance Edward Groseclose, Pramod Khandelwal
  • Patent number: 6435711
    Abstract: An infrared ear thermometer includes a detector head housing, a heat sink, a recess formed in the heat sink, a thermopile sensor mounted within the recess, a thermistor, and temperature determination circuitry. The recess defines an aperture that limits the field of view of the thermopile sensor. The thermal capacities and conductivities of the heat sink and the thermopile sensor are selected so that the output signal of the thermopile sensor stabilizes during a temperature measurement. A method of determining temperature using the ear thermometer takes successive measurements, stores the measurements in a moving time window, averages the measurements in the moving window, determines whether the average has stabilized, and outputs an average temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan Gerlitz
  • Patent number: 6431824
    Abstract: A guide tube is fixed adjacent opposite ends in outer and inner covers of a nozzle stage segment. The guide tube is serpentine in shape between the outer and inner covers and extends through a nozzle vane. An insert is disposed in the nozzle vane and has apertures to accommodate serpentine portions of the guide tube. Cooling steam is also supplied through chambers of the insert on opposite sides of a central insert chamber containing the guide tube. The opposite ends of the guide tube are fixed to sleeves, in turn fixed to the outer and inner covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Margaret Jones Schotsch, Francis Lawrence Kirkpatrick, Eric Michael Lapine
  • Patent number: 6431750
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sierra Lobo, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Haberbusch, Marian Felder, Alan J. Chmiel
  • Patent number: 6425687
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Solartron Group Limited
    Inventor: Wojciech K. Kulczyk
  • Publication number: 20020075938
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: CARL VINCENT MATTOON, DAVID JAMES DOLEZILEK
  • Publication number: 20020075937
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring microprocessor case temperatures during testing. A groove is formed on a top surface of a lid covering a microprocessor, extending from an edge of the lid toward the center of the lid, in order to accept an insulated portion of a thermocouple. Depending on the size and shape of a sensing end of the thermocouple, either a step or notch may be formed at the interior end of the groove, near the center of the lid, to accept a sensing end of the thermocouple. Microprocessor case temperature is sensed during testing by the thermocouple, which is placed, and optionally bonded, within the groove and the step or notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Advanced Mirco Devices
    Inventors: John Heon Yi, Terry Marquis, Raymond S. Duley, Thomas S. Tarter
  • Patent number: 6408256
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluation of a material having a first and second contact-surface. The apparatus includes a computer-controlled thermally-variable central element comprising a first and second outer surface, at least one outer surface having at least one temperature sensor thereon. Facing the first outer surface is a first exterior surface of a first thermally-variable side element, and facing the second outer surface is a second exterior surface of a second thermally-variable side element. A mechanism is a second exterior surface of a second thermally-variable side element. A mechanism is included that operates to move at least the first exterior surface toward the thermally-variable central element to apply a generally uniform pressure against the material contact-surfaces once the material has been so positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hittle, Tifani L. André
  • Publication number: 20020071474
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Randell L. Werneth
  • Patent number: 6402372
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger I. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6402369
    Abstract: Provided are, among other things, devices for and methods for performing thermal signature assays on a two or more samples in an array, using active/control base thermopiles, the method comprising: [a] performing a heat transfer to the two or more samples in each of a two or more containers, using at least one base thermopile in thermal communication with the two or more containers; and [b] determining a total heat transferred to the samples by the base thermopile in step [a]; and [c] sensing in real time a temperature difference between a first sample and a second sample of the two or more samples resulting from performing step [a].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventors: David Norman Ludington, Thomas Louis Fare, Dominic Joseph Lo Iacono, Timothy James Davis, Helen Jiang Semus, Paul John Stabile, Frank Guarnieri, Russell Todd Granzow, Peter J. Zanzucchi, William Chiang
  • Publication number: 20020067754
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Randell L. Werneth
  • Patent number: 6390673
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the life of a thermowell tube positioned in a hot gas duct to contain a thermocouple capable of measuring the temperature of a hot gas in the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Watson Cogeneration Company
    Inventor: John E. Camburn
  • Publication number: 20020048310
    Abstract: A device for percutaneous insertion into a fluid passageway of a human body, such as an artery is provided with one or more thermocouples disposed on a flexible, resilient wire lead and coupled to a temperature monitor. The wire lead includes a distal portion formed in a single, oval, looped shape or a double, ovoid or basket-like, looped shape with the thermocouples disposed on a side or tip of the shape. The wire lead is configured, e.g., by insertion in a guidewire, for slidable movement through the artery to an area of interest, e.g., at a buildup of arteriosclerotic plaque, on an inner surface of the artery, to bring the thermocouple into resiliently biased contact with the inner surface at the area of interest for measurement of the temperature there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Richard R. Heuser
  • Patent number: 6375349
    Abstract: An instrument for determining thermophysical properties of a solid sample of uniform thickness is disclosed. The instrument comprises a furnace, an elliptical mirror outside the furnace, a light source at one focus of the elliptical mirror that is closest to the elliptical mirror, a beam guide having one end at the other focus of the elliptical mirror and the other end inside the furnace, a sample holder inside the furnace capable of holding at least two diffusivity samples with the front and back surface of a sample exposed, an indexing system for moving the sample holder so as to place samples held by the sample holder in the path of light leaving the beam guide, and an infrared detector for quantifying changes in the temperature of the back surface of a sample that is in the path of the light. Methods for determining the thermal diffusivity, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, density, and temperature of a sample using this instrument are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Anter Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Gaal, Silviu P. Apostolescu
  • Patent number: 6367970
    Abstract: Provided in a compact system is a rapid response h-q-T sensor assembly, with associated processor and holding device, for measuring temperature, T, and heat flux, q, in a severe operating environment. From measured temperatures, T, and heat flux, q, a stagnation point recovery temperature, Tr, and a heat transfer coefficient, h, may be calculated using approximation algorithms loaded in the processor. The system approximates the ideal conditions in which Tr is derived from measuring a high temperature, i.e., a zero heat flux path to ground, i.e., q=0, r=∞ and a lower wall temperature measured along an infinite heat flux path, i.e, q=∞, r=0. Although ideal conditions are not able to be duplicated, appropriate positioning of heat flux indicators and temperature indicators in the surface of a thin film on the q-h-T sensor assembly, while allowing for very short duration sampling in a hostile environment, permits a viable approximation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Arnold O. Danielson
  • Patent number: 6367974
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly that is used to monitor the temperature of materials held within a container that has a flanged access port. The assembly includes a thermocouple probe having a base and a shaft that extends from the base. The thermocouple probe can be connected to a remote microprocessor or can contains its own integral microprocessor. A well structure is provided for selectively connecting the thermocouple probe to the container. The well structure contains a platform that is adapted to connect to the flanged access port of the container. A tube extends from one side of the platform and a connector mechanism that extends from the opposite side of the platform. The thermocouple probe can be removable placed into the well structure so that said shaft of said thermocouple probe passes into the tube of the well structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Lin
  • Patent number: 6354735
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Constantine Thermos, Fadi Elias Rahal
  • Patent number: 6352362
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Constantine Thermos, Fadi Elias Rahal
  • Publication number: 20020021743
    Abstract: The invention provides a temperature sensor on the basis of a thermocouple constituted by two different metals. The first metal is provided in the form of an electrically insulated wire, having a blank uninsulated portion. The second metal is constituted by a jacket member enclosing the insulated wire. The jacket member is in electrical contact with the insulated wire via the blank uninsulated portion to thereby form a measuring junction. As a feed line, an electrically insulated copper wire is provided whose free end has a blank portion. The first wire is wound around the copper wire and projects over the free end thereof. The jacket member extends over the blank uninsulated portion of the carrier wire and is in electrical contact therewith. Due to the fact that the same material is chosen for the jacket member and for the carrier wire, i.e. copper, the carrier wire can be used as electrical feed line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Ruppert, Thomas Brossi
  • Patent number: 6342667
    Abstract: A method for forming thermal isolation for a micro thermopile device comprises steps of forming a narrow etching window on the membrane and forming a plurality of micro connection structures each crossing the narrow etching window and connecting the edge portion of the membrane on both sides of the narrow etching window, and etching the silicon substrate through the narrow etching window to form a pit between the silicon substrate and the membrane, whereby the membrane becomes a floating membrane and has thermal isolation with the silicon substrate. By this method, the area of the floating membrane is increased and the strain of the floating membrane is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Opto Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiung Shen, Chung-Nan Chen, San Bao Lin
  • Publication number: 20020009122
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: ANTHONY CONSTANTINE THERMOS, FADI ELIAS RAHAL
  • Publication number: 20020001334
    Abstract: A thermocouple used to measure a temperature of molten metal having a melting point of not more than 1200° C. is such constructed that a pair of alloy stock wires (5) and (6) capable of being used In a temperature region not exceeding 1200° C. is embedded in a protective pipe 3 made of ceramic. A measuring contact (2) formed by the extreme ends of a pair of alloy stock wires (5) and (6) connected to each other is secured to the protective pipe (3) by a filler (4) of an inorganic compound such as heat resistant ceramic powder or dehydrated condensation glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Kita
  • Patent number: 6332709
    Abstract: A contact temperature probe having a probe head which includes a temperature sensor having lead wires which exit the head and run through a shield for shielding the wires from the process, wherein the probe head is supported for pivoting motion only by the lead wires and the shield is thermally isolated from the probe head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Burke, Andre B. Cardoso, Joseph G. McGinnity
  • Patent number: 6325535
    Abstract: A probe for determining the heat flux in a direct-fired heater. The direct-fired heater is under a vacuum pressure. This vacuum pressure induces a small quantity of ambient air through a ceramic insulating tube and eventually into the heater. The induced air cools an absorber head and receptacle, causing heat to flow from a target to a base. The target is an outer surface of the absorber head exposed to radiant heat inside the direct-fired heater. The base is that portion of the absorber head and receptacle which has a surface exposed to cooling air within the ceramic tube. The vacuum pressure inside the heater causes ambient air to be induced into a second end of the ceramic tube. Air passages at a first end of the ceramic tube cause the induced air to flow past the base and into the heater. A thermocouple is fitted into a cylindrical slot inside the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Petro-Chem Development Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Gibson, Mike Duffield, James T. Eischen, Robert L. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20010033599
    Abstract: A thermocouple-type temperature-detecting device excellent in the temperature measurement responsiveness constituted of an outer protective pipe 1 and an inner protective pipe 2, the outer protective pipe 1 is formed in a laminated layer structure of a 2nd layer 10 made of a ceramic containing molten metal-repelling BN and a 1st layer 11 made of a ceramic, the inner protective pipe 2 is formed of a front protective pipe 3 made of a ceramic having a good heat conductivity and a heat-shielding rear protective pipe 4 extending into the outer protective pipe 1 through an air layer 17, furthermore, the head portion 5 of the front protective pipe 3 is projected from the outer protective pipe 1, and a temperature-sensitive portion 20 of a thermocouple is disposed in the inside of the head portion 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Tetsuya Isshiki, Takayuki Suzuki, Hideki Kita
  • Patent number: 6305840
    Abstract: Thermopile detector and method for fabricating the same, the method including the steps of (1) forming a diaphragm film on a substrate, (2) forming thermocouples in a given region on the diaphragm film, (3) forming a protection film on the thermocouples, (4) forming a photoresist on the protection film and removing the photoresist from a given region, (5) forming a black body on an entire surface including the photoresist and removing the remaining photoresist and the black body on the photoresist, and (6) removing a portion of the substrate from a given region of a back-side of the substrate, to expose the diaphragm film, thereby facilitating a compatibility of fabrication process with an existing semiconductor fabrication process#(a CMOS fabrication process), whereby improving a mass production capability, preventing a damage to the diaphragm film occurred in formation of the black body, and controlling a property of the black body uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Insik Kim, Taeyoon Kim
  • Patent number: 6302578
    Abstract: The invention is a thermocouple installation wherein the thermocouple measures the temperature in a gasification reactor. The thermocouple is installed through the wall of a gasification reactor such that the measuring element is behind a continuous layer of refractory hot face brick. The thermocouple assembly is mounted in a opening made through the gasifier wall, the insulating brick, and optionally a portion of the way through the hotface brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Stevenson, Kent W. Santos, Gus Zachariou
  • Patent number: 6299349
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure and temperature sensor, in particular for determining a pressure and temperature condition in a cavity of an injection molding apparatus or the like having a pressure body which co-operates with a sensor housing and which in a mounted condition can be acted upon by a pressure in the cavity and which is intended for transmitting the pressure to a piezoelectrically acting sensor arrangement, wherein an electrical signal generated by the sensor arrangement as a reaction to the pressure is taken out of the sensor housing by means of an electrical contact device, wherein a thermoelectric detector element is fitted in the pressure body and an electrical temperature signal generated by the detector element is taken out by way of the electrical contact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Steinel AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Wolfgang Steinel, Ekkehart Nier
  • Patent number: 6299348
    Abstract: An immersion measuring probe for measurement in liquids, in particular in molten metals, has a carrier tube, a measuring head mounted on one end of the carrier tube, and measuring elements as well as signal lines for the measuring signals generated by the measuring elements arranged on the measuring head. The signal lines are longer than the carrier tube and run from the end of the measuring head facing the inside of the carrier tube. In order to improve the handling of the immersion measuring probe, the signal lines are guided through the inside of the carrier tube and are wound up there around its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hereaus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventor: Alfons Theuwis
  • Publication number: 20010024464
    Abstract: An improved apparatus comprising a thermocouple for measuring the temperature in a gasification process is provided. The improvement comprises a sapphire envelope for enclosing at least a portion of the thermocouple. The sapphire envelope may be in the form of a sapphire sheath fitted over the thermocouple. The apparatus may also comprise a thermowell, with the sapphire envelope being provided by the thermowell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Steven R. Green, David L. Powell
  • Publication number: 20010022803
    Abstract: A temperature-detecting element 5 detects the temperature of a workpiece in a furnace. The element 5 comprises a temperature-sensing portion 1 which is disposed in a furnace at a location adjacent to position where workpiece is to be held, and a splinter 3 made of similar material to the workpiece and held in contact with the temperature-sensing portion 1. When the workpiece temperature is raised quickly, the splinter 3 produces such surroundings of the temperature-sensing portion 1 that the portion 1 is caused to have similar radiation-receiving ability to that of the workpiece. The material of the splinter 3 may have similar thermal properties as that of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Suzuki, Hitoshi Nakane, Satoshi Oka, Kousuke Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 6280083
    Abstract: [0081] A thermocouple lance for measuring temperatures in molten metals has a protective sheath of multi-layered structure that makes it possible to improve the life expectancy of repetitive measuring devices. The thermocouple lance has a protective sheath with one closed end and one opened end wherein porous heat-resisting ceramic filler is compacted. Embedded in the filler is a pair of W—Re alloy wires dissimilar in their composition from each other. The protective sheath has a layered structure made from cermet layers each having a molybdenum matrix and other layers of at least one boundary layer selected from the class consisting of C, MgO, CaO, Al2O3 and ZrO2, the cermet layers and boundary layers overlapping each other in alternate layers. At least the outermost shell layer of the protective sheath is made of a cermet layer composed of any one of Mo—ZrN, Mo—ZrB2, Mo—ZrO2, Mo—ZrC and composite thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kita, Takayuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6278051
    Abstract: A thin sensor for heat flux and temperature, designed for adhesive attachment to a surface, is manufactured on a flexible insulated metallic substrate. The sensor exhibits a combination of high sensitivity for heat flux and low resistance to the flow of heat. These characteristics enable it to measure heat flux at surface boundaries with improved accuracy over conventional heat flux transducers because the temperature drop produced by the sensor is very small. The response by the sensor to radiation, convection and conduction are equal. As such, the sensor can be calibrated in one mode of heat transfer and used for measurement in other modes. The high sensitivity of the sensor makes it ideal for measuring heat flow through insulating materials, and well adapted to instrumenting heat flow in buildings, detecting fires at an early stage, or remotely measuring the temperature of string and web products in industrial processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Vatell Corporation
    Inventor: Hume L. Peabody
  • Publication number: 20010012314
    Abstract: A thermocouple assembly includes a thermocouple; a plurality of lead wires extending from the thermocouple; an insulating jacket extending along and enclosing the plurality of leads; and at least one internally sealed area within the insulating jacket to prevent fluid leakage along and within the insulating jacket. The invention also provides a method of preventing leakage of a fluid along and through an insulating jacket of a thermocouple including the steps of a) attaching a plurality of lead wires to a thermocouple; b) adding a heat sensitive pseudo-wire to extend along the plurality of lead wires; c) enclosing the lead wires and pseudo-wire inside an insulating jacket; d) locally heating axially spaced portions of the insulating jacket to a temperature which melts the pseudo-wire and fuses it with an interior surface of the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Constantine Thermos, Fadi Elias Rahal